A newly marked hiking trail now leads to the cave. (source: Stanislava Heššová)
In a country with more than 8,000 known caves, only a small fraction are open to visitors. That could soon change in north-western Slovakia, where a little-known cavern nicknamed Peklo – Slovak for “Hell” – may be added to the public list.
Formed around 200 million years ago in the dramatic Manínska Gorge near Považská Bystrica, the cave known officially as Jaskyňa pod Černokňažníkom has long attracted local climbers and cavers, according to My Považská. Its unofficial name comes from the dark, jagged rock formations in the area. The Slovak word černokňažník refers to a warlock or male witch.
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Though only about 30 metres long, the cave has archaeological significance. Artefacts suggest it may have been used by ancient peoples, possibly from the Púchov or Lengyel cultures.
“There are no stalactites, no bats either – just narrow passages and a lot of history,” said Bohuslav Kortman of the Strážovské Vrchy Caving Club. “But most people don’t realise caves in Slovakia are generally off-limits. They’re under strict protection.”
Despite that, hikers have entered the cave for years. To legalise public access, Kortman’s club has asked the Trenčín District Environmental Office to lift restrictions. A decision is expected in the coming weeks.
Access would be via a newly completed hiking trail that runs from Fairy Meadow (Rozprávková lúčka), near a symbolic cemetery, directly to the cave entrance.
The region is rich in caves, but most remain closed or require prior arrangement. Nearby, the Pružinská Dúpna Cave is open from May to October with a guide, while Partizánska Cave is accessible year-round. Other caves in the area – including Babirátka, Humno and Malá Temná – remain largely hidden.
If approved, ‘Hell’ would become one of only about 50 caves in Slovakia officially open to the public – offering visitors a legal way into the underground world.
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