Protected Landscape Area of the Eastern Carpathians was established on July 9, 1977 with the original area of 96 810 ha. Part of the area was included in the National Park of Poloniny in 1997 and the rest stayed as Protected Landscape Area of the Eastern Carpathians with only 25 307 ha. Best preserved parts of the Eastern Carpathians are protected as national nature reserves.

The area is characterized by rich forests, which are a major component of eco-stabilizing the country and a suitable environment for flora and fauna bound on the forest environment. In the small protected areas are still preserved natural fir beech forests located on flysch slopes of Laborecká highlands.

Natural forest stands are also suitable environment for protected and endangered animals, which live here, like wolf, bear, otter, Ural owl, black stork, black woodpecker, lesser spotted eagle and other species.

Protected Landscape Area of the Eastern Carpathians follows the border with Poland. It stretches from southeast to northwest, in the Low Beskydy.

There is Europe’s largest complex of beech forests and native forests in the Eastern Carpathians. You can enjoy there beautiful and wildlife forests, but various national cultural monuments as well. The greatest tourist attractions are wooden churches.

Protected Landscape Area of the Eastern Carpathians is suitable for activities like hiking, biking, fishing, horseback riding and skiing in winter.

THE MOST INTERESTING PLACES
Snina Stone (1005m above sea level) providing spectacular views of the surrounding of Snina.

Marine Eye – the largest volcanic lake in the Slovak Republic, is under Snina stone. It is one of the most beautiful natural lakes in the Slovak Republic.

Astronomical Observatory – located in Kolonica village – is equipped with the largest astronomical telescope in the Slovak Republic.

CULTURE
You can visit the main and essential festival of the region Snina, which is the presentation of local folklore (at the turn of August and September). The name of festival is “Podvihorlatský folklórní festival pod Sninským kamenem”.

Or visit Snina fair which held annually on the anniversary of the first written mention of the town Snina (in September).

View Protected Landscape Area of the Eastern Carpathians in Slovakia in a larger map

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Turda Gorge, Romania by Cristian Bortes

With regards to the history of the Turda Gorge, the entire site has been traced back to the Neolithic period. So far there have been 67 species of birds, amphibians, fish, and mammals which have been identified in this region. There are also a number of caves throughout the reserve, so far totaling 60. A majority of these caves are fairly small in size, with the largest one measuring a total of 120 meters.

There are certain tourist attractions around this area, including Cheile Turzii which is only just a few km from several other canyons, including Cheile Borzesti and Cheile Turului. The Ciucas waterfall is another very beautiful attraction which draws in a number of tourists from around the world. When it comes to rock climbing in Romania, Cheile Turzii is by far the most popular place for those who enjoy this particular activity.

The Turda Gorge is located on the Hasdate River and is home to many different types of plants and animals. Its geography is made up of steep cliffs, rocky dells, and sharp crests which make it a truly unique landmark in the area. The breathtaking beauty of the karst landscape is considered to be one of the main natural attractions in all of Romania.

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