The Slovak Paradise is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and romantic gorges in Europe and even one of the most popular among European tourists. If you have outgrown the Austrian or Slovenian gorges, do not hesitate to visit Slovakia's number one hiking destination. An unforgettable experience, a real adventure awaits you that you will not easily forget.
Steep rock walls, breathtaking waterfalls, the depths of dark, mysterious forests, caves, sunny, colourful meadows, a world of wonders, a kind of Paradise atmosphere where all the beauty can be found.
Quick Details
There are plenty of hiking options in the gorge, yet it is difficult to find all the necessary information online.
Sign in to enjoy an ad-free experience and stay up-to-date with our latest features.
| Slovak Paradise | Details |
|---|---|
| Season | Jan-Dec |
| Admission | 1-2 euros / day |
| Numbers of gorges | 6 gorges |
| Gorges | Zejmarská roklina, Velky Kysel, Sucha Bela, Stredne Piecky, Velky Sokol, Sokolia dolina |
| More attractions | Hornad, Dobšiná Ice Cave |
| Min age | 8 yrs |
| Barrier-free? | No (no wheelchairs, nor strollers) |
| Dog-friendly? | Gorges no, park yes |
| Website | slovenskyraj |
| Mountain rescuers | +421 18 300 |
| Location | Stratená, Slovakia |
| Bratislava distance | 4,5 hours, 350 km |
Photos
Map - Where is the Slovak Paradise?
Slovensky raj is a mountain range in Eastern Slovakia, as part of the Western Carpathians. It is located between the towns of Spišská Nová Ves in the north and Dobšiná in the south. The national park is located only just 4 hours from Bratislava. The closest major city is Kosice.
- Distance from Kosice: 70 mins / 100 km
- Distance from Poprad: 15 mins / 15 km
- Distance from Bratislava: 4 hours / 350 km
Although many people are mistaken, the Slovak Paradise is not part of the Tatra National Park. The misunderstanding may be that the two areas are very close, only 30 kilometres away.
You will find the Tatras near the Polish border, while the Slovak Paradise is further inland.
Admission and daily ticket
Access to the gorge is subject to the purchase of a day ticket. It is possible to buy day, three-day and five-day tickets. Have cash with you!
You can buy tickets at the entry points in the car parks every day during the season. If you are staying in a hotel, you may want to ask the hotel or your host where to buy tickets.
| Slovak Paradise ticket prices | Day ticket | 3-days ticket | 5-days ticket |
| Adult (15-62 yrs) | 1.50 € | 3.50 € | 6 € |
| Children (below 15 yrs) | 0.50 € | 1 € | 1.5 € |
| +62 yrs | 0.50 € | 1 € | 1.5 € |
| +70 yrs | free | free | free |
| Kids under 6 yrs | free | free | free |
More about Slovensky Raj
The Slovak Paradise National Park is a protected area (nearly two-thirds of which is gradually protected) on nearly 20,000 hectares embedded in the Košice-Spiš Ore Karst.
The region has been divided by the Hernád River and the beds of several streams into smaller and larger areas, which over the millennia have formed the fairytale dazzles of the Slovak Paradise with its valley gorges and waterfalls.
The average height of the ridges and plateaus here is 800-1000m. Its lowest point is where the Hernád leaves the area (466m), and its highest point is the 1157 meter peak of Raven Rock.
There are several limestone formations on the plateaus - gorges, underground caves (eg Dobšiná Ice Cave), and lookout points (eg Tomasovsky vyhlad Lookout), which add some colour to your stay.
The Slovak Paradise is a real gem among hikers. The relatively small national park (exactly 19,763 hectares) is famous for its unspoiled countryside, gorge system, Hornad gorge, and lush forests. The area was designated a national park in 1988.
The gorges laced with waterfalls provide a fantastic view. Conquering most of the steep gorge valleys requires some hiking experience, but luckily some gorges are easier to navigate. No matter what hiker you are, you won’t be bored, and you won’t have to stay home. You are sure to find a challenge that suits your level.
Hiking in the Slovak Paradise
Hiking n the gorges are only permitted in one direction, as indicated by a small arrow on the maps. In practice, this means there is no possibility of turning back if you are tired, etc.
