View from Gačovská skala (source: Jana Ogurčáková - Korzár)
Slovenský Raj National Park has a new scenic viewpoint. The village of Dedinky, in cooperation with the local civic association of the same name, has opened Gačovská Skala to the public—a natural lookout offering sweeping views over the southern part of the national park.
Hikers can reach the site via a newly marked trail, either from the village of Dedinky, or from the nearby Geravy plateau that is accessible by chairlift from Dedinky or via the Zejmarská Roklina gorge, known for its ladders and waterfalls.
“We worked on this for over 10 years. It took that long because the site lies within the park’s fifth and strictest level of protection. Eventually, we found common ground and reached an agreement with the authorities,” says Miroslav Majerčák from the civic association.
The main goal was to make the village more attractive to visitors—especially since the retro chairlift was revived two years ago, drawing renewed interest to the area.
“Now tourists can take the lift up, walk to the viewpoints, and return on foot. It brings people back to Dedinky, which helps everyone—from businesses to the local council because of the parking fees and tourism,” Majerčák adds.
Originally, only one viewpoint was planned, but in the end, agreement was reached with the national park to create two. The trail is open throughout the season and accessible from both directions.
Detailed travel guide to the Tatras introduces you to the whole region around the Tatra mountains, including attractions on the Polish side.
A southern alternative to popular Tomášovský Výhľad
Peter Olekšák, deputy director of the national park, explains that Gačovská Skala and the surrounding forest lie in the park’s highest level of protection.
“There’s nothing more valuable in Slovenský Raj in terms of natural conservation. The park is densely forested—more than 90 percent is woodland—so panoramic views are rare. Some spots, like Tomášovský Výhľad, Havrania skala, or Ondrejisko, are well known. Gačovská Skala is just as impressive,” Olekšák says.
The site is reserved for hikers only; bicycles are not permitted. Still, there have already been incidents involving cyclists attempting to descend from the viewpoint, posing a risk to others.
The current permission is valid for five years. “After that, we’ll review it and possibly include this route in the updated visitor regulations. We’re not trying to go against people—we simply want to see how the public responds to having access to such an exceptional place in a highly protected zone.”
Sweeping vistas
Olekšák urges visitors to respect the privilege of entering one of the national park’s most pristine areas. “What you see from the rock is the most intact and beautiful part of this landscape.”
The new trail from Geravy to Dedinky via Gačovská Skala is 4.6 kilometres long. New wooden trail markers have been installed at Geravy (1,030 m) and at a newly created information point called Bránka (1,051 m). Gačovská Skala itself, at 1,113 metres above sea level, now offers two designated viewpoints.
The northern viewpoint overlooks the western and northern sections of Slovenský Raj, including views of the Tatras and the iconic Kráľova Hoľa peak. The southern viewpoint offers a panoramic view of the northern Gemer region and, most notably, the picturesque village of Dedinky and the Palcmanská Maša reservoir nestled below.
©Korzár
Spectacular Slovakia travel guides
A helping hand in the heart of Europe thanks to our Slovakia travel guide, with more than 1,000 photos and hundreds of tourist spots.
Our detailed travel guide to the Tatras introduces you to the whole region around the Tatra mountains, including attractions on the Polish side.
Lost in Bratislava? That's impossible with our City Guide!
See some selected travel articles, podcasts, traveller info as well as other guides dedicated to Nitra, Trenčín Region, Trnava Region and Žilina Region.
