A TOUR OF THE SLOVENSK KRAS
Limestone caves characterize the Slovak Karst, which runs in a wide arc along the Slovak-Hungarian border. Most of the country’s karst phenomena occur here, including the vast majority of its 4,450 caves. Four of them – Domica, Gombasecká, Ochtinská aragonitová and Jasovská – are partly open to the public. A fifth cave, Dobšiná ice cave, is in the Slovenský raj (Slovak Paradise), another karst area about 40 km (25 miles) to the northwest (warm clothes are recommended for this cave). In 1995 all five were listed as UNESCO Sites.
- Length: About 75 km (45 miles).
- Stopping off points: Rožňava is a good base; other towns also have places for refreshments.
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Brzotín, 2 km (1 mile) SW of Rožňava.
- Tel: (058) 732 68 15.
- www.slovenskyraj.sk
- www.ssj.sk (cave information)
Medzev
A landmark in this small town, which was founded in the 13th century by German settlers, is the tower of the Church of Mary the Queen of Angels.
Krásna Hôrka
One of Slovakia’s finest castles, this is full of gorgeous furnishings. Nearby is the Art Nouveau mausoleum of the Andrássy family, who once owned the castle.
