National parks Slovakia

The Tatra National Park (TANAP)

The TANAP is the oldest among the nine national parks of Slovakia. It was established in 1948. The area of the National Park is 74,111 ha, and the area of its protection zone is 36,574 ha. It consists of two parts: Eastern (the High and the Belianske) and Western Tatras. The relief was formed mainly by glaciers, which created valleys with wide glacial cirques and lakes on their bottoms. The Veľké Hincovo Pleso (the Great Hincovo Lake) is the biggest and deepest of the Tatra mountain lakes, being 54metresdeep. The highest in elevation and the most famous part of the mountains are the High Tatras with the highest peak of the entire range - Gerlachovský peak (2,655 metres above the sea level). The longest waterfall - Kmeťov vodopád (Kmeť Waterfall, 80 metres) can be found in the valley. From the abundance of caves, only Belianska Cave (1,752 metres long) is open to public. 600 kilometres of marked hiking trails are available for tourists. Almost two thirds of the territory is covered by forests. Among the trees, the common spruce is the dominant one, but also the Scottish and Swiss pines, Polish larch and dwarf mountain pine are abundant. Maple and beech trees occur in the park as well. The Tatra flora is diversified; for example alchemilka morskooká (Alchemilla oculimarina), voskovka holá tatranská (Cerinthe glabra tatrica), prvosienka dlhokvetá širokolistá (Primula halleri ssp. platyphylla) and others grow here. From the great variety of animals, the mountain species are the most attractive ones, e.g. mountain chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra tatrica), being the symbol of Tatras, and mountain marmot (Marmota marmota latirostris). The snowy vole (Chionomys nivalis) and from birds the golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) are also typical for the area.

The Low Tatra National Park (NAPANT)

Considering its area (72,842 hectares), the NAPANT is the largest national park in Slovakia. The area of its protection zone is 110,162 hectares. It was established in 1978. The Low Tatras Mountains is a large range oriented in the East - West direction, being almost 100 kilometres long. Its highest peak is Ďumbier (2,043 metres above the sea level). The saddle Čertovica divides the mountains to its Western part called Ďumbierske Tartry (Ďumbier Tatra mountain) and Eastern part named Kráľovohoľské Tatry (Kráľovohoľské Tatra Mountain). The massif of Kráľova Hoľa is a spring area of three Slovak rivers - Váh, Hron and Hnilec. For thousands of years, the waters have been forming here a subterranean world that may be admired in caves, which were open to public (Demänovská Cave of Freedom, Demänovská Ice Cave, Bystrianska and Važecká Caves). The Demänovský cave system is the longest one here, having a labyrinth of corridors that are altogether 23 kilometres long. The largest permanent and natural glacial lake is the Vrbické Pleso lake located in the Demänovská Valley.

Forests cover approximately 70% of the National Park's area. They range from the mixed forests of lower elevations to the mountain spruce forests and dwarf pines of higher elevations. The forests are replaced by mountain meadows at the highest altitudes. The flora of the area is represented for example by cyclamen (Cyclamen fatranse), gentian (Gentiana clusii) and daisy (Aster alpinus), but also edelweiss (Leontopodium alpinum) may be found here. The large area of the park and the variety of conditions make the life of an abundance of various animal species possible, e.g. brown bear (Ursus arctos), the symbol of the National Park, lives here, and the water streams provide conditions for the life of otter (Lutra lutra). The rocky part is inhabited by the mountain chamois of Tatra origin (Rupicapra rupicapra tatrica), and marmot (Marmota marmota) lives in the mountain meadows zone.

The Slovenský Raj (Slovak Paradise) National Park

The Slovenský Raj National Park was established in 1988. The area of the park is 19,763 hectares; the area of its protection zone is 13,011 ha. It is located in the SE part of the Slovenské Rudohorie mountains. Tablelands, deep canyons, gorges, waterfalls, surface karst formations and subterranean spaces with dripstone and ice decoration are among the typical phenomena of the landscape. The highest in elevation is Predná Hoľa peak (1,545 metres above the sea level). The most famous gorges are Suchá Belá, Piecky, Sokol and Kyseľ with a number of waterfalls. The tablelands Glac, Geravy, Pelc and Skala are remnants of the originally flat relief. There are approximately 200 caves and chasms here; from caves, only one -Dobšinská ľadová jaskyňa (Dobšinská Ice Cave) - is open to public. This cave has been known since 1870.

