Slovak Paradise National Park
Národný park Slovenský raj
A national park famed for climbing waterfall gorges via iron ladders, chains and wooden walkways. The Suchá Belá and Hornád gorges are the classics.
Slovak Paradise is a group of gorges cut into a limestone plateau. The classic Suchá Belá Gorge starts at Podlesok near Hrabušice. Following the stream upward, you climb several sections of iron ladders and footholds, taking about 2 hours one way. A loop back takes the full trip to about 4–5 hours. Another popular route is the Hornád River Gorge, where you traverse the river along iron chains and footholds fixed to the cliffs. Inside the gorges, ladders are one-way (uphill only), and a small park fee is charged. The park is about 40 minutes’ drive from Starý Smokovec. Sturdy non-slip hiking boots are recommended.
Opening hours
Open all day (entry fee at the gate)
Nearby sights
- Dobšinská Ice Cave
- AquaCity Poprad
- Spišská Sobota
- Wooden Articular Church in Kežmarok
- Kežmarok Castle
- Levoča
- Tatranská Lomnica
- Starý Smokovec