Getting lost in the regions
The East Untamed
Even eastern Slovakia has its east. About 100 km on the first- and second-class roads. You will not find the magnificent hotel satellites at the foot of the Vihorlat Mountains in the immediate vicinity of the Beech Carpathian Prime Forest (UNESCO), because it is a place where the visitor comes not only to a tourist destination, but mainly to visit people.
Tourism has not yet managed to put the seal of mass here. But there is the friendliness, directness, hospitality, and cheerful temperament of the locals. They will not let you out of the yard without the home-made and fifth final drink. Discover this pristine, unadulterated, amazing region of the world. Dzivosc (wildness) of its nature, “crazy” nature (temperamental nature), enduring traditions, strong historical stories, fine mysticism and traditional Zemplín cuisine.
Vihorlat Prime Forest
The area in the Vihorlatské Vrchy mountains, which together with three other forests in eastern Slovakia, six other in Ukraine and five old forests in Germany is part of the only inscription on the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage List – Carpathian Beech Forests and Old Beech Forests of Germany. So get your hiking boots ready and you’re off! Don’t worry, no weary hike awaits you until exhausted. Your only goal is the entrance gate to the forest – the Morské Oko sea eye – the third largest natural lake in Slovakia. And a great guide in the company that will answer your questions faster and more accurately than Google. Visit one of the Slovak prime forests, discover the power of more than 240 beeches, get to know the forest in its most natural untouched form. The forest is also inhabited by remarkable animals – spotted salamander, alpine beard and Carpathian gasteropod. If you don’t like it, you can go back there and step on the Sninský Kameň stone lookout tower. Or conquer the hill Vihorlat itself.
Wooden church in Ruská Bystrá
In the beautiful environment of forests, in the village of Ruská Bystrá, there is the easternmost representative of all Slovak wooden churches registered for UNESCO monuments – the Greek Catholic Church of the Transfer of St. Nicholas Remains. The church was built in 1730. It stands on a hill in the middle of the village and stands out in colour against the green background of the surrounding massive trees. The interior is dominated by a five-row baroque iconostasis. The iconostasis is the heart of every temple of the Eastern Rite and forms the architectural-sacral divide between the shrine (space for God) and the nave (space for believers). You will be enchanted by the rare iconostasis, which extends untraditionally to the side walls and ceiling of the temple. There is a rare Crucifixion icon in the sanctuary.
Beňatinské Jazero Lake
Its colour is reminiscent of the famous Plitvice Lakes. In the village Beňatina in the district of Sobrance, a beautiful natural monument – a turquoise lake in a former quarry is hidden. The view of the travertine wall, on which a whale appears, is popular. It is said to be an imprint of an ancient creature. Or is it just about the play of colours in the layers of rock? We leave that to your discretion. The lake near Beňatina is ever more visited, so it should definitely not be missing in your tourist collection either. You could also see its surroundings in exterior shots in the film Čiara (Line). Since then, footbridges have been added and the installation of an adrenaline zipline is planned for the next season.