Slovak Paradise National Park
Košice Region
Slovak Paradise National Park, located in Eastern Slovakia, protects the Slovak Paradise mountain range, part of the Slovenské rudohorie Mountains. Covering nearly 198 km², the park is renowned for its extensive karst plateau featuring deep gorges, canyons, waterfalls, and over 350 caves, including the UNESCO-listed Dobšiná Ice Cave. Visitors can explore about 300 km of hiking trails, many equipped with ladders, chains, and bridges, offering adventurous routes through iconic gorges such as Veľký Sokol, Suchá Belá, and Kyseľ. The park's highest peak is Predná hoľa at 1,545 meters, while notable viewpoints include Havrania skala and Tomášovský výhľad. Rich in biodiversity, it hosts over 2100 butterfly species, 4000 invertebrates, and around 200 vertebrate species, including protected mammals like the brown bear, Eurasian lynx, and European otter. The park's forests, covering 90% of the area, are dominated by beech, spruce, fir, and pine. Popular tourist centers include Čingov, Podlesok, Dedinky, and Kláštorisko, the latter featuring ruins of a Carthusian monastery. The park's dramatic landscape and diverse ecology make it a unique destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
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Tip: The best time to visit Slovak Paradise National Park is during late spring to early autumn when hiking trails are fully accessible. Visitors are advised to wear sturdy footwear and be prepared for ladders, chains, and bridges along the routes. Booking guided tours or visiting the Dobšiná Ice Cave requires advance ticket purchase, especially in peak seasons. The park offers discounts for seniors, students, and groups. Summer bus connections operate between northern and southern parts of the park, facilitating access to key trailheads. Check current trail conditions and park updates on the official website before planning your visit.
Interesting facts
- •Slovak Paradise National Park contains about 350 caves, but only Dobšiná Ice Cave is open to the public and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000.
- •The park has the highest butterfly concentration in Slovakia, with over 2100 species recorded.
- •The longest canyon in the park is Prielom Hornádu, stretching 11.7 km and hosting the greatest species diversity.
- •The highest waterfall, Závojový vodopád, reaches 70 meters in height.
- •The park's forest cover is approximately 90%, dominated by beech, spruce, fir, and pine trees.
History
The first protected reserve in the Slovak Paradise area was established in 1890, with the edelweiss plant becoming the first protected species in 1936.
The name Slovenský raj was first used in 1921, replacing earlier local names.
In 1964, the area was declared the first protected landscape area in Slovakia, later upgraded to national park status in 1988.
Dobšiná Ice Cave was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000.
Since 2004, parts of the park have been included in the Natura 2000 network, reflecting its ecological importance.
Place Guide
Veľký Sokol Gorge
The longest gorge in the park, stretching 4.5 km, featuring numerous waterfalls and challenging hiking routes equipped with ladders and chains.
Dobšiná Ice Cave2000 (UNESCO designation)
A spectacular karst cave famous for its extensive ice formations, open to the public and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000.
Tomášovský výhľad
A rocky shelf at 680 meters elevation providing panoramic views of the park, popular with climbers and visitors alike.
Palcmanská Maša Reservoir1956
A large water reservoir completed in 1956, used for swimming, water sports, fishing, and recreation within the park.
Kláštorisko
Tourist center within the park featuring the ruins of a Carthusian monastery, offering cultural and historical insights alongside natural beauty.
Contact
Phone: 053/442 20 10
