Zlá Diera (Bad Hole) Cave

The only cave in the Region of Šariš open to the public is the Zlá Diera (Bad Hole) cave near the village of Lipovce. In the local dialect it is known as Zla Džura.

The Bad Hole cave was formed in the floe of the limestone and dolomite of the Branisko mountain range. The surroundings was originally covered with thick beech and fir forests.

In the past they were cut and changed into meadows and terrace fields. For several centuries they provided food for the local inhabitants. At present most of these places have been planted with pine trees.

Several rare and protected plants grow here, such as lilies or asters. Local woods are full of roebuck, boars, and many kinds of birds. The cave is the home for about 250 bats of 12 species.

Visitors experience a unique descent to the mysterious depths of this cave. Accompanied with a guide, they are equipped with protective helmets and traditional cavern carbide lamps as the cave has no electricity.

Basic Route lasts about 40 minutes. The difficulty of the route: easy. Available also for children or older people (the youngest visitor so far was 6 weeks old, the oldest was 84). We recommend trekking shoes and warm clothes (the average temperature in the cave is 7 ºC/44.6 ºF).

Opening times:

1 April to 15 November

In April open daily between 9 am and 6 pm, on weekdays phone call is recommended though.

In May, June, July and August open daily between 9 am and 7 pm.

In September open daily between 9 am and 6 pm, on weekdays phone call is recommended though.

In October open daily between 9 am and 5 pm, on weekdays phone call is recommended though.