Adventure Hiking in Slovakia in a Weekend
Explore the perfectly named Slovak Paradise National Park via a network of trails, ladders, bridges and catwalks
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with expert, local, English-speaking guidesHotel
3 nights in a hotel in LevočaMeals
3 tasty breakfasts and 1 dinnerTransfers
To and from the airport and everything in betweenPermits
All park permits and entry feesSmall Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 16 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
…
What's it like?
Explore forests, meadows, plateaus, ravines and waterfalls as you traverse one of Europe’s most beautiful National Parks
Clamber across canyons and ascend gorges using a network of metal ladders, wooden catwalks and hanging bridges
Spend time in charming Levoča, a little-visited medieval town surrounded by natural splendour, on this long weekend adventure
Looking for a longer adventure? See our alternative trip Adventure Hiking in Slovakia in a Week
Key Information
Day 1
Welcome to Slovakia
Meet your host in Krakow and take a scenic drive over the border into Slovakia, then on to your guesthouse in the UNESCO-protected town of Levoča. Check in, unwind and then meet up with the rest of your group for dinner and a chance to review the plan for the days ahead.
Day 2
One day, two canyons
Hiking
Head into the Slovak Paradise National Park and see for yourself why it lives up to its name. Hike along the bottom of Sucha Bela Gorge, one of the longest and most popular canyons in the park, trek through water, climb over fallen trees and ascend ladders – you'll even pass a window-like hole in the rock. Emerge from the canyon and have lunch at a mountain hut before continuing through Prielom Hornadu gorge, famous for the series of ledges and catwalks that rise above the Hornad River. Return to Levoča in time for dinner and a good night's sleep.
Day 3
Fireplace Gorge
Hiking
Head back into the park and explore Piecky (Fireplace) Gorge, which gets its name from the amazing rock formations that span the canyon. More ladders await as you climb beside multi-storey waterfalls, including some horizontal ones that take you over green and blue pools of water. After hiking we head back to the town, have an early dinner before heading out to relax at the thermal pools when it's quiet and cool.
Day 4
One last hike
Hiking
Check out and venture into the National Park one last time on a hike to a stunning, 200m high rock shelf with excellent views over the entire area you’ve been exploring. Hike back down and return to Krakow in time for your flight home with new stories and photos to share with your friends.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Krakow John Paul II International Airport, Poland
15:00
Ends
Krakow John Paul II International Airport, Poland
15:30
Transfers
Your adventure begins at Krakow Airport (KRK) with your airport transfer at 15:00. Please schedule your flight to arrive more than 30 minutes before this time, your driver will be waiting for you in the arrivals area.
At the end of your adventure, you will be dropped back at Krakow Airport (KRK) at about 15:30. You’re free to book any flight that departs after 17:30.
Travel options
There are regular flights to Krakow from major airports across the UK and Europe.
Your group arrival and departure transfers are long (180km/approximately 3.5 hours) and include a border crossing. For this reason, private transfers are not usually offered by your host as the cost is prohibitive and you are encouraged to join the group arrival/departure transfers.
As the first and last day of your adventure are full days and the traffic between Krakow Airport and the city is usually heavy, it is not possible to be picked up or dropped off at a city hotel. However, public transport between the city and the airport is good. There is a train that leaves once or twice per hour, this takes 17minutes and is very economical.
Alternatively, there are a small number of flights between the UK and Poprad-Tatry Airport. Private transfers between this airport and your starting/finishing point are not available, however, the cost of a taxi is approximately 15-25 EUR one way.
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 3
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 4
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
Slovakian food is fresh and hearty and staples include pork, poultry, cheese, pastry, potatoes, onions and garlic. Lentil and vegetable stews are also common, as is wild game, pasta and the dish bryndzove halušky – small potato dumplings with cheese. You'll have plenty of time to stock up on local food for lunches while out hiking.
There are also a variety of restaurants in town, including European-American fusion, pizza, pubs and Italian. It’s possible to accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free diets on this trip, just let your host know before arrival.
What is the accommodation like?
Levoča
While hiking in the Slovak National Park, you'll stay at the Hotel U Leva – a family-run, 3-star hotel in a restored medieval building right in the heart of town. Rooms are en suite and include WiFi, satellite TV and a minibar. The hotel serves a delicious fresh breakfast each day.
Please note, select departures will stay next door at the Hotel Arkada, which is of a similar standard, or at Podlesok Ranch, which is right at the edge of Slovak Paradise National Park.
Upgrades
For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room can be booked for an extra charge, see Optional Extras. Please request this at the time of booking (this is subject to availability).
