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Gorge · Rožňava, Košice
Zádiel Gorge
A gorge of about 4 km carved into the plateau by the Blatný stream, with limestone walls up to 300 m high and the Cukrová homoľa, a 105 m stone tower. An educational trail starts from the village of Zádiel.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Zádiel Gorge
Zádiel Gorge (Zádielska tiesňava) is the best-known gorge of the Slovak Karst, in the eastern part of the national park. The Blatný stream carved the valley into the limestone plateau, and the collapse of ceilings of former galleries and caves deepened the cut. The gorge is about 4 km long and the cliffs rise to roughly 300 m; at the narrowest point, the so-called Zádiel Gate, the width is only about 10 m.
The most famous formation is the Cukrová homoľa, the Pão de Açúcar, a 105 m limestone tower rising in the middle of the valley, shaped by water, wind and gravity. It is the largest stone tower of this type in Slovakia and a popular spot for climbers.
The gorge is a highest-protection zone of the park and hosts rare plant and animal species, including one of the largest varieties of land snails in Central Europe. An educational trail with panels starts from the village of Zádiel, follows the valley floor and climbs to the plateau, returning via viewpoints such as Na skale.
The path along the valley floor is wide and almost flat, suitable for families; the full return route across the plateau is more demanding.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Two to three hours along the valley floor, round trip; about three hours and fifteen minutes for the complete circuit over the plateau.
Best time
From spring to autumn, on dry days. After rain, the stones on the path can become slippery.
How to get there
The entrance is in the village of Zádiel, about 30 km from Rožňava, with parking. By train, the Dvorníky-Zádiel stop is about 2.5 km from the entrance, via the red trail.
Tip
At minimum do the stretch to the Cukrová homoľa, which is flat. Bring water and hiking shoes if you plan to do the full plateau circuit.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Zádiel Gorge
What is the Cukrová homoľa?
It is a 105 m limestone tower in the middle of Zádiel Gorge, the largest formation of its type in Slovakia.
Is the trail in Zádiel Gorge difficult?
The section along the valley floor is wide and almost flat. The full circuit, which climbs to the plateau, is more demanding and takes about three hours and fifteen minutes.
How to reach Zádiel Gorge without a car?
By train to the Dvorníky-Zádiel stop and then about 2.5 km on foot via the red trail to the entrance, or by bus to the village of Zádiel.