Hiking in the gorges is made possible by planks, metal trays, and metal ladders attached to the rock wall, sometimes 10-20 meters high and leading to waterfalls.
How difficult are the gorges?
- Easy hike = typically a half-day hike with little elevation. An easy-to-follow route with safely built-in elements. Requires minimal orientation skills and can be walked with children over 8 years of age.
- Intermediate = half-day tours, sometimes with difficult routes, where the next step/catch is not always clear. The road is secured, but you must find a place for your feet and hands. A confident sense of balance and good stamina are required; recommended for children from 10 to 12 years of age.
- Demanding = full-day hikes where endurance puts you to the test in addition to exposure. We recommend it to well-prepared hikers with confident coordination on rocky terrain, a high degree of orientation, and good fitness.
TOP Attractions
The park has 6 gorges, but we also need to mention the Hornad gorge and the Dobšiná Ice Cave. These 8 attractions are the most popular parts of the park.
Exploring the Klastorska, Zejmarska, and Velky Gorges requires no special hiking knowledge. The Dobšiná Ice Cave also can be completed with an average physique.
The gorges of Sucha Bela, Piecky, Velky Sokol, Sokolia, and the Helladu Breakthrough (Prielom Hernadu) are harder to hike and recommended only for those who are in good physical shape.
#1 Zejmarská roklina gorge
This round trip is perfect for the first day to get acquainted with the beauties and challenges of the Slovak Paradise. The gorge in the southern part of the Slovak Paradise National Park is the shortest. In the gorge, you can go up in one direction. It is also recommended for children from the age of 8-10.
| Zejmar Gorge | Details |
| Hiking route | Doklina - Zejmar gorge - Gerava-plateau - Doklina |
| Address | Biele Vody 268, 053 76 Mlynky, Slovakia |
| Length | 5,3 km |
| Duration | 2 hours (plus resting time) |
| Level difference | 248 m |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Min age | ~ 8 yrs |
| Attractions | Reservoir (vodná nádrz Palmanská Masa), Nálepká Waterfall (22.5m), Gerava plateau |
#2 Vel’ky Kysel
Our tour starts from Podlesok and returns here, touching the great Kysel Gorge and the plateau of the Red Monastery.
Spectacular gorge tour from Podlesok to the long-closed, incredibly wild Kysel gorge through the plateau of the Red Monastery and then up the medium-long valley of the Vel’ky Kysel, which offers many challenges, climbs, and ladders.
| Velky Kysely gorge | Details |
| Route | Podlesok - Kláštorisko - Kysel - Velky Kysel - Glac - Podlesok |
| Address | 053 15 Hrabušice, Slovakia |
| Length | 14 km |
| Duration | 5,5 hours |
| Level difference | 680 m |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Min age | ~ 10 yrs |
| Attractions | Pawlas Falls (the ladder can be reached by bridges), Conservation Falls (10 m, 24-degree iron ladder, 9 rock trays) |
In 2016, the Kysel Gorge was opened, made even more special by the category “C” via Ferrata route in the lower part, which can be used from 15 June to 31 October.
#3 Velky Sokol
Great Falcon Valley
Our journey starts and ends at Pila. After hiking through Velky Sokol, the route returns by touching the Pals ridge.
| Velky Sokol Gorge | Details |
| Route | Pila - Velky Sokol - Pals ridge - Pila |
| Address | 053 15 Hrabušice, Slovakia |
| Length | 17,2 km |
| Duration | 5,5 hours |
| Level difference | 411 m |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Min age | ~ 10 yrs |
| Attractions | Several waterfalls, 57-degree iron ladder, Roth gorge |
#4 Stredne Piecky
The Piecky gorge is the quietest and most peaceful one in the Slovak Paradise. Our journey starts from Pila, returning here with the touch of the Piecky gorge and the Pals Ridge. The tour is 3 hours 40 minutes officially, but let’s spend 5 hours on it.
