The municipality of Bžany lies on the western shore of the Veľká Domaša reservoir on the Ondava River. The Valkov recreation area, the centre of the Stropkov part of the Domaša area, is also on the western shore. The recreation centre is divided into the northern Valkov area and the southern Tíšava area. The reservoir lies in the Ondavská vrchovina, in the mountainous landscape of the Low Beskids. Bžany therefore combines a lakeside location with a mountainous setting.

Beach profiles and water sports

Grass and gravel make up the surface of Valkov’s public beach, and the approach to the water slopes gently. Tíšava beach consists of sand and grass and has a very gently sloping approach to the water. Tíšava is considered particularly suitable for families with small children. The beaches differ mainly in their surfaces and gradients. Check access and suitability for the season, as maintenance and services may change.

Valkov offers good conditions for bathing, swimming, diving, boating and windsurfing. The Tíšava recreation area has children’s playgrounds, a beach volleyball court, showers, a snack bar and a rental service for small watercraft. As well as water activities, the area also offers places to play and play beach volleyball. Individual services may change seasonally.

Hiking around Valkov

Marked hiking trails in the Valkov area connect to the red-marked Cesta slobody trail. This is part of the Slovak and European hiking trail network. Check the trail markings locally before setting out. The markings provide a specific guide for planning your hikes, without combining the different trails into a single route.

Churches and architectural history

The late Baroque, single-nave Church of the Protection of the Most Holy Mother of God (Chrám ochrany Presvätej Bohorodičky) in Valkov was built in 1817. Its attic is home to a colony of Geoffroy’s bats (M. emarginatus), with more than 2,000 females; the number may fluctuate. The Neoclassical church in Bžany was probably built in 1825 and restored in 1886. Valkov and Bžany thus feature two different architectural styles.

The Church of St Nicholas the Bishop (Chrám sv. Mikuláša biskupa) offers another detail of religious art: the altar, with its projecting iconostasis, dates from the time the church was built. A tempera painting of the Madonna on wood, in a Rococo frame, dates from the second half of the 18th century. The two furnishings therefore date from different periods: one from the time the church was built, the other from a period within the 18th century.

Camping in Tíšava

If you are considering camping as an overnight option, Autokemp Tíšava offers more than 60 pitches for tents and 20 pitches for caravans, each with water and electricity connections. Confirm availability and connections again before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Stropkov, Havaj.

Back to the regional travel overview: Stropkov District.