Malé Morské oko, Natural monument in Sobrance District, Slovakia.
Malé Morské oko is a natural monument in the Vihorlat Mountains at 727 meters elevation, created by landslides in volcanic rock. The small lake is surrounded by steep terrain characteristic of this mountain range.
The site received its highest protection status in 1993 and was later included in the UNESCO World Heritage Vihorlat Primeval Forest designation. This recognition emphasized its importance as a protected location.
The name translates to 'Small Sea Eye' in Slovak, following a regional naming tradition for clear mountain lakes found across Slavic cultures. This reflects how local communities describe alpine water bodies using maritime vocabulary.
Multiple marked trails lead to the lake, with the shortest route from Krivec parking area taking about 45 minutes uphill. Sturdy footwear is advisable given the steep terrain and potential for slippery ground.
The lake has no visible surface water outflow despite constant water inflow, creating rare conditions that support protected species like the European crayfish. This unusual hydrological feature makes it an exceptional ecological habitat.
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