9 Sights You Have To See At Slovak Paradise National Park

Slovak Paradise is one of Slovakia’s nine national parks. The park is located in the east of Slovakia, near the breathtaking Spis castle. Nature lovers should absolutely not miss this park when visiting the country!

1. Dobinska Ice Cave

Park

The Dobinska Ice Cave received UNESCO World Heritage status in 2000 and is the only one of more than 300 caves in Slovak Paradise which is open to visitors. The ambient temperature in the cave is around 0°C, allowing ice to remain in the cave year round. The cave is 1,232 meters long and 112 meters deep, making it one of the largest ice caves in Europe. A visit to the cave is magical and you won’t easily forget the smooth blue and clear ice formations.

Dobšinská Ľadová, 049 71 Dobšinská ľadová jaskyňa, Slovakia

A visit to the magical Dobinska Cave is one of the top attractions in Slovak Paradise National Park! | © dariuszwozniak/WikiMediaCommons

Sucha Bela

Sucha Bela is the largest and most famous gorge in Slovak Paradise. Hiking here is made more fun by the use of ladders, chains, plank walkways, and bridges which help you navigate through the streams and waterfalls as you make your way along the path. Good hiking boots are absolutely necessary to navigate the slippery stones. We recommend doing this trail in the warmer summer months, as during later in autumn and early spring, there is sometimes ice on the trail, making it extremely difficult to navigate.

Klastorisko is a special site in Slovak Paradise National Park where you can find the ruins of a 13th century Cartesian monastery. Many tourist trails converge at Klastorisko, and you can also find a restaurant, restrooms, and cottages. Volunteers help renovate the monastery ruins every summer; you can get involved by visiting the Klastorisko volunteer page.

Zavojovy waterfall

You will find the highest (at 75 meters) waterfall in Slovak Paradise in the Sokolia Roklina gorge. The difficult path leading to the falls consists of chains and ladders, but the beautiful view is worth the effort!

Havrania Skala

Havrania Skala is the highest peak in Slovak Paradise at 1,156 meters. The peak is rocky and provides a nice view over the greenery of the national park. Hikers enjoy the bird’s eye views at the top towards the High Tatra mountain range, which is visible in the distance on clear days.

Tomášovský výhľad

This rocky outcrop offers one of the best photo ops in Slovak Paradise National Park. Pose here with friends or family with a canopy of thousands of trees and blue sky behind you. “Výhľad” means outlook or viewpoint in Slovak, and this is one of the nicest in Slovak Paradise.

Prielom Hornádu

Prielom Hornádu is one of the most popular hiking trails in Slovak Paradise, featuring seven metal bridges and ladders, about 320 meters of chain in the exposed rock walls, more than one hundred built-in stairs and about 70 meters of wooden footbridges which help hikers to navigate the creek bed. In winter, the water is often frozen and it is possible to traverse Prielom Hornádu using snowshoes or cross-country skis.

Several bridges and walkways help hikers navigate the beautiful scenery along the Hrdlo Hornádu trail

2. Rumanka restaurant

Park

Rumanka restaurant enjoys stunning views towards the High Tatra mountain range which visitors can enjoy while dining on their large covered terrace. Dining at Rumanka is a perfect way to refuel after spending hours hiking or skiing in Slovak Paradise. Slovak favorites like bryndza halusky and pierogis take center stage on the menu as well as a wide variety of grilled meats.

Podlesok 817, 053 15 Hrabušice, Slovakia

Enjoy Slovak favorites such as bryndza halusky at the Rumanska Restaurant after hiking or skiing! | © Gregoryfinster/WikiMediaCommons

Vernar ski

This small ski resort at the edge of Slovak Paradise features only three ski lifts and about 1,400 meters of marked ski trails. However, it is a perfect place for beginner skiers without any steep or extremely challenging runs. There is ski equipment rental on site and a ski school service as well.

Slovak Paradise National Park, Narodný park Slovenský raj

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