Easy hiking Zejmarska Gorge Slovak Paradise
Slovak Paradise (Slovenský raj in Slovak) is one of the 9 National Parks we have in my home country of Slovakia. It’s been a national park since 1988 and it offers some of the most interesting hikes in Slovakia. Some out of 300 hiking trails are more difficult, while the rest are easier. For example, hiking Zejmarska Gorge Slovak Paradise is one of the less difficult trails that almost anyone could do.
Slovak Paradise is famous for its waterfalls and gorges which you can cross climbing up many ladders and holding on to the chains.
10 facts to know about Zejmarska Gorge
1. Zejmarska Gorge (Zejmarská roklina in Slovak) is the shortest gorge in the National Park Slovak Paradise open to tourists.
2. It was open to public since 1963.
3. Its exact location is on the Southeastern edge of the Geravy plateau.
4. It’s the only accessible gorge in Southern part of the Slovak Paradise.
5. Since 1980 it’s a National Nature Reserve with the 5th level of protection (the strictest level).
6. Zejmarska gorge is very similar to the rest of the Slovak Paradise. Also there we can find ladders, footbridges, bridges, chains and other technical aids helping the tourists to hike.
7. To protect the area, hiking is allowed only inside the hiking trail.
8. The mouth of the g0rge is situated at 804 m a.s.l. and it finishes at the Geravy at 1032 m a.s.l.
9. Hiking the Zejmarska Gorge is one-way, just going up. On the way down you should take a different trail.
10. Hiking the gorge takes approx. 45 minutes. However, in worse weather, with more tourists, and slippery hills it can take a lot longer.
Hiking Zejmarska Gorge
As we were staying at the Penzion Erika (known for its amazing restaurant U Pelleho, or simply called Pelle) located in the village of Dedinky just a few metres from the Palcmanska masa, that’s exactly where we started our hike early morning. First, we made our way up the hill following the hiking trail underneath the old non-functional cable car. We made it up to the hill, then downhill through the settlement Mlynky – Biele Vody and towards the estuary of the Zejmarska Gorge situated on the left side of the road.
leaving Dedinky and Palcmanska masa
Mlynky – Biele Vody
The entrance to the gorge is where all the signs about it are located, and from there to the left to the forest following the hiking trail.
When we visited in June, there was not much water in the creek. It was great because the trail was not slippery and thus easier to climb. Less water in the cascades made the area safer to climb. We climbed up a couple of ladders and passed a spectacular huge rock next to the most famous waterfalls Nalepkove vodopady. Nalepkove vodopady were named after the Captain Jan Nalepka who was one of the leaders during the Slovak National Uprising in 1944, and who had lived in Mlynky – Biele Vody for some time.
Hiking Zejmarska Gorge in Slovak Paradise was a stunning and very relaxing experience. If my dad who has problems with his hips and walking managed to climb all the ladders and even enjoy it, we can highly recommend to visit Zejmarska roklina.
Connecting with nature always brings us more peace into our lives.
After hiking the whole Zejmarska Gorge, we got out of the forest at the Geravy plateau. It’s a beautiful plateau located at 1032 m a.s.l. with wooden benches to sit on. There’s also tables to have picnic on and a hotel with restaurant and toilets where you can refresh yourself.
I had some Purenuts nut snacks which are my favorite snacks to carry to the mountains, and dad ordered a soup at the restaurant.
Geravy plateau
Then we took another hiking trail down from Geravy right to Dedinky through the woods. The way back was faster as I was not taking many photos any more. What I remember the most from the trail back was a huge fallen tree and many little flowers along the trail. And then, obviously the view of Dedinky and Palcmanska masa once we trekked out of the woods.
Due to restricted time, we had to hike back to Dedinky. But if you have more time, you can take another trail from Geravy.
TIP: Check more photos from hiking Zejmarska Gorge in my photo album.
Zejmarska Gorge is one of the top things to do in Slovak Paradise mountains in Kosice region. For more places in the area, visit Kosice region website. And if you are interested in UNESCO sites, then check unesconadosah where you can find a list of UNESCO Sites in Eastern Slovakia easily accessible from Kosice. The closest UNESCO Site to Zejmarska roklina is Dobsinska ice cave.
