Bear Mine in the High Tatras (source: Visit Liptov)
Though Medvedia štôlňa (Bear Mine) is the longest mine in the entire Western Tatra massif, there are no written records about its origin.
And that is not the end of it—it is not even included in the list of old mines and tunnels. Today, however, it is open to the public, and it is the only historic mine in this part of the Tatra Mountains that is accessible. A tour through it is a truly unique experience, writes My Východ.
Mysterious discovery of a dead German soldier
The mine's history is filled with fascinating events. One such story, detailed on the mine's website, involves a war-related discovery. Visitors found an inscription reading "Harry", alongside a distorted form of either the swastika, or oddly arranged letters "LC" or "LE."
Detailed travel guide to the Tatras introduces you to the whole region around the Tatra mountains, including attractions on the Polish side.
The identity of the author remains unknown, but it may be linked to the discovery of a German soldier's remains in the mine. The body was found by children who, out of curiosity, ventured into the mine shortly after the Second World War. The soldier's skeleton was barely held together by his uniform, with part of one limb wrapped in a bandage. A first-aid kit was found nearby.
Military historians attempted to investigate the identity of the soldier, who seemingly took refuge from danger, but no further information has been found. As a result, guides encourage visitors who may have any information about this mystery to help uncover more details.
Looking for gold and other metals
The old mine is located in the Žiarska Dolina valley. It serves as evidence of past attempts to extract gold and other metals. The mine stretches approximately 550 metres, though only a 400-metre section is open to the public.
The tour lasts about 30 minutes, and visitors can experience the mining history of this region while following the light of an oil lantern, getting the feeling of what it was like for the miners who once worked here.
Bears are not missing, but there are more in the forests
The mine was opened to the public in 2012. Its name was actually coined by chance. No bears or their skeletons were found in the mine, nor do they hibernate there—though this version of events persists in local legend.
However, bears are abundant in the surrounding forests, which is why the mine is named Medvedia štôlňa. A metal sign near the entrance, warning of the presence of bears, likely helped fuel the legend.
How to find Medvedia štôlňa
Each visitor is provided with a headlamp before entering, and there is no special clothing or footwear required. To reach it, head through Liptovský Mikuláš and take the road to the villages of Vitálišovce and Smrečany, heading toward Žiar. A paid parking lot is about 200 metres from the mine.
You can also take a bus from Liptovský Mikuláš to Žiar, followed by a 20-minute walk to the mine entrance. According to the Žilina Region's website, the mine is open daily from 10:00 to 16:00.
Visitors can enter the mine periodically throughout the day, as directed by the guide. The mine exudes a unique atmosphere, reminiscent of what miners once experienced—though today's visitors will not hear the sounds of materials being moved or ore being extracted.
The exhibition showcases the original mining work, along with legends associated with the mine, and features plaster models of "permoníci" (mythical dwarves). These dwarves, though not real, are part of local lore—meeting one in the past would have signified either help or punishment, depending on whether the rules of the mine were followed.
Today, visitors are not likely to encounter any of these creatures. The first part of the mine's exhibition is artificially lit, and headlamps and traditional lanterns are only needed in the final section. This setup is designed to help visitors experience what it was like when mining operations truly took place here decades ago.
Permoníci in the Bear Mine (source: Visit Liptov)
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