Sovensky Raj National Park is one of Slovakia's most beautiful outdoor spots. It’s full of forests, rivers, and gorges. Families will find it a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. The hiking trails are easy, and there are rope bridges and picnic spots that kids will love. However, the park is tucked away in a rural area, so renting a car in Slovakia can make your journey much easier, especially if you leave the park later in the day.
The drive from Košice to Slovenský Raj is about 110 kilometers and takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and stops. It’s an easy and scenic drive that takes you past small towns and rolling hills.
Driving to Slovenský Raj from Košice is straightforward. Most of the route follows Route 547 or the D1 highway, which are well-marked and easy to follow.To make the most of your day, leave early in the morning. That gives you time to stop at nice spots along the way, like Spišská Nová Ves, Dedinky Lake, or the Tomašovce Viewpoint. These places are perfect for a quick break with great views.
The best time to visit Slovenský Raj is from late May to early October. You’ll get mild weather, open trails, and green forests. Summer is great for family travel in Slovakia, with longer days and warm sunshine. July and August are the busiest months, so book your hotel early. If you want fewer people and cooler weather, go in early June or September. These months still have great weather but are quieter and more relaxed.
To rent a car in Slovakia, you’ll need a valid driver’s license, passport, and a credit card in the main driver’s name. Most rental companies also ask for an International Driving Permit (IDP) if your license isn’t from an EU country. Check this in advance with your chosen provider. If you’re traveling with young children, reserve child seats ahead of time. They are often limited and may not be available if booked last minute.
When choosing a vehicle, consider the terrain. Slovenský Raj has mountain roads, narrow village lanes, and some gravel paths near trail entrances. A small SUV or compact car can handle the roads better and park easily in tighter spaces around the park.
Also, just in case, make sure your rental includes collision insurance and roadside assistance. Some remote areas don’t have frequent service stations, so it’s wise to fill up your tank in larger towns like Košice or Spišská Nová Ves before heading into the park. Lastly, remember that in Slovakia, you drive on the right side of the road, headlights must stay on at all times, and winter tires are required from November to March.
A road trip from Košice offers lovely stops that both kids and adults will enjoy. Here are the top spots worth visiting.
Spišská Nová Ves is the gateway to Slovensky Raj. For food, you can visit Grillbar Penzion & Restaurant, which serves delicious steaks. Pizza Bomba is popular for its wide pizza selection and kid-friendly space at reasonable prices. For those wanting something lighter, Reštaurácia Vegetarián 1 serves healthy vegetarian dishes.
After eating, explore the longest lenticular square in Europe, surrounded by colorful houses and cozy cafés. Climb the Church of the Assumption’s tower, the tallest in Slovakia, for great town views. Families can also visit the Spišská Zoo, home to animals like red-necked wallabies, ring-tailed lemurs, and meerkats, or pass by the Reduta Theater, a historic Art Nouveau building for concerts and social events.
Tomášovský výhľad is a scenic viewpoint in Slovenský Raj National Park. It sits at 680 meters above sea level on a limestone cliff. The viewpoint offers panoramic views of the Hornád River valley and the High Tatras in the distance. The cliff is about 145 meters above the river, making it a popular spot for hikers and climbers.
The hike to Tomášovský výhľad is suitable for most visitors. The shortest route starts from Spišské Tomášovce and follows a green-marked trail through meadows and forests. This path is about 4.2 kilometers round trip and takes approximately 1.5 hours. Another option is the yellow-marked trail from Čingov, which is slightly longer but manageable. It’s a great photo stop and picnic spot for the whole family.
Dedinky Lake, also known as Palcmanská Maša, is a peaceful spot in Slovenský Raj National Park. Its clear waters allow families to enjoy activities like paddleboarding, fishing, and swimming. However, the water stays cold even in summer. For those who enjoy hiking, the nearby Zejmarská Gorge has a short trail with ladders and waterfalls. It's suitable for families with older children. In winter, the area transforms into a ski destination with slopes for all levels.
Markušovce Manor House is a Renaissance mansion built in 1643 by František Máriássy. In 1773, it was remodeled into a Rococo-stle residence. Today, it houses a museum showcasing historical furniture from the 17th to the early 20th centuries.
