Where to go on a trip Ulič

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.

The tiny village of Hrabová Roztoka in the Snina district can boast a national cultural monument. Within its small area, it hides a wooden Greek Catholic church dedicated to one of the most significant Eastern saints. Chrám sv. Bazila Veľkého was built in 1750 and ranks among the best-preserved wooden sacral buildings in Slovakia. Come and see the magnificent iconostasis with icons depicting important church figures for yourself as well.

The church was built as a three-space, two-tower structure with two crosses. Its construction is log-framed and covered with shingles arranged vertically in horizontal bands. Turrets with three-armed crosses sit on both ends. Three bells are placed in the tower on the facade. The interior of the cerkev (wooden church) is mostly Baroque and dates from the mid-18th century. Its dominant feature is the aforementioned iconostasis consisting of four tiers. The first, main tier is formed by icons of St. Nicholas, the Mother of God Hodegetria, Christ the Teacher, and St. Basil the Great. The second tier of feast days is divided by an icon depicting the Last Supper. The third, apostolic tier features the icon of Christ the High Priest in its center. The final tier of prophets consists of six medallions with pairs of figures. The top of the iconostasis is formed by an inclined cross.

An interesting feature of this church is that it has been preserved in its original form up to the present day. In 2000, its exterior underwent extensive repairs, during which the entire roof was replaced, floors were cleaned, and the paint on the outer wooden cladding of the church was restored. The entrance doors, the altar table (prestol), two processional crosses, and a chest were repaired as well.

Since services are no longer held in the church, please announce your visit in advance by phone. You can combine the trip with hiking in the surrounding Vihorlatské vrchy mountains. If you feel like exploring further, set off to the village of Podhoroď and uncover the secrets of the easternmost castle ruin in Slovakia, Hrad Tibava.

If you are an adventurous type, head to the village of Ladomírov and gaze into the infinite universe through the largest astronomical telescope in Slovakia. Such an amazing experience will be brought to you by a visit to Astronomické observatórium na Kolonickom sedle.

Since we have already mentioned two "TOP" attractions of the Snina district, it is time to consider suitable accommodation. You can find a varied offer of accommodation near Drevený gréckokatolícky kostol sv. Bazila Veľkého v Hrabovej Roztoke on our page accommodation in Hrabová Roztoka. We wish you a wonderful stay full of interesting experiences.

Not far from Beňatinský kameňolom quarry in the village of Beňatina, in the district of Sobrance, you will find a natural monument hidden in the woodland. In its surroundings, there are fossils of bivalves and various molluscs. You can reach the travertine from the turquoise lake, which people compare to the Plitvice Lakes. Visit this natural phenomenon and its hidden corners.

Many visitors believe that Beňatinský travertín is the aforementioned lake itself. However, the travertine itself is hidden in the adjacent forest. Take a closer look and, among the leaves of the surrounding plants, you will see the most fascinating imprints and fossils of ammonites and other creatures. The location is a protected area within the Chránená krajinná oblasť Vihorlat protected landscape area. It was declared a natural monument back in 1989. The lake itself was formed after limestone mining ceased. Right upon arriving at the lake, Beňatinská veľryba will catch your attention. In the travertine wall above the lake, you will find an imprint resembling the body of a whale. The coloured layers of limestone create a unique phenomenon. This natural painting is unmissable.

The lake itself and the surroundings of the travertine will captivate you in every season. You can also admire the beauty of the surrounding nature during an ascent to the ruins of nearby castles. Embark on an easy hike to Hrad Tibava or Tibavský hrad in Choňkovce. Although very few historical sources have been preserved about these castles, their close proximity to one another is an interesting fact.

Did you know that the nearby Národný park Poloniny is a place characterized by the lowest light pollution in Slovakia? Thanks to this, it is home to protected and unique wildlife. Moreover, thanks to the minimal light pollution, you can enjoy a spectacular starry sky. Therefore, do not miss the Astronomické observatórium na Kolonickom sedle observatory.

Do you already have dates for your holiday? Choose from our range of accommodation around Sobrance and book accommodation near Beňatinský travertín. Whether you are travelling with friends or family, we believe you will fully enjoy the beauty of this region.

In the village of Podhoroď in the Sobrance district, there is a castle ruin from the 13th century. Above the former quarry, you will find the easternmost castle ruin in Slovakia. Tibavský hrad is also one of the smallest castles we have. Come and explore the castle ruins and surroundings from a height of 405 m a. s. l.

In addition to the ruin, the castle hill is home to the Podhorodský hradný vrch nature monument, which was declared as early as 1986. It protects a morphologically prominent cliff rich in vegetation growing on a limestone bedrock. During archaeological research, various ceramic objects and fragments from the 13th and 14th centuries were found in the ruin area.

However, already in the 14th century, the castle is mentioned in written sources as abandoned and desolate. At the very beginning of the 18th century, it was destroyed. The castle originally had an oval layout and a round tower was part of the structure. From it, you can see the preserved stone staircase and vaults. The existence of the courtyard is indicated by a wall and its remains.

We can reach the castle directly from the village of Podhoroď. From the meadow above the village, we continue along a forest path with a steeper climb. Although the climb is more demanding, it does not take long. You can reach the ruins of Hrad Tibava in about 10 minutes.

