Morské oko, Natural lake in Vihorlat Mountains, Slovakia.
Morské oko is a lake in the Vihorlat Mountains covering about 13 hectares with depths reaching up to 25 meters. Sandy beaches line the western shores while rocky cliffs form the eastern edges, creating a natural basin surrounded by forest.
The lake was first documented on maps in 1687 under the name Blatné jazero. It received its current name Morské oko, meaning Sea Eye, during the twentieth century.
The lake sits within beech forests protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2007, holding special meaning for people connected to Slovak nature. Visitors experience the significance of this protected landscape and why it matters to the region.
A one-kilometer path connects the parking area to the lake, with marked walking trails circling the water. The flat routes suit most visitors but good footwear is important due to damp areas along the forest floor.
A mansion near the lake was built in 1924 by Countess Gladys Vanderbilt Széchenyi and now serves as accommodation for group gatherings. This building connects the area's wealthy past with its use today.
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