This trip has been rated as Moderate
You'll be covering 11-17km each day across uneven terrain, so a moderate level of fitness is needed to enjoy it to the full, however, elevation gains are modest (400-700m) and while the trails are complex, you'll be moving at a slow pace.
The ladders, catwalks and ledges (some of which are quite narrow) are very sturdy and secure, however, you should be comfortable with heights. Imagine climbing up to the third storey of a building on a ladder: if you can do that, you'll be fine. Plus, your guide will never be far away.
The Slovak Paradise National Park in summer is beautiful and relatively warm. From June to August the average daytime temperatures on a sunny day can range from 20-30°C, but at night it cools down to as low as 8°C. In the spring and autumn it's a little chillier, ranging from 10-18°C during the day and 3-6°C at night. Autumn is the driest season and also boasts some beautiful colours.
Slovakia adventure hiking
Had such and amazing time in Slovakia and could not fault our guides Patrik and Peter they both made the experience! Plus met some new wonderful people. Couldn't recommend this trip highly enough!
Life changing!
Such an incredible adventure. Completely out of my comfort zone, however was looking for a challenge and thoroughly enjoyed it. My guide Jan was brilliant. Patient, kind, good listener and put everyone at ease. Great group of like minded people.
Should have done this sooner
I had been aware of much Better Adventures for several years before finally getting around to booking this trip and only wish I had done it sooner.
Our guide Jan was amazing. Calm, knowledgeable, interesting and interested - great company and a safe pair of hands, he made the whole trip stress-free and enjoyable, and was only too happy to help and advise at every turn.
The walking was amazing despite (or maybe because) it was the end of season and very wet. Just the right level of challenge. Beautiful and fun.
The hotel was spot on in terms of location and facilities - the food in the restaurant was awesome.
Overall a great value trip. Just book it!
10 out of 10!!
Absolutely fabulous, the itinerary, the views, the people, the guide, EVERYTHING
Will be back for sure!
Amazing trip!
I had the best few days hiking in Slovak Paradise National Park. The walks were beautiful and it was so much fun climbing the ladders and walking over the bridges with stunning scenery. Jan was a fantastic guide who showed us the best places and took care of everyone amazingly!
Amazing holiday
Brilliant holiday, with excellent guides. I had a fantastic time meeting a great bunch of people while we explored caves, gorges, thermal spas and the Tatra mountains. The highlight of the holiday was the full day exploration of Suchá Belá gorge. Would recommend this for anyone interested in activity holidays.
First solo group trip
Had an amazing weekend hiking in Slovakia! This is the first solo/group trip that I've done. It won't be the last. The trails were stunning, and the ladders and gorges made it a real adventure. Jan and Michal were fantastic guides - knowledgeable and fun. Great bunch of people. The Highly recommend this trip!
10/10 experience. Really enjoyed this
10/10 experience. Really enjoyed this holiday from start to finish was so well organised and each day was amazing. Will be booking another one before the end of the year.
Great weekend!
Great weekend with amazing people! Thank you so much to the guides Jan and Michal who looked after us so well and set such a warm, fun tone. I’ll be recommending it to others! :)
A great adventure
The trip was well organised and fun. Great walks with ladders and slatted steps. I’m not good with heights but I could do everything (with a bit of concentration!). The group was fun. I would recommend it.
Slovak Adventure
Fantastic trip from beginning to end in this beautiful country. This was my first adventure trip with MBA and I was thoroughly impressed from start to finish. My group of fellow adventurers all had a good sense of enthusiasm and camaderie as we traveresed through riverbeds, up climbing ladders and platforms, and hiking through the hills. Accommodation, food, drink and communication were superb. Patrik and Peter were excellent guides throughout the whole trip offering advice on safetly hiking through the terrain and answering any questions about local culture and cusine.
Slovakia is a beautiful country
Slovakia is a beautiful country and I’m so happy I got to experience it alongside an epic adventure and a great group of amazing people. Peter and Patrik were fantastic guides, knowledgeable and clear with safety advice and how to enjoy the most out of our weekend… hiking and local life. We had the best weekend for autumn colours too which made it even more magical.
Slovak paradise national park was
Slovak paradise national park was everything I dreamed of and so much more. magical experience, I can’t wait to book my next adventure with MBA
Fab country, fab group!
A long weekend of beautiful hiking and absolute comedy gold. Patrik was a brilliant guide and filled the weekend with dry humour and key Slovakia facts while showing us some beautiful hiking and the delights of the local food, beer, and tatra tea. The hiking is 98% really good fun and fairly easy, and 2% a bit scary. You need a head for heights!
An amazing adventure!
