Slovak Primeval Beech Forests – UNESCO World Natural Heritage
Slovakia is Central European country that is largely covered with forests. More than 40% of Slovakia is covered by forests, and is such one of the most forested countries in Europe. The other 40% is agricultural land.
But that’s not all! Slovakia also has some of the oldest forests in Europe! Although they are not rain forests but the ancient beech forests and thanks to this the country has one more entry in UNESCO world natural heritage list.
Badínsky primeval forest
Badínsky primeval forest is one of the oldest protected areas in Slovakia, and has been protected since 1913.
It is located about 10 km from Banska Bystrica, which is also one of the most beautiful cities in the country.
One of the most important forest visitors was Prince Charles in 2000, who drove from there a few young trees.
Dobročský forest
Dobročský primeval forest is located near the town Brezno and is not open to the public.
Entering the forest is strictly prohibited since 1996, but you can get to its border following the walking paths around it with information boards.
The oldest 450-year-old fir with a circumference of nearly seven meters was broken by the wind in Dobročský forest in 1964.
Its height was 56 meters, which is a height of around 20 storey block of flats. The other trees are similar in size and shape as well.
Dobročský forest, Banská Bystrica region, Central Slovakia
Primeval forest Havešová (UNESCO)
Primeval forest Havešová boasts one of the highest beech trees in the world. Already since 1964 the forest is a protected nature reserve and since 1997 is together with primeval forests of Rožok and Stužica protected by the Poloniny National Park.
National Nature Reserve of Rožok (UNESCO)
Since 2007 forests are registered in UNESCO under the Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and the Ancient Beech Forests of Germany, thus protecting forests of global importance, not only in Slovakia but also in Ukraine and Germany.
Primeval Forest Stužica (UNESCO)
Stužica Forest, National Park Poloniny, Eastern Slovakia
Šimonka (peak)
Šimonka is the highest peak of Slanské vrchy mountains, reaches an altitude of 1,092 meters and during the good weather conditions you can enjoy great views of High Tatras and Kráľova Hola mountains.
The fastest way to the peak is by following the red hiking trail from Zlatá Baňa village, east of Prešov. The peak is covered with an interesting deciduous forest!
Vihorlat primeval forest (UNESCO)
Vihorlat primeval forest is a part of the Vihorlat mountains, surrounding the water dam Zemplínska Šírava.
You will find 240 year-old beeches near the top of Vihorlat (1076 m). By 2012, entering Vihorlat mountain was not possible, due to the fact that there is a military area.
Vihorlat primeval forest, Eastern Slovakia
Related: Slovakia Places to Visit
