National parks Gemer

Národný park Slovenský kras extends over the southwestern part of our country, along the border with Hungary. It reaches into the districts of Rožňava and Košice-okolie, with a portion of its buffer zone extending into the Revúca district as well. Its area covers 34,611.08 ha, while the buffer zone comprises 11,741.57 ha. The territory of the national park is formed by a system of karst plateaus, river canyons, gorges, and a multitude of surface and underground karst phenomena. Slovenský kras is the most extensive plateau-type karst area in all of Central Europe. 78% of its area is covered by forests.

Slovenský kras was declared a Protected Landscape Area on August 31, 1973. On March 1, 1977, the area became the first in Slovakia to be inscribed into the international network of UNESCO Biosphere Reserves under the Man and the Biosphere Programme. The area officially became a national park on February 13, 2002. Currently, more than 1,350 caves and chasms are known, which are inscribed on the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage List. Probably the most significant cave is the unique Ochtinská aragonitová jaskyňa. The territory is renowned for the diversity of its natural conditions. These allow for the occurrence of animal and plant species representing mountain, forest-steppe, and steppe habitats.

Climate of the national park and its “Highlights”

The climate in Národný park Slovenský kras is mild. The area falls within the moderately humid and moderately warm climate zone, while higher elevations fall into the moderately cool climate region. The average temperature in January ranges from -4 to -6 °C, whereas in July it climbs to between 19 and 20 °C. Snow cover blankets the territory from 50 to 115 days, reaching an average maximum height of 45 cm. Annual precipitation is not particularly high, reaching between 630 and 990 mm. Water seeps into underground cavities, subsequently creating so-called karst springs (vyvieračky, e.g., Brzotínska, Ardovská, Kečovská, and others). In the national park, you will encounter two waterfalls (Hrhovský, Hájske) and several smaller water reservoirs. These include various ponds, such as Jasovské rybníky or Hrušovské rybníky.

Národný park Slovenský kras boasts several "bests". The highest point sits at an altitude of 925 m above sea level on the peak of Matesova skala. The lowest point is located at an altitude of 217 m above sea level at the foot of Plešivská planina. The longest and simultaneously deepest cave is the cave system of Skalistý potok (length 8,123 m, elevation difference 373 m, vertical range 376 m). The oldest nature reserve dates back to 1925 (Jasovská jaskyňa). The lowest-lying classic ice cave (Silická jaskyňa) is located at an altitude of 503 m above sea level. The smallest nature reserve covers an area of 1.22 ha (Pod Fabiankou), while the largest (Brzotínske skaly) covers an area of 433.78 ha.

Slovenský kras has a diverse representation of flora and fauna

Národný park Slovenský kras features flora represented by various regions. Plants, together with their communities, belong among the most impressive components of the local nature. The influence of both Carpathian and Pannonian flora is clearly visible here, creating a mosaic-like vegetation pattern. In fact, all species of rumenica (Onosma) occurring in our country grow here. Given the altitudinal range of Slovenský kras, 3 vegetation tiers are distinctly defined, planar, colline, and submontane. Currently, chudôbka drsnoplodá Klášterského (Draba lasiocarpa subsp. klasterskyi) is considered an endemic species of the national park. It replaced rumenica turnianska (Onosma tornensis), which until recently was regarded as a local endemic. Other endemics of the territory include, for example, šafran spišský (Spiš crocus), poniklec prostredný (middle pasqueflower), or peniažtek slovenský (Slovak penny-cress). Calciphytes and xerothermic species have the largest representation. Their main feature is high adaptability to the environment; they survive in conditions of drought as well as extreme frosts. Up to 1,500 taxa of higher plants occur in Národný park Slovenský kras, but other "bests" are also tied to it. You will find here the largest area covered with kandík psí (dog's-tooth violet) and the lowest altitude where astra alpínska (alpine aster) occurs.

