National parks in Slovakia

In the Snina District in Eastern Slovakia lies Národný park Poloniny. It borders Bieszczadzki Park Narodowy in Poland and Užanskyj nacionaľnyj pryrodnyj park in Ukraine. These three countries are connected by Kremenec, which at an altitude of 1,210 m above sea level is also the highest point of Národný park Poloniny. The national park covers an area of 29,805 ha, with a buffer zone spanning 10,973 ha. Forests make up as much as 81% of the national park's area.

The area was declared a national park on October 1, 1997. The park received its name thanks to the phenomenon of poloniny. These are flower-rich mountain meadows located above the timberline.

The national park is unique mainly because it hosts the only population of European bison in Slovakia. The national park also falls under the NATURA 2000 network through two types of areas: Special Protection Areas (Bukovské vrchy) and Sites of Community Importance (Bukovské vrchy, Stinská, Ulička).

Climatically, all zones are represented in Národný park Poloniny: warm, moderately warm, and cold. As a result, the national park features a diverse representation of fauna and flora. Average air temperatures range between 4 and 8 °C. The average annual precipitation is 800 to 1,000 mm. Snow cover remains on the ground between November and April, lasting an average of 160 days a year on the ridges.

You can only see wild European bison in Poloniny

The fauna of Národný park Poloniny reflects its location on the boundary between the Western and Eastern Carpathians. The region can be characterized as Palearctic, covered by mixed and deciduous trees. As a point of interest, nearly 6,000 different species of invertebrates and 320 species of vertebrates have been identified in the territory to date. It is home to 403 species of spiders (very rare ones include Araeoncus crassiceps and Collinsia inerrans) and 819 species of butterflies (notable ones include the artichoke moth and the black-veined white). Watercourses have retained a rich representation of mayflies, and you can also find a rare endemic amphipod (Gammarus). Various valuable species of beetles, dipterans, and birds are present here. The national park is a Special Protection Area where nightjars, hazel grouse, corn crakes, lesser spotted eagles, white-backed woodpeckers, and Ural owls nest. Among other rare or endangered species, the Eurasian wolf, brown bear, wildcat, Eurasian otter, Eurasian lynx, and European bison have found refuge here.

It is precisely thanks to the European bison that Národný park Poloniny is a very significant area. In Slovakia, Poloniny is the sole remaining home of Europe's largest wild land mammal. In 2004, the project "Establishment of a Free-Ranging European Bison Population in the Slovak Carpathians" was developed to create and maintain a stable European bison population in Slovakia. Currently, two bison herds live in the national park. Despite many negatives that bison bring to the area, there are also positive aspects—most notably, bison make the area more attractive for tourism and help maintain the current state of the national park's habitat.

The flora of Národný park Poloniny is diverse and forms an imaginary botanical garden on the border of the Western and Eastern Carpathian mountain systems. Currently, more than 1,000 species of vascular plants are identified, many of which are endangered or rare. To illustrate the area's diversity, there are more than 300 species of bryophytes, over 100 species of lichens, and 300 species of fungi. Forest vegetation is the most abundant, with European beech as the dominant species. The lowest elevations of the park are characterized by oak-hornbeam forests, transitioning into beech forests and subsequently silver firs. The highest elevations feature beech forests, occasionally mixed with maples. Rare and highly valuable tree communities can be found in every forest stand. The banks of mountain streams are characterized by willows, grey alder communities, and ferns. Non-forest communities consist of springs, fens, peat bogs, meadows, pastures, and mountain meadows (poloniny). A characteristic feature of these mountain meadows above the timberline is the occurrence of East Carpathian plant species.

Enjoy the Perseids in Park tmavej oblohy

There are 7 national nature reserves, 14 nature reserves, and 1 natural monument in the national park. Every single one of these places is special. Park tmavej oblohy, crossed by the 49th parallel, attracts significant interest from tourists. On December 3, 2010, it was declared Slovakia's first dark-sky park. The park's goal is to inform the public, educate on issues regarding the protection of the nocturnal environment, and, last but not least, protect this environment. The area is also unique for hosting the highest number of endemic and endangered flora and fauna species. This is attributed to the fact that, thanks to low light pollution and a truly natural night sky, their nocturnal biorhythm is disrupted the least. Tourists and photographers head to this place with a clear goal: to observe the Milky Way with the naked eye along with thousands of stars. By comparison, while you can see several thousand stars here with the naked eye, that number drops to hundreds in cities and to just dozens in major metropolises. True romance under the stars, wouldn't you say? Under suitable conditions, you can even observe counterglow, the gegenschein band, or zodiacal light.

Treat yourself to quality hiking and unique cycling tours

Tourists will appreciate the large number of attractive routes, even though the history of tourism itself here does not have a long tradition. The first documented hike took place only in 1839. Today, marked hiking trails of various difficulty levels run through the national park. The red-marked trail will guide you along the ridge of the Poloniny Carpathians. Yellow-marked trails lead through the Hlboký potok valley and Tri studničky. The Nová Sedlica – Čierťaž trail and the Runina – Komúrny trail follow green markers. The Ruská cesta trail and Chodník ikon follow blue markers. In addition to these, there are two hiking border crossings with neighboring Poland in Poloniny. If you are looking for adventure, you can also enjoy a great camping trip at several locations. Cycle routes are also popular, and even the Karpatská cyklomagistrála marked in red passes through the area. Various educational trails and locations tell their own stories. These include Beskydský panteón, a symbolic cemetery of famous personalities from beneath Poloniny, wooden sculptures located in the old park in Ulič, the Arpádova línia, or Starina with its natural, historical, and cultural points of interest.

