Discover the Wild Beauty of Poloniny National Park

• HelloAhoj
  [ahoy]
• GoodbyeDovidenia
  [doh-vee-de-nyah]
• YesÁno
  [ah-no]
• NoNie
  [nye]
• Please/You're welcomeProsím
  [pro-seem]
• Thank youĎakujem
  [dyah-koo-yem]
• Excuse me/SorryPrepáčte
  [pre-pahch-te]
• How are you?Ako sa máš?
  [ah-ko sa mahsh]
• Fine. And you?Dobre. A ty?
  [doh-bre. ah tee]
• Do you speak English?Hovoríte po anglicky?
  [ho-vo-ree-teh poh ahn-gleet-skee]
• I don't understandNerozumiem
  [neh-roh-zoo-myem]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseChcel by som vidieť jedálny lístok, prosím
  [kh-tsel bee som vee-dyeht ye-dahl-nee lees-tohk pro-seem]
• I don't eat meatNemám rád mäso
  [neh-mahm raad mah-soh]
• Cheers!Na zdravie!
  [nah zdrah-vee-eh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseChcel by som zaplatiť, prosím
  [kh-tsel bee som zah-plah-teet pro-seem]

• Help!Pomoc!
  [poh-mohts]
• Go away!Choď preč!
  [khohd prech]
• Call the Police!Volajte políciu!
  [voh-lah-yteh po-lee-tsyoo]
• Call a doctor!Volajte doktora!
  [voh-lah-yteh dohk-toh-rah]
• I'm lostZablúdil som
  [zah-bloo-deel sohm]
• I'm illSom chorý
  [sohm khor-y]

• I'd like to buy...Chcel by som kúpiť...
  [kh-tsel bee som koo-peet]
• I'm just lookingLen sa pozerám
  [len sa poh-zeh-rahm]
• How much is it?Koľko to stojí?
  [kohl-koh toh stoh-yee]
• That's too expensiveTo je príliš drahé
  [toh yeh pree-leesh dra-heh]
• Can you lower the price?Môžete znížiť cenu?
  [moh-zheh-teh znee-zheet tseh-noo]

• What time is it?Koľko je hodín?
  [kohl-koh yeh hoh-deen]
• It's one o'clockJe jedna hodina
  [yeh yehd-nah hoh-dee-nah]
• Half past (10)Polovičná (desať)
  [po-lo-veech-nah deh-saht]
• MorningRáno
  [rah-noh]
• AfternoonPopoludní
  [poh-poh-loo-dnee]
• EveningVečer
  [veh-chehr]
• YesterdayVčera
  [vche-ra]
• TodayDnes
  [dnes]
• TomorrowZajtra
  [zai-tra]
• 1Jedna
  [yehd-nah]
• 2Dve
  [dveh]
• 3Tri
  [tree]
• 4Štyri
  [shtee-ree]
• 5Päť
  [paht]
• 6Šesť
  [shest]
• 7Sedem
  [seh-dem]
• 8Osem
  [oh-sehm]
• 9Deviat
  [deh-vyat]
• 10Desať
  [deh-saht]

• Where's a/the...?Kde je...
  [kdeh yeh]
• What's the address?Aká je adresa?
  [ah-kah yeh ah-dreh-sah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Môžete mi ukázať (na mape)?
  [moh-zheh-teh mee oo-kah-zah-t na mah-peh]
• When's the next (bus)?Kedy je ďalší (autobus)?
  [keh-dee yeh dyahl-shee ow-toh-boos]
• A ticket (to ....)Jedno lístok (do ...)
  [yehd-no lees-tohk doh]

Poloniny National Park is home to some of the oldest and most pristine beech forests in Europe. These primeval forests, part of the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2007, have remained largely untouched for centuries. They provide a glimpse into the natural history of the region, showcasing ecosystems that have developed without significant human intervention. The park's forests are a living museum of biodiversity, with trees that have stood for over 200 years.

Established in 1993, the Poloniny National Park is part of the larger Carpathian Biosphere Reserve, which spans several countries in Eastern Europe. This reserve aims to protect the unique natural and cultural heritage of the Carpathian region. The park's location at the border with Poland and Ukraine makes it a crucial area for transboundary conservation efforts, ensuring the protection of migratory species and maintaining ecological corridors.

The region of Poloniny has been inhabited since the medieval period, primarily by the Rusyn people, also known as Ruthenians. These Eastern Slavic inhabitants have left a lasting cultural imprint on the area, evident in the traditional wooden churches and vernacular architecture scattered throughout the park. These historic structures, such as the Church of St. Michael the Archangel in Topoľa, date back to the 17th and 18th centuries and are now part of Slovakia's national cultural monuments.

During World War II, the dense forests of Poloniny served as a refuge for partisans and resistance fighters. The region's rugged terrain provided ideal cover for guerrilla warfare against occupying forces. Remnants of these wartime activities, including hidden bunkers and memorials, can still be found within the park. These historical sites offer a poignant reminder of the area's strategic importance and the resilience of its inhabitants during times of conflict.

The cultural landscape of Poloniny National Park has been shaped by centuries of traditional pastoralism, particularly influenced by the Vlach people who migrated through the Carpathians. The Vlachs were known for their sheep herding practices and seasonal transhumance, which involved moving livestock between mountain pastures in the summer and lower elevations in the winter. This way of life has left an indelible mark on the region, with picturesque meadows and shepherd huts dotting the landscape.

Poloniny National Park is located in the northeastern part of Slovakia, near the borders with Poland and Ukraine. The nearest major city is Košice, which has an international airport (Košice International Airport). From Košice, you can take a train or a bus to the town of Snina, which is the gateway to the park. The journey by train or bus takes about 2-3 hours. From Snina, local buses or taxis can take you directly into the park.

Within Poloniny National Park, the best way to get around is by hiking or cycling, as much of the park is only accessible via trails. For longer distances, renting a car in Snina or Košice is a convenient option, especially if you plan to explore the surrounding areas. Keep in mind that public transport within the park is limited, so having your own vehicle can provide more flexibility.

The official currency in Slovakia is the Euro (EUR). While credit cards are widely accepted in larger establishments in cities like Košice, it is advisable to carry cash when visiting Poloniny National Park, especially in smaller villages and local shops. ATMs are available in Snina, but they are scarce within the park itself, so it is wise to withdraw sufficient cash before entering the park.

Poloniny National Park is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is always advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid hiking alone in remote areas, especially if you are unfamiliar with the terrain. Keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists in the park, but it is always best to stay vigilant.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance, which is the general emergency number in Slovakia. The nearest medical facilities are located in Snina. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in Snina where you can purchase over-the-counter medications. Always inform someone about your hiking plans and expected return time.

Fashion: Do dress in layers and wear sturdy hiking boots, as weather conditions can change rapidly. Don't wear impractical footwear. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting churches or religious sites, dress modestly. Public Transport: Do use public transport where available. Don't be late, as schedules are often strictly followed. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Dobrý deň' (Good day). A handshake is also appropriate. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and traditional Slovak dishes. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Poloniny National Park like a local, visit the quaint villages within the park, such as Nova Sedlica and Ulič. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about the area's history and culture. Don't miss the chance to explore ancient beech forests, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. For a unique experience, attend local festivals or events, where you can enjoy traditional music, dance, and cuisine.