Poloniny

This remote part of Slovakia where the borders of Poland, Slovakia and the Ukraine meet is becoming increasingly popular with tourists who are drawn to this historic area to experience its primeval beech forests and the unique herds of elk and bison which graze amidst the alpine meadows.

Designated a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, it is often referred to as ‘the green lungs of Europe’ for its exceptionally precious beech forests which cover around 80% of the area and contain a rare concentration of threatened animal and plant species.

Although man has greatly influenced the area in the past, most notably through the construction of the Starina reservoir in the park forcing the destruction of many villages, a few attractive villages remain within the park, drawing tourists to visit their distinctive historic wooden churches.