Come and explore the beautiful hidden corners of picturesque nature that you won't find anywhere else. Book accommodation near Národný park Poloniny, for example on pages for accommodation in Snina District, accommodation in Stakčín, accommodation in Prešov Region, or accommodation in Bukovské vrchy, and enjoy a great stay. Don't forget to pack everything you need in your backpack. You never know what might change during your stay if you decide to extend it or take additional trips. We wouldn't be surprised at all; Poloniny is truly magnificent.

Tatranský národný park is the oldest of all 9 national parks in our territory. It is designated by the abbreviation TANAP. It extends across the north of Central and Eastern Slovakia, in the region of the Tatry mountains. It consists of two main subunits: Východné Tatry (comprising Vysoké Tatry with a length of 26 km and Belianske Tatry with a length of 15 km) and Západné Tatry (with a length of 37 km). It reaches into the Žilinský kraj and Prešovský kraj regions, specifically the districts of Liptovský Mikuláš, Kežmarok, Poprad, and Tvrdošín. The national park covers an area of 73,800 ha, supplemented by a protective buffer zone spanning 30,703 ha. It features a network of 600 km of hiking trails and 16 marked, maintained cycling routes. The administration of Tatranský národný park has offices in Svit and Liptovský Mikuláš.

Tatranský národný park has a complex geological structure. Its relief was once shaped by glaciers, as evidenced by their remnants in the form of attractive Tatran tarns (plesá). The Tatry as a whole are mainly composed of granite and other crystalline rocks from the Paleozoic era. The climate here is one of the coldest and rainiest in our territory. Two-thirds of the national park's protected area are covered by spruce or spruce-fir forests. The only accessible cave is Belianska jaskyňa.

History of the national park

Tatranský národný park was established on January 1, 1949. Five years after its founding, a national park was also created on the Polish side of the Tatry. Its name is identical, Tatrzański Park Narodowy, and together with it, Vysoké Tatry form a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve under the Man and the Biosphere Programme. The lowest point is at an altitude of 710 m a.s.l. Conversely, the highest point of Vysoké Tatry and the entire national park is the peak of Gerlachovský štít at an elevation of 2,655 m a.s.l. The highest point of Západné Tatry is Bystrá (2,248 m a.s.l.), while the highest in Belianske Tatry is Havran (2,152 m a.s.l.). Among other highlights, we can include Modré pleso (the highest-situated tarn, elevation 2,192 m a.s.l.) and Veľké Hincovo pleso (the largest and deepest tarn, surface area 20.08 ha, depth 53.7 m).

In the past, the most frequent visitors to this natural territory were treasure hunters, herbalists, miners, hunters, and naturally, poachers. Rumors about Vysoké Tatry circulated around the world, with the first printed mention of them dating back to 1549. From then on, other explorers gradually began discovering them, eager to explore their beauty. At the turn of the 17th and 18th centuries, the first scientific works about Vysoké Tatry began to emerge.

In times long past, nature was everywhere. People felt that there was an abundance of it, and therefore no thought was given to protection. This only changed after the founding of the Hungarian Carpathian Society (Uhorský karpatský spolok) in the last third of the 19th century. People began to discuss various conservation associations and considered how to protect different species of Tatran flora and fauna. It was also necessary to regulate the areas where livestock grazed. The society was very active, fighting against poachers, withstanding the pressure of herders, and striving in every way to save Tatran nature. It also permitted the importation of non-native plants, such as rhododendrons originating from the Austrian Alps, and agreed to their acclimatization. The society dissolved after World War I, which caused significant damage to Tatran nature as well. The neglect of forest care, massive timber theft, a free hand for poachers, and the recklessness of herders all had a negative impact. The role of the society was partially taken over by the Club of Czechoslovak Tourists (Klub československých turistov) and the German Karpatenverein.

Fauna and flora of TANAP

Tatranský národný park contains numerous protected and rare species of plants and animals within its territory. The fauna of Tatranský národný park bears traces of the existence of extremely cold periods during the Ice Ages as well as subsequent warmer periods. Therefore, cosmopolitan, Palearctic, European, and endemic species occur here. An enormous quantity of all represented animal species can be found here. Research continuously takes place within the national park, discovering more and more species of animals. Among the rare animals living in the park, we can mention the Tatran marmot, golden eagle, Tatra chamois, or brown bear.

The flora of Tatranský národný park includes a wide array of diverse plants, ranging from submontane and thermophilic species, through forest, mountain, and moisture-loving plants, to alpine species. Various rare species can be found here that you will not find anywhere else in Slovakia or the Western Carpathians. These include, for example, the Tatra bellflower (zvonček hrubokoreňový) or Tatra poppy (mak tatranský). There are also representatives of glacial relics, remnants from the Ice Ages, such as mountain avens (dryádka osemlupienková) or glacier buttercup (iskerník ľadovcový). Rare plants also include the spring pasqueflower (poniklec jarný) or black sedge (ostrica černastá). National park staff focus primarily on protecting mountain and high-mountain plants, among the more well-known being dwarf pine stands or the beautiful edelweiss (plesnivec alpínsky).

The administration and staff of Tatranský národný park exert great effort to spread awareness among the public. In 1957, the Museum of the Tatranský Národný Park was established in Tatranská Lomnica. In the same year, a professional Mountain Rescue Service (Horská služba Tatranského národného parku) was set up. Over time, they also took the administration of the Symbolic Cemetery near Popradské pleso under their wing. Regulation of expanding built-up areas was implemented, and several hiking trails were closed or discontinued. In 1979, the "Clean Mountains" (Čisté hory) initiative was launched for the first time, aiming to cleanse the high-mountain environment of omnipresent litter.

