Slovakia hiking vacation, self guided

Planet

On this trip we will be hiking through the Slovak Paradise National Park which is one of the youngest national parks in the country, having gained its protected status in 1988. You will stay inside the park, whose mission is to protect the most valuable gorges and valleys. By providing income through tourism, this trip contributes to the preservation of valuable forests, which in turn create a home for rare wildlife. The park is also a member of the Natura 2000 network, a European Union initiative which is dedicated to conserving some of the area’s most precious environments and threatened species.

Hiking, when the route is designed well, is one of the least impactful ways to explore a country. We know Slovakia very well and have ensured our routes are respectful of the environments they go through.

At the beginning of the vacation, we hand-out a self-guided walking pack, which includes information on how to trek and act responsibly within the National Park. The pack also has specifics on the rules of the park, and requests that wildlife is not disturbed and plants are not damaged. Our maps clearly detail marked trails, so walking is only done on routes that are allowed, thus maintaining the park’s natural environment.

People

Our company ethos is to organise tours for small groups and individuals so people can experience adventure responsibly. As a local, family-run business, we have built-up fantastic relationships with communities throughout Slovakia, and can provide the opportunity to connect with, and experience, local customs, culture and way-of-life first-hand.

During this self-guided tour, we will only use local services. In Slovak Paradise National Park, we will stay in locally-owned accommodation, which puts money back into the park and supports small Slovakian businesses. Lunches are also provided by the park accommodation, providing further economic benefit.

We will use a local transport company to provide transfers to and from your walks. There is also the opportunity to visit thermal pools, thus financially supporting their operation and maintenance, and to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Spissky Castle and the medieval town of Levoca, which contributes to their preservation and provides local people with an income through tourism.