Information on Hiking.
HIKING.
In Slovakia there are over 12000 kilometres of well-kept hiking trails. There are many hiking opportunities in Slovakia in a variety of different outstanding National Parks.
In every one the natural landscapes are exceptionally beautiful, while each park has a distinctive identity. There can be few countries where walkers are better catered for than in Slovakia with signposting and colour-coded waymarking universally very good so with the appropriate guides/maps you should never be in any doubt about which way to turn!
Slovakia's national parks centre on the country's greatest natural resource: its mountains. From the alpine High Tatras down to the hilly Poloniny in the secluded northeast, this wide variety of mountains provides the lifeblood of the nation, supplying the purest water and air, hosting its richest forests and inspiring most of its folklore. All of this is easy to find in and around the parks.
All of the parks are accessible by road or by public transportation, although the quietest areas require more effort to get to. Each offers a variety of hiking for tourists at all levels, from novice to expert, through deep and extensive forests.
There are 9 National Parks and 14 Natural Reserves in Slovakia.
National Parks in Slovakia
Low Tatras National Park (NAPANT)
Greater Fatra National Park
Lesser Fatra National Park
Pieniny National Park (PIENAP)
Poloniny National Park
Slovak Paradise National Park
Slovak Karst National Park
Muránska planina National Park
The main National Parks are :-
High Tatras (in Slovak: Vysoke Tatry)
Slovakia's best-known, best-loved and most-visited park, with its distinctive Alp-like peaks. Heavily frequented skiing areas (downhill and cross-country). Guided mountain climbing available. www.tatry.net
Little Fatra (in Slovak: Male Fatra)
Closest park to Czech Republic, between Zilina and High Tatras National Park. Wide variety of downhill skiing in winter. Rich traditional folk art in nearby
areas.
Low Tatras (in Slovak: Nizke Tatry)
Slovakia's largest national park, with very extensive rounded mountains and magnificent valleys. Downhill skiing of all types, and good conditions for other outdoor sports, particularly mountain biking. Numerous caves. Approachable via Liptovsky Mikulas in the north and Banska Bystrica in the south.
Pieniny
Apart from its natural beauties, including the picturesque Dunajec river with its gentle rafting trips, this small park hosts the fabulous 14th century Cerveny Klastor monastery. Best reached by car, or by infrequent bus connections from Poprad and Stara Lubovna.
Poloniny
The quietest of Slovakia's national parks, with the gentlest hills and some of its largest trees, of the fir variety. Best reached via the town of Snina.
Slovak Paradise (in Slovak: Slovensky Raj)
Exceptionally lush forests, waterfalls and cliffs characterize this popular national park. Some of the spectacular laddered hiking trails are only for the hardy, but others are easily managed. Not far from Kosice and High Tatras National Park.
Information on Ski-ing.
80% of Slovakia's territory lies higher than 750m above sea level. The mountains, along with the country's cool continental climate, make Slovakia into an excellent ski-ing and snowboarding destination. Ski-ing is a national pastime and many Slovak families spend at least a week every winter in their favourite ski resort.
Jasna, Slovakia's Premier Ski resort, (950 - 2024m) is a short drive of approx. 15 km across the Vah Valley from Liptovsky Trnovec.
It lies on both slopes of the Chopok peak in the Low Tatras National park. www.jasna.sk
Jasna makes an excellent destination for all levels of skier and good conditions from December to April.
Jasna consists of 4 ski areas ( see Homepage - News ) and has an advanced snow-making system providing a snow guarantee and night ski-ing.
It boasts Freeride zones and a Snowboard park and is well equipped with ski services, ski kindergarten and Ski schools.
Frequent events at Jasna include European Downhill Cups, Freeride competitions as well as fun events for visitors, adults and children.
Strbske Pleso (54 km away) is the best ski resort in the High Tatras and is located on the shores of the Strbske Pleso mountain lake creating a wonderful atmosphere.
