View from Gačovská skala (source: Jana Ogurčáková - Korzár)
A beautiful new viewpoint has been opened to the public in Slovenský raj National Park. The natural lookout, Gačovská skala, was developed by the village of Dedinky in cooperation with a local civic association of the same name, according to Korzár. It offers sweeping views across the southern part of the park.
Hikers can reach Gačovská skala via a newly marked trail, starting either from the village of Dedinky or from the nearby Geravy plateau. Geravy is accessible by chairlift from Dedinky or on foot through Zejmarská roklina – a gorge known for its ladders and waterfalls.
“This project took more than 10 years to complete,” says Miroslav Majerčák from the civic association. “The area lies within the fifth and most strictly protected zone of the national park, so it took time to reach an agreement with the authorities.”
The main aim was to make Dedinky more attractive to visitors – especially after the retro chairlift was restored two years ago, renewing interest in the region.
“Now tourists can take the lift up, walk to the viewpoints, and return on foot. It brings visitors back to Dedinky, which helps the whole community – from local businesses to the village council through tourism and parking fees,” Majerčák adds.
Originally, just one viewpoint was planned, but in the end, an agreement with the national park authorities allowed for two. The trail is open throughout the season and accessible from both directions.
A southern alternative to 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.
Our detailed travel guide to the Tatras introduces you to the whole region around the Tatra mountains, including attractions on the Polish side.
“There is nothing more valuable in Slovenský raj in terms of nature conservation. The park is over 90 percent forested, so open panoramic viewpoints are rare. Popular spots like Tomášovský výhľad, Havrania skala, or Ondrejisko are already well known – Gačovská skala is just as impressive,” Olekšák says.
The site is for hikers only – cycling is not permitted. Nevertheless, there have already been cases of cyclists trying to descend from the viewpoint, posing risks to others.
The current access permit is valid for five years. “After that, we’ll assess the situation and may include the trail in the updated visitor rules. Our goal is not to exclude people – we want to see how the public responds to having access to such an exceptional place in a highly protected zone.”
Panoramic views
Olekšák encourages visitors to appreciate the privilege of entering one of the park’s most untouched areas. “What you see from the rock is the most intact and beautiful part of the landscape.”
The 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 new information point called Bránka (1,051 m). Gačovská skala itself, at 1,113 metres above sea level, now features two designated viewpoints.
The northern viewpoint offers views across the western and northern parts of Slovenský raj, including the Tatras and the iconic peak of Kráľova hoľa. The southern viewpoint looks out over the northern Gemer region – most notably the village of Dedinky and the Palcmanská Maša reservoir nestled below.
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.