Our generation remembers very well the devastating windstorm that swept through the Tatry region, and thus through the territory of Tatranský národný park, on November 19, 2004. Wind gusts reached devastating speeds of 230 km/h in places. The wind was classified as a hurricane, representing the largest Tatran disaster since 1936. More than 12,000 ha of forest were damaged. Subsequently, the forest stands were damaged by bark beetles. Many conservation organizations intervened on-site, preventing the clearance and removal of damaged stands. Sad statistics indicate that between 2004 and 2016, bark beetle infestations destroyed as many trees as the 2004 hurricane itself.

Tatranský národný park today

Since 1972, visitor numbers in Tatranský národný park have been regularly measured and recorded. While in the 1970s the average daily attendance was between 16,000 and 20,000 visitors per day, after a record in 1981 (26,250 visitors), the numbers began to decline significantly. A resurgence was recorded only at the end of the 1990s. Monitoring in recent years has shown that at the peak of the summer season. When people visit the mountains seeking healthy physical activity, cooling off, or enjoying well-deserved views—approximately 60,000 people move through TANAP daily. Among the most visited locations are Rysy, Kriváň, Skalnaté pleso, Štrbské pleso, Popradské pleso, as well as the area of Hrebienok and Studené doliny.

There are 14 nature reserves, 3 national natural monuments, and 27 national nature reserves within Tatranský národný park. It is difficult to list the most attractive or exceptional among them, as each of these places is unique, excels in its own way, and appeals to tourists differently. The best approach would be to explore them all. However, you do not become a true Tatran local or nature lover simply by the number of kilometers you have hiked along the trails. True transformation happens in the heart, out of conviction. It is precisely these people who help protect and flourish nature so that many future generations can discover and enjoy its beauty. Let us be considerate of nature. Let us teach our children to do the same. Let us spread awareness. Let actions speak for us, not boastful words.

So come and pay homage to the majestic Tatran nature. Book your accommodation near Tatranský národný park. There are more than enough options, as the park covers a vast area. Try choosing based on the planned trips you wish to take in the surroundings. Once you have a plan, you can visit the pages accommodation Prešovský kraj or accommodation Žilinský kraj. You will certainly find a location that fits perfectly into your travel plans.

Pieninský národný park can be found in the far north of Slovakia, east of the Vysoké Tatry mountains on the border with Poland. It is located in the districts of Stará Ľubovňa and Kežmarok in the Prešovský kraj region. This smallest Slovak national park covers an area of only 37.5 km². The Pieniny are a beautiful location and, together with the Dunajec river that flows through them, create an unmistakable natural scenery.

Creation of the smallest national park in Slovakia

Pieninský národný park had to wait a long time for its role as a national park. A lot of timber was harvested in the forests here, especially on the Polish side, and the land mostly belonged to private owners. The first historical references point to an interest in creating a protected area in Pieniny in Poland in 1921.

Delimiting the territory was heavily influenced by negotiations between former Czechoslovakia and representatives of Poland in 1925 in Zakopane. Both countries agreed on the principles of the Pieniny border park. The purchasing of land from owners and the setting of the national park's boundaries began. However, this was slowed down by the war and the country's economic situation.

In 1932, at least the Slovenská prírodná rezervácia Pieniny was declared in Červený Kláštor, and Oldřich Lacina became its first administrator. The reserve was under the administration of Štátne lesy in Liptovský Hrádok. Only after World War II did territorial plans, maps, and research into local fauna and flora begin again. In 1957, the Pieninská prírodná rezervácia Červený Kláštor was established, and in 1960, the Náučný chodník Prielom Dunajca educational trail was opened to the public, which was the very first educational trail in Slovakia.

It was not until 10 years later, in 1967, that Pieninský národný park (abbreviated as PIENAP) was established. Today, it falls under the Štátna ochrana prírody headquartered in Banská Bystrica. They say that good things come in small packages, and in this case, it holds perfectly true. Pieninský národný park, with a buffer zone area of just 22,444 hectares, earned its recognition in the end. And even though it is small, it really has a lot to offer.

Parts of Pieninský národný park and their attractions

It is divided into three parts: the western Czorsztynske Pieniny, Malé Pieniny in the eastern part, and Pieninky in the central part. The highest peak is considered to be Tri Koruny at an altitude of 982 m above sea level, whose five rocky summits really look like a royal crown. Other popular ridges among hikers are Sokolica (747 m a.s.l.), Holica (824 m a.s.l.), and Kláštorná hora (654 m a.s.l.).

There are three protected natural reserves located in Pieninský národný park. Probably the most significant is Štátna prírodná rezervácia Pieniny, Prielom Dunajca. This area is particularly attractive for its rocky sections and natural phenomena created by the Dunajec river. Many water sports fans come here for rafting. You can try white-water rafting or wooden raft rides down the Dunajec. And perhaps you will spot a black stork or glimpse an Eurasian otter swimming on the water surface.

In addition to rafting down the Dunajec, a hiking trail with educational boards leads through the gorge. The trail begins in the village of Červený Kláštor and leads all the way to the Polish spa town of Szczawnica. Along the way, you can observe Jánošíkov skok, where the Dunajec narrows and reaches a depth of up to 12 meters. You will also discover the Storočná voda spring, from which, if you drink, you will reportedly live to be 100 years old.

