Hornád River Gorge (Prielom Hornádu)

A canyon opened to hikers only in 1974

The Hornád Gorge (Prielom Hornádu) is, together with the Suchá Belá ravine and the Tomášovský výhľad viewpoint, the best-known place in Slovak Paradise National Park. It is a canyon-like valley on the upper Hornád nearly 12 km long, running from the mouth of the Veľká Biela voda stream past the Čingov tourist centre to the village of Smižany. Here the river separates the so-called outer zone from the central part of the park. In places the valley narrows to a few metres, and its rocky banks rise up to 150 m.

For a long time the canyon could not be walked from end to end. Only in 1974 did members of the Mountain Rescue Service complete the path that is still considered one of the most spectacular in the Slovak Paradise. Back in 1964 the Hornád Gorge had been declared a national nature reserve of 290 ha, protected for its striking rock formations, rich flora and fauna and the beauty of the landscape.

What to see and do

• The path above the water – in the narrowest sections it continues on steel steps fixed to the rock and chains; several suspension footbridges cross the river, including one near the Letanovský mlyn mill.
• Viewpoints Tomášovský výhľad, Ihrík and Sovia skala with panoramas of the canyon.
• A link to the Kláštorská roklina gorge, which climbs to Kláštorisko with the ruins of a Carthusian monastery.
• A nature trail 22 km long (about 7 hours) with 16 stops; it can be split into two loops from Hrdlo Hornádu or from Čingov to the Trstený potok stream.
• Rafting by kayak, canoe, inflatable boat or paddleboard in summer, when there is enough water.

Along the path there are benches and several drinking-water springs. In winter, when the ice is thick enough, the frozen river becomes an ice track for walkers, skiers and skaters.

Practical information

The canyon is accessible all year. The main entry points are the Podlesok tourist centre (near Hrabušice) and Čingov, plus the villages of Letanovce and Spišské Tomášovce, which have railway stations; buses stop near Podlesok, Čingov and Hrabušice. Podlesok – Čingov is 10.9 km (about 4 hours), Podlesok – Letanovce 8.2 km (2 h 50 min), Letanovce – Čingov 6.4 km (about 2 hours). A park fee is payable at the entrance: €3 for adults, €2 for children 6–15 and over-65s. Parking costs €6 per day at Podlesok and €5 per day at Čingov.

The route is not technically difficult, but it has ladders and steel steps, so sturdy footwear is essential. It is not suitable for dogs: park rules require dogs to be leashed and muzzled, and they cannot climb the ladders. Check the gorge status on the park website before setting off – in 2026 the gorge is open, with a warning about the risk of falling trees. Camping is allowed only at campsites.

Nearby

Podlesok is also the start of the park’s most popular ravine, Suchá Belá, with waterfalls and ladders. To the south, beyond the Slovak Paradise, lies the Dobšinská Ice Cave, and to the east Spiš Castle.

Official website: npsr.sk

Photos: Jerzy Opioła, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons; Petr Kraumann, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons; Margoz, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons; Fry72, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons; Ladabohac, CC0, Wikimedia Commons.