This was my first time travelling solo and first time doing a group trip like this. It exceeded my expectations and was great fun! The group was full of friendly, likeminded people and the guides, Peter and Patrik, were brilliant. You definitely need to feel comfortable with heights as a large portion of all the walks involve ladders and platforms, with some hairy moments!
The hotel was great, good breakfast and in a beautiful town. The thermal pools were also a great part of the trip. I definitely recommend!
Absolutley loved this trip from
Absolutley loved this trip from start to finish! Superb guides Patrik and Martin were amazing so organised and briefings were kept brief but informative. Food was brilliant everywhere we ate. Our group was so full of laughter and chit chat and everyone helped each other. Will not forget this trip at all. Highly recommended and one to get you out of your comfort zone! Don’t think about booking. Do it!
My first solo trip away
My first solo trip away and from start to finish everyone made this trip a weekend to remember! Patrik was very informative, and a great guide. He joined in our group’s wacky sense of humour. Made me feel welcome immediately at the airport, and had the group’s best interest in mind at all times.
Loved the meals, great group, great guide! Definitely keen to see more of the world after this!
Exhilarating trip!
What an amazing trip! Hiking through Slovakia’s Paradise National Park was an exhilarating adventure from start to finish with amazing scenery! Our group was brilliant — everyone was friendly, encouraging, and up for a laugh. Big shout-out to our guide Patrik who was fantastic! Super knowledgeable, gave really clear instructions, and had a great sense of humour!
Book this trip - it's challenging, well organised and fun!
The weekend trip was a birthday surprise for me and I can't give it anything other than a 5 star review. Patrik looked after us so well and did everything he could to make sure we got the most out of an enjoyable and challenging trip - which we did. I met some lovely people in the group and made memories I won't forget. I will definitely go back to explore more of Slovakia, as a result of this first visit. Thank you to MBA, to Patrik and to the group!
PS The mediaeval banquet was an unexpected treat.
Amazing weekend
This was my first trip with MBA and it was brilliant. Seamlessly organised from start to finish and our guide Patrik was very patient and attentive (especially during my numerous freak outs on the ladder bridges). The scenery is beautiful and if you’re looking for a unique hiking experience but are short on time I can’t recommend this trip enough.
Very enjoyable few days adventure hiking in Slovakia
This was my first MBA trip and I’d definitely recommend it. Our guides Patrik and Maroš were great and everything was really well organised. The hikes were fun (not easy but not too challenging) through through forests, gorges and along rivers in the beautiful national park.
interesting trail, full of fun
Amazing weekend away hiking
This was my first trip with much better adventures and from start to finish everything was very well organised and executed. Patrick and Peter were great guides and rearranged bits of the schedule to make sure we got to do everything and also match it to the weather. The national park hikes were so much fun and whilst they took concentration in terms of the technical parts and ladders, it all felt very safe and made it very different (in a great way) to previous hikes. The group was wonderful, as was the food. Highly recommend.
Adventure Hiking in Slovakia in a Weekend
Really fun, would definitely recommend.
Amazing few days!
Great guides, lovely people, highly recommended
Great weekend getaway
It was an amazing weekend hiking and climbing ladders in the gorgeous nature of Slovakia. The tour guides Patrick and Maroš were super friendly, helpful and competent and made the trip extra fun. We had a great group of lovely people as well. I only wish I'd have had more time, so I could've stayed longer.
Definitely a Much Better Adventure
If you were the one always climbing trees when you were young, then this is the trip for you! A trip full of scrambles up ladders and low-level via ferratas, whilst staying in a beautiful medieval town. If you’re lucky, you might be offered the medieval feast for dinner one evening! We had Patrik as our guide who was so welcoming and a great sport! This was my fifth (yes fifth!) trip with MBA, and my next challenge is deciding which will be my sixth…
Fun Weekend Away
One of the best organised MBA trips I’ve been on, communication before and during was amazing. The only reason for the 4 rather than 5 star rating is that it lacked any wow factor. The walking was in gorges and while the ladders, bridges and walkways were good fun for me personally there were no amazing views or moments of just total awe. You definitely need a head for heights but the pace is moderate so it’s not physically very taxing. That said it was lots of fun. Gluten free diet was well looked after, menus always listed allergens and dishes could be adjusted. The small shop next to the hotel even had gluten free bread and brownies. Would recommend spending some time in Krakow if you can as it’s a stunning city. We only had a morning but managed a bike tour which gave us a good oversight and has added it to my list of city breaks. The Hilton is literally over the road from the arrivals hall and the station which is a 20min train journey into the centre of Krakow is right next to it, very convenient.
Amazing Adventure.
