The “Slovak Paradise” and its region

The National Park “Slovak Paradise” situated in the Eastern part of Slovakia was designated as preserved natural area in the year 1968 and in 1988 it was classified as national park on the basis of declaration of the Slovak government. It covers 19 763 ha with protected zone of 13 011 ha. Originally, the whole national park area was one big unified land, which gradually, over the years has been divided by the course of rivers (Hornád, Hnilec) and creeks (Veľký Sokol, Suchá Belá, Biely potok) into larger and smaller plains (Glac, Geravy).

Throughout the millenniums the smaller rivers and creeks in the “Slovak Paradise” have created very unique ravines with beautiful waterfalls (Kyseľ, Piecky, Sokolia valley, Zejmarská valley). On the plains you can find many karst formations – sinks, grikes, underground caves and holes (Dobšinská Ice Cave, Stratenská jaskyňa, Medvedia jaskyňa – Bear ´s Cave, Čertova diera – Devil´s Hole). The national park is surrounded by small towns and villages (Spišská Nová Ves, Markušovce, Spišský Štvrtok) with valuable historical landmarks and attractive tourist centres (Čingov, Kláštorisko, Podlesok, Dedinky). Hotel Petra is a great starting point for various one-day trips either within the national park and its surrounding region (Levoča, High Tatras, Low Tatras, Pieniny, the Spiš Castle, Plejsy, St. Jacob ´s Church in Levoča).