The fauna of Národný park Slovenský kras is equally diverse. The territory is home to all our carnivores, a wealth of invertebrates, and almost all species of bats. Avifauna (birds), herpetofauna (reptiles), and batrachofauna (amphibians) are also richly represented. Thanks to suitable living conditions in caves and underground spaces, spiders and mollusks occur alongside bats. A bat census takes place annually during their hibernation in cave systems. During that period, 24 species represented by more than 50,000 individuals live here. However, the fauna of the steppe and forest-steppe zones is particularly typical of this area. Interesting animals of the national park include sága stepná (predatory bush-cricket), krátkonôžka štíhla (snake-eyed skink), jašterica zelená (European green lizard), užovka stromová (Aesculapian snake), syseľ pasienkový (European ground squirrel), sova dlhochvostá (Ural owl), and ďateľ čierny (black woodpecker). The fauna of Slovenský kras also has its "bests". The largest hibernating colony of bats lives in the national park, our largest bird of prey (golden eagle) as well as our smallest feathered creature (firecrest) nest here, and our largest mammal (brown bear) has its den here.

Great place for walks, hiking, and rock climbing

The national park comprises 6 nature reserves, 10 national nature reserves, and 16 national natural monuments (mainly caves). Each of these locations is exceptional in a different way and stands out with a unique asset that attracts tourists. Tourists can visit them year-round. It is possible to plan easy walks as well as multi-day treks. It is all down to considering your own abilities, strength, and options. In summer, hiking, cycling, and rock climbing are typical in the national park. In winter, meeting cross-country skiers is nothing unusual. As for the mentioned rock climbing, year-round climbing is permitted only in the locations Stienka za chatou, Stienka nad potokom (from the creek side as well as from the Masív Zadného komína wall), and Májová Veža. In other locations, due to a high level of nature protection, seasonal closures apply from February 1 to July 31. The main rock climbing center in Slovenský kras is NPR Zádielska tiesňava.

Among other opportunities offered by Národný park Slovenský kras are agritourism, fishing, and horseback riding. A perfect trip awaits you to Turniansky hrad, Štítnik, or Plešivec, which are castle ruins. It is also very lovely near Zádielske hradisko, Hrad Krásna Hôrka, or Kaštieľ Betliar. On our website, you will find an offer of accommodation in the vicinity of Národný park Slovenský kras, thanks to which you will be truly close to the local attractions. After that, your only task is to pack your backpack, put on your walking shoes, and set out to explore its beauty.

Muránska planina National Park covers the western part of the Slovenské rudohorie mountains. It is considered one of the youngest national parks in the Slovak Republic. The goal of its establishment was the protection of Muránska planina. The national park extends into the districts of Revúca, Brezno, and Rimavská Sobota. Its area covers 20,318 ha, with a buffer zone spanning 21,698 ha. Tourists will find plenty to enjoy thanks to marked hiking trails and educational paths stretching up to 300 km.

The area was declared a national park on October 1, 1997, and its administration is based in the town of Revúca. Forests cover 86% of its territory. Like every national park, Muránska planina has its own "bests" that attract many visitors. The highest point of the national park is the summit of Stolica at an altitude of 1,476 m above sea level. Here you will also find the lowest-lying dwarf pine in our territory, growing at an altitude of 750 m above sea level.

Climate of Muránska planin

Thanks to the fact that the national park territory is located in a temperate climatic zone, we do not encounter extreme temperature fluctuations here. Most of the territory falls into an area with a cold mountain climate. The buffer zone has areas with a moderately warm climate; the lowest southern parts have a type of moderately cold mountain climate, while a cold mountain climate is typical for the peak areas. Average air temperatures in January reach values of -6 to -7 °C, while temperatures in July range between 11.5 and 13.5 °C. Annually, approximately 1,000 to 1,400 mm of precipitation falls in the area. As for snow cover, it stays on the ground for about 140 to 160 days a year, with the maximum depth exceeding 75 cm in places.