Another protected natural formation of the Pieniny national park is Haligovské skaly. It is a magnificent complex of limestone rocks containing holes, cavities, and caves. The most famous karst cave among them is Aksamitka, which is unfortunately closed to the public. However, you can reach Haligovské skaly via a hiking route, for example from the village of Haligovce.

The last protected reserve of Pieninský národný park is Prielom Lesníckeho potoka. The Lesnícky potok stream flows from the right side of the Dunajec and has formed steep rock walls of Kača, Bystrík, Biela skala, and Osobitá skala. You can reach this natural formation via a hiking trail from the village of Lesnica, or by boat or raft.

The Pieniny region is undoubtedly a great choice for spending an active vacation. It is an ideal place for hikers, as well as for families with children. Some hiking trails are adapted for young visitors. Furthermore, the surroundings of Pieniny offer other attractions that are well worth visiting. And we have prepared a selection of accommodation in Pieninský národný park for you. Choose from a wide range of cottages, apartments, or family guesthouses. Book today so you don't miss out on your stay in the beautiful nature of the Pieniny national park.

Národný park Slovenský raj is one of nine Slovak national parks and is considered one of the most beautiful. It stretches across the Banskobystrický kraj, Prešovský kraj, and Košický kraj regions, where it extends into the Spiš region. It is located within the territories of the Brezno, Poprad, Spišská Nová Ves, and Rožňava districts. The territory of Slovenský raj is a true paradise for hikers. Waterfalls, canyons, rocks, and breathtaking views—this is how our most visited national park could also be characterized.

NP Slovenský raj is a paradise for both animals and tourists

Slovenský raj was declared a national park in 1988. There are 11 national nature reserves and 8 nature reserves here. The park's territory lies in the north of the Slovenský Rudohorie mountains. Due to its fauna and flora, it has been included in the highest level of protection. Bears, wolves, foxes, and lynx live here, and even the Tatra chamois was artificially released here in 1963. Trout swim in the streams, and we can find various species of falcons as well as the golden eagle here.

The area of Národný park Slovenský raj is 19,414 hectares. Two rivers, the Hnilec and the Hornád, flow through the park, creating unique water phenomena—canyons, gorges, ravines, and waterfalls. The longest gorge is Prielom Hornádu, which was declared a national nature reserve as early as 1964. The section is 16 km long and belongs to the cadastre of the village of Letanovce. The trail is full of bridges, ladders, footbridges, and chains. Tourists from far and wide come to admire the wonderful scenery here.

The most visited gorge in Slovenský raj is Suchá Belá, through which a stream of the same name flows. You can reach it from the tourist center of Podlesok near the village of Hrabušice. The valley is interspersed with several waterfalls such as Misové vodopády, Korytový, or the beautiful Okienkový vodopád. With good hiking boots, even children can manage this undemanding and interesting hike.

Explore gorges, waterfalls, and the adrenaline-filled via ferrata

Národný park Slovenský raj also offers other gorges to explore. Klaštorská dolina is relatively short but popular with families with children. On the 1.5-kilometer route, you can admire Vodopád objaviteľov, Strakov vodopád, or Dúhový vodopád. Your starting point will be Kláštorisko, which is a ruin of a 13th-century Carthusian monastery. You will find a tourist center and a restaurant here. The entrance to this part of Slovenský raj is a rope bridge—a footbridge that was the first to be built when the gorge was opened to the public.

We also recommend visiting other nature reserves of Slovenský raj. In the Sokolia dolina gorge, which is the steepest valley in the park, you will find Závojový vodopád. With its height of 75 meters, it is the highest waterfall in Slovenský raj, and you can visit it from Tomášovská Belá. A no less famous gorge is Kyseľ, where the second largest waterfall in this park, Obrovský vodopád, is located. Adrenaline enthusiasts in the gorge will certainly be pleased by the Kyseľ Ferrata—a place where you can try rock climbing.

Other popular gorges include Piecky, Veľký Sokol, and Tiesňavy. The gorges in NP Slovenský raj require an entry fee but are open year-round. The weather, just like in the mountains, can be changeable here. Before your visit, always check the forecast and check the status of the hiking trails on the national park's website. Do not forget good, waterproof clothing or a raincoat. Due to its humidity, Slovenský raj resembles a primeval forest.

The most beautiful view and a magical ice cave await you

The most beautiful view in Slovenský raj will undoubtedly open up to you at Tomášovský výhľad. You can reach this rocky outcrop from the tourist center of Čingov or from the village of Smižany. Even seniors or families with children can handle the ascent to it. Of course, caution is advised. From an altitude of 667 m a.s.l., you will be able to see as far as the Vysoké Tatry mountains.

There is a large number of caves in Národný park Slovenský raj, most of which remain unexplored. Dobšinská ľadová jaskyňa, accessible from the village of Dobšiná, is open to the public. And as the name suggests, the cave is a magical realm of ice. So, if your children love Frozen, Elsa, Anna, or the snowman named Olaf, a visit to the cave will be an unforgettable experience for them.

If you are looking for a place in Slovenský raj to swim or laze about so that you can rest after a demanding hike, try the Klauzy water reservoir. The shores of the Palcmanská Maša water reservoir in the village of Dedinky also offer perfect relaxation. This largest water reservoir in Slovenský raj will also be an ideal starting point for your further wanderings through the national park.