The 11 kilometres long valley of Hornád was formed by rapid waters breaking through the rocks; the valley is considered to be an interesting geomorphologic phenomenon. Almost the entire area is covered by forests, from which beech and altered spruce forests prevail. Daisy (Aster alpinus), pulsatilla (Pulsatilla slavica), prvosienka holá (Primula auricula) and bellflower (Campanula carpatica) are only a few examples of the abundance of flora species growing in this area. The countryside is enriched by the presence of a variety of animal species with an abundance of butterflies, songbirds and birds of prey - orol krikľavý (Aquila pomarina), windhover (Falco tinnunculus), eagle-owl (Bubo bubo), black stark (Ciconia nigra), and others. Large carnivores, such as brown bear (Ursus arctos) and lynx (Lynx lynx) have found their home in the deep forests. The rocks of gorges provide life conditions for the mountain chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra).

The Pieninský National Park (PIENAP)

The Pieninský National Park is the smallest one in Slovakia, but it is rich in natural values and picturesque landscapes. It was established in 1967. The area of the park is 3,750 hectares and the area of its protection zone is 22,444 hectares. It is located in Eastern Slovakia, in the cliff zone of Pieniny. The wide protection zone is a part of the Spišská Magura mountains. There is a deep and curving valley of the river Dunajec that breaks through the rocks; the national park is famous for beautiful scenery along the river. The Polish massif of Trzy Korony (982 metres above the sea level) is the symbol of the Pieniny mountains. The highest peak on its Slovak part is Plašná peak (890 metres above the sea level), and very well known is Holica peak with its legendary Seven Monks rock towers that are as tall as 80 metres. Aksamitka cave is the most famous one in the Haligovský karst area; the cave received its name after the captain of brethren troupes who, according to legends, used to hide here.

The territory of the PIENAP is covered by well-preserved fir-beech forests, and original pines grow on the rocks. The Polish larch (Larix decidua ssp. polonica) and rarely even Irish yew (Taxus baccata) can be found here. The following flora species are among the most valuable: Pieniny chrysanthemum (Dendrathema zawadskii), absinthe (Artemisia absinthium var. calcigena), horčičník pieninský (Erysimum pieninicum), bluebottle (Centaurea triumfetti subsp. pieninica), savin (Juniperus sabina). The speciality of Pieniny is spirea (Spiraea media subsp. Media). From the rich variety of animal species the following ones need to be mentioned: locust (Isophya pienensis), from butterflies jasoň červenooký (Parnassius apollo), from bugs fúzač alpský (Rosalia alpina), from carnivores lynx (Lynx lynx), sporadically visiting wolf (Canis lupus) and the otter (Lutra lutra) that has already turned into a very rare inhabitant of the river banks. From the rare birds, the following may be found here: orol krikľavý (Aquila pomarina), eagle-owl (Bubo bubo) and black stark (Ciconia nigra). Twenty fish species, including the rainbow sprout (Salmo gairdnerii) or hucho (Hucho hucho) - the king of rivers, live in the Dunajec river. Considering historical monuments, the medieval Červený Kláštor (Red Monastery) is intensively visited by tourists. The monastery was built in 1330; in the 18th century, monk Cyprian compiled an herbal book of Pieniny and Zamagurie area plants. This herbal book has been preserved up to now.

The Malá Fatra (Small Fatra) National Park

The area of the Malá Fatra National Park is 22,630 hectares large and the area of its protection zone makes 23,262 hectares. Beautiful countryside with a diverse relief, and with rich fauna and flora describe this National Park. Only the Northern part, Krivánska Fatra mountains, was given the status of a national park. Here, the highest peak is Kriváň (1,709 metres above the sea level), but the typical peak that dominates the range is Veľký Rozsutec (1,610 metres above the sea level) that is considered by many to be the most beautiful mountain peak of Slovakia. There are many other remarkable places in this national park, e.g. the Kryštáľová Jaskyna (Crystal cave) with calcite decoration, located under Malý (Small) Rozsutec peak; 38 metres long Šútovský waterfall; curving 7 kilometres long section of the river Váh cutting through the rocks between Dubná skala cliff and the village of Strečno, and others. More than three fourths of the territory is covered by forests ranging from beech to dwarf pine zone. The occurrence of oaks by the Starhrad castle ruin is an interesting phenomenon. In the variety and beauty of flora species, the following examples stand out as the most remarkable: gentian (Gentiana clusii), prvosienka holá (Primula auricula), klinček včasný (Dianthus hungaricus), lady's slipper orchid (Cypripedium calceolus), and there are many other. The fauna includes typical Western-Carpathian representatives. From rare birds, the following ones live here: golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), eagle-owl (Bubo bubo), black stark (Ciconia nigra), and many other. The forests are home for large carnivores, such as brown bear (Ursus arctos), lynx (Lynx lynx), wildcat (Felis silvestris) and predatory wolf (Canis lupus). In addition, the cultural values of the territory are very attractive; castles (Strečno, Starhrad), folk architecture (villages of Štefanová and Podšíp), and folklore that is connected with Jánošík, who is a Slovak national hero, may be enjoyed when visiting this park.