The core of the national park consists of a limestone and dolomite plateau. These minerals are characterized by being easily susceptible to the process of karstification. Mainly thanks to this, Muránska planina National Park is full of various surface and subsurface karst phenomena. To date, more than 500 caves and chasms have been discovered, with more than 250 caves not being open to the public. Bobačka, which is the most extensive of the local cave systems, is over 5 km long and boasts rich sinter decorations. Furthermore, the park area contains various gorges, rock towers and needles, karst pavements, sinkholes, and rock gates.

What plants and animals will you find in Muránska planina National Park?

The territory of the national park is extraordinarily rich in the diversity of animal and plant species. The flora of Muránska planina National Park includes many plants, from more demanding thermophilic species to subalpine and alpine species. To date, more than 1,400 plant species have been discovered and described here. Forests cover most of the area. While beech and fir-beech forests dominated in the past, today it is a mix. Lime-loving beech woods stretch from the south, transitioning into linden-maple and thermophilic oak forests. The plateau areas are covered mainly by beech and fir-beech forests, with spruce also mixed in. Coverage by spruce woods and mixed spruce-beech forests is typical for the northern parts. Relict pine and larch forests have been preserved on the rocky ridges.

Muránska planina is home to several protected and rare tree species (yew, Hazslinszky's rowan, Mišulka's rowan, Alpine honeysuckle), dwarf pines (mountain pine), and herbs (red helleborine, white helleborine, lady's-slipper orchid, Komorica helleborine, dog's tooth violet). The color of the area is complemented by submontane meadows and pastures, some of which are also very rare and endangered. A valuable natural community is completed by rock vegetation and steep slopes. It is right on these slopes that the rarest plant in the area is located, the Muráň daphne (Lykovec muránsky). It is a rare remnant dating back to the Tertiary period. Wetland communities are perhaps the most threatened. These are home to gems of our nature (such as globe-flower or mealy primrose) and have a significant impact on the healthy functioning of the landscape. Interesting plants living here are the common butterwort and round-leaved sundew. Both are carnivorous.

The fauna of Muránska planina National Park also includes some now endangered and rare animal species. The brown bear, gray wolf, wildcat, and Eurasian lynx hide in the forests. Clear mountain streams are home to many fish, even some native species, as well as our rare predator, the Eurasian otter. But it is not the only one lurking for aquatic animals. Along with it, the rare black stork feeds on them. Among the birds that have found their nesting ground right in Muránska planina, we can mention the golden eagle, peregrine falcon, Eurasian pygmy owl, boreal owl, and the endangered western capercaillie. 23 species of bats hibernate in the cave systems. The numbers of vertebrates (more than 270 species) and invertebrates (more than 2,700 species) found so far are also remarkable. Endemics of Muránska planina include ground beetles (behúnik and snehulčík), as well as the common jarva and bound flea beetle.

Tips for trips

Interesting tips for trips include educational trails such as Stožky (13.5 km), Jakub Surovec (4 km), Tŕstie (6 km), or the trail with the most original name Poďte s nami za sysľami ("Come with us to see the ground squirrels", 6.3 km). Speaking of ground squirrels: Sysľovisko Biele vody is one of the biggest attractions of the national park. From around March, you can watch one of the largest European ground squirrel colonies in Slovakia here. Despite being a very shy animal under normal circumstances, the ones here are accustomed to human presence. So much so that at the beginning of the season, when they are still starved, they take food directly from your hand. Offer them carrots, sunflower seeds, apples, beetroot, oats, barley, or walnuts. The ground squirrels will enjoy a treat, and you will have an unforgettable experience, both children and adults alike. Visit also Lesnícky skanzen Vydrovo, Muránsky hrad, or Chmarošský viadukt in Telgárt.

There are many trip options. To be as close to them as possible, book accommodation near Muránska planina National Park, for example on the page accommodation Slovenské rudohorie. It is up to you who you come with or where you go. The important thing is to enjoy the trip, appreciate the beauty of nature, and remember that the national park is our most important natural heritage. Treat nature attentively, with humility and respect. Take care of its protection and instill love for living things, plants, and animals in children from an early age. Nature will thank you for it.