Holiday apartment in Maluzina – Cave, nature and mining history

Nature

A special experience in Malužiná is Malužinská jaskyňa. The cave is located above Malužiná on the left side of the Bocianska dolina valley and was formed in dolomite rock. It is approximately 328 metres long, of which 250 metres are open to the public. The visit begins with an approximately ten-minute uphill hike. This is followed by a guided tour underground with helmets and headlamps.

The cave visit therefore combines a section in the mountainous area with a scheduled guided tour underground. The approximate length of the accessible area and the equipment with helmets and headlamps are just as much part of the described experience as the short ascent before the underground section.

Malužiná lies in the eastern part of the Liptovská kotlina basin, in a mountainous area on the northern slopes of the Low Tatras. To the west of the village is the Ohnište plateau, which is protected as a national nature reserve.

History

The history of Malužiná is closely connected with the processing of raw materials. The village was established in the second half of the 18th century as a mining settlement around a copper hammer mill built in 1771. In addition, a glassworks operated in Malužiná from the 18th century until 1885.

Historical buildings include the Roman Catholic Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, “Povýšenia svätého Kríža”, dating from 1816. A former inn with a bowling alley from the early 19th century has also been preserved; it is considered a national cultural monument.

Culture

The connection between mining and speleology is vividly presented in the main building of Speleocamping Malužiná. An exhibition on mining and speleology is located directly next to the reception. On display are miners’ lamps, minerals and ores extracted in mines. The exhibition also offers a guided tour lasting approximately 15 to 20 minutes.

The historical traces are spread across different forms: the history of the village includes raw-material processing and the former glassworks, while the church and former inn stand as preserved buildings and distinct testimonies to the past. In the exhibition, these subjects are complemented by specific objects from mining and speleology.

Tickets for the cave, the adit or the exhibition can be purchased at the reception of Speleocamping at Malužiná 21. Visitor parking spaces are located in front of the buffet at Malužiná 158, approximately 10 metres from the reception.

Active adventures

The accessible “Baňa Zubaustollen” adit is located at the beginning of Malužinská dolina. The walk from the reception of Speleocamping to the adit is just under 2 kilometres. Advance reservation by telephone or email is recommended for a visit to the “Baňa Zubaustollen”.

The “Chorupné cez Malužinský Tajch” route also passes through the landscape around Malužiná. It follows forest paths through Malužinská dolina to Malužinský Tajch and onward to Chorupné before returning to Malužiná.

Further places to explore: Vlachy, Gotovany, Kvacany Pri Liptovskom Mikulási, Jamník, Žiar, Hybe, Svätý Kríž, Bobrovec.

For the broader travel overview: Liptovský Mikuláš District.