Stratená combines a distinctive peak and the trail to Havrania skala with a protected forest area, caves and traces of culture. When planning your stay, it is important to note that the trail starts and ends in Stratená, while the described ascent to Dobšinská Ľadová Jaskyňa starts in the settlement of the same name. This makes it possible to organise local outings according to their actual starting points.
Havrania skala and protected natural area
Havrania skala is a distinctive and significant peak near the small municipality of Stratená, offering one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Slovenský raj. The official circular trail starts and ends in Stratená. There are no ladders or metal rungs on the route via Zajfy.
The Stratená Nature Reserve protects well-preserved forest ecosystems across varied terrain. These include larch-pine stands on limestone rocks; the protected area also covers the cadastral territory of Stratená. Chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) are relatively common there. While Havrania skala stands out as a viewpoint, the nature reserve is characterised by its forest, terrain and wildlife.
Caves and getting there
The settlement of Dobšinská Ľadová Jaskyňa belongs to Stratená; the cave of the same name was added to the World Natural Heritage List in 2000. The approximately 1 km ascent from the settlement to the cave gains 130 metres in elevation and takes about 25 minutes.
There are also dozens of small caves in the Havrania skala massif; some are accessible to visitors via official hiking trails. Thus, the area’s natural attractions include both a specific ascent to the ice cave and caves in the mountain massif.
The Margecany–Banská Bystrica railway line passes through Stratená and the settlement of Dobšinská Ľadová Jaskyňa. If you plan to travel by train, check the current service before your trip.
According to a notice from the national park dated 26 August 2026, the Tiesňava Valley was closed until further notice following a landslide that damaged the entire footpath, including the safety chains. Before visiting, check whether the closure is still in effect.
Church and local history
The Roman Catholic Church of St Augustine was built by Ferdinand Coburg in 1909. The workshop of Master Paul of Levoča created a remarkable statue of Mary Magdalene.
The remains of Skalná Brána bear witness to fighting during the Second World War. At the same time, Skalná Brána is an entrance to the Stratenský Canyon. Local points of interest therefore range from religious architecture and sculpture to traces of the fighting and a natural gateway in the landscape.
Planning a stay in Stratená
If you are looking for a hotel in Stratená, choosing your destination for an outing can be a useful starting point for planning. The trail to Havrania skala starts and ends in the village; the approximately 25-minute ascent to the cave starts in the settlement of Dobšinská Ľadová Jaskyňa. These different starting points make it easier to plan your stay around the routes you intend to take. The nature reserve and local history add to the options if you would like to include landscapes and cultural heritage as well as hiking.
Discover more destinations: Drnava, Rejdová, Vlachovo, Krásnohorské Podhradie, Dlhá Ves, Betliar, Brzotín, Jovice.
For the broader travel overview: Rožňava.
