The cave is formed in Mesozoic Middle Triassic gray to dark gray Gutenstein dolomites and dolomite limestones, its back part in light gray Steinalm limestones of the Silician mantle. The emergence of underground spaces was caused mainly by a significant tectonic fault, along which the corrosion and erosive activity of the underground water flow acted. This reaches the surface through the Buzgó spring, from where it flows into Čremošná. The underground hydrological system begins in sinkholes near the Žedem well on the Silicka Plain at an altitude of 535 m and gradually receives additional water infiltrating from precipitation.
The total length of the cave is 1355 m. The water flow in the cave in the section from the hot spring to Marikina lake reaches a length of 520 m. From this lake, a siphon leads against the inflow of water, through which divers penetrated the Collapsed and Rubble Dome. It is assumed that the premises continue from there, but they are not yet known. The main part of the cave is made up of a canyon-like passage, which is expanded on transverse faults into massive domes up to 45 m high. There are flow lakes in places on the underground river. To the north of Marikina Lake is a lateral left-hand inflow of water that drains the adjacent western part of the cave's catchment area.
In the lateral western tributary branch of the cave, there is a rich sinter decoration, the most valuable of which are various eccentric outgrowths (helictites). Earth pyramids were also created here in a remarkable form. The air temperature in the cave is 9 °C, relative humidity 98%.
Of the 4 species of bats, mainly the small horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus hipposideros) and the large horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum) winter in the cave. Among terrestrial invertebrates, the cave weevil Mesoniscus graniger and the troglophilous centipede Polydesmus denticulatus live here. Among the spiders, the troglophilous grasshopper Ischyropsalis manicata can be observed on the cave walls. Rich populations are created by the rare troglobiont springtail Arrhopalites aggtelekiensis, another springtail from the genus Mesaphorura is a new species for science. The stygobiont crustacean Niphargus tatrensis is abundant in the underground stream.
The cave was discovered in 1964 by cavers from Rožňava by lowering the water in the hot spring and then widening the narrow entrance passage. Exploration of the hot spring began by V. Rozložník in 1954. At present, the cave is entered through a 120 m long tunnel. The opening of the cave was considered already after its discovery, but the tourist opening became a reality only in 2004, thanks to J. Stankovič and his collaborators. The length of the accessible part is 420 m.
Rožňava
049 45 Krásnohorská Dlhá Lúka
Krásnohorská Dlhá Lúka
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