Muránska planina National Park

Muránska planina National Park is a protected area in central Slovakia that conserves the Muráň plateau-a karst tableland of cliffs, caves and open upland pastures. The park features cliffs, sinkholes and forested slopes typical of central Slovak karst regions.

Hiking, caving and wildlife observation are the principal visitor activities; trails cross upland meadows and lead to viewpoints on the plateau edge. The park’s varied terrain includes rocky escarpments and more gently rolling highland pasture used historically for grazing.

The park was officially designated in 1997 to protect the plateau’s geomorphology, habitats and cultural sites, including longstanding pastoral landscapes and ruins. Conservation has focused on maintaining traditional land use patterns alongside natural habitat protection.

Muránska planina sits in the Banská Bystrica Region of Slovakia on the Muráň plateau, near the small villages of Muráň and the towns in the Revúca/Tisovec area, within Slovakia’s central highlands.

• Established: Designated a national park in 1997 to protect the Muráň plateau’s karst landscapes, forests and pastures

What to See#

• Muráň Castle (ruins): Ruins of a medieval castle located on the Muráň plateau that are a common hiking objective within the park.

• Start at the Muránska planina visitor information point (for example in Tisovec) to pick up maps and current trail information - trails are waymarked but local maps note seasonal closures and diversions.
• Plan hikes for late spring through early autumn when mountain meadows and the karst plateau are most accessible and the park's characteristic flora is at its best.
• Include a hike to Muránsky hrad (the Muráň castle ruins) as part of your visit - it's one of the park's most popular viewpoints and an accessible highlight that many visitors combine with plateau trails.
• Stick to marked trails and check livestock/grazing notices on the route; some paths cross open pastures where stock is present and the park enforces rules to protect flora and fauna.