- Slovak Paradise
Slovak Paradise (Slovak: "Slovenský raj") is a mountain range in central Slovakia. It is a part of the
Spiš-Gemer Karst , which in turn is a part of theSlovenské rudohorie Mountains, a major subdivision of the Western Carpathians.It is located between the towns of
Spišská Nová Ves in the north andDobšiná in the south. It is particularly known for its gorges and waterfalls.The area is protected by the
Slovak Paradise National Park ("Národný park Slovenský raj").Characteristics
The Slovak Paradise is a plain with
high plateau s (800 - 1000 mAMSL ). The highest mountain is Ondrejisko at 1,270 m. The area is mainly built ofkarst limestone (Geravy, Glac, Pelc and Skala plains) anddolomite (Tri kopce). The climate is moderately cold.Typical features are canyons and
ravine s (Sokol, Suchá, Belá, Piecky and Kyseľ), which form picturesque rocky scenes with waterfalls, and which were created mainly by the riversHnilec andHornád . 80% of the area is covered withspruce forests combined with yew-trees.Among the caves,
Dobšinská ľadová jaskyňa (Dobšinská Ice Cave) and Medvedia jaskyňa (Bear Cave) are the best known ones.There were many settlements of woodcutters, colliers and smelters in Slovenský raj once, which were turned into tourist centers, for example Dobšinská Maša, Dedinky, Mlynky, Stratená.
Fauna
Notable and rare animals include the brown bear,
Golden Eagle ,Common Kestrel and theblack stork . Quite common arered deer andwild boar s.Flora
Important Slovak endemic plants in the area are the
Carpathian harebell ("Campanula carpatica"), "Pulsatilla slavica", "Hesperis silvestris", "Liguria sibirica", and "Saxifraga paniculate".ee also
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Slovak Paradise National Park
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