Slovenský raj (Slovak Paradise) is situated in the Eastern part of Slovakia. It borders Nízke Tatry ( Low Tatras) to the west and Hornádska kotlina to the north. The area of this national park occupies 20 000 ha.

Up to 90% of its area is covered by beech, beech-fur forests and spruce forests on the edge. Vertical inversion in gorges is the rarest phenomenon which can be found here. This inversion leads to the occurrence of warm loving species at the higher altitudes and cold loving species in the lower altitudes. There are almost 1000 plant species in this national park and 35 of them are protected like for example Ligularia Sibirica, Pulsatilla Slavica, Leontopodium Alpinum, commonly called Edelweiss and many other species.

There are more than 4200 animal species living in Slovenský raj. 130 of them are protected and 65 are endagered. Brown bear, Eurasian lynx, chamois, golden eagle or even the endangered heather cock – they all live here. Moreover, some bat species live in the caves of Slovenský raj.

There are also the so called “ quiet zones“ places which are not open to tourists and their function is to protect and preserve the original natural environment and endangered species.

Apart from the beautiful nature Sloenský Raj also offers the following activities:

WINTER CROSSING OF THE GORGES OF SLOVENSKÝ RAJ /January – February/

NONSTOP BIKE RACE – 333 OF SPIŠ EXTREME /July– August/

LITTLE MOUNTAIN QUADRATHLON IN SLOVENSKÝ RAJ /August/

Slovenský raj also offers the following interesting tips for trips:

Dobšinská Ice Cave (UNESCO) – the only cave in Slovenský raj which is open to tourists

Ascent of the highest church tower in Slovakia -  all you have to do is to overcome 155 steps of Roman – Catholic Church of the Assumption of Virgin Mary in Spišská Nová Ves and you will get a breathtaking view of the town, Slovenský raj, High Tatras and the Spiš region.

The ZOO in Spišská Nová Ves – the zoo is a home of more than 300 species such as leopards, tigers or lions. There is also a pavilion with aquarium, terrarium animals and arboretum.

A boat and a rickshaw ride from Dedinky to Stratená – a trip starting with a boat ride from the Dedinky train station to Stratená píla cottage settlement and then continuing with a rickshaw ride to Stratená. You can get back by rickshaw, boat , train or even on foot.

A rail trip to Červená skala – a really interesting trip from Margecany to Červená Skala. During this rail trip you will see 9 tunnels, 3 viaducts and more than 280 bridge structures. You can get the train from the following train stops: Dobšinská Ľadová Jaskyňa, Stratená, Dedinky, Mlynky and Hnilec.