Galmus is the northern boundary of the Volovské Mountains. It belongs to the Hnilec Mountains subunit. Like the other areas stretching along the northern and eastern boundary of the Volovské Mountains, Galmus is of limestone origin. Therefore, we can also find several karst phenomena here, such as caves and sinkholes. The plateau is divided by the Poráč Valley into a northern section and the massive Slovinská Skala.

Galmus was included in the Natura 2000 network of protected areas of European importance as the most comprehensive area in the Volovské Mountains. Within it, we can find two reserves: the Galmuská Tisina National Nature Reserve and the Červené Skaly Nature Reserve. More about the habitats and plant species that are the subject of protection can be found on the website of the State Nature Conservancy of the Slovak Republic.

view of Galmus from the village of Slovinky

The most beautiful views of Galmus are offered by Biela Skala (926 m above sea level) and the Slovinská Skala plateau, crowned by Galmus’s highest peak, Skala (1014 m above sea level). Together, they form a kind of gateway to the Poráč Valley from both sides.

Marked hiking trails lead to the summit of Biela Skala from Slovinky and Krompachy, as well as from the more distant Spišské Vlachy. A yellow hiking trail connects Spišské Vlachy with Biela Skala and Slovinky. A green hiking trail leads to the summit from Krompachy.

No marked hiking trail leads directly to the Slovinská Skala plateau. However, it is easily accessible from the Suchinec saddle, to which a green hiking trail leads from Slovinky. A marked route created by locals leads across the plateau to the scenic Skala.

The jewel of Galmus is undoubtedly the Poráč Valley, which connects the villages of Slovinky and Poráč. It stretches between rocky cliffs that belong to the Červené Skaly Nature Reserve on both sides of the valley. This 390-hectare reserve is under the fifth level of protection, so movement outside the marked hiking trail is not permitted there.

More about the Červené Skaly Nature Reserve can be found at this link.

end of the Poráč Valley and the village of Poráč

Galmus is also home to two fragments of Carpathian primeval forests. These are the Domková primeval forest remnant and the Galmuská Tisina primeval forest.