Slovak paradise - guide 
Transport - what is the best way to get to Slovak Paradise? Where can you find the nearest train stop?
Accommodation - where to stay in Slovak Paradise or nearby? Do you prefer a hotel, guesthouse, ranch or RV?
Practical advice - what should you watch out for and what should you take with you on a hike? Which cave or castle do we recommend to visit? What about the weather?
Slovak Paradise National Park is located in the eastern part of Slovakia in the Košice region. They established it in 1988 and it covers an area of approximately 197.63 km². The park is famous for its deep gorges, waterfalls, karst formations and rich fauna and flora.
The best way to get to the park is from the towns of Spišská Nová Ves, Poprad and the villages of Čingov, Podlesok and Dedinky.
Among the most famous deep gorges and canyons in the area are Suchá Belá, Prielom Hornádu, Veľký Sokol, Piecky and Kyseľ.
The park boasts several waterfalls such as Veil Waterfall, Giant Waterfall and Skok Waterfall.
There are many caves and chasms, including the UNESCO-listed Dobšinská ice cave.
The park is home to many rare species of plants and animals, such as lynxes, wolves, bears and various species of birds.
Slovak Paradise offers an extensive network of hiking trails that lead through gorges, around waterfalls and karst formations. The routes are well marked and often equipped with technical aids, such as ladders, footbridges and chains, which facilitate access to the most beautiful places.
Rock climbing is possible in some parts of the park. Climbers head mainly to the area of the Tomášovské vista. In winter, climbers can train here on frozen waterfalls.
The park offers several cycle routes that lead through less demanding terrain.
Transport
You can easily reach Slovak Paradise by car. The main roads lead to gateway villages such as Čingov and Podlesok. You can park in designated parking lots.
Buses and trains connect larger cities with villages around the park. The nearest railway station can be found in Spišská Nová Ves.
Accommodations
You can stay in one of the towns or villages around Slovak Paradise. From the municipalities in the immediate vicinity of the area, you can choose, for example, Spišská Nova Ves, Hrabušice or Smižany. Dedinky is the largest village directly in the national park. You can stay in apartments, cottages, guesthouses or hotels.
In Dedinky you can stay, for example, in the 3* Hotel Raj. The hotel offers a restaurant, bar, terrace and free private parking. Dobšinská ice cave is located only 12 km from the hotel.
Popular guesthouses include Chata Piecky, located right next to the hiking trails. You can relax on the adjacent meadow with barbecue facilities and a children's playground. Refreshments are offered in a local traditional restaurant with a fireplace. For an additional fee, you can enjoy the sauna, spa or hot tub or rent bicycles.
Wild west lovers will certainly be interested in Podlesok Ranch in Hrabušice. It offers accommodation with a garden, common room, terrace and free private parking. There is also a children's playground, restaurant, bar, sauna and hot tub. The room price includes breakfast - you can choose continental or kosher.
You can also find several campsites in the Slovak Paradise area. For example, Autocamping Podlesok is located directly in the national park. You can choose a smaller cabin for 5 people or a larger one for 6 people, in which they have a kitchen. At the campsite you can enjoy a garden with a terrace and a view of the mountains. There is also a children's playground and a mini market. For an additional fee, you can rent a bicycle, badminton, table tennis or barbecue here.
For a complete offer of accommodation in Slovak Paradise, we recommend using A-HOTEL.com.
Practical information
Follow the marked routes and respect the safety warnings. Some routes can be challenging and require a certain level of physical condition.
Take suitable hiking clothes and shoes. We recommend waterproof shoes and equipment for gorge hikes.
Respect the rules of the national park, do not pollute the environment and do not collect plants or animals.
Check the current weather before your trip. Some routes can be dangerous in bad weather.
Carry basic equipment such as a map, compass or GPS, plenty of water and snacks, a first aid kit and a mobile phone.
They charge a fee to visit one of the largest ice caves in Europe, the Dobšinské ice cave, but the visit is definitely worth it. We recommend booking tours in advance.
Near Slovak Paradise, you can visit Spišský castle, one of the largest castle complexes in Central Europe.
Mild to warm weather prevails in spring and summer, ideal for hiking and other outdoor activities. Average temperatures range between 15-25°C.
Autumn offers beautiful scenery thanks to the colorful leaves, it is starting to cool down.
In winter, some parts of the area can be difficult to access due to snow cover. Average temperatures drop below 0°C.