The manor house is surrounded by a French-stle park with three graded terraces. At the highest terrace stands the Dardanely summer villa, built in the late 18th century for Emperor Joseph II's planned visit. Though the visit never occurred, the villa remains a fine example of Rococo architecture. Adjacent to the manor is the Dardanelles Summer Palace, constructed in the late 18th century. It features a unique exhibition of historical keyboard instruments and hosts classical music concerts in its frescoed hall.
Čingov is a major tourist hub in Slovenský Raj National Park. It offers access to scenic trails, forest paths, and river views. Families and hikers can enjoy several routes from here. One popular trail is to Tomášovský výhľad, a cliff with panoramic views. The hike is about a 5 km round trip, suitable for children. Another route is the Klauzy trail, a 15.7 km loop with ladders and rungs. For those interested in history, the nearby Čingovské hradisko is an archaeological site with remnants of a Slavic fort. It's accessible via a moderately challenging trail that takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes to complete.
There are many fun things to do in Slovensky Raj that are safe and enjoyable for children. Here’s how families can explore nature and enjoy peaceful spots perfect for bonding outdoors.
The Prielom Hornádu Trail is one of the best family routes in Slovenský Raj. It follows the Hornád River and includes metal footbridges, chains, and easy ladders that make the trail exciting for kids. The path is not too steep, and in many parts, it is close to the water, where children can spot fish and birds. With adult supervision, the hike is very manageable. The entire route is surrounded by forest. It’s ideal for older children who enjoy adventure but aren’t ready for difficult climbs.
Suchá Belá Gorge is one of the park’s most famous and scenic family trails. It features wooden ladders, steps, chains, and gentle climbs next to streams and small waterfalls. Kids will love the adventurous sections that involve walking beside or even through shallow water. The trail is well-marked and popular, so you won’t be alone. The cool air in the gorge makes it an ideal activity in summer. The total hike takes about three hours round trip, but many families turn around once they've had enough.
A visit to Dobšinská Ice Cave is a fun way to cool off and explore something unique. Located near Dedinky, this cave holds one of Europe’s oldest and thickest underground ice formations. Guided tours are available and easy to follow. Kids will love seeing the frozen chambers and learning how the ice stays frozen even in summer.
The cave walk is about 30 minutes long. Reaching the entrance requires a short, paved uphill walk from the parking area. Dress warmly even in hot months, as the cave stays cold year-round. It’s a short but unforgettable stop that mixes science, fun, and nature.
Misové Waterfalls in Hrabušice offer a short, family-friendly hike with rewarding views. The trail is easy, well-marked, and features wooden railings for safety. It’s ideal for younger children or those new to hiking. The waterfall has a height of 30 meters, and the area has places to sit and snack. It’s a good spot to take photos or dip your hands in the cool stream. Because the path isn’t long or steep, you can enjoy it at a slow pace. It’s a perfect way to enjoy Slovenský Raj without a long trek.
The Podlesok area is ideal for families with very young children or strollers. It features wide gravel paths, picnic tables, and gentle trails that are easy to explore. Shaded spots and rest areas make it comfortable, and kiosks nearby offer drinks and snacks.
Podlesok is also the main starting point for popular hikes such as Suchá Belá, Kláštorisko, and Piecky Gorge, so families can choose a route that fits their energy levels. Just a short drive away are the four towns of the Spiš region. Poprad, Kežmarok, Levoča, and Spišská Nová Ves are each reachable within 25 minutes by car.
Kláštorisko is a peaceful meadow with the remains of an old Carthusian monastery. It’s a gentle uphill hike from several trails in Slovenský Raj, including from Podlesok. The path is manageable for children and offers many shaded areas. Once at the top, you can explore the ruins, walk around the grassy fields, and enjoy a picnic with mountain views. There’s also a small shelter and refreshment stand open in peak season.
A Košice to Slovenský Raj road trip is a great way to bond with your family. You’ll enjoy nature, quiet roads, and fresh air throughout the journey. The drive is short but full of scenic spots, cozy towns, and kid-friendly trails that add fun and variety to the trip. Make your trip easier by renting a car with Finalrentals. You will get transparent pricing, free cancellation, and no hidden fees. We also offer family-sized vehicles up to 8 seats.
