The Enchanting Slovak Karst National Park

• HelloAhoj
  [Ahoy]
• GoodbyeDovidenia
  [Doh-vee-deh-nya]
• YesÁno
  [Ah-noh]
• NoNie
  [Nee-eh]
• Please/You're welcomeProsím
  [Pro-seem]
• Thank youĎakujem
  [Dyah-koo-yem]
• Excuse me/SorryPrepáčte
  [Preh-pahch-teh]
• How are you?Ako sa máte?
  [Ah-koh sah mah-teh]
• Fine. And you?Dobre. A vy?
  [Doh-breh. Ah vee]
• Do you speak English?Hovoríte po anglicky?
  [Hoh-voh-ree-teh poh ahn-gleet-skee]
• I don't understandNerozumiem
  [Neh-roh-zoo-mee-yem]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseChcel by som vidieť menu, prosím
  [Hchel bee sohm vee-dyeh-t menu, pro-seem]
• I don't eat meatNejem mäso
  [Neh-yem mah-soh]
• Cheers!Na zdravie!
  [Nah zdrah-vee-eh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseChcel by som zaplatiť, prosím
  [Hchel bee sohm zah-plah-teet, pro-seem]

• Help!Pomoc!
  [Poh-mohts]
• Go away!Choď preč!
  [Chohd prehch]
• Call the Police!Zavolaj políciu!
  [Zah-voh-la y po-lee-tsyou]
• Call a doctor!Zavolajte lekára!
  [Zah-voh-la-yeh te leh-ka-rah]
• I'm lostStratil som sa
  [Strah-teel sohm sah]
• I'm illSom chorý
  [Sohm khor-ee]

• I'd like to buy...Chcel by som kúpiť...
  [Hchel bee sohm koo-peet]
• I'm just lookingLen sa pozerám
  [Lehn sah 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-lish dra-heh]
• Can you lower the price?Viete znížiť cenu?
  [Vee-eh-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)Polovica desiatej
  [Poh-loh-vee-tsah deh-syah-teh-ee]
• MorningRáno
  [Rah-noh]
• AfternoonPopoludní
  [Poh-poh-loo-dnee]
• EveningVečer
  [Veh-chehr]
• YesterdayVčera
  [Vcheh-rah]
• TodayDnes
  [Dnes]
• TomorrowZajtra
  [Zai-trah]
• 1Jedna
  [Yehd-nah]
• 2Dve
  [Dveh]
• 3Tri
  [Tree]
• 4Štyri
  [Shteer-ee]
• 5Päť
  [Pah-t]
• 6Šesť
  [Shtehsht]
• 7Sedem
  [Seh-dehm]
• 8Osem
  [Oh-sehm]
• 9Deväť
  [Deh-vah-t]
• 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)?
  [Moo-zheh-teh mee oo-kah-zah-t (nah mah-peh)]
• When's the next (bus)?Kedy je ďalší (autobus)?
  [Keh-dee yeh d-yal-shee owtaw-boos]
• A ticket (to ....)Lístok (do ....)
  [Lees-tohk (doh)]

Evidence of human settlement in the Slovak Karst region dates back to the Paleolithic era. Archaeological findings, including tools and pottery, suggest that early humans were drawn to the area's abundant natural resources and sheltered cave systems.

During the medieval period, the Slovak Karst region became an important center for mining activities. The area's rich deposits of iron ore, silver, and other minerals attracted miners and contributed to the development of local communities. Remnants of ancient mining operations can still be found scattered across the park.

In the 16th and 17th centuries, the Slovak Karst region was affected by the Turkish invasions. To protect the local population, numerous fortifications and castles were built, such as the Krásna Hôrka Castle. These structures served as defensive strongholds and played a significant role in the region's history.

The late 19th and early 20th centuries marked the golden age of speleology (the study of caves) in the Slovak Karst region. Pioneering explorers, such as Ján Majko and Móric Beňovský, conducted extensive research and documentation of the area's intricate cave systems, including the famous Domica Cave.

In 2002, the Slovak Karst region was designated as a national park to preserve its unique karst landscapes, rich biodiversity, and cultural heritage. The park covers an area of approximately 346 square kilometers and is renowned for its extensive cave systems, diverse flora and fauna, and historical landmarks.

In 1995, the caves of the Slovak Karst, along with the Aggtelek Karst in Hungary, were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This recognition highlights the global significance of the region's geological formations and the exceptional natural beauty of its karst landscape.

Slovak Karst National Park is located in the Košice Region of eastern Slovakia. The nearest international airport is Košice International Airport, approximately 60 kilometers away. From Košice, you can take a train to Rožňava, the nearest town to the park, which takes around 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can rent a car at the airport and drive to the park, which offers flexibility to explore the surrounding areas.

Public transportation within Slovak Karst National Park is limited. Renting a car is the most convenient option for exploring the park and its attractions at your own pace. Bicycles can also be rented in nearby towns for a more eco-friendly way to travel. For those who prefer not to drive, guided tours are available and provide transportation to key sites within the park.

The official currency in Slovakia is the Euro (EUR). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it is advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and rural areas. ATMs are available in Rožňava and other nearby towns, so withdrawing cash is relatively easy.

Slovak Karst National Park is generally safe for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid isolated areas at night and be mindful of your belongings in crowded places. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, staying vigilant and aware of your surroundings is always recommended.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Local police stations and medical facilities are available in Rožňava and other nearby towns. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies in the region can provide over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress appropriately for outdoor activities. Wear comfortable hiking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting religious sites, dress modestly and keep noise to a minimum. Public Transport: Do be courteous and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake and a friendly smile. Eating & Drinking: Do try local Slovak delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Slovak Karst National Park like a local, visit the local markets in Rožňava where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Slovak goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the region’s history and culture. Don’t miss exploring the Domica Cave, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Gombasek Cave, known for its unique formations. For a unique experience, take part in a guided cave tour or a hiking trip to the Silica Ice Cave.