Muránska Planina and the Šomoška Basalt Organ – Ground Squirrels and Volcanic Rock in Slovakia

One of the biggest highlights on the plateaus of Muránska Planina National Park is watching the curious ground squirrels, which often venture surprisingly close to people. If you're coming from Hungary, it's worth stopping at the Somoskő Basalt Organ along the way, where alongside the striking volcanic rock formation you might even come across a fire salamander.

Muránska Planina – where the ground squirrels aren't afraid of people

Walking across the plateaus of Muránska Planina National Park, it quickly becomes clear how wildlife-friendly the landscape is. The ground squirrel population in the meadows here is particularly active, and the small animals often venture surprisingly close to visitors, giving you a great chance to watch them without needing binoculars. It's worth moving slowly and quietly so as not to scare them off too soon.

The Somoskő Basalt Organ

If you're approaching the area from Hungary, it's worth making a stop at the Somoskő Basalt Organ. This striking volcanic rock formation, with its distinctive columnar structure, is one of the region's geological highlights and makes a good starting point for a longer hike. In the damper, shadier stretches of the area, you might even spot a fire salamander along the way.

• Watching curious ground squirrels on the plateaus of Muránska Planina
• Somoskő Basalt Organ – a columnar volcanic rock formation
• A chance to spot a fire salamander in the damper stretches

These two spots combine well into a single day or a longer weekend trip – this part of Slovakia is less well-known, yet it holds some genuinely exciting natural sights.