Thanks to its countless natural beauties, Slovenský raj is the right place for an active holiday. Go on hikes here and admire what nature has created. We have prepared tips for trips in Slovenský raj for you. Plan your holiday now. We offer you quality accommodation near Národný park Slovenský raj. Book it on the page for accommodation in Slovenský raj or accommodation in Dedinky on our portal. You will surely choose from the wide offer. There are options for families with children as well as accommodation for hikers. Book your holiday in Slovenský raj today.

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.

Národný park Malá Fatra is located in northern Slovakia in the Žilina Region, within the districts of Žilina and Dolný Kubín. The Malá Fatra mountain range is the fourth largest mountain range in Slovakia, and its peaks boast a high number of visiting tourists. This national park is a sought-after destination for winter skiing and summer walks through wonderful nature.

Malá Fatra was declared a national park quite late. Due to the impact of human encroachment, this area was designated a protected landscape area in 1967. It was not until 1988 that Malá Fatra qualified as a national park. Its administration is today located in the village of Varín, which is also the gateway to the park.

Malá Fatra consists of two parts: the Kriváň part and the Lúčky part (Krivánska Fatra and Lúčanská Fatra). Krivánska Fatra extends north of the Váh River. The highest peak and at the same time the highest peak of the entire Malá Fatra range is Veľký Kriváň, which sits at an altitude of 1,709 m above sea level. No less important peaks are Veľký Rozsutec (1,610 m above sea level) and Malý Kriváň (1,671 m above sea level). The Veľký Rozsutec peak itself is depicted on the emblem of Národný park Malá Fatra.

An ideal hike for both children and seniors

Many a hiker can boast of ascending the third highest peak of Malá Fatra, Chleb (1,646 m above sea level). It is part of the ridge hike of Krivánska Fatra and is easily accessible not only for hikers, but also for families with children or seniors, as they can reach it by cable car. The chairlift starts in Vrátna dolina and takes you from Snilovské sedlo up to the Chleb mountain. From there, you can admire views of Malá Fatra in all its beauty. The Vrátna Free Time Zone resort is an ideal place for skiing as well as adrenaline sports such as paragliding.

Another popular trip in Národný park Malá Fatra is Chata pod Chlebom (1,423 m above sea level). The mountain hut is accessible from the cable car in Vrátna dolina or along the marked hiking trail from the village of Šútovo. On the way to the hut, you can admire the 38-meter-high Šútovský vodopád waterfall or Mojžišove pramene, which spring from the rock wall of Krivánska Malá Fatra.

The second part of the national park, Lúčanská Fatra, lies on the southern side of Malá Fatra. This part is lower and less forested. In summer, hikers usually go on hikes from Fačkovské sedlo, from where they can reach the rocky peak Kľak (1,352 m above sea level). Here beneath it lies the beautiful 30-meter-high Kľacký vodopád waterfall. In winter, skiers will come into their own at the popular ski resort Martinské hole, near the town of Martin.

Malá Fatra will charm you not only with its diverse flora, where forests alternate with dwarf pine and primeval forest, but also with its fauna. Wolves, lynxes, and wildcats live here. A large population of the brown bear has also been confirmed. Be cautious during your walks, as you may come across a viper, grass snake, or fire salamander. Birds thrive here just as well. An attentive eye will spot a golden eagle or a falcon, and if you prick up your ears, you will hear a woodpecker tapping. In Národný park Malá Fatra, there are up to 29 animal species of European importance.

In the footsteps of Jánošík

The tourist center of Národný park Malá Fatra is Terchová. This picturesque village is known primarily thanks to the highwayman Juraj Jánošík. Here you will also find a system of gorges and canyons called Jánošíkove diery, which attract tourists from far and wide. Another visited village in Malá Fatra is the village of Zázrivá. Who wouldn't know Zázrivá korbáčiky? After all, local people have been making cheese since time immemorial. And we guarantee you that bryndzové halušky tastes different here too.

Malá Fatra is a wonderful place to spend a holiday. Whether you are looking for a relaxing stay or an active holiday where you plan to clock up honest kilometers across the national park, you are in the right place. This national park is perfect for hiking as well as skiing. Book your accommodation near Národný park Malá Fatra today. Choose from our offer. We have family guesthouses, comfortable hotels, modern apartments, cozy cottages, and wooden cabins in Malá Fatra for you. Your holiday can begin.

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.

Národný park Veľká Fatra is the youngest Slovak national park. Territorial-wise, it belongs predominantly to the Žilinský kraj region, but it also extends into the northern part of the Banskobystrický kraj region. The national park as well as its buffer zone occupy most of the territory of the Veľká Fatra mountain range, which is part of the Outer Western Carpathians. However, the park also covers the southwestern part of the Starohorské vrchy mountains. Thanks to high precipitation and low evaporation, Národný park Veľká Fatra is an important source of drinking water, and for this reason, it has been declared a protected water management area since 1987.

Veľká Fatra - home of the capercaillie

Since 1972, the Chránená krajinná oblasť Veľká Fatra protected landscape area existed in this territory, which gained a higher level of protection when it was declared a national park on April 1, 2002. Up to 90% of the park's area is covered by beech forests and ridge pastures dating back to the period of the Wallachian colonization (15th to 17th century). Scots pine also occurs in the remaining territory, and Harmanecké údolie is the richest locality for the occurrence of the European yew in Central Europe. Veľká Fatra can also boast a rare endemic species - the Tatra cyclamen (cyklámen fatranský). It grows only in this area and in part of the Nízke Tatry. Thanks to the inaccessibility of some steep slopes, primeval forest ecosystems without human intervention are also found here. The rugged terrain and the diversity of meadows, pastures, cliffs, and valleys create conditions not only for rich flora but also for fauna. Bears, wolves, lynxes, and wildcats occur here in abundance. Highly endangered species of gallinaceous birds - the black grouse and the capercaillie - also live here.