The Poloniny National Park

The Poloniny National Park is situated in the NE part of Slovakia, on the border with Poland and Ukraine. It was established in 1997 and its area is 29,805 hectares. The area of the national park's protection zone is 10,973 hectares. The extremely well preserved nature and typical character of the landscape were the reasons for including the territory of the national park among the biosphere reservations within the UNESCO Man and Biosphere program. The natural elements that dominate this national park are forests, mainly beech and fir-beech woods. Beautiful samples of preserved Carpathian virgin forests, with firs as old as 400 years, are among the greatest values of this territory. The most famous is Stužica virgin forest situated under Kremenec (1,221 metres above the sea level), the highest hill of the Poloniny mountains. Also, mountain meadows, called "poloniny" are something typical for this National Park. They are situated on the main ranges of Bukovské Vrchy hills. The altitude of their border range is 1,000 - 1,200 metres above the sea level, and it is a watershed that separates the river systems of Black and Baltic seas. The presence of Eastern-Carpathian species is typical for the flora of this territory. To mention a few, starček sírovožltý (Senecio papposus), hadomor ružový (Scorzonera rosea), Carpathian buttercup (Ranunculus carpaticus), purple hellebore (Helleborus purpurascens) and many other plants grow here. From amphibians, all species of newts live here; from reptiles, užovka stromová (Elaphe longissima) is the largest one; from birds: orol krikľavý (Aquila pomarina), red kite (Milvus milvus) and sova dlhochvostá (Strix uralensis) nest here. The amount of deer is regulated by carnivores, from which the predatory wolf (Canis lupus) is the symbol of this area. Living mostly on the Polish side of the range, mountain bison (Bison bonasus) and wetland moose (Alces alces) may be sporadically seen, in the case of crossing the border. Unique cultural monuments - wooden churches in the villages of Toplľa, Uličské Krivé, Ruský potok and Jalová - are also a part of the protected territory.

The Muránska planina (Plateau) National Park

The Muránska Planina National Park was established in 1997. The area of the park is 20,318 hectares and the area of its protection zone is 21,698 hectares. This karst upland plateau is situated in the Slovenské Rudohorie mountains, in the Central and Eastern Slovak borderland, and due to its remoteness, it has preserved its original natural character. Deep valleys with a number of waterfalls have been formed in limestone and dolomite rocks. The abundance and great variety of karst forms of the territory are represented by 170 caves, often with dripstone decoration or glaciations, 14 chasms with Michňova being the deepest (105 metres), 70 karst springs, number of sinks and also karren fields. Bobačka is the largest cave system, being 2,221 metres long and consisting of interesting subterranean spaces, siphons, subterranean lakes and dripstone decorations. Extensive beech and beech-fir forests are typical for Muránska Planina plateau, but planted spruce woods may be found here as well. There are a few planted pines on the top of the highest hill of the plateau - Fabova Hoľa hill (1,439 metres above the sea level). The flora with prevailing mountainous species is very rich as to its variety. The most interesting are the plants of rock habitats where the rare aromatic daphne (Daphne arbuscula) grows - this plant cannot be found in any other locality in the world. Similarly, fauna of this area is also very rich. An abundance of molluscs, bugs, butterflies and newts, including the eye-catching salamander (Salamandra salamandra), live here. Also, there is a rich variety of birds, including the rare golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) and the biggest among owls - eagle-owl (Bubo bubo), that nest in this area. Carnivores enjoy good life conditions in this national park as well. The caves are home for approximately 18 species of bats. The ruins of Muránsky castle with the famous Cigánka cliff, but also the castle at Predná Hora give some taste of history to this territory.

