National parks Telgárt

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.

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.