The highest peak in the national park, at an elevation of 1,596 m above sea level, is Ostredok. Within the territory of Veľká Fatra, there are several dozen small-scale protected areas. National nature reserves include, for example, Jánošíkova kolkáreň or Rakšianske rašelinisko. Perlová jaskyňa is a national nature monument. Also interesting are the natural monuments Matejkovský kamenný prúd or Travertínové terasy Bukovinka. As a Site of Community Importance and a Special Protection Area, Veľká Fatra is included in the European network of protected areas NATURA 2000.

From skiing straight to the open-air museum in Vlkolínec

Like most Slovak national parks, Veľká Fatra boasts karst areas, mostly caves, of which there are more than 530 here. Harmanecká jaskyňa is open to the public. Visitors can take a 1,020 m long tour route here, along which they can admire limestone decorations and vast domes. The cave is also important due to the large number of hibernating bats.

One cannot speak of Veľká Fatra without mentioning one of the most significant Slovak open-air museums, the settlement of Vlkolínec. It lies beneath the peak of Sídrovo and is even inscribed on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list. The settlement consists of forty-five residential and farm buildings, with some still being inhabited. Also interesting are the so-called štále, or haylofts, in the surrounding area.

The Veľká Fatra mountain range offers plenty of opportunities for active leisure. In the summer, whole families will have fun in the fairytale village of Habakuky or in Donovalkovo, the capital of children. An active winter is best spent on the slopes, taken care of by ski resorts such as PARK SNOW Donovaly, Ski Park Malinô Brdo, or Snowland Valčianska dolina.

To discover at least a portion of the beauty of this region, several days are needed, so book your accommodation near the Národný park Veľká Fatra. You can look around, for example, for wooden cottages in Liptovské Revúce or chalets in Turčianske Jaseno. Quality private accommodation is offered by Staré Hory. In Donovaly, you will find almost all types of accommodation, from apartments and guesthouses to luxury hotels.

Chránená krajinná oblasť Ponitrie, a charming piece of our country, is one of Slovakia's 14 protected landscape areas. You will often encounter the abbreviation CHKO Ponitrie. Covering an area of 37,665 hectares, it spans a relatively broad territory. It stretches across three regions (Banskobystrický, Nitriansky, and Trenčiansky), and its administration oversees multiple districts. It covers the territory of the Bánovce nad Bebravou, Levice, Nitra, Partizánske, Topoľčany, and Zlaté Moravce districts, while also partially reaching into the Žarnovica and Žiar nad Hronom districts. The entire area belongs to two distinct geomorphological units: Tribeč and Vtáčnik.

The territory was declared a protected landscape area in 1985. The elevation range is quite significant, the lowest point sits at 170 meters above sea level in the Tribeč mountain range, while the highest point is the summit of Vtáčnik at 1,346 meters above sea level. Together, the mountain ranges form an imaginary border separating central Slovakia from western Slovakia. The primary focus of protection in the landscape area includes continuous forest habitats as well as forest-steppe and steppe flora and fauna. A level two degree of protection applies across the entire area. Additionally, there are 7 sites of European importance and 1 protected bird area located here, all belonging to the NATURA 2000 network of protected areas.

Explore the Famous Mountain Ranges Vtáčnik and Tribeč

The Vtáčnik mountain range is the second highest mountain range of the volcanic Slovenské rudohorie dating back to the Tertiary period. It falls into a climatically cooler and more humid region. It is characterized by beech stands and native spruce forests, alongside mixed stands of beech and fir. The flora mostly consists of mountain plants. Rare species can be found here, such as Crepis sibirica (škarda sibírska) and a moss of European significance, Dicranum viride (dvojhrot zelený). An interesting feature is the presence of stunted beech growth and isolated pockets of native spruce forest, which mix with blueberry patches and rowan trees (Sorbus aucuparia). The fauna typically includes our native carnivores (wolf, lynx, bear) as well as numerous bird species. Among the unique natural formations are crumbling rock towers on the main ridge of Vtáčnik, a volcanic cylindrical chimney on the peak of Ostrovica, and the canyon of Bystričanská dolina with the rock walls of Hrádok and Veľká skala.

The Tribeč mountain range is part of the Vnútorné Západné Karpaty from the Mesozoic period. Except for its uppermost parts, it falls within a climatically warm mountain zone. Oak-hornbeam forests predominate here. Both fauna and flora are unique, hosting a vast array of protected and rare species. The Podunajská nížina plain also exerts a significant influence, bringing in warmer air. Among the fauna, an interesting highlight is the bison park near Topoľčianky (Zubria zvernica), where European bison have been bred for a long time. Botanically unique is the protected area Jelenská gaštanica, where the first attempt at an artificially established stand of sweet chestnut was carried out in the 13th century. Today, the oldest trees are over 300 years old. In the Tribeč range, the phenomenon of quartzite knolls (Hôrky) is exceptionally well developed, featuring the rare plant Teucrium scorodonia (hrdobarka páchnuca), along with many acidophilic plants (such as common heather and hairy greenweed), flowering herbs (such as mountain scabious and hawkweeds), and ferns. When visiting Tribeč, it is definitely worth checking out Oponický hrad, Gýmeš, or Čierny hrad. A truly unique place in Tribeč is Hôrky, an area of European importance that encompasses the Národná prírodná rezervácia Hrdovická national nature reserve and the nature reserves Solčiansky háj and Kovarská hôrka.

