Somewhere between the borders of Poland and Hungary lies a country that few from my part of the world ( Asia) have visited – Slovakia.
And no…it is not Slovenia as many (including myself) used to have that misconception. Slovakia ( called Slovensko in their native language) used to be part of the big Czechoslovakia nation before they came out on their own. The main difference between Slovakia and Slovenia other than the land and population size ( Slovakia is double that of Slovenia), Slovenia has a coastal element/ access to the sea while Slovakia has the high mountains.

So enough of that…
I visited Slovakia in the summer of 2018, focusing especially on 1 beautiful region every outdoor lover should go – Kosice.
I took a 14.5 hour flight from the little island of Singapore – Kocise Airport via Turkish Airlines, with a pleasant stopover in Istanbul. You would even have time to get out of the airport to see a bit of Istanbul before coming back in for the evening flight. While most people on an eastern Europe tour would cross into Slovakia to visit the capital -Bratislava, Kosice is the region where it has a great deal of adventure action, outdoors and culture to behold.
Let me walk you through the rugged and outdoor adventures I experienced here in Kosice and Spis Region when I was here with Lisa, a Singaporean female friend of mine, as we explored the best of the country.

Outdoor Adventures to experience in Spis Region
Lets kickstart with one of the prettiest places in the Spis Region, and that will be in the heart of nature…Slovak Paradise.
My Day Visit through Slovak Paradise National Park
When I first heard the name of the national park, I already knew I was going to love it. No place would ever dare call itself paradise on earth unless there is something really surreal and unearthly about it, and that’s what you get here when hiking in Slovenský raj National Park (Slovak Paradise).

Walking/ Hiking Trails and Flower Tales
The entire morning walking through Slovak Paradise, a 1,200 metres high national park in Spis Region, is a really refreshing experience as we breathed in the fresh forest air and smell the wood as we walk through the dirt path, pass the waterfalls, up the ladders and hopping from pebble to pebble over the trickling river bank.
We started our trail at Podlesok ( which was where we parked our car and had an awesome lunch at the wooden cabin restaurant there!), then continue on to Prielom Hornadu –>to Klastorska roklina gorge –> Klastorisko-Kysel gorge. There are other trails one can take but we started ours at 8.30am and finished around 3+pm, as we were going on a slow and relaxing pace with loads of breaks and photo taking.

Slovakia Landscape: How was it?
After having been to The Rockies in Canada and explore those stunning islands and mountainous region, it is hard to bet. But Slovakia didn’t disappoint with its beauty.
The weather was lovely on this beautiful day, with a little cloudy but yet no hot blazing sun cast on our back as we trot along from 8 am onwards. We were accompanied by our very ‘young at heart’ guide called Vladimir, the Slovenský raj National Park guide for up to 15 years. He was very energetic and informative as he shared with us the history about the national park ( started in 1988, same year as I was born) and the different segments/ partitions in the forest – meaning which areas are deemed as ‘Zones of Silence’ to safeguard the original natural habitat, and what areas are protected against deforestation.

The natural park has incredibly preserved plateaus, deep cut river canyons, gorges with waterfalls and even ice caves which can be visited in Summer!

