Slovak Paradise, a picturesque and gorgeous part of Slovakia, is a paradise for lovers of nature and adventure. The area is known for its rock formations and for gorges with ladders you can climb at will, giving you the feeling of a genuine adventure. Add crystal-clear rivers, charming trails, magical green forests and stunning views. In two days you have a unique chance to get into the extraordinary secrets of Slovak Paradise. Even a short trip here will give you plenty of intense, one-off experiences – just as it did for us last summer. Read on for five magical, astonishing tips on what to see and do in Slovak Paradise in two days.
Stredné Piecky: the secret of the underground world
We’ll start our trip with the Stredné Piecky gorge, where you get to meet a mysterious underground realm that will genuinely captivate you. A walk through this picturesque area involves jumping over streams, steep climbs up ladders and a unique chance to admire natural bridges and caves. Besides Stredné Piecky you’ll also pass through other areas – Predné Piecky and Biela dolina.
We particularly enjoyed this gorge. The number of ladders was brilliant, we walked along the riverbed and crossed streams here and there. Again, the number of people was very pleasant – and this was July, peak season. We were lucky, because in another very well-known gorge, Suchá Belá, it was hell – judge for yourself in this reel.
Zejmarská roklina: a gem of beauty and nerve
Another wonder you simply can’t miss is Zejmarská roklina. It was also our first gorge, where we got to experience the beauty and the point of those “ladders”. In a world where everything is being restricted, the gorges in Slovak Paradise National Park are a treasure.
Dramatic rock formations and crystal-clear water will charm you at first sight. Whether you pick the more demanding route for experienced walkers or a gentler stroll for beginners, exploring this gorge will absorb you completely. Although it looked like “just another gorge”, the opposite turned out to be true.
I’d highlight the almost complete absence of other people, the fun ladders and the well-earned reward at the end. We loved this gorge! 🙂
Tomášovský výhľad
Something you absolutely have to see in Slovak Paradise is Tomášovský výhľad. If you’re after a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape, don’t miss this lookout. It reveals stunning views over the green valley that pull you into a calm embrace. The climb is moderately demanding, so you can enjoy both the charming walk and the destination itself. Notice how the surrounding landscape curves – it can easily compete with the nearby High Tatras (not in metres, but in majesty).
The way up is a little harder, which makes the view at the top all the sweeter! Unfortunately there are no refreshments up there, so bring water if you can. You can reward yourself in nearby Spišské Tomášovce.
Adventure at Kyseľ: a via ferrata for everyone
For anyone after a serious adrenaline hit, there’s Kyseľ – home to the longest via ferrata in all of Slovak Paradise. Whatever your experience level, you can have an adventure on this steel route through the rocks. The views you’ll get up here are the reward for your nerve.
Paradise in the clouds: Kyseľ and its view over the whole region
If you have the strength and the appetite to continue your adventure through Slovak Paradise, let yourself be carried up to Kyseľské sedlo. The view over endless forests and countryside from up there leaves you with a feeling of blissful inner calm. The tougher climb takes some effort, but the reward of that incredible view is worth it.
Lesser-known but beautiful routes without the crowds
- Piecky – a quieter alternative to Suchá Belá, similarly beautiful waterfalls, fewer tourists.
- Veľký Sokol – the longest gorge in the park, few people, plenty of experiences.
- Kláštorská roklina – combines nature and history, leading to the Kláštorisko ruins (ideal with children).
Slovak Paradise through the year
- Spring and autumn: the best time – plenty of water in the waterfalls, fewer tourists.
- Summer: warm, but crowded. I’d recommend setting off early in the morning or in the evening.
- Winter: most gorges are closed, but there’s beautiful snowshoeing around Čingov. In the village of Mlynky the cable car and local ski slope usually operate.
Where to stay in Slovak Paradise
We’ll recommend one single place that left a mark on us. In the south of the national park, on the edge of the village of Mlynky, is the tucked-away family guesthouse Pod Guglom. It sits a short hop from the nearby town of Dedinky, popular for its lake. At the same time it’s close to Zejmarská roklina and on into the heart of Slovak Paradise.
And why this guesthouse in particular? The whole family’s approach, beautiful clean rooms and the general ease of the place are priceless!
How to get to Slovak Paradise
There are several ways to experience what Slovak Paradise has to offer over a few days. Option number one, and the most comfortable, is a car. With it you’ll do the journey in 6-7 hours. The driving time depends on your starting point, but yes, we said the same thing to ourselves: “In that time we could be in Croatia”.
So we went for the second option. Slovakia had been on our bucket list for a long time, so we chose the RegioJet night train (České dráhy run one too, and both operators offer sleeper cars). We set off from Prague to Poprad, from where we continued by bus into the heart of Slovak Paradise. The train journey took roughly 7-8 hours, and we all managed to get relatively decent sleep, eat and have a laugh.
From Slovak Paradise, definitely head to the Tatras as well, where you can have a bigger mountain adventure. Gerlach alone is worth it.
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