Slovakia lies in the middle of Europe and yet is unknown to many people. With 40 per cent forest area and nine national parks, the small country is a true discovery. Slovakia’s national parks protect Europe’s last primeval forests and provide a habitat for rare plants and wildlife. Rolling hills, vast plateaus, deep gorges and fascinating caves define the landscape. There is no trace of mass tourism, even though Slovakia boasts seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites – in an area as large as Lower Saxony.

In the two-part documentary, we discover two national parks: from the untouched forests and wildlife of the Muránska planina park to the mysterious caves and flowering plateaus of the Slovenský kras park. In addition to scenic beauties, we immerse ourselves in the everyday life of the people. Local traditions and crafts are still appreciated here: Housewives prepare pasta with real handicraft. Shepherds lead their flock of sheep to pasture and spend the whole year with them in wind and weather, folklore musicians make old shepherd instruments. In the national parks we meet dedicated conservationists and zoologists, witness nature-loving rites and experience dancers and singers in their element. Through the national parks we explore two regions of little-known Slovakia. The people living there give us deep insights into the culture of their country.

on 7.2.2020 at 5.50 pm on arte: Slovak Karst
on 7.2.2020 at 6.30 pm on arte: Muránska planina