The paper deals with the possibilities of further use of environmentally degraded and polluted areas on the example of (mining and industrial) activities residues in the Central Spiš region in eastern Slovakia. On the example of the Slovinky mining tailing pond, the Markušovce mining tailing pond, and two mining dumps in Rudňany, we deal with the analysis of their condition in terms of heavy metal content, as well as the real and potential alternative use of these sites. Data were collected using field trips and field research in sediment sampling in all localities and by preparing a questionnaire for opinion polls. The content of heavy metals from all four places, the results of field trips, and the questionnaire were analyzed. The article points out the current state of these objects in terms of their load with heavy metals and considers their possible alternative uses, especially in terms of geotourism or education. The implementation of geotourism in the studied sites brings along benefits, not only for visitors and students, but also has a positive impact on sites themselves and on the local community. The results of such analyses should also serve as a basis (starting point) in planning the renewal and further development of such areas.

Caves represent natural phenomena that have been used by man since ancient times, first as a refuge and dwelling, and later as objects of research and tourism. In the karst landscape of Slovak Republic in Central Europe, more than 7000 caves are registered in a relatively small area, of which 18 are open to the public. This paper deals with the analysis of the speleotourism potential of 12 of these caves, administered by the Slovak Caves Administration. Based on the obtained data, we first evaluate the number of visitors in 2010–2019. Using a public opinion survey among visitors, we then evaluate the individual indicators of quality and each cave’s resulting potential. We use a modified standardization methodology and standardization of individual evaluation criteria weights for individual evaluation indicators. The resulting values of the potential of caves for speleotourism point to the great importance of these sites for domestic and foreign tourism and the protection of nature and landscape, as 5 of these caves have been part of the UNESCO World Natural and Cultural Heritage List since 1995.

The aim of this work is a comprehensive assessment of the avalanche risk within the Kráľova hoľa area in the Low Tatra Mountains in Slovakia by the modeling of trigger areas, and the simulation of avalanche movements and their maximum impact using GIS and the RAMMS simulation model. Within the environment of geographic information systems, we created a layer of trigger areas using a digital elevation model and a vector layer of a land cover as input data. This layer was added together with the digital elevation model to the RAMMS simulation model, where cartographic outputs were created, focusing on snow cover height, avalanche flow speed, and pressure exerted by a falling avalanche. Based on these documents, we were able to develop an updated map of the avalanche cadastre of the examined area. In the given territory, we mapped a range of trigger areas within an area of 2.6 km2 and the total range of avalanche run-outs within 14 interconnected areas. Of all the high mountains in Slovakia endangered by avalanches, this is the lowest range. The results are a suitable basis for the proper management and optimal use of the territory, which is part of Low Tatras National Park.