Eastern Carpathians Protected Landscape Area based in Medzilaborce is the easternmost protected landscape area in Slovakia. It is situated in the northeastern corner of the Laborecka Upland, in the historical region of Zemplín. In the north it borders with Poland. On the Polish side of the territory there is a large protected area Jaśliski Prak Krajobrazowy. Tourists are mainly attracted by the Dukla Pass (502 m above sea level), which is associated with military operations during World War II.
In the area of the Eastern Carpathians, the Laborec River and in the western part also the left-side tributaries of the Ondava River originate. From the climatic point of view, the altitudinal climatic zonation - horizontal zonation - is manifested in this landscape with zonal differences. The area is characterised by relatively sufficient annual rainfall (1 000 mm).
The Eastern Carpathians Protected Landscape Area is characterised by rich forests, which are the main eco-stabilising element of the landscape and a suitable environment for flora and fauna. The border between the West Carpathian and East Carpathian flora runs through the MPA.
The flysch slopes of the Laborecka Upland give visitors the opportunity to admire the preserved fir beech forests. In their rich herbal cover, plants such as the mountain fescue, the blackberry or the marigold occur.
The original forest stands are also a suitable environment for protected and endangered animals, such as the wolf, brown bear, lynx, river otter, long-tailed owl, black stork and other species.
Cover photo: KOCR Northeast of Slovakia