The Veľká (Great) Fatra National Park

The Veľká Fatra National Park was established in 2002. The area of the park is 40,371 hectares and the area of its protection zone is 26,133 hectares. This interesting and beautiful mountain range is situated in Central Slovakia; it is approx. 40 kilometres long and its highest peak is Ostredok (1,592 metres above the sea level). Its subterranean beauty is represented by Harmanecká cave that was discovered in 1932. Most of the territory is covered by beech and beech-fir forests. Wider connected areas of dwarf-pine (Pinus mugo) forests may be found in the area of Čierný kameň. The Veľká Fatra mountain range is considered to be the largest locality of Irish yew (Taxus baccata), an interesting poisonous tree, in Central Europe. This tree is a remnant from Tertiary period. To mention some examples of flora, the following ones are the most significant: edelweiss (Leontopodium alpinum), daisy (Aster alpinus), windflower (Anemone narcissiflora), but first of all the rare Fatra cyclamen (Cyclamen fatrense). In the bogs of the foothills, the bog bean (Menyanthes trifoliata), carnivorous round-leafed sundew (Drosera rotundifolia) and great sundew (Drosera anglica) grow. There is a rich variety of animals living here; good conditions are enjoyed by large carnivores, e.g. brown bear (Ursus arctos) and lynx (Lynx lynx), and by deer, e.g. Carpathian red deer (Cervus elaphus) and mountainous roe deer (Capreolus capreolus); in the rocky Gaderská Dolina valley, the mountainous chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) has found its home. To mention also some birds of prey, golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) and orol krikľavý (Aquila pomarina) live in the territory of the National Park. Regarding the cultural values of this area, the ruins of Blatnický and Sklabinský castles may be of an interest for those who visit them. The monument reserve of folk architecture - the village of Vlkolínec (a part of the park) - was included in the UNESCO list of World Natural and Cultural Heritage.

The Slovenský Kras (Slovak Karst) National Park

The Slovenský Kras National Park was established in 2002. The area of the park is 34,611 hectares and the area of its protection zone is 11,742 hectares large. Located in the SE part of the Slovenské Rudohorie mountains, it is the largest karst territory in Slovakia. The tableland area is dissected by rivers and streams to a system of plateaus with an abundance of surface and subterranean karst phenomena (karrens, karren fields, karst pits, caves and chasms).

The most well known caves that were open to public are: Domica, Gombasecká, Jasovská and Ochtinská Aragonitová (aragonite) caves. The last from the mentioned caves is a unique phenomenon of subterranean karst with an unusual and, considering its mineralogical structure, rare decoration consisting of clumps and small bushes of milky white aragonite. Also, the Silická Ľadnica chasm is quite unique because of its permanent ice decoration. The caves of Slovenský Kras and Aggtelek Karst in Hungary were included in the UNESCO List of World Cultural and Natural Heritage.

Most of the territory is covered by deciduous forests, with oak, hornbeam and beech prevailing. From a floristic point of view, the territory of the National Park belongs among the richest localities in Central Europe. Species such as rumenica turnianska (Onosma tornense), dog's tooth violet (Erythronium dens-canis), klinček včasný pestrý (Dianthus hungaricus subsp. pseudopreacox), and áron alpský štíhly (Arum alpinum subsp. gracile) grow here, and may be found only in the locality of the Slovenský Kras National Park. Rich conditions for the life of fauna have developed here under the impact of the vegetation.

This area is a home for the following animals: rare sága stepná (Saga pedo), praying mantis (Mantis religiosa), reptiles such as wall lizard (Lacerta muralis) and užovka stromová (Elaphe longissima), birds of prey such as saker (Falco cherrug), being the symbol of this area, orol krikľavý (Aquila pomarina) and orol kráľovský (Aquila heliaca). Bats are a significant part of the mammals living in this locality (from 24 species occurring in Slovakia, 22 were discovered here). The number of syseľ pasienkový (Citellus citellus) has decreased significantly. Slovenský Kras area was declared to be the first biosphere reservation (since 1977) in Slovakia. In 1995, 12 caves of Slovenský Kras area were included in the UNESCO List of World Natural and Cultural Heritage within the Slovak-Hungarian project: Caves of the Slovak and Aggtelek Karst.