| Piecky valley | Details |
| Trail | Pila - Piecky valley - Pals ridge - Pila |
| Address | 053 15 Hrabušice, Slovakia |
| Length | 11,9 km |
| Duration | 4-5 hours |
| Level difference | 411 m |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Min age | ~ 10 yrs |
| Attractions | Large waterfall (13 m), Terrace waterfall (8 m), 8 rock trays, Cascade waterfall |
#5 Sucha Bela
The Dry gorge
Sucha Bela is one of the most beautiful hikes in the Slovak Paradise, which requires no special training and can be completed with older children. However, a secure balance and dizziness are essential here as well. Your journey starts from Podlesok and ends there as well.
| Sucha Bela | Details |
| Route | Podlesok - Sucha Bela - Podlesok |
| Address | 053 15 Hrabušice, Slovakia |
| Length | 10 km |
| Duration | 3,5 hours |
| Level difference | 419 m |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Min age | ~ 10 yrs |
| Attractions | Waterfalls (29.5 m - 8.5 m) |
#6 Sokolia Dolina
Falcon Valley
The most difficult, biggest test of the Slovak Paradise. A real, unadulterated, wild, and romantic valley. It is only open to those who are not afraid of real heights.
Even getting to the entrance is complicated and lengthy. But in the end, there is the breathtaking sight of the reward it deserves, the Veiled Waterfall (Závojový vodopád) and the depths unfolding before us from the plank bridges stretching above it. Your journey starts from Cingov, following the Hernad gorge you reach the gorge, after which it ends at Cignov as well.
| Sokolia Dolinka | Details |
| Route | Route Cingov - Hernad Breakthrough - Sokolia Dolinka - Cingov |
| Address | 053 13 Letanovce, Slovakia |
| Length | 13 km |
| Duration | 7.5 hours |
| Level difference | 700 m |
| Difficulty | Demanding |
| Min age | ~ 14 yrs |
| Attractions | 75 m ladder system and several waterfalls |
#7 Prielom Hornadu
Hernad Breakthrough
The tour starts from Čingov, arrives at the Red Monastery through the Tomasovsky vyhlad, touching the Letanfalva mill, the Monastery Gorge, and then returns to Čingov via the Devil's Ridge through the Hernad gorge.
| Hornad gorge | Details |
| Route | Cingov - Tomasovsky vyhlad lookout - Letanfalva Mill - Monastery Gorge - Red Monastery - Devil's Ridge - Hernad gorge - Cingov |
| Address | 053 15 Hrabušice, Slovakia |
| Length | 14,3 km |
| Duration | 5,5 hrs |
| Level difference | 700 m |
| Difficulty | Demanding |
| Min age | ~ 14 yrs |
| Attractions | Tomasovsky vyhlad lookout, Letanfalvi mill, Monastery Gorge, Red MonasteryDevil's Ridge, Hernad Valley |
#8 Dobšinská ľadová jaskyňa
Dobsina cave
The Dobsina Ice Cave is the largest icy cave in Slovakia. The entrance to the cave can be reached on foot from a forest road for about 800 meters. The cave can be visited in groups with a local tour guide.
| Dobsina Ice Cave | Details |
| Parking | 049 71 Stratená, Slovakia |
| Phone | +421 52 339 1627 |
| Website | http://www.ssj.sk/ |
| Duration | 1,5 hours |
| Length | 1,66 km |
| Level difference | 111 m |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Min age | 8 yrs |
The cave was created 5-7500 years ago, and it has been listed as a World Heritage Site since 2000. It is 1483 meters long and reaches a width of 112 meters. In some places, the ice in the cave is more than 26 m thick.
Weather
The spectacular gorge valleys and passes are worth visiting in winter and summer, both of which offer an unforgettable experience.
Most of the gorges are narrow, so the sun is less able to heat the inside of the gorges. The average temperature in July is only between 12-16 C. One thing is for sure, you don't have to worry about heatstroke.
The region is reached by the so-called rainy zone of the High Tatras, mainly in the Poprad Basin and the Hernad Basin. The average annual rainfall in the heart of the National Park (around Podlesok) is 648 mm, with the wettest in the summer and the driest in the winter.
