Overview
Poloniny National Park (Národný park Poloniny) is Slovakia's most remote protected wilderness, set in the Upper Zemplín region along borders with Poland and Ukraine. The park protects one of Europe's largest remaining tracts of old-growth beech forest, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians.
Day Trips · History · Nature · Skiing · Trekking
Before you go
Connectivity
Mobile phone coverage is limited in the mountain valleys. WiFi is available at Hotel Armales and Penzión Kremenec. Most of the park has no internet access.
Money
Slovakia uses the euro (€). Cash machines available in Snina and Humenné. In the park itself, carry sufficient cash as card facilities are limited to larger villages only.
Packing
Bring layers for variable mountain weather, waterproof gear, sturdy hiking boots, and sufficient food for multi-day hikes. In winter, cross-country skis and extreme cold gear (temperatures can reach -31°C) are necessary.
Safety
Frequent police patrols near the Ukrainian border due to EU and Schengen border controls. Always carry ID. Brown bears are present—make noise while hiking, store food away from tents, and never approach bears or stand between a mother and cubs.
Transport
Remote park with limited bus service. Stakčín has a rail station; most access is by private car. A special pass is required to drive beyond the Starina dam toward abandoned villages, obtainable in Stakčín or Snina.
Weather
Continental climate with 4-8°C annual average. Long winters with 120-160 days of snow cover depending on elevation. Best hiking months are June through September with July temperatures of 16-18°C.
