Cave Na Špičák Marks 140 Years of Wonder

The celebration of the round anniversary for the opening of the underground maze will kick off with a concert by the Women’s choir Radost at the Cave Na Špičák, located near Supíkovice in Jeseník. The performances will take place on Saturday, April 12, 2025, beginning at 4:00 PM. The choir from Bělá pod Pradědem is very familiar with the cave and traditionally marks the start of the visitor season in the Dome of Hope. This year, however, there are many more events planned underground.

On Saturday, May 17, visitors to the Cave Na Špičák can look forward to engaging costumed tours. Additionally, on Friday, May 30, there will be special tours designed for kindergarten children. During these tours, the usual interpretation will be replaced by fairy tales, helping to introduce the youngest guests to basic karst concepts in a fun way. On the Solstice, June 21, 2025, the local area will come alive with a neighborhood festival, featuring participants like the Folklórka from the Jeseník Primary Art School and the Zlatohorka brass band. A unique experience is also expected during the summer holidays, with special flashlight tours offered. Visitors can retrace the steps of our ancestors every Wednesday afternoon.

On July 19, a lecture featuring the well-known Johann Ripper, who created the first maps of the Cave Na Špičák, will take place with a historian. Then, on August 22, you’ll have the opportunity to visit Špičák for plane watching. The longstanding “International Night for Bats” will also occur, allowing for the study of these fascinating mammals. In September, Dalibor Hanák Jr. will unveil a new 3D model of the cave. The celebrations will conclude in October with a cultural program marking The symbolic end of the season. Specific dates for both of these events will be announced soon. Keep an eye on the cave’s website and social media for details on start times and the program. As a special anniversary gift, admission to all these events will be free.

A glimpse into the places that ice water has sculpted

The Na Špičák Cave is one of fourteen caves managed by the Czech Cave Administration and is located within the National Natural Monument Na Špičák, which was established in 1970 and spans an area of 7.05 hectares. This remarkable cave was formed by glacial waters on the edge of a Quaternary continental glacier. It holds the title of the oldest documented cave in the Czech Republic, featuring historical inscriptions on its walls that date back to the year 1519, along with a professionally restored Renaissance painting called Adoration of the Crucifix from the 16th century.

The intriguing underground area near the quarry of the famed Supikovice marble has been open to tourists since 1885. The Sudeten Mountain Association (Sudeten-Gebirgsverein) played a crucial role in the cave’s opening, with honorary chairman Johan Ripper being the son-in-law of Vincenz Priessnitz, who founded the Jeseník hydrotherapy spa. Significant improvements were made in 1955 when the sightseeing route was electrified and extended. So far, speleologists have discovered 410 metres of passages under the hill of Velký Špičák, and the current tour route measures 220 metres. The path is safe and easy to navigate, making it accessible even for wheelchair users.

Event Overview

Celebrate 140 years of tourism at Cave Na Špičák, where history, vibrant programs, and nature converge for a memorable experience.

Historical Highlights

• 140-Year Milestone:

  • The cave first became accessible to the public 140 years ago.

  • Equipped with electricity, the sightseeing route has been expanded over time.

• Geological Significance:

  • Located in Devonian marbles that are between 350 and 380 million years old.

  • The oldest inscriptions on the cave walls date back to 1519.

Program & Activities

• Tours and Exhibitions:

  • Guided historical tours of the cave.

  • Special tours tailored for children.

  • Flashlight tours enhancing the cave’s mysterious ambiance.

  • Costumed tours as part of the anniversary celebrations.

• Cultural and Community Events:

  • Concerts and a neighborhood festival to mark the anniversary.

Visitor Information

• Location:

  • Cave Na Špičák is located near Supíkovice, close to the town of Jeseník.

• Safety & Accessibility:

  • The 220-metre long sightseeing route is designed with accessibility in mind, including features for wheelchair users.