Explore incredible nature in the heart of Europe!
Nine national parks with unique habitats and all kinds of wild animals await you in Slovakia. Only here you can spot the largest land mammal and the largest wild cat in Europe or distinctive subspecies of marmots and chamois. Hand-feed European ground squirrels, see towering mountains, meadows of exceptional botanical diversity, and inhale the invigorating scent of the forest.
Track the European bison in a primeval forest
In northeast Slovakia you’ll feel as if a time machine has taken you to the raw, pristine wilderness of ancient times. Welcome to Poloniny National Park parts of which are UNESCO-listed for their well-preserved Carpathian beech forests. Follow trails beneath mesmerizing, majestic beech, fir and maple trees that have stood tall here for over 250 years. The park is also a protected area for animals including the brown bear, grey wolf, Eurasian lynx, and European bison. Take the opportunity to camp here and be amazed by the stunning array of stars above, thanks to limited light pollution.
Spot rare chamois in the smallest alpine range
For wildlife that you won’t find anywhere else, head north to the High Tatras. The highest mountain range in the Carpathians has more than 26 peaks over 2,500 m high. With its lush pine forests, cascading waterfalls and enchanting valleys, this mountain range is home to a surprisingly population of endemic fauna. See Tatra marmots feeding themselves on open mountain pastures, while charming Tatra chamois traverse the rugged terrain. Of the scenic mountain hikes, one of the most popular is a trail to the 120-year-old mountain hut Chata pri Zelenom plese. From there, continue to the iconic mountain lake Skalnaté pleso, one of many high-altitude water wonders hearkening to Slovakia´s glacial past. Hire a professional mountain guide to help you conquer the highest peak in Slovakia, Gerlachovský štít (2654 m) or nearby peak named Lomnický štít (2634 m)!
Discover a truly unique botanical paradise
Slovak Paradise national park south-east of the Tatras is aptly named, a true paradise with constant sunshine, birdsong, and delicate scent of flowers in full bloom. Explore vibrant Kopanecké meadows, which boast an unbelievable 74 plant species in just one square meter, including rare orchids. This is more than you can find anywhere else in Europe. Thanks to their lush greenery, Suchá Belá and Veľký Sokol gorges present you with an exotic, jungle-like setting. All photographers love the view from the natural rock gallery Tomášovský View. Závojový Waterfall will impress you with its 75-metre cascade. Another incredible experience: feeding European ground squirrels straight from your hand in the heart of nearby Muránska planina national park, near the hamlet of Biele Vody. This national park is also famous for its unique draught horse breed, the Norik of Muráň, held as one of the treasures of Slovakia´s biodiversity.
Are you ready for a true wilderness experience? Slovakia is the place for you!
1/
Tatra National Park
Admire the beautiful scenery of the smallest alpine range in Europe while enjoying the hospitality of the Chata pri Zelenom plese, also known as Brnčalka. It is one of 13 chalets in the High Tatras.
2/
Slovak Paradise National Park
As the park’s name suggests, it is a true wonderland for nature lovers, especially those who appreciate exceptional botanical diversity. There are thundering waterfalls and ravines full of jungle greenery, which you can enjoy from the front row thanks to the many ladders and chains.
3/
Tatra chamois
It is not easy to meet them because of their shyness, so it is always a pleasure to spot their athletic silhouette in the rocky terrain. This subspecies of chamois can be found only in the Tatra Mountains.
4/
Poloniny Dark Sky Park
Thanks to the very little light pollution in the area, literally thousands of stars, including the majestic Milky Way, can be seen with the naked eye at night.
5/
The European bison
The European bison (in Slovak: „zubor hrivnatý“) is the largest land mammal in Europe. In addition to the Poloniny National Park, you can see this endangered species in the Bison Reserve in Topoľčianky in western Slovakia.
6/
Muránska planina National Park
Home to a special horse breed, the Norik of Muráň, and cute rodents that are used to a human interaction. You can buy sunflower seeds in the village of Biele Vody and head for a meadow full of European ground squirrels. You can feed them by hand!
7/
Poloniny National Park
The primeval forests of Poloniny have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List for their intact and unspoilt environment. You would be surrounded by countless giant beeches, firs and maples. Some of them are over 250 years old.
Things to consider before traveling
How to choose your accommodation in Europe: a guide
In Europe, there is accommodation for every wish, price range, and desired experience. Whether it’s a tent suspended between two trees, a five-star hotel with a view of a turquoise sea, or a wallet-friendly hostel, it’s all here. The question is, what specific options do you have and how do you go about choosing? That’s […]
The ultimate guide to European currencies
How to convert cash, use cards, and reduce fees One of the great benefits of traveling around Europe is the ease of use when it comes to currencies. On much of the continent, you don’t need to worry about keeping different bills and coins or making mental-math conversations between one currency to another to […]
How to stay safe while traveling in Europe
No matter what, safety while traveling is most important. Luckily, Europe has a stellar safety record, and more than a dozen of its countries regularly appear at the top end of safest places to live and travel lists. To make your adventure safe and secure, consider these tips and best practices! Travel insurance […]
What you need to enter Europe
Visas, documents, and passports So, you are planning to visit Europe. Great! We will be happy to welcome you and share what makes this continent so unique. Here are answers to the most common questions about preparing for your trip. Addressing them now will make your travels smooth, easy, and convenient! Who needs a […]
Your complete guide to planning your daily life in Europe
Tips on local languages, mobile tech, and time zones We all know the feeling: your phone battery is dying or you’re passing through an area of weak signal. At home, it’s usually a simple annoyance, but when you’re traveling, not having access to a communications device is something you’ll want to avoid. So, how […]
Some tips to consider while traveling
Traveling around Europe
Your guide to trains, trams, busses and bikes Europe has one of the most advanced transportation systems in the world. From massive metropolises to small towns, you can easily link up from place to place by public transport. Riding the rails across this marvelous continent might be the best way to explore: it’s highly efficient, […]
Tips to communicate in Europe
Why speaking a few words of the local tongue will make your travel experience even better As you may have guessed, English is widely spoken in Europe, especially in northern countries. In many other countries, people have a good, if not fluent, grasp of the language. But that doesn’t mean that learning—and indeed using! […]
Your guide to passenger rights while traveling in Europe
If you’re a traveler, you’ve probably experienced a delay, cancellation, or other unforeseen issue. Of course, no one wants this, but it’s important to be prepared and perhaps most of all, to know your rights and privileges if a problem arises. So, what are your rights in Europe? Keep reading! Air Passenger Rights So, […]
Read more
Unexpected art hubs in Czechia
Dive into Czech cities!
Germany: something for everyone
Extraordinary towns, museums, and traditions.
Discover Nova Gorica
European Capital of Culture 2025!
Haunted Europe
Mystery abounds in every European country. You just have to know where to look. Welcome to the spooky side of Europe, home of ghastly ghosts, haunted happenings and eerie experiences for only the most adventurous of souls. Turn off the lights, get under your covers and dare to get familiar with some of the creepiest, scariest and most mysterious places in Europe.