5 things to do in Slovak Paradise Slovakia
Slovakia has 9 national parks. That’s quite a lot for such a small country of only 49,035 square km, right? The only national park famous for its many ladders and footbridges is the Slovak Paradise, written as Slovenský raj in Slovak. I’ve been to Slovak Paradise uncountable times but was never really taking photos until my last time in June 2017. Together with my dad we spent a few days traveling around Eastern Slovakia and one of the places we visited was also this national park. If you ever get to this area, what things should you do in Slovak Paradise Slovakia?
5 things to do in Slovak Paradise Slovakia
1. Dobsinska ice cave
Called in Slovak Dobšinská ľadová jaskyňa is the most visited cave in Kosice region. Together with Demanovska ice caves it’s one of the two ice caves open to public in Slovakia. Dobsinska ice cave was discovered in 1870 by Eugene Ruffinyi and already one year after in 1871 the cave was open to public. In 1887 electric lighting was installed in the cave making it one of the first European caves to have eletricity. In 1890 there was even a concert performed inside the cave. Until 1946 public ice skating was allowed in a part of the cave. Since 2000 the cave has been registered on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Definitely worth a visit.
Here’s my full article about Dobsinska ice cave with all the tips I have if you want to visit.
2. Zejmarska Gorge
Zejmarska Gorge is the shortest and one of the least difficult gorges open to public in the Slovak Paradise. It’s possible to hike though the gorge even with kids which makes it a great place for tourists of all ages. If you have at least some mobility and are not extremely scared of climbing ladders, then the Zejmarská roklina is a perfect hiking trail for you.
TIP: Read about my full experience of hiking Zejmarska Gorge in another article I wrote.
3. Dedinky
Dedinky is a small village located by the Palcmanska masa dam in the Hnilec valley (Hnilecká dolina). First written mention of the village dates back to 1380 when it was a mining settlement. Its name in Slovak literally means villages. I read that the village was divided into 2 brothers Imrich and Stefan by their father the Earl and thus got two names of Imrichovce and Stefanovce in the past. The village got its current name of Dedinky in 1933. Nowadays the village is still spread around the Palcmanska masa and has more parts, such as Dedinky – Dobsinska masa settlement on the other side of the Palcmanska masa.
4. Palcmanska masa
Palcmanska masa is the biggest and the most important water dam in Slovak Paradise. It was built on the river Hnilec in 1953 and covers the surface of 86.5 square metres. Its bottom lies at 764 m a.s.l. which makes it the coldest dam in whole Slovakia. Even in summer very few people swim in there which is what helps to keep the place quiet and enjoyable. No crowds, for sure. One of popular activities on the Palcmanska masa is boating and water bicycles. The dam is surrounded by beautiful hills you can look at while boating. Oh, and I’m sure you’ll find some ducks swimming around you, too.
TIP: Here are more of my photos from Palcmanska masa and Dedinky.
5. U Pelleho
When visiting the area you will get hungry, that’s for sure. If you are already in Dedinky, there’s no need to think twice about a place to eat. U Pelleho, or sometimes just called Pelle is a beautiful restaurant designed in a traditional rustic style. You will be amazed by the design, trust me. Pelle offers many traditional Slovak meals, such as pirohy or halusky, pizza, but also salads and soups etc. To my biggest surprise, they offer raw vegan cakes and can even make you vegan meals if you ask for them. I believe that the female owner, who is also the chef, loves playing with food and prepared me grilled and cooked veggies with tofu. Yum! I would have never expect any vegan meals in this area. The restaurant is adjacent to stunning guest house Pension Erika where we spent 2 nights at. We shared a very modern apartment there with my dad. It’s a strategic place to stay at in the Slovak Paradise as all the activities mentioned in this article are close by.
TIP: If this article hasn’t convince you to visit my home country, then have a look at my another article about 10 reasons to visit Slovakia. That one will. Sexy women at every corner :D
For more infomation about this part of Eastern Slovakia, visit Kosice region website. If you cannot choose what other destinations to visit, I recommend you unique UNESCO Sites in Eastern Slovakia. More information about them is on unesconadosah.
David Rainey
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Your enthusiasm for the area is evident in your writing. :)