Look out for some really interesting wildflowers and animals along your trail. We spotted so many exotic flowers like the ‘Orlicek’, a deep purple colour flower, Stokraska, also known as ‘A Hundred Beauties’, Lunaria-mesacnia was also known as Moonflower, pupava ( my version of dandelion) and lastly an orchid-like flower called Cypripedium calceolus.
- Lisa in the sea of beautiful purple Cypripedium calceolus flowers
- Close up of the Cypripedium Calceolus in Slovenský raj National Park
- Yellow wildflowers eveywhere, and they all become into this fluffy ball when ready to disperse its seeds. Dandelions are its name
- The shimmery yellow of the flower petals look like someone has sprinkled glitter on them
Interested to know more about Kosice Region, read about my outdoor adventures in the city!
Walking over steel grills, climbing ladders & splashing through the river
Slovak paradise cannot get more exciting if you don’t work hard to go through the trek. Come prepared with a long sleeve top to block out the wind chills, but no need for thick winterwear as you will work up a little sweat if you walk fast and steady into the hike. It is also useful to have proper waterproof hiking boots given you will be walking on a mix of dirt paths both uphill and downhill, small pebbled walkways and steel narrow bridges. to walk in to prevent slipping and twisting your ankle.
- Walking over logs and rocks as we climbed higher and deeper into the national park
- Stopping for a break at this river bank | Slovak Paradise Pitstop
- Picture with our guide Vladimir in National Park of Slovenský raj
- Multiple snails and little forest creatures along the way in
In the entire 5-7 hour walk, you will cross up to 7 waterfalls while climbing ladders, steel grills ( Stupacky) and more. One of the nicest waterfalls we saw was called rainbow falls, given the pretty rays that burst through the water into colours that you will see when you go up close. Some parts of the trail you can actually stop to refill your water bottle with fresh spring water!
Little thing to note: Don’t expect too much water going down the river and waterfall as you hike/ climb it, in fact, dries up more in summer.
Other fun activities one can experience in National Park of Slovenský raj
- Cycling and mountain biking
- Rock Climbing in certain areas ( Wish I did!)
- Water Sports
- Skiing in Winter Only
- Tandem SkyDive/ Gliding
- Horse Trekking and Riding through the forest( Must Try!) –

Our horse riding experience in the later part of the afternoon was also really lovely and relaxing. We did it with Salaj Horse School, where they conduct horse riding classes or horse trekking for 15 Euros per hour. I had a lovely chocolate brown horse called Sara, while Lisa’s horse was Aja, and we had a nice peaceful trek through the forest and fields for an hour. Important to wear a helmet for safety which was provided by the owner Laco Salaj of the horse riding school.
Thinking about: Going for Proper Horse Riding Classes for future!!;D
Day Trips from Kosice to this Park
Slovak Paradise is very accessible, especially if you come by car. Its an hour 10 minutes drive to get from the Kosice City centre to Slovak Paradise, so one can make day trips from Kosice over the weekend easily.
One can also visit via bus or train as well, which promises you a scenic route through the most beautiful spots of Slovakia. Check out the Slovak Republic (ZSSK) rail which operates train from Košice to Slovak Paradise National Park hourly. It might vary due to seasonality so better to recheck again when you arrive.
If you are coming by train, a point many have recommended to start off their train journey is from Margecany, and passes through old quaint towns like Gelnica. I didn’t get to experience this when I was there, which was a pity, though I hope I will the next time around.
Before going on your next travel adventure, consider booking Affordable Travel Insurance from US$14 onwards for that peace of mind! 🙂
Best Season to Visit Slovak Paradise
I managed to check out this lovely country in Summer/ Autumn period, but I believe that Slovak Paradise is a national park that is beautiful all year round. I promised the team that I cannot wait to be back to see how it looks in Winter, with snow everywhere.
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Here concludes my lovely half day in the lovely Slovak Paradise where Lisa and I wished we had more time than that. Where have you been to find your little paradise on earth?
For more information about Kosice Region or Slovak Paradise National Park, click here.
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If you want to experience something at an even higher altitude, then there is something even higher up you can experience, stay tuned to read more about the highest mountains in Slovakia – High Tatras~!

