Most people associate Slovak Paradise (Slovenský raj) with adrenaline-pumping climbs up vertical iron ladders and tightroping over rocky gorges. But what if you have a four-legged companion with you, or you simply aren’t in the mood for acrobatics? There is a trail that serves as a balm for the soul, even for those seeking peace and quiet. The Klauzy Loop from Dedinky.
Morning Serenity at Palcmanská Maša
Our hike began in Dedinky, a village that looks almost mystical in the morning mist.
The Palcmanská Maša reservoir welcomed us with a silence broken only by the occasional splash from fishing boats. The fishermen scattered across the water like statues added an atmosphere you won’t find in the busier parts of the national park. It was the kind of morning that tells you there’s no need to rush.
The Geravy Chairlift: A Slovak Legend Returns
Right at the start, the trail passes under the Geravy chairlift. If you aren’t in the mood for the initial steep climb, this lift is a Slovak rarity—it is the only functioning single-chair lift in the country.
After years of neglect and recent restoration, it once again connects Dedinky with the plateau. For less seasoned hikers or families with children, it’s a stylish way to save some elevation gain. However, hiking with a dog, we opted for the honest climb on foot.
Geravy Plateau: Ostriches, Rabbits, and “Mountain” Cows
When you reach the Geravy plateau (approx. 1,000 m above sea level), you enter another world. The narrow gorges are replaced by sprawling meadows and a sense of infinite space.
What truly surprised us was the local “menagerie.” We encountered an ostrich, scurrying rabbits, and a herd of very shaggy cows (likely Highland cattle or their mountain cousins). Our dog watched them with such respect that you could have felt the tension. He stood frozen, with one question in his eyes: “Is this still a cow, or is it a bear?”
Hikevent Tip: If you’re looking for accommodation with the best morning coffee in the area, the Mountain Hotel Geravy is the highest-placed lodging in the entire Slovak Paradise.
Klauzy: Where History Floated Timber
From Geravy, the Klauzy Loop trail continues along a pleasant forest path, mostly in the shade—a feature you’ll appreciate during the summer months. The destination is the Klauzy water reservoir.
This dam is a visual gem—emerald water surrounded by dense forest, looking incredibly pristine. But Klauzy isn’t just a “pretty pond.” Historically, it served a strategic purpose—collecting water that was then released in a surge into the valleys to help float timber out from the depths of the forest. Today, it stands as a silent monument to old engineering and a perfect spot for a picnic.
Why Choose This Klauzy Loop?
The return from Klauzy back to Dedinky is easy-going, without any technical sections. No chains, no ladders, no stress.
- Route Length: Approximately 20 km (can be shortened depending on your pace).
- Difficulty: Easy/Moderate (due to length), but physically accessible to everyone.
- Best for: Families, recreational hikers, and dog owners.
This loop is proof that Slovak Paradise doesn’t have to be all about adrenaline. Sometimes, the silence of the forest, the sight of shaggy cows on the plateau, and the emerald surface of Klauzy are all you need for a perfect mental reset.
🏛️ Quick Info: Klauzy Loop
- Start & End Point: Dedinky (parking near Palcmanská Maša).
- Route: Dedinky – Geravy – Klauzy – Dedinky.
- Entry Fee: Don’t forget the National Park entry fee (required during the season).
- Note: The Geravy chairlift operates seasonally; check opening hours before your trip.