Interesting Fauna and Flora of Ponitrie

The fauna across the entire Chránená krajinná oblasť Ponitrie is exceptionally diverse. Invertebrates are heavily represented, making up a substantial portion of the more than 7,500 currently known animal species occurring in the area. Beetles have a major presence (such as the stag beetle and alpine longhorn beetle), as do butterflies (like swallowtails and the giant peacock moth), along with various other insects, spiders, crustaceans, and mollusks. Numerous streams in the area are home to fish (such as brown trout and European bullhead) and amphibians (like the common frog and European tree frog). Except for the European pond turtle and the European copper skink, reptiles are represented by all species found in our country. Mammals range from small species (like the Alpine shrew) to bats, aquatic carnivores (Eurasian otter), and large carnivores (such as the Eurasian lynx and gray wolf). A large number of birds nest here, from lowland to mountain forest species. Notable mentions include the black stork and the eastern imperial eagle. Furthermore, the protected bird area Chránené vtáčie územie Tribeč is located here, established due to the presence of numerous bird species.

Given the diversity of the territory, the flora of the entire Chránená krajinná oblasť Ponitrie can be characterized by an immense variety of species and vegetation composition. Thermophilic Pannonian as well as mountain Carpathian species grow here. The entire area is predominantly covered by forests, with overall forest coverage reaching 96.8%. You will find a wide range of different plant communities here. Over time, rare drought-loving and heat-loving communities reminiscent of steppes and forest-steppes have formed on cliffs, rocks, and screes. Xerothermic communities are found in Zoborské vrchy. In spring, you will see rare protected species (such as the pygmy iris and spring pheasant's eye) as well as species of European importance (such as the large pasqueflower or the endemic species of Zoborské vrchy and Slovenský kras, Thlaspi jankae). Open woodland areas are characterized by orchids (such as the Adriatic lizard orchid and purple orchid) or various protected plants (such as the field rose and Achillea ochroleuca). The driest rocky spots are characterized by succulents (such as Jovibarba globifera and white stonecrop).

Enjoy the Perfect Combination of Hiking and History

Educational trails are definitely an attractive feature for hikers. You can walk Náučný chodník Zobor (14.7 km), Náučný chodník Buchlov (5.3 km), or Náučný chodník Vtáčnik (5.7 km plus a 2.1 km detour). In total, Chránená krajinná oblasť Ponitrie includes 59 hiking routes covering a distance of 268 km and 52 caves. In addition, you can visit many historical monuments, including various castles, châteaux, and ruins. And perhaps you will be drawn to Tribeč by the story of a Slovak author, which was also adapted into a film based on the original book. Should that be the case, be careful—one never knows whether those stories are fabricated or based on truth. In any case, we recommend booking accommodation near Chránená krajinná oblasť Ponitrie and coming to explore all its beauty in person. After all, nothing beats a firsthand experience. You can find accommodation inspiration on the accommodation in Nitra page, for example.

The Devínska Kobyla National Nature Reserve is located in the Bratislava Region, between the city districts of Devín and Devínska Nová Ves. Its territory covers an area of 101.12 ha as part of the Devínska Kobyla Site of Community Importance (with an area of 643 ha, belonging to the Malé Karpaty Protected Landscape Area). At the same time, the area is included in the NATURA 2000 network. A highly significant part of the area is the Štokerská vápenka nature reserve and the Sandberg paleontological site.

Formation and history of the Devínska Kobyla area

The territory has a long and rich history. The first settlements appeared here as early as the Neolithic period, around 5000 BC. Later, the highly important commercial Amber Road passed through here. Subsequently, the Celts entered the region and cleared the original vegetation. During AD, the Romans took control and established vineyards here. The area served as a fortress for Prince Rastislav during the Great Moravian Empire and witnessed battles against the Turks as well as the Napoleonic Wars. Until the mid-20th century, the area was mainly grazed by livestock, after which the meadows became overgrown with bushes and woody plants.

Devínska Kobyla is one of the parts of the western projection of the Carpathian arc, which is often referred to as a treasure trove of diverse geological phenomena. In its cross-section, we can find granite, as well as portions of limestone and dolomite. The area underwent various folding processes, erosion, and marine wave abrasion, resulting, for example, in a rock window or an abrasion cave. Between 14 and 16 million years ago, Devínska Kobyla was a rocky limestone coast of the Badenian Sea. This is evidenced by the Sandberg site, where fossils of about 350 animal species have been found.

The Sandberg site was discovered during sand mining for the needs of the Devínska Nová Ves brickworks. During the Tertiary period, this area was at times a cliff, at times part of a coastal island system, but also the seabed of the Tethys Ocean. Rich life flourished here, resulting in the fossil sites found today. Notable finds include gastropods, bivalves, sea urchins, shark teeth, and various bones—for example, from seals, rhinoceroses, bears, reptiles, moles, and Tertiary whales. Unique finds include the remains of Tertiary Pliopithecus (a distant human ancestor) and the teeth of Dryopithecus (an anthropoid ape).

