Slovak Paradise National Park
Slovak Paradise National Park (Národný park Slovenský Raj) is a mountain range in Eastern Slovakia.
Understand
History
Landscape
It lies between the towns of Spišská Nová Ves in the north and Dobšiná in the south. It is particularly known for its gorges and waterfalls.
Flora and fauna
Forests cover 90% of the park, and there are over 900 species of plants.
Brown bear, golden eagle and black stork live here, as do more common red deer and wild boars, and wolves.
Climate
Get in
The nearest town is Spišská Nová Ves, which can be easily reached by train. From Spišska Nová Ves you can walk to nearby Čingov, where the main trails start. Visit a tourist office and pick up a map of the park before you go hiking.
Fees and permits
Get around
See
- 🌍 Dobšinská Ľadová Jaskyňa (Dobšinská Ice Cave). Listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list as part of caves of Slovak Karst. First European cave to be electrically lit, in 1887. From a total of ~1200m of caves, about a 475m-long circuit is accessible.
- 🌍 Kláštorisko (Spišské Tomášovce is the nearset village.). Archeological site with ruins of the Carthusian monastery. The only tourist center inside the park, with restaurant and housings.
Do
It is very popular with hikers as it has a number of unusual routes through gorges and waterfalls. There are numerous sections where fixed ladders are used to climb.
- 🌍 Dolina Kyseľ / Ferrata HZS. 1.5-km long ravine, ferrata equipment mandatory.
- 🌍 Suchá Belá. A crossing of paths in the park
- 🌍 Veľký Kyseľ. One of the wildest ravines in the park, with many waterfalls.
- 🌍 Malý Kyseľ. 2-km long ravine alongside a stream, with ladders etc., Only going uphill possible.
- 🌍 Kláštorská roklina. One of the most visited ravines, 1.5-km long, only possible to go uphill. 13-m waterfall on the path, many ladders on the way.
Buy
Eat
Drink
Sleep
An excellent option is the Hotel Flora located in Čingov. This is an good base point for hiking in the Slovenský Raj, as it is only minutes from the trail head. A room goes for about €35, give or take, depending on the season.