Nature and countryside conservation – Slovenský kras (Slovak Karst) National Park

500 Sk commemorative silver coin

Slovenský Kras National Park is located in the southwest part of Eastern Slovakia. It was established in 2002 on an area of 34,611 hectares and is the largest karst territory in Slovakia. It is characterized by numerous karst formations, the canyon type valleys of the Slaná River and the Štítnický stream, as well as caves and chasms. This area also contains the Zádielska and Hájska gulches and the famous and the frequently visited Gombasecká, Jasovská and Domica caves. Silická ľadnica, a chasm permanently adorned with ice, is a rarity.

The diversity of flora makes it one of the richest regions of Central Europe; well known for example is the rare dog’s tooth violet (Eruthronium Dens-Canis). From a botanical aspect, most important are the endemic plants, such as Onosma Turnense and Draba Lasiocarpa. The national park encompasses one of the most significant ornithological territories within Slovakia and other fauna is also represented in abundance. The presence here of all 24 kinds of bats from the territory of Slovakia is notable.