by Jeroen M. A. Vogel

Created on: November 25, 2009

Slovakia is one of those countries which is often ignored by mass tourism. This may be a bad thing for the Slovakian economy, but guess what, it might be a good thing for those tourists going off the beaten track!

One of those places is Slovak Paradise National Park, not far from Poprad. The Park consists of a series of canyons created by fast flowing rivers. Bridges, ladders, grills and chains are part of the intensive network of hiking trails that brings visitors as close to nature as one can be. All this equipment makes Slovak Paradise less suitable for the faint-hearted, but at the same time increases the sense of adventure among those looking for it.

The North side of the Park is easily accessed from Cingov, where some hotels are located as well as a great parking facility (including buses). From the parking lot, simply follow the road which soon becomes a path that takes you into the Park. Youll cross a bridge over the Hornad River which can be followed for a duration of at least four hours and takes you all along the northern edge of Slovak Paradise. From here, you can also hike towards the Zavojovy Waterfall: the highest of all waterfalls in the Park with a staggering 70 meters. Ladders and bridges enable hikers to climb up the rocks next to the water smashing down. Its one of the most spectacular things to do and see on a day trip.

The South side of the Park has a different character than the North side. The surroundings of Dedinky, just like Cingov a small village with hotels and parking lots, are dominated by Palcmanska Masa, a water reservoir which allows boating and swimming during the summer. A hiking trail takes people into the NP and upto an icecave, Dobsinka ladova jaskyna. The cave is of such natural importance that it has been placed on the UNESCO List of World Heritage.

Slovak Paradise National Park measures only 20 kilometers from North to South and 14 kilometers from East to West, but this doesnt mean that its impossible to get lost. Hikers are warned to take sufficient supplies with them, by means of food, drinks and first aid equipment. Bears and wolves live in the park, but arent known for doing any harm to humans. However, never get in between a mama bear and her cub(s) as you will be at risk. Tracks of large animals can be found everywhere. Note that some hiking trails are one way only due to their steepness (its more dangerous to climb down than to climb up). Another warning involves the red trail. Do not follow it when it leaves the Park in the north. Up ahead, just outside of the NP, lies a Roma Colony where hikers have been harassed in the past (kids provoke, adults take revenge). The yellow trail bends off just in time. People have been reminded of the upcoming Roma Colony by all the garbage in a creek that flows down into the Park.

A good place to stay is the Park Hotel in Cingov. Their service is great, the location just wonderful and, more importantly, the rates are pretty low. Their restaurant serves next to everything you can think of; breakfast costs 5 euro and consists of a buffet. The Park Hotel can be reached by taking a train to Spisska Nova Ves and then simply take a taxi. A taxi costs round about 5 euro and is way more reliable than the scheduled bus service (which would include a 30 minute walk, too). To check out more information about the Park Hotel, visit www.parkhotelcingov.sk.

Slovak Paradise National Park is famous among Polish, Hungarian and Slovakian tourists. Now its time that the rest of Europe discovers the Park! And some of the rest of the country while you are at it

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