Sokolia dolina - zimná turistika a skalolezenie

The mysterious world of the Slovak Paradise National Park hides unimaginable natural beauty. Its most famous and most visited gorge is Suchá Belá. It generously offers romantic waterfalls breaking at the bottom of the gorge, fairy-tale cascades, and rocky cliffs.

Winter hiking

The important organizer of Slovak tourism, Gustáv Nedobrý, already in the 1920s compared the wild nature of Slovak Paradise to the biblical paradise. If you choose to hike through Suchá Belá, after just a few meters of a comfortable forest path you will encounter the first wooden and iron ladders, alternating with chains, steps, and footbridges. Walking through this system of ladders and walkways, you can enjoy the surrounding rock walls and overhangs.

The gorge gradually reveals its beauty step by step, showing its extraordinary splendor, and it is almost unimaginable how much frozen water—ice—accumulates here during the freezing season. A common sight is a tiny icicle waterfall flowing from an inconspicuous rock, which is otherwise just a small spring.

The history of tourist exploration of Suchá Belá began in 1900, when a group led by Prof. M. Roth reached the Misové Waterfalls. In 1908, a hiking trail to them was marked and improved. In March 1910, a group led by A. Mervay crossed the entire gorge for the first time in winter. The gorge, including the Misové Waterfalls section, was fully made accessible in 1957 by members of the Mountain Rescue Service.

In winter, crampons are required for the passage through Suchá Belá. On the 4 km long trail, you overcome an elevation gain of 400 meters.

Winter ice climbing

Suchá Belá offers the 30-meter-high Misové Waterfalls, as well as the 13-meter Okienkový Waterfall. The 8-meter Bočný and Korytový waterfalls also deserve attention. In winter, these waterfalls turn into monumental ice formations richly decorated with icicles.

You will enjoy breathtaking surrounding cliffs and overhangs. You will understand that ice climbing in a snowy landscape on frozen waterfalls is indescribable. It offers not only magical experiences—reaching the summit, admiring the view from above, a feeling of freedom—but also overcoming your own fear.