Water has shaped very different stories in Košice-Okolie District: it carved out caves, powered blacksmiths’ hammers and plays a special role in a cold-water geyser. Jasovská jaskyňa is one of the most important caves in Slovak Karst National Park. As part of the Caves of the Slovak and Aggtelek Karst, it is a World Natural Heritage Site. In Medzev, the historic Hámor shows how flowing water once powered the work of a blacksmith’s workshop. And in Herľany, the Herliansky gejzír makes a geological phenomenon its subject.
From Hydropower to Monastic Culture
At the Hámor in Medzev, the energy of flowing water set blacksmiths’ hammers, bellows and furnace blowers in motion. The historic workshop is managed and made accessible by the Slovak Technical Museum as a living technical monument. Here, the interplay between the watercourse and the work of the blacksmiths offers insight into the history of technology.
A different kind of historic ensemble awaits you in Jasov: the Baroque Premonstratensian monastery comprises the Church of St John the Baptist, the monastery and a French monastic garden. The complex is one of Slovakia’s national cultural monuments. Guided tours take visitors through the church, the former archive, the library, halls, the hunting salon, garden and convent, as well as current exhibitions. As availability may vary seasonally, it is advisable to check tour dates before your visit.
Castles, too, tell stories of different eras. Kysacký hrad Castle was probably built at the end of the 13th century; it was first mentioned in 1300. Turniansky hrad Castle was founded no later than around the turn of the 14th century. Two important hiking trails lead to it: one starts in Háj and follows the yellow waymarking, while the other starts in Turňa nad Bodvou and partly follows the blue hiking trail. The castle hill is currently open to the public; check access conditions before your visit.
Rocky Landscapes and Trails in the Karst
Jánošíkova bašta is a limestone rock formation above the Hornád Valley and a popular climbing area. It can be reached from the village of Kysak by a red-marked hiking trail. The views described include the Hornád Valley, Humenec Nature Reserve, the Slanské vrchy mountains and the castle hill with the ruins of Kysacký hrad Castle. The landscape, climbing area and hiking trail each offer their own starting point for exploration.
The Zádielska tiesňava educational trail lies within Slovak Karst National Park and Zádielska tiesňava National Nature Reserve. Its themes range from flora and fauna to karst features and the use of the plateau. Visitors interested in nature and landscapes can also learn about the connections that shape this kind of area.
In Herľany, the Herliansky gejzír is considered Europe’s only cold-water geyser. It was activated by a 404.5-metre-deep borehole and produces low-temperature water. Eruptions currently occur 34 to 36 hours apart and each lasts 25 minutes. As these timings may vary, check them locally before your visit. A marked green hiking trail to Rankovské skaly also starts in the same municipality. These protected volcanic rock formations are in the Slanské vrchy mountains. The trail runs through woodland to the summit.
Science, Archaeology and Regional Themes
The Medzev Observatory and Planetarium combines presentations with explanations in the planetarium. When the weather is suitable, visitors can observe the sky outdoors; there is also a permanent meteorite exhibition. The programme appeals both to those interested in astronomical questions and to those curious about rocks from outer space.
The archaeological open-air museum in Nižná Myšľa consists of two settlements and a burial ground located 200 metres away from them. It contains more than 900 graves. The Máté Laczkó Szepsiho Wine Museum in Moldava nad Bodvou has a different focus: it presents wine production, the wine route and historic cellars. In Dargov, the Sieň bojovej slávy offers a virtual tour; groups of more than ten people can visit by prior arrangement.
Kúpele Štós also offers a variety of experiences. The grounds include a forest park with more than 200 species of rare trees and flowers, an artificial stream and cascades with fountains. The spa complex has water and steam baths, herbal, eucalyptus and Finnish saunas, a vitality shower, a water path, a hydromassage pool and a tepidarium. As facilities may change, check current offerings before your visit.
For a longer perspective on the area, the Hornád–Milič educational trail connects Trstené pri Hornáde, Ždaňa, Skároš, Nižná Myšľa and Vyšná Myšľa and is almost 61 kilometres long. It consists of several circular routes; a digital hiking map with GPS navigation is also available. This makes it possible to explore the area at different scales: individual cultural sites, marked trails and an extensive route.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Bukovec, Malá Ida, Vyšný Klátov, Budimír, Štós, Kechnec, Moldava Nad Bodvou, Vyšný Medzev, Košická Belá, Turňa Nad Bodvou, Nižná Myšľa, Zlatá Idka, Medzev, Opátka.
For the overview of the wider destination: Košice.