A truly amazing adventure. From start to finish. Couldn't ask for more. Excellent 3 day adventure and our guilds Patrik and Maros made the experience a very memorable one. 10 out of 10. . . . Would definitely book with you again.
Life-affirming hiking trip!
Had the best time hiking in Slovakia with incredidbly knowledgeable, fun and friendly guides. Our group was lovely - we had so many great chats, laughs and adventures. It was non-stop and the days flew by. I've gone home feeling totally recharged and inspired to join a local hiking group. The trip was the exact mix of challenge and relaxation that I was hoping for. Would definitely recommend. I'm very much missing waking up to sunny mountain skies and beautifully fresh air now that I'm home! Take me back. . . . x
Itinerary Activities
- 3 days of guided hikes exploring Slovak Paradise National Park
Guides
- Expert, local, English-speaking guides
Accommodation
- 3 nights in a hotel in Levoča
Meals
- 3 tasty breakfasts
- 1 delicious dinner
Transfers
- Group arrival transfer from Krakow Airport (Poland) on Day 1
- Group departure transfer to Krakow Airport (Poland) on Day 4
- All transfers during the trip
Permits
- All park permits and entry fees
Our trips are hassle-free by design. We include all the activities and equipment, as well as many of the meals, so you can simply rock up with your rucksack and share the adventure with your new pals.
Travel to and from the trip
Our trips do not include flights, trains or other travel to the start point and back from the end point.
Tips
Tips are not included in the trip cost; these are entirely at your discretion. If you would like to tip, the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality.
Personal Expenses
You know your own spending habits best, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals and drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures, and you'll need to provide your policy details before departure. Your insurance should offer adequate cover for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment, and the specific activities involved in your adventure. We also recommend ensuring your policy includes cancellation and curtailment cover, in case you're unable to join your trip due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness.
Standard travel insurance may not cover all the activities included in your adventure, so it's essential to check the details carefully. There are adventure-specific providers that many travellers have used in the past, such as True Traveller (for those based in the UK or Europe), or Rise + Shield, both of which offer cover for a wide range of adventurous activities.
Please make sure your chosen policy meets your individual needs and covers all aspects of your trip.
Visas
Visa requirements often change, and you are responsible for obtaining any required visas for this trip. Please check with your nearest embassy or consulate for up-to-date advice.
What do I need to bring?
- Sturdy, broken-in waterproof hiking shoes or boots (or at least waterproof socks, because you will have to step into water every now and then)
- Rain/windproof jacket
- Lightweight, breathable hiking shirts and trousers (or shorts in summer)
- Sweater or fleece
- Water bottle (at least 1 litre)
- Small rucksack for carrying personal items
- Swimsuit
- Insect repellent
- Gloves for ladders and chains (optional)
- Ear plugs - recommended
Private Room Upgrade
Payable Before Departure
Private Room Upgrade
… Per person
We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 124kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.
The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.
But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:
- Driving 1000 miles/1609km would be approximately 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person, if there were two of you in it).
- A return economy class flight between London and New York would be approximately 1619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approximately 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.
What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.
Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.
The local tap water is safe to drink. Please bring along your own reusable water bottles (at least 1.5L) to fill up to avoid buying single-use plastic bottles.
You'll need to bring all your luggage with you, however on each day of hiking your main luggage can be left in the accommodation, or left with the transfer vehicle and driver depending on the day of the trip. You will only need to have a daypack for each day of hiking.
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.
Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).
For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.
We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.
If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.
All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. You must be over 18 to join one of our trips.
You're always in good company on one of our adventures.
Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.
Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way. Check out our Community Values – a shared code to make sure that everyone's experience is safe, inclusive and brilliantly unforgettable.
It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.
Don't just take our word for it:
- 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
- 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
- 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends
See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.
Reviews
Life changing!
Nadine B. November 2025
10 out of 10!!
Adriana M. October 2025
Amazing trip!
Hannah R. October 2025
Slovak Adventure
Shane H. October 2025
Slovakia is a beautiful country
Maria H. October 2025
Slovak paradise national park was
Kelly D. October 2025
Fab country, fab group!
Alexander C. October 2025
An amazing adventure!
Isabelle D. October 2025
Absolutley loved this trip from
Wendy -. October 2025
Need help finding flights?
From logistics and how to get there, to fitness, group dynamic and trip difficulty, Rory and his team of friendly experts are on hand to help.
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DEPARTURE DATES
Thursday 7th May 2026
to Sunday 10th May 2026
Thursday 14th May 2026
to Sunday 17th May 2026
Thursday 21st May 2026
to Sunday 24th May 2026
Thursday 28th May 2026
to Sunday 31st May 2026
