Bystrianska Cave

Bystrianska Cave reaches over 2600 m in length with a vertical span of 92 m. It was formed, by the subterranean waters of the Bystrianka flowing into the karst area from the southern slopes of the Low Tatra Mountains, in several developmental stages corresponding to the deepening of the valley bottom.

Visitors to the caves are generally attracted to the various forms of flowstone fill and interesting rock formations which have been shaped at the time of the formation of the underground caverns and continue to grow. The corrosive and erosive activities of the subterranean water flow have created oval passages in the cave with many miniature formations on the walls, the roof and the floor.

The flowstone fill formations in the cave primarily include stalactites, stalagmites, curtains and wall waterfalls. Smaller flowstone pools are also remarkable. The richest flowstone fill can be found in the Treasury. Miniature eccentric formations created from aragonite have been discovered in the lower part of the cave below the Hell Abyss. The caves are characterised by their even climatic parameters, having no significant temperature swings throughout the year. The air temperature in the Bystrianska Cave ranges from 5.7 to 6.7°C, the relative humidity reaching between 92 and 98%.

Eight bat species have been found in the cave to date. These mainly inhabit its passages during the winter season. The most widely represented is the Lesser Horseshoe Bat (Rhinolophus hipposideros) with 70 to 100 individual animals in residence. Rarer species include the Greater Mouse-eared Bat (Myotis myotis) and scattered populations of the Lesser Mouse-Eared Bat (Myotis blythii), the Whiskered Bat (Myotis mystacinus), the Brown Long-Eared Bat (Plecotus auritus), the Northern Bat (Eptesicus nilssonii), the Greater Horseshoe Bat (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum) and the Barbastelle Bat (Barbastella barbastellus).

Although, people have known of the existence of the cave passages in the slopes near Bystrá village since ancient times, their existence was only brought to public attention in 1867 by Dionýz Štúr, a geologist, when he mapped the area between Banská Bystrica and Brezno. However, no-one went underground until 1823.

Despite the fact that written records of the cave were rare, members of professional circles became aware of it. Within the first six months of 1936 the military showed an interest and considered using it for military purposes. However, this did not take place. In 1939 the first visitors entered the cave and further refurbishment of a 700 m long passage took place in 1940. Even though visitors toured the cave aided only by carbide lamps visiting was popular with all who were heading to the Ďumbier, Chopok or Čertovica peaks. Work continued and in 1968 a further 490 m of passages were opened. Three years later the Lower Partisan Hall was made accessible and began to be used for speleo-therapeutic treatment. 1974 saw the cave declared a protected natural formation and it became a national natural monument 22 years later.

More info: www.ssj.sk

How to get there:

Car
240km from Bratislava take direction Banska Bystrica/Brezno and take then exit Tale

Bus/Train
www.cp.sk – stop Bystra

Plane
www.skyeurope.com – Bratislava/Poprad
www.ryanair.com – Bratislava

Accommodation
www.slovakia.travel.sk

By SJJ
Photo: Ing. M. Rengevič

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