Lake Morské Oko - Pearl of Vihorlat

Morské Oko is the third largest natural lake in Slovakia, located at an altitude of 609.2 meters above sea level. This beautiful body of water approximately 750 meters long and 25 meters deep was formed by a massive landslide during volcanic activity thousands of years ago.

The lake is part of the Vihorlat Protected Landscape Area and is surrounded by magnificent beech primeval forests, which are listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. These ancient forests provide a home for rare plant and animal species and create a unique atmosphere of peace and untouched nature.

Interestingly, the lake belonged to Countess Gladys Vanderbilt-Széchenyi until 1945. In 1924, a small château was built here, which was supposed to serve therapeutic purposes. Today this building serves as a representative forest lodge and reminds of the rich history of this place.

Access to the lake is possible from the village of Remetské Hámre, where parking is available. From there, an approximately 1 kilometer long easy hiking trail leads directly to the lake. The path leads through the picturesque environment of beech forests, where you can admire the beauty of untouched nature.

In addition to Morské Oko itself, it is also worth visiting the Sninský Kameň peak (1005 m above sea level), the highest point of the Vihorlat Hills, which offers beautiful panoramic views of the wide surroundings including Zemplínska Šírava.