Slovensky raj - Slovakia

This gorgeous region, which quite deservedly has been recognised and protected as a national park, is indeed a paradise for visitors. There can be few other places where it is possible to encounter within such a small area such an enchantigly varied landscape - meadows, chasms, canyons, gorges, plateaux, caves and waterfalls. Slovak Paradise is an area of exceptional natural beauty, and of rare flora and fauna. Its elevation is not particulary high (500 - 1,700 m) but negotiating the ravines along the walking trails is relatively demanding -- and a very popular tourist activity.

Among the most beautiful of the ravines are Kysel, Sokolia dolina, Velky and Maly Sokol, Piecka and Sucha Bela. One place not to be missed is a section of the River Hornad where it produced a canyon known as Prielom Hornadu. The fierce current of the Hornad is impeded by rock faces falling directly into the river itself, and negotiating this requires great skill.

Slovak Paradise is rich in caves and chasms. The most significant is the Stratena jaskyna system, which includes Stratena jaskyna itself - at 18,5 km, the longest cave in Slovakia - the Psie diery cave and the Dobsinska Ice Cave.

Slovak Paradise includes 177 caves and chasms, 16 state reserves and numerous other unique natural attractions.

For more information on www. Slovensky Raj .info and beautiful pictures see: www. Slovensky Raj.Com