Fauna and flora of the Devínska Kobyla reserve

The fauna of the Devínska Kobyla National Nature Reserve is richly represented by various animal species. Gastropods (such as Zebrina detrita, Chondrina clienta) can be found here in both xerophilic and thermophilic varieties. Be careful not to step on them. Insects (such as the European mantis or Saga pedo) are perhaps the most significant component of the surrounding fauna. Interestingly, only females of Saga pedo occur here in Slovakia; their reproduction occurs through unfertilized eggs. You will find more than 600 species of butterflies here (such as the Old World swallowtail or the Clouded Apollo). Beetles are also numerously represented (such as the stag beetle or Scarabaeus typhon), many of which are rare and protected. Vertebrates are also abundant here, represented by reptiles (such as the European green lizard or grass snakes) and amphibians (such as the European green toad or frogs). Avifauna is typical of the Bratislava region (such as goldfinches or tits), but we can also spot many rare species (such as the common kestrel or common buzzard). It is not unusual to encounter mammals as well, such as the red deer or roe deer, but also the wild boar or red fox.

The flora of the Devínska Kobyla National Nature Reserve has fascinated botanists since ancient times; Carolus Clusius was already exploring it in the 16th century. The southern part of the territory is mostly covered by grassy steppe with thermophilic grasses (such as Festuca rupicola) and many protected flowers (such as spring pheasant's eye or pasqueflower). Shallow soils formed by erosion are covered, for example, by rock buckthorn or feather grass. Their ability to bind and protect soil from erosion is highly valuable. The sandy slopes are dominated by the protected iris or the steppe relic Gypsophila fastigiata. Gullys are characterized by thermophilic shrubs (such as Mahaleb cherry or the protected European cornelian cherry) as well as rare orchids from the Orchidaceae family.

Just a stone's throw from the big city into nature

The area offers rich hiking opportunities that attract many visitors every year in all seasons. Marked hiking trails will take you to Weitov lom, Devín Castle, as well as through Úzky les to the Bratislava city district of Dúbravka or through Líščie údolie to the Bratislava city district of Karlova Ves. There, it is well worth visiting the Bratislava Zoo or the Bratislava Botanical Garden. Get inspired by other trip options offered on the website attraction of Bratislava.

Book your accommodation near the Devínska Kobyla National Nature Reserve, for example on the websites accommodation Bratislava Devínska Nová Ves or accommodation Bratislava Devín. The unique atmosphere of the reserve will engulf you, and you won't even realize you are actually in a busy capital city. Come here to let go of all work stress as well as the anxieties or fears troubling you. Soak up the power of nature, listen to the birds singing, and smell the colorful flowers. Spending time in nature is therapy for the soul, and even an easy hike is therapy for the body. So why not treat yourself? We wish you a pleasant stay.

Červené skaly is a locality in the territory of the Spišská Nová Ves district in the Košice Region, which has been declared a national nature reserve. It falls under the state nature conservation of the Slovenský raj. The reserve extends into the cadastral areas of the villages of Poráč, Olcnava, and Slovinky. The most beautiful part of the first-mentioned village's territory is precisely the Poráčska dolina, where you will also find a canyon up to 300 meters deep in places, featuring Červená skala. Despite its name, the latter is rather white from a distance. Červené skaly form the wall of the canyon of the Poráčsky potok, which is also the subject of protection. The canyon with a semi-karst character cuts through the Galmuská planina. This locality with rock, meadow, and forest communities is a typical representative of the biogeocenosis of the Slovenské rudohorie. It has an area of 390.5 ha and was declared a protected area back in 1981.

Protect nature, walk only on marked trails

The bedrock of the Poráčska dolina is formed predominantly by limestone, which, with the help of the Poráčsky jarok, enabled the formation of canyon-like valleys and numerous karst phenomena such as turrets, rock windows, waterfalls, and caves. Rising above the Poráčska dolina is the triple peak Slovinská skala. Due to the ruggedness of the relief, there are two areas in this territory that differ in their flora. In the north of the valley, beeches and thermophilic flowers mainly occur. In the southern part, fir-beech forests, spruce forests grow, and besides thermophilic vegetation, cold-loving mountain plants appear in the shadows. Dealpine pine bushes thrive on the rock ridges, and alder forests thrive in the floodplains of the Poráčsky potok. Among the protected species, one can find the Carpathian bellflower, the Moldavian monkshood, the alpine clematis, or the Slovak pasque flower. In the forests and meadows, red deer, roe deer, wild boar, lynx, fox, and especially in recent years, the wolf find their home.

The national natural monument Červené skaly is protected by the 5th and 4th levels of protection, therefore the territory can be visited only within marked hiking trails, cycling and cross-country skiing routes, and economic activity is prohibited here. The canyon of the Poráčsky potok is best accessible from the villages of Slovinky and Poráč. A foot crossing from one village to the other through the Poráčska dolina takes approximately two and a half hours and is an undemanding hike with an elevation gain of 319 m.

Make the most of your time spent in Červené skaly

In the vicinity of the nature reserve, there are many natural attractions such as the Šarkanova diera cave. For those who will have a taste for a bit of history after a walk in nature, the Markušovský hrad in Markušovce or the Banský skanzen in the village of Hnilčík are nearby. It is also not far to Spišská Nová Ves, which offers a zoological garden, or to Spišské Podhradie, where besides the Spišský hrad, there is also St. Martin's Cathedral (Katedrála sv. Martina).

Book your accommodation near the Červené skaly nature reserve and get to know this area more closely. You will be closest to the rocks if you stay in one of the cottages in Poráč. If these facilities are occupied, try browsing the offer of apartments in Spišské Vlachy or other accommodation in Jamník. A bit further away, in Spišské Podhradie, you will also find other quality accommodation options. Just choose a date and you can start looking forward to a wonderful trip.