📷 Photo by Julien Chatelain on UnsplashSlovak Paradise and the Gemer karst
Ladders up waterfall gorges, an ice cave, the Andrássy manors and a cave on the Hungarian border.
- Distance
- 102 km (63 mi)
- Driving
- 1 h 25 min
- Suggested days
- 3
- Stops
- 7
- Countries
- Slovakia
- Updated
- June 19, 2026
At a glance: 3-day road trip of about 102 km (63 mi) with 7 stops, from Poprad to Domica Cave. About 1 h 25 min of driving in total.
More road trips in Slovakia
Route description
From Poprad, below the High Tatras, it is a short drive south to Hrabušice and the Podlesok entrance to Slovak Paradise National Park. The Suchá Belá gorge climbs beside waterfalls on ladders and chains; it is one-way only and takes about three hours, returning on forest paths.
Road 67 then crosses the wooded hills to the Dobšiná Ice Cave, where frozen halls stay below zero all summer. Beyond Dobšiná the road drops into the Gemer region, quieter and poorer, with old mining villages.
At Betliar the Andrássy family’s hunting manor still has its furniture and trophies, in a park free to walk. Rožňava has a broad square and a mining museum, and just east the castle of Krásna Hôrka rises above the road; it is still under restoration after the 2012 fire, but the Art Nouveau mausoleum below can usually be visited.
End at the Domica cave, part of the same UNESCO karst system as Hungary’s Baradla cave just across the border. The road 67 is fine for motorhomes; the narrow lanes around Podlesok are busy in July and August, so arrive early.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Poprad
Slovakia - 216 km
Suchá Belá Gorge
NatureHrabušice, SlovakiaThe classic Slovak Paradise hike: a gorge climbed on ladders, footbridges and chains beside waterfalls. It is one-way uphill only; start from Podlesok and wear good boots.
- 315 km
Dobšiná Ice Cave
NatureDobšinská Ľadová Jaskyňa, SlovakiaOne of Europe’s largest ice caves, with frozen halls that stay below zero all year and are part of a UNESCO site. Bring a warm layer even in August.
- 430 km
Betliar Manor
HistoryBetliar, SlovakiaThe Andrássy family’s hunting manor, kept with its original furniture, trophies and library, in a large English-style park that is free to stroll.
- 56 km
Rožňava
Slovakia - 66 km
Krásna Hôrka Castle
HistoryKrásnohorské Podhradie, SlovakiaA hilltop castle badly damaged by fire in 2012 and under long restoration. Even when closed it is a fine sight, and the Art Nouveau Andrássy mausoleum stands just below.
- 728 km
Domica Cave
NatureKečovo, SlovakiaThe Slovak entrance to the Baradla–Domica cave system on the Hungarian border, with dripstone halls and a short underground boat ride when the water is high enough.
Suggested stages and overnight stops
3 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Poprad → Dobšiná Ice Cave · 31 km · 0 h 26 minOn the way: Suchá Belá Gorge.Overnight nearby, for example: Autocamping Podlesok (12 km); Dedinky (7 km).
- Day 2: Dobšiná Ice Cave → Rožňava · 37 km · 0 h 31 minOn the way: Betliar Manor.Overnight nearby, for example: Chatová osada Betliar (5 km); Areál Jelšinka (5 km).
- Day 3: Rožňava → Domica Cave · 34 km · 0 h 28 minOn the way: Krásna Hôrka Castle.Overnight nearby, for example: Baradla Kemping és Turistaszálló (2 km); Naturacamp Silica-Szilice (10 km).
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June–August. Still fine, with some compromises, in September. Cold, short days in November–March. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
Practical notes for the road
- Slovakia: Vignette needed for motorways. Buy the e-vignette online before you drive on motorways. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
FAQs
How long is Slovak Paradise and the Gemer karst?
3-day road trip of about 102 km (63 mi) with 7 stops, from Poprad to Domica Cave. About 1 h 25 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Slovak Paradise and the Gemer karst?
We suggest 3 days: about 1 h 25 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Slovak Paradise and the Gemer karst start and end?
It starts in Poprad and ends in Domica Cave.
Which countries does Slovak Paradise and the Gemer karst pass through?
Slovakia.
Where can you camp along Slovak Paradise and the Gemer karst?
OpenStreetMap lists 19 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Leharo Camping, RIJOCamping VYSOKÉ TATRY Stará Lesná and Autocamping Podlesok.
When is the best time for Slovak Paradise and the Gemer karst?
The most pleasant months are usually June–August. Still fine, with some compromises, in September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
