On August 21st, Slovak Paradise National Park marked 60 years since conservationists first succeeded in making the unique wilderness a nationally protected landscape. Though, the process began nearly 100 years ago.
The first of the famous ladders, bridges and risers were installed before the Second World War. After that, enthusiasts replaced and repaired them. "The climbing routes in Prielom Hornádu were made by hanging on a rope, and there were no drills at that time. It was done with an awl and a hammer. Then it was filled with lead," explained Karol Hric, the former director of the CR district administration in the SNV.
The declaration of the Slovak Paradise as a protected landscape area was only the first step towards its current status. "Due to its significant natural value, Slovak Paradise was recategorized as a National Park in 1988," stated Tomáš Dražil, director of the Slovak Paradise National Park Administration.
The establishment of the park has also contributed greatly to the local economy. Tourism employs hundreds of people there. "Gro consists of accommodation and then additional services like catering. There is still a lot of room for expanding these services," said the chairman of the Slovak Paradise-North Microregion, Marcel Kacvinský.
According to last year's statistics, Slovak Paradise National Park was visited by an average of 3,350 visitors per day.
Source: STVR
