Horná Ves brings together the landscape of the Kremnické vrchy mountains and a tangible mining heritage: adits, mine water and a hydroelectric power station once used to operate mining machinery are all part of the town’s history. The town lies at the confluence of Lúčanský potok and Rudnica and is suitable for leisurely walks as well as more challenging hikes. Its mining history also leads to Kremnica, as it is closely connected with the gold mining there. This gives you two distinct priorities to consider when planning your trip: time in the landscape and a closer look at cultural and mining history.
Hiking between towns and along a nature trail
The second section of the Kremnica hiking trail runs from Ihráč to Nevoľné and from there to Horná Ves along a yellow-marked route. From Horná Ves, it returns to Kremnica on a blue-marked route. The change in trail marker colour is part of the route as described; check the current trail markings before setting out. The route to Kremnický štít is part of a nature trail. While the sequence of named towns helps orient you on the second section, the route to Kremnický štít focuses on the nature trail. These hiking details can therefore be distinguished by their respective character.
A cultural monument in the centre
A Baroque column stands in the centre of Horná Ves and is protected as a national cultural monument. Its sculpture of the Holy Trinity dates from 1710. In 1776, the column was moved from Kremnica to Horná Ves; before that, it had stood in front of the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Kremnica. The monument thus brings together the history of its former location and the history of Horná Ves.
Mining history above and below ground
The portal of the Hlboká adit is at the southern entrance to the town. The adit was driven between 1519 and 1613 and is 7,050 metres long. Historically, it was used for drainage, transport and exploration. Another adit, the Hlavná adit, runs beneath Horná Ves and empties into the Hron River near Žiar nad Hronom. At 15,821 metres, it is more than twice as long as the Hlboká adit.
The connection with mining is also evident above ground. The Primaverka hydroelectric power station was built in Horná Ves in 1896 and had an output of 110 kW. It powered mining machinery in the fourth shaft in Kremnica. Ochre extracted from the mine water of the Hlboká adit was processed in Horná Ves by Farbová továreň bratov Strobentzových during the First Czechoslovak Republic and sold as a dye to the chemical industry. Together, these examples illustrate different areas of work: from the functions of the adits and energy supply to the processing of ochre.
Sports court with winter use
Horná Ves has a multi-purpose sports court for volleyball, basketball and nohejbal. In winter, it becomes an ice rink for hockey players and skaters. If you would like to include the facility in your travel plans, check its current availability before visiting.
Discover more destinations: Hliník Nad Hronom, Nevoľné, Kunešov, Dolná Ždaňa, Kremnické Bane, Trnavá Hora, Krahule, Ihráč.
See the regional travel overview: Žiar Nad Hronom.
