Muráň Plateau National Park

Národný park Muránska planina

A karst plateau of limestone cliffs, gorges, and deep forests famed for its wild Hucul horses and biodiversity. Above it sit the ruins of Muráň Castle, reached by scenic hiking trails.

Things to do

• Hike to Muráň Castle ruins — Climb the forested trail to the highest castle in Slovakia (935 m) for sweeping views over the plateau.
• Watch the wild Hucul horses — Visit the National Stud Farm at Veľká Lúka to see the hardy Hucul breed grazing on the plateau meadows.
• Explore Veľká Stožka gorge and cliffs — Wander through limestone gorges and beneath dramatic rock walls in the strict nature reserve area.
• Discover the karst landscape near Tisovec — Explore caves, sinkholes and karst formations on marked educational trails at the western edge of the plateau.
• Visit Muráň village and its info center — Start your trip at the village below the castle where the national park visitor information point is based.
• Ride the horse-drawn carriage tours — Take a guided carriage or riding trip from the stud farm across the open plateau pastures.
• Birdwatching and biodiversity spotting — Look for rare raptors, deer and endemic plants across one of Slovakia's most biodiverse karst regions.

Food to try

• Bryndzové halušky — Slovakia's national dish of soft potato dumplings smothered in sheep's bryndza cheese and topped with fried bacon.
• Bryndza sheep cheese — The soft, tangy sheep's-milk cheese made in the surrounding highland pastures is a regional staple.
• Kapustnica — A hearty sauerkraut soup with smoked sausage and mushrooms, warming after a day on the trails.
• Žinčica — A traditional whey drink from sheep's milk offered at shepherd huts and mountain farms.
• Wild game dishes — Local eateries serve venison and boar goulash sourced from the forested plateau.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect strict reserve zones — Much of the plateau is protected; stay on marked trails as some areas restrict access to protect wildlife and horses.
• Do not disturb the Hucul horses — Though semi-wild, the horses are managed by the stud farm, so observe from a distance and avoid feeding them.
• Come prepared for the terrain — Trails to the castle and gorges are steep and rocky, so bring sturdy boots and water as facilities are sparse.
• Greet with 'Dobrý deň' — A polite Slovak greeting is appreciated in the small villages of Muráň and Tisovec.

Nearby

• Čierny Balog Forest Railway — 30 km
• Slovak Paradise National Park (Prešov Region) — 33 km
• Betliar Manor (Košice Region) — 33 km
• Rožňava (Košice Region) — 37 km