Where to go on a trip Bretka

Only a few villages in Slovakia can boast their own karst wealth. One of these exceptional villages is Bretka, located in the Rožňava district, less than 30 km southwest of the district town. On the territory of this small village, you can take a trip through a protected area, which also includes Hutnianska jaskyňa. Its mysterious underground without electric lighting breathes with ancient history.

Through a narrow karst valley, of which the underground corridor is also a part, you will be guided by the Prielom Muráňa educational trail. The starting point of your trip will be the village of Bretka. From here, you will follow an easy loop route approximately 3.2 km in length. Hutnianska jaskyňa will be your last, sixth stop. The underground corridor is 11 meters long. Since the cave is not illuminated, we recommend packing a flashlight or headlamp and sturdy footwear.

The underground is without dripstone decoration, which, however, does not detract from the cave's unique, mysterious atmosphere. Archaeological research has shown that the cave spaces were inhabited as early as the Bronze Age. Later, during World War II, the Germans had their command shelter here. Today, the cave is freely accessible to visitors for recovery and getting to know its natural beauty and historical values. In 1994, the underground was declared a natural monument.

You will probably be surprised, but Hutnianska jaskyňa is not the only accessible underground area in Bretka. Along the educational trail, you will also come across Jaskyňa Peško, whose underground passage is 17 meters long. In the immediate vicinity, we recommend visiting the remnants of one of the oldest Slovak fortresses, Hrad Gemer. And if you enjoy your time underground, head to the nearby Jaskyňa Domica or take a trip through the corridors of Gombasecká jaskyňa. If you decide to stay longer in Gemer, book accommodation near Hutnianska jaskyňa. You can choose from the accommodation offer in Bretka or opt for accommodation in Rožňava.

If you decide to visit the Gemer region, you have a unique opportunity to see the remains of one of the oldest Slovak castles. Hrad Gemer or also Gemerský hrad is located on an elevated hill above the village of the same name at an altitude of 232 m a. s. l.

The castle was built on the site of an old Slavic hillfort, probably in the late 11th century. The first written mention of the castle dates back to the late 12th century. It got its name after its first owner, the knight Gumurum (or Gumur). Originally a timber-earth castle, it played its first important role in the fights against the Tatars. Between 1241 and 1242, it was rebuilt into a stronger stone tower-type object. It was the property of the king and fulfilled not only a guarding and defensive role, but also an important economic one.

The ore- and forest-rich region of Gemer developed relatively quickly. In the 14th century, Gemer became the seat of the county and was the second largest small town in the region with the right to hold markets. In the 15th century, two bridges were built across the Slaná river, where tolls were collected. The castle, which guarded the bridges, was never very large. It was more of a guarding fortress surrounded by an earthen rampart. In the 15th century, the structure was conquered by the Hussites. In 1459, the castle was reconquered by King Matej Korvín, while being destroyed. Later it was restored and changed owners several times. In the 16th century, it was definitively destroyed in the Turkish wars.

If you plan a trip to it, you will find that not much is left of the castle today. However, the attentive eye of a visitor will not miss the castle plateau with configuration waves from the destroyed structures. There is a beautiful view of the surroundings from the castle hill. If you climb there, you can learn something about the famous Hussite Panna Cinka. Or will you be more interested in the legend about King Matej Korvín? His stay at this place is also commemorated by a life-size bronze statue. It is interesting because it is the only statue in Europe that depicts a monarch with a working tool.

There is also plenty to admire below the castle. In the 19th century, an Evangelical gymnasium was established in the town, where such significant personalities as Janko Matuška, Ján Kalinčiak, or Janko Kráľ studied. One of the most important poets of Slovak romanticism, Samo Chalúpka, influenced by this place, describes the hard anti-Turkish struggles in the Gemer region in his poem as follows: Sharp sabres flash, spears crack, and the Slovak earth drinks the blood of its sons.

History lovers will probably also be interested in the story of the nearby Hrad Jelšava. Or will you rather visit one of the most impressive Slovak castles Krásna Hôrka? On hot summer days, you certainly won't refuse cooling refreshment in the waves of the Vodná nádrž Teplý vrch water reservoir or boating on the coldest Slovak dam Palcmanská Maša. A unique natural phenomenon that is worth visiting is the magnificent Ochtinská aragonitová jaskyňa.

This amazing region will provide you with several options where you can lay your head and rest before another wonderful day. Book accommodation near Gemerský hrad. Will you be appealed by the offer of romantic Gemer cottages, or will you rather prefer comfortable and affordable Gemer apartments? We will leave that solely to your choice.

The Slovenský kras National Park, on its territory, besides a quantity of beautiful limestone canyons and surface and underground karst formations, hides a copious water spring called Biela vyvieračka. It is located by the road opposite the fairytale Gombasecká jaskyňa, whose passages are decorated with sinter tubular stalactite straws. A marked hiking trail of approximately 1.5 kilometers will lead you to the karst spring from the village of Slavec. If you long for an easy hike with refreshment at the end, head out to Biela vyvieračka, which is also known under the name Margitin prameň.

The Náučný chodník Gombasek educational trail will guide you through several attractive places in the surroundings of Gombasecká jaskyňa. The seventh stop is precisely Biela vyvieračka. In the past, in an effort to increase the output of the spring, the water source was impounded by a high wall set into the slope. Water with a temperature of 6.2–12 °C flows to the surface through a metal pipe positioned about 1 meter above the ground. The rest of the natural spring flows underneath through the base of the wall, which is currently no longer watertight. During periods of high water levels, an abundant part of the flow passes over the overflow wall, creating an interesting scenery of a waterfall emerging from underground.

While exploring the karst spring, you will certainly be intrigued by the freshwater limestone, the so-called tufa, which was formed by the precipitation of chemogenic sediments below the springhead. Karst springs are a traditional home to rare plant species such as yellow anemone, yellow star-of-Bethlehem, or Waldsteinia ternata. If you get lucky, you will also come across charming and rare representatives of fauna, including the legally protected spotted salamander. In the afternoon, take a trip to Rožňava and indulge in water relaxation in the pools of Kúpalisko Rožňava. If you prefer active rest and would like to learn more about the history of the Rožňava district, visit the Historická expozícia Baníckeho múzea and the Galéria Baníckeho múzea. In the early evening, check into a family guesthouse and plan trips around Gemer. Top accommodation near Biela vyvieračka can easily be booked via the accommodation in Slavec page. Be sure to add Kaštieľ Betliar, Hrad Krásna Hôrka, and the unique Ochtinská aragonitová jaskyňa cave to your holiday list.

Did you know that the lowest-lying ice cave in the world is located in the Slovenskