National Park of Slovensky Raj (Slovak Paradise)

The park, lying in the north-eastern part of Spišsko-Gemerský Karst, is a true natural paradise with mystical gaping gorges and deep canyons, carved by water in carbonate rocks.

The National Park of Slovenský raj situated in the eastern part of Slovakia contains one of the biggest ice caves in Europe and an attractive landscape of karstic plateaux, gorges, waterfalls and caves. The monuments that testify the oldest history of the region and the country are also here.

The national park with its administrative seat in Spišská Nová Ves is one of the youngest national parks in Slovakia. The unusually valuable landscape lying in the boundary area between regions of Spiš and Gemer enjoyed the status of a protected landscape area from 1964. The National Park of Slovenský raj occupying an area of 328 km² (126.64 mi²) obtained a higher degree of protection. Approximately one fifth of the national park is object of even stricter protection in form of 11 national nature reserves and 8 nature reserves.

The majority of nature reserves were established in 1964 with the principal aim to protect the most valuable gorges and valleys. The National Nature Reserve of Kyseľ calls attention with its area of 10 km² (3.86 mi²). One of the biggest ice caves in Europe Dobšinská Ice Cave, numerous narrow and deep ravines with waterfalls are abundantly visited every year. The most visited gorges are Suchá Belá, Veľký Sokol that proceeds into Róthova roklina gorge that is named after the pioneer of tourism in Slovenský raj and accessing its gorges prof. Martin Róth, Prielom Hornádu and Kyseľ. The rock protuberance providing wonderful views Tomášovský view or Kláštorisko with ruins of the Carthusian monastery are also among the most visited localities.

The prevailingly spruce forest, which covers 90% of the park area, is its most valuable asset. The base rock here is limestone and thanks to it, the local flora is remarkably varied. Animals are represented by 200 species, including the bear, lynx, wolf, deer and boar. Several species of rapacious birds nest in the rocks of the park.

The best points offering access to the park are the town of Spišská Nová Ves, tourist centres Čingov and Podlesok in the north and Dedinky in the south.