An interesting fact is that near the castle, approximately 4 km away, you will find another ruin. Tibavský hrad in Choňkovce dates back to approximately the 15th century. Unfortunately, neither of the castles has a preserved sufficient written history, and their close existence remains unexplained.

If you visit Zemplín, do not miss the icon of this region. The Zemplínska Šírava water reservoir is an ideal place for relaxation and peace. Enjoy the sun rays, water, or attractions. Try some of the water sports and spend an active day in a well-known location. Book your accommodation near Hrad Tibava and get to know the beautiful Zemplín.

Morské oko in Remetské Hámre is the largest lake in the Vihorlatské vrchy mountains. It even boasts the title of the third largest natural lake in our country. Ahead of it are only the Tatras tarns, Štrbské pleso and Veľké Hincovo pleso. Morské oko retains its natural charm, beautiful surrounding scenery, and a subtle touch of romance. To soak up the local atmosphere to the fullest, you must visit the Košický kraj region, specifically the Sobrance district.

In the past, the lake was known as Veľké Vihorlatské jazero. It lies at an altitude of 618 m above sea level. It covers an area of 13.8 ha and reaches a maximum depth of up to 25.1 m. Its origin is similar to its smaller brother, the nearby lake Malé morské oko. Landslides and volcanic rocks are responsible for its creation. The location where the lakes are situated belongs to the buffer zone of Chránená krajinná oblasť Vihorlat. This has also been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2007. Due to the 5th level of protection, please keep in mind during your stay at the lake that swimming, fishing, and other water activities are strictly prohibited.

Six permanent springs flow into Morské oko, along with several seasonal ones. Its stable water level is maintained by the Okna stream, which drains all excess water away from the lake. The lake, however, is a very interesting natural phenomenon. Thanks to this, the entire surrounding area of 108.48 ha has been declared the Národná prírodná rezervácia Morské oko, which is also part of the NATURA 2000 network.

The lake is very popular, especially with the youngest hikers. The crystal-clear water glistens beautifully, and beneath the surface, you will see larger and smaller fish flickering. There are also benches by the lake so you can relax completely during your trip. Although camping and pitching tents are forbidden here, you can certainly have a family picnic. Feel free to bring a blanket, a picnic basket full of goodies, and perhaps an interesting book. Some shores have grassy areas around them, perfect for such family bonding or lounging to the sound of rustling tree leaves. Keep in mind, however, that whatever you bring with you, you must take away. Littering this area with any trash is strictly forbidden.

When we mentioned that the lake is especially popular with children, we naturally also meant the way to reach it. It is accessible even to less fit hikers, seniors, or young children. From the parking lot, it is only about a 1 km walk with a gentle incline to the lake. It is nothing demanding, and the peace that prevails by the lake is well worth it. However, if you do not intend to just sit idly, you can set off on a walk around the lake. Your steps will lead directly through Vihorlatský prales, along a nice forest path.

During your stay at Morské oko lake, you will certainly not miss Sninský kameň. It rises to an altitude of 1,006 m above sea level and is one of the landmarks of the Vihorlatské vrchy mountains. From its summit, you will enjoy a truly captivating view of Vihorlat and its surroundings. From Hámre, both Zemplínske Hámre and Remetské Hámre. You can get there following the blue hiking trail. An educational trail with a length of 2.5 km and easy terrain also leads around the lake.

It is definitely worth coming here and spending some time by the magical, almost turquoise water of the natural lake. Book accommodation near Morské oko and thoroughly discover all its shores and their complex layout during your stay. If you find accommodation in Remetské Hámre, the locals will surely advise you on many other trip tips in the Sobrance district. All you need to do is grab a backpack, sturdy footwear, and a great holiday can begin.

Malé Morské oko is a lake in the very heart of the Vihorlatské vrchy mountains, which many still remember under its old name, Malé Vihorlatské jazero. This small lake was formed over time as soil and volcanic rocks slid down. Since 1993, together with its surroundings, it has been a natural monument with the highest level of protection. The surrounding area is known as Vihorlatský prales or Vihorlat. It is a protected landscape area, and since 2007, it has also been inscribed on the UNESCO list. The Morské oko site, which covers an area of 2.0623 ha, is also registered in the NATURA 2000 network.

You will find it at an altitude of 727 m above sea level, west of the well-known Morské oko. In the Vihorlatské vrchy mountains, Malé Morské oko is a firm “number two”. The second highest-located and also the second best-preserved lake in the area. Its surface area is 0.33 ha, with fluctuating water levels. It is home to various animals, including several protected species. Surrounding it are beech primeval forests with specimens that are over 240 years old, which are also the reason for the aforementioned UNESCO inscription.

You can reach Malé Morské oko in the Dolný Zemplín region via a moderately demanding hike. From the village of Zemplínske Hámre, follow the yellow hiking trail, passing through the Tri tably saddle and Jedlinka. From the village of Remetské Hámre, a hike along the blue hiking trail past the better-known Morské oko awaits you. Of the mentioned routes, the one starting in Zemplínske Hámre is less time-consuming, while the one starting in Remetské Hámre is easier to navigate.

When you want to come and see this beautiful small lake, you will need to visit the Košický kraj region, specifically the Sobrance district. The surroundings are a great attraction, so we definitely recommend a multi-day stay. To find suitable accommodation near Malé Morské oko, you do not have to search long. Simply click on the accommodation Remetské Hámre page, which will offer you a list of verified local accommodation providers from which everyone is sure to choose.