Do you love history, art, rare artifacts from the whole world, and the untamed beauty of nature, but dislike rushed group tours? Explore the fascinating Gemer region with a personal guide and discover places where history meets the chilling beauty of the underground.
Take a stroll through historic English-style park with its ponds and fountains and let yourself be in transported back in time by the the Andrássy family rich collection found in Chateau Betliar. We will then swap human craftsmanship for a work of nature – you will descend into the monumental, icy halls of the Dobšinská Ice Cave, where time has stood still since the Ice Age thanks to the unique climate.
The contrast of hot summer and eternal ice, stories of aristocracy, and the power of nature – all this awaits you on a trip that combines the best that Gemer offers.
What awaits you on this 1-day trip?
While many Slovak castles resemble only of an ancient past, Chateau Betliar is the only chateau in Slovakia that has been preserved with its original furniture and collections, making it one of the most beautiful monuments in the region.
The core of the estate was built in the 15th century by the Bebek family, but it got its current form only in the hands of the Andrássy family. They owned it from the 18th century until 1945 and turned it into a representative hunting estate. Count Emanuel and his son Gejza, in particular, gathered rare artifacts here that fascinate visitors from all over the world.
The interior of the chateau hides a rare library with more than 15,000 volumes, but the biggest attraction are the exotic trophies and souvenirs from the Andrássy travels across Asia and Africa. From medieval weapons to hunting trophies – every corner here tells a different story.
Walk through chambers where time has stood still. Admire the authentic furniture, step into the historic library, and marvel at the extensive collection of the Andrássy family. After the interior tour, a stroll through the one of the most beautiful historical parks in Slovakia awaits you – featuring ponds, a waterfall, and rare trees, where you can relax perfectly and recharge your energy for the next stop on our itinerary.
Andrássy family belonged to the most influential European nobility. They also owned Krásna Hôrka Castle, but it has been closed to the public since a devastating fire in 2012. Chateau Betliar thus remains the best place to admire their heritage.
After a short 35-kilometer ride by minibus, we will swap the sunny park for the coolness of the underground. Ahead of us lies Dobšinská Ice Cave – one of the most remarkable natural wonders in Slovakia, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This world-class wonder was discovered by mining engineer Eugen Ruffínyi in 1870, and soon became the first electrically lit cave in Europe.
Get ready for a temperature shock that is well worth it. While summer reigns outside, eternal winter reigns here with temperatures below zero. Thanks to the unique shape of the cave, cold air stays inside all year round – as if you entered a natural freezer. You will descend into monumental halls where nature has been playing with ice for thousands of years, creating a fascinating, constantly changing spectacle.
You can look forward to seeing an incredible 110,000 m³ of ice, which reaches in some places a thickness of more than 25 meters. A walk among the huge ice columns, waterfalls, and glittering formations is an experience that will stay with you forever.
The Slovak underground is truly one of a kind. While rankings often promote “Top caves you must see in Slovakia”, this icy giant on the UNESCO list stands unrivaled thanks to its monumental size.
Are you up for a day filled with history, aristocratic elegance, and the icy UNESCO beauty? Book your date and we will take care of your unforgettable experience.
Level
1
Season
Minimum age
2 years
Type
Sightseeing
Duration
7 hours
Availability
June - October
Our driver-guide will collect you from your hotel.
Drive to region Gemer and discover top natural and historical sites, UNESCO cave and chateau Betliar. Lunch is optional in between.
Your private tour will finish in afternoon hours, we will drive you back to your hotel.
