Muranska planina National Park

Muránska planina National Park is one of Slovakia's newest and most pristine national parks, established in 1998 to protect the vast limestone plateau of the Muráň Plain in eastern Banskobystrický kraj. Covering 212 km², the park is characterised by its dramatic karst landscape — a high-altitude plateau dissected by deep gorges and dotted with sinkholes, caves, and springs.

The area is a stronghold for rare wildlife, including the Tatra chamois — a population was introduced here as a conservation measure and now thrives. The park is also home to brown bears, wolves, lynxes, and a remarkable diversity of birds of prey. The centrepiece of the park is the spectacular Muráň Castle, perched on a dramatic limestone cliff.

By Plane

Poprad-Tatry Airport is 90 km north. Košice Airport is 100 km east.

By Train

The nearest railway station is in Revúca or Tornaľa, with onward bus connections to villages on the edge of the park.

By Car / Road

The main access points are from the villages of Muráň (southern edge) and Červená Skala (northern edge). A scenic road crosses the plateau.

The park is best explored on foot through its network of hiking trails. Some forest roads are accessible by car.

• Muráň Castle (Muránsky hrad) — One of Slovakia's highest-altitude castles, dramatically situated on a limestone cliff at 970 metres

• Muráň Plateau — The high limestone plateau with breathtaking views

• Cigánka Rock — A distinctive limestone formation offering panoramic views

• Waterfalls — Several seasonal waterfalls in the park's gorges

• Hike to Muráň Castle — the most popular trail in the park

• Trek the plateau's rim trail for spectacular views of the surrounding valleys

• Birdwatch — the park is excellent for raptors, including golden eagles and saker falcons

• Explore the nearby caves in the Slovak Karst

• Chata pod Muráňom — A mountain restaurant at the base of the castle hill
• Koliba Muráň — Traditional Slovak cuisine near the park entrance

The mountain hut at Muráň Castle serves refreshments. Carry water on hikes as sources are limited on the plateau. Local pubs in Muráň village serve Slovak beer.

• Chata Voniarka — Mountain hut accommodation
• Private guesthouses — In Muráň, Červená Skala, and surrounding villages
• Camping is possible but limited

Limited souvenir options at the park offices. Local sheep cheese products from surrounding farms.

• Slovak Paradise National Park (50 km east) — Famous gorge trails and Dobšinská Ice Cave
• Revúca (20 km south) — Historic town with the First Slovak Grammar School Museum
• Tornaľa (30 km south) — Thermal baths and gateway to Slovak Karst caves
• Low Tatras National Park (50 km north) — Hiking and nature