Nature of Slovakia - national parks and reserves for active recreation

The Republic of Slovakia is a country located in the heart of the European continent. It does not have its own outlet to the sea. It has common borders with Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Ukraine. Slovak landscapes are predominately mountainous. On the Polish-Slovak border in the north-east of the country stretches the highest mountain range - the Tatra Mountains. The Carpathian Mountains stretch in the north of the country. About 75% of the country is located at altitudes of up to 760 meters above sea level. In the mountains of Slovakia, there are many lakes formed from the remnants of glaciers water. In Slovakia, there is only one lowland of Nitra, which is situated along the banks of the Danube on the border with Hungary.

The absence of sea coast in Slovakia is compensated by numerous rivers, lakes, mountains, and forests carefully preserved by Slovaks. For the conservation and enhancement of the natural wealth in a small territory, several national parks and 16 natural areas protected by the state have been established in Slovakia. Natural sights of Slovakia are unique and known for their ski resorts and places, which can be freely visited by tourists and travelers. Here you can easily combine admiring the natural beauty with enjoying winter and summer active sports.

In the central part of Slovakia is the Veľká Fatra National Park. The park was recognized as a special territory in 1973, and 29 years later it became a national park. The Veľká Fatra occupies an area of 404 square kilometers. Its main highlight is a rich yew grove located here. It is officially recognized as the largest yew grove in all of Europe. The national park's logo depicts berries of this tree. Besides yew, trees such as oak, beech, spruce, and fir are common. The park has over a thousand different rare flora representatives. For tourists, there are a number of routes laid through the park, following which you can admire the beauty of rocks, caves, mountain lakes, and waterfalls. Ski resorts offer outdoor enthusiasts a variety of options for entertainment and sports. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

In the northeast is the Slovak Paradise National Park. In the park, tourists will explore many caves of karst origin, interesting pits, various craters, mountain streams and lakes with crystal water. In total, the park has about 200 caves that have become the main Slovak Paradise's attraction. These caves include Dobšinská Ice Cave listed in UNESCO's World Heritage and Stratenská cave, the longest cave in the country with a length of 21 kilometers. Both caves are open to the public. Such a huge concentration of caves cannot be found anywhere else on the planet. About 500 species of local fauna inhabit them constantly or seasonally.

The largest national park in Slovakia is the Low Tatras Park founded in the year 1978. Today, after the revision of its borders in 1997, the park covers an area of 728 square kilometers. The park's mountain range stretches for about 100 kilometers through the central part of Slovakia. Tourists who climb the mountain peaks of Chopok and Ďumbier have a chance to admire beautiful views of the mountains and valleys. The main wealth of the Low Tatras is numerous caves. The most interesting cave complex in the park is the Demänovská Caves. The Low Tatras is home to predators: bear, lynx, wolf. Sometimes you can meet chamois or marmot. The national park also provides hunting grounds and excellent fishing spots.

The easternmost Slovak park is Poloniny National Park. It lies on the border with Poland and Ukraine. Founded in 1997, it has an area of 298 square kilometers. About 80% of the park is occupied by unique beech forests and mixed fir-beech forests. The highlight of the Poloniny is the presence of rounded ridges and marshy valleys. The park concentrates a lot of rare endangered flora and fauna species threatened with extinction. The Poloniny is home to brown bear, wolf, lynx, forest cat, and bison found only here.