25 Comments
Emma Raphael
June 10, 2018 at 7:18 pmIt looks like you had a wonderful time – great photos! I have only made it to Bratislava so far, but I would love to go back and explore more having read your post! Thanks Lydia! 🙂
Lydia Yang
June 11, 2018 at 12:01 pmI had the best of times there and I would warmly recommend you visit this place, Emma! Glad you found the post inspiring. 😉
Sue Slagjt
June 12, 2018 at 4:02 amWhen we went to Slovenia many people asked us if we meant we were going to Slovakia! Two different countries indeed. It looks like you had a fabulous adventure. So lush and so much to explore.
Lydia Yang
June 12, 2018 at 7:37 amThe similarity of the name is what usually makes people think it’s the same country. I had a spectacular time in Kosice. It has an abundance of places and nature to be explored! 🙂
Cindy
June 12, 2018 at 9:38 pmWe are trying to figure out how much of Slovakia we will get to this summer and it looks like this is a gorgeous area – if maybe a little more adventurous than I am. I’m not afraid of heights and usually will climb anything, but those ladders and the path over the river look more than a little intimidating!! Thanks for the tour.
Lydia Yang
June 13, 2018 at 11:51 amGlad you found the post motivating, Cindy. You should definitely explore this area when in Slovakia, its beauty is beyond words! 🙂
Anna
June 13, 2018 at 9:02 pmWhat a beautiful nature! I’ve been to Slovakia (Jasná Nízke Tatry) once as a child for a ski trip! Loved it and hope I´ll get to visit again in summer to do more of hiking!
Stephanie
June 14, 2018 at 6:14 amLydia I absolutely loved this post! One of my roommates in Holland was Slovakian and at first I thought… where?????
But he showed me the most stunning photos year round, and have been wanting to visit ever since!
Just stunning pictures!
Happy travels xx
Lydia Yang
June 14, 2018 at 7:34 amThanks for the kind words, Stephanie! I really hope you’ll get to explore Slovakia, it’s simply breathtaking. Safe travels! 🙂
Lynda
June 14, 2018 at 12:36 amLove those flowers!
Lydia Yang
June 14, 2018 at 7:33 amI do too, Lunda! These are some of the most interesting and stunning wildflowers I’ve seen. 🙂
Miriam
June 14, 2018 at 7:45 amIt looks like a beautiful destination – the landscapes are incredible & I love the wildflowers. We have never been to Slovakia but you definitely put in on the map for us! Have a great weekend ahead!
Miriam xx
Lydia Yang
June 15, 2018 at 8:12 amHey, Miriam! It is a wonderful destination and I am so happy to hear that I’ve inspired you to add it to your bucket list. Enjoy your weekend, too! 🙂
kamila Pala
June 18, 2018 at 12:28 pmGreat adventure and beautiful landscape! I have been there couple years ago 🙂 Bye. K
Lydia Yang
June 18, 2018 at 8:54 pmThank you, Kamila. Yes, the landscape is truly breathtaking and it’s really great that you’ve explored the area. 🙂
Adrenaline Romance
June 18, 2018 at 7:31 pmThat’s a really nice park! We would love to hike and camp there. 🙂
Lydia Yang
June 18, 2018 at 8:56 pmHiking and camping there are indeed awesome ideas! I hope you’ll get to explore the area soon!
Cindy Bruchman
July 5, 2018 at 8:27 pmGreat article, Lydia. I loved your shots. Looks quiet and cool and refreshing.
Lydia Yang
July 17, 2018 at 5:19 amThanks Cindy. It was a lovely place, and those exact words – quiet and refreshing:)
Joel Smith
July 6, 2018 at 11:53 amExcellent park pictures. If possible I will goo there.
Lydia Yang
July 17, 2018 at 5:14 amSlovak Paradise is not going anywhere, waiting for your arrival Joe!;)
Nillas
March 22, 2019 at 7:07 pmWhat a wonderful trip coverage of Kosice!
Lydia Yang
March 25, 2019 at 1:25 pmThank you Nillas! Kosice really brought back such good memories!
Tina Twovelers
October 22, 2019 at 10:15 pmI like your article about hiking in Slovakia. Slovak Paradise is incredible place and hikes are always beautiful. I also recommend Via Ferrata Kysel, I visited few weeks ago and it was great experience!
Lydia Yang
October 25, 2019 at 10:37 amThanks Tina! Ahh, I didn’t get to try Via Ferrata there, which is such a pity. Maybe next time when I am back!! Hoping it will be this winter!