Slovak Paradise National Park
Ladders and bridges through Europe's wildest gorgesDeep limestone gorges and wooden ladders define this protected area in eastern Slovakia. Visitors hike through canyons, past waterfalls, and explore 350 mapped caves.
In Slovak Paradise National Park, you'll climb metal ladders alongside the 30-meter Závojový waterfall, walk on platforms above the rushing Hornád River, and explore the ice formations in Dobšinská Cave. This eastern Slovak park has 300 kilometers of marked trails leading through limestone gorges where fixed metal bridges and chains help you navigate steep canyon walls.
Navigating the Gorges
Metal ladders, bridges, and chains fixed to rock walls help you traverse the park's limestone gorges. The 11.7-kilometer Prielom Hornádu trail follows wooden platforms above the Hornád River. In Suchá Belá gorge, you'll climb 400 steps and several tall ladders next to waterfalls during a 3.5-hour hike. The Kysel route includes metal cables and anchors where you must clip in with via ferrata equipment.
Technical Equipment and Safety
You need sturdy hiking boots with deep treads for all gorge trails. The metal structures become dangerous when wet or frozen, especially before 10 AM when morning dew hasn't dried. For Kysel gorge, bring a climbing harness, helmet, and via ferrata set with energy absorber. The park entrance fee includes mountain rescue insurance - €1.50 for adults and €0.50 for children.
Getting to Slovak Paradise
Park at Hrabušice Podlesok, 16 kilometers from Poprad. This main parking area connects to several trailheads leading into different gorges. Two tourist centers serve as starting points: Čingov and Podlesok in the north for accessing Prielom Hornádu and Suchá Belá, and Dedinky in the south for reaching the southern gorges.
Natural Formations and Wildlife
The limestone plateau contains 350 caves. In Dobšinská Ice Cave, a UNESCO World Heritage site, you'll see 110,000 cubic meters of ice forming columns up to 10 meters high. Brown bears, Eurasian lynx, wolves, and red deer live in the forest that covers 90% of the park. The Závojový vodopád waterfall drops 70 meters through a narrow limestone channel.
Planning Your Visit
Most gorge routes take 3-4 hours to complete. Follow the one-way system - arrows mark the permitted direction. Children from 5 years can complete Suchá Belá and Prielom Hornádu with adult help, while Kysel suits experienced hikers only. Visit between June and September for warm weather, or October-November for fewer visitors but temperatures around 5-15°C.
