National parks in Slovakia
Slovakia boasts as many as 9 national parks. This is due to the Carpathian Mountains covering most of the northern part of the country. That is why it gives the ideal conditions for preserving rich biodiversity. So, exploring these parks on designated paths has its perks. These include breathtaking views from mountain tops, climbing gorges with waterfalls and visits to caves. Not only that, you can also visit castles and villages that represent Slovak culture and architecture.
Here is the list of all national parks in Slovakia, together with a map of Slovakian national parks for easier navigation!
Velka Fatra National Park
The national park of Velka Fatra, situated in central Slovakia, was established in 2002. Mostly as a reason to protect the Greater Fatra mountain range. Apart from its mountain territory with karst and valleys, it is also characteristic for its rich flora and fauna. Besides that, it is also the biggest locality of yew tree occurrence in Europe. The best way to explore it is by hiking. You can start from the Blatnica and Bela dulice villages, as well as from Ružomberok. From the latter, you can get to Malinne, one of the ski resorts in the national park. The last place you should dedicate your time is Vlkolínec. It is a city protected by UNESCO due to being an example of untouched folk countryside architecture of the Northern Carpathians.
Mala Fatra National Park
Mala Fatra National Park is situated in the westernmost Slovakian high mountains Lesser Fatra. It was protected in 1988 thanks to its varied geological history and relief forms including gorges, rock peaks and ridges. What’s more, its mountainous and forest terrain has valuable animal species such as lynx, wolf and bear. The most popular tourist attractions are hiking and visiting the waterfalls. So, to explore both, you can start your hike in Terchova all the way to the mountain top Maly Roszutec. In case you’re very adventurous go for Velky Roszutec, one of the most beautiful ones. On the way there, you will encounter ladders guiding you next to waterfalls and cascades in the Janošikove diery gorge. However, a better choice during the winter would be a visit to the ski resort Vrátna.
Low Tatras National Park
The Low Tatras national park lies in the north of the country, right below the High Tatras. More precisely, between the valleys of two rivers – Vah and Hron. It was established in 1978 and features many camping sites and ski resorts. The most popular one is Jasna Low Tatras ski resort. It is also the largest and one of the best ski areas in Central Europe. However, breathtaking views, waterfalls and forests are what lures tourists to its hiking trails. One such trail leads to the mountain top Chapok, the second-highest peak in the park after Dumbier. Interestingly, on a sunny day, both of them can give you a view of the whole country.
Tatra mountains
Muranska planina National Park
Muránska Planina National Park was established in 1997 to protect the Muránska plateau. It was surrounded by rocky hills and is rich in karstic phenomena like caves and springs. It is a very popular skiing and hiking destination. While skiing is more popular in the winter, in the summer months you should try hiking or cycling on designated routes. The most popular hiking trails include the one to Stozky and a shorter educational trail to the Muran Castle. The trail starts in Muran village and takes you to Ciganka hill, the center of the same-named nature reserve. What’s more, you can experience paragliding in a three-day event in August in Tisovec.
Pieniny National Park
Pieniny National Park was established in 1967, which makes it the second oldest one and also the smallest one of all. It stretches in the Pieniny Mountains, which are located in the southeast of the country, along its border with Poland. Furthermore, the park contains evergreen forests, green meadows and pastures. One of the best activities there is rafting on a flat-bottomed boat on the river Dunajec. There you will also see Dunajec Canyon and the beautiful forest around. Another interesting site within the park is the Red Monastery. It was named that way due to the red shingles of its roof, which was later converted to a museum.
Red Monastery
Poloniny National Park
Poloniny National Park was established in 1997. It is situated in the easternmost part of the country. Precisely, at the meeting point of three frontiers – Slovak, Polish and Ukrainian. The park is situated in the Bukovské Mountains mountain complex. Furthermore, the name poloniny refers to its unique mountain ridge meadows. Besides the rounded mountain ridges and valleys, the park mostly comprises forests. In fact, a special kind – beech and fir-beech forests, as well as primeval forests called Stužica, Rožok and Havešová. The latter three were included on UNESCO’s list of world natural heritage in 2007. As for the best starting point to explore the park, there is the westernmost village Nová Sedlica.
Slovak Karst National Park
Slovak Karst National park is situated in the Slovak Karst, a mountain range that is a part of the Carpathians. It is the second youngest Slovakian national park, having been declared in 2002. The park is known for its caves. Actually, 700 of them make up the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst”. The most popular one is the beautiful Domica cave. Its larger part is situated in the Aggtelek National Park in Hungary. However, you can explore it by boat here, as well.
Tatra National Park
The oldest of the national parks is situated in the north of Slovakia. Namely, it protects the only alpine-type mountains in the Carpathians – Tatra mountains. This mountain range of Eastern and Western Tatras, together with Tatras that stretch in Poland. It has been declared by UNESCO as a transboundary biosphere reserve. You can explore it by visiting the only cave open to the public among 300 of them – Belianska Cave. Besides, the park contains 100 alpine lakes, the most popular being Štrbské Pleso and Popradské Pleso. While the highest mountain peak Gerlachovsky stit is 2655 m high, peak Krivan is a symbol of the Slovak National Uprising. The park also offers diverse flora and fauna, including endemic species like Tatra chamois.
View of the Strbske Pleso and mountains.
Slovak Paradise National Park
Slovak Paradise National Park protects the area of the Slovak Paradise mountain range. It is a part of the Slovak Ore Mountains. It includes both the meadows and the forest with 300 km of hiking trails. The most popular one is Prielom Hornadu, equipped with bridges, chains and ladders for crossing gorges. Another breathtaking sight is the Tomasovsky view, easily accessible by a trail. Namely, it is a rock in the form of a terrace overlooking the High Tatras and Hornad Canyon. Also, the park has 350 caves and one of them, Dobinska Ice Cave, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