Due to the heavy rainfall, the water roars wildly through the deep gorges and gorges, falls down the rock thresholds in the form of stepped waterfalls, and then penetrates under the earth's crust to form magnificent cave systems there.
- Check the weather forecast here before you leave.
Winter
Due to its microclimate, the karst region is relatively cool. You can count on an average of 78 snowy days a year, which is good news for those who like winter sports. Not too far, there is also a ski slope.
Be sure to bring gloves with you in winter! Bring spare gloves with you if one gets soaked, have something to change. The metal and wooden railings and handrails will be cold, so keeping your hands warm during the gorge hike is a must! Prefer five-fingered, ribbed, waterproof gloves to hold on more securely.
- The park is open during winter.
Getting there
By car
The Slovak Paradise is found in the eastern part of Slovakia, southeast of the Tatras and Poprad. Using GPS to approach the National Park is recommended, as it is not easy to spot the signposts on the winding road between the small villages.
If you are coming from Bratislava, it is worth using the D1 motorway, then at Poprad on the Hrabušice / Spišský Štiavnik south (number R1 / 18) at Kišvice take road 3227, where you will leave Hrabušice for Paradise to the entrance.
The northern part of the region is the most popular for tourism (Podlesok, Cingo), which can be reached by car or bus on winding roads in the region's villages.
By train and bus
By public transport, it is advisable to get to the area's larger citiess by train, and from there you can reach the Slovak Paradise National Park by bus. In that case, you will have to walk.
- Hrabušice stop (3 km)
- Vydrník (3 km)
- Spišská Nová Ves (16 km)
- Spišský Štvrtok 5 km
- Spišský Štiavnik (6 km)
- Betlanovce (3 km)
Accommodation
The settlements near the National Park offer accommodation in the framework of rural tourism, emphasizing the offer of local delicacies. You will find smaller hotels and apartments in the area.
If you are looking for accommodation nearby, you may want to look for accommodation in these settlements:
- Hrabušice
- Spišská Nová Ves
- Dedinky
- Vernár
- Stracena
- Mlynky
Hotels
Apartments
There are also many apartments to choose from nearby. It varies how much the accommodation costs, depending on where you go. The high season is from June to September, during the school holidays.
Apartments or rooms for two people are available from 60 euros per night. The price does not usually increase if you bring the kids.
Camping
For those more connected to nature, some campsites and chalets provide shelter deep in the heart of the Slovensky Raj. The most significant of these campsites are:
Wooden houses, shelters
Tips and advice
- Boots: Crossing the stream is usually provided by a wooden bridge. This, if wet, is quite slippery, and most bridges have no limit, so if it’s easier to solve, you have to cross the creek in boots; it’ss not worth avoiding the water because sooner or later our shoes will get you anyway. How much you can control is by going where you feel safest and wearing footwear that is non-slip and waterproof.
Waterproof, closed shoes are recommended, and a raincoat.
- Drinking water: When planning a tour, remember that the gorge is shady and cool, but you can get a big temperature difference from there. Have the right amount of fluids and sunscreen.
- High water level: At high water levels, signs typically alert us to increased caution, as information boards indicate the direction of the gorge. There are other ways to get to your destination from each gorge.
- Mountain Rescue Service: All important, up-to-date information is available in the app of the Mountain Rescue Service (Horská Sluzba), where you can also find out about possible risks and dangers.
Have the phone number: +421 18 300, in case of danger the phone number of the Mountain Rescue Service !!!
- Agoraphobia: Dizziness is important! If you have space or are afraid of heights, we only recommend exploring the southern part of Paradise. Nor is there a shortage of stunning natural beauties.
- Map: We recommend the tourist map TP2504 Slovak Paradise (Slovenský raj). The scale is 1: 25,000.
Slovak Paradise with children
Think carefully about whether you are going on a hike with a child aged 5-6. Kids under 8 yrs old may not be able to reach the chains or climb the countless ladders.
Application (app)
It is important to prepare for the tours. You can download the Slovensky Raj app (currently € 3) if you have an iPhone. The language of the application is English.
Thank you for reading this long post. We hope you found the answer to all your questions. We are happy to hear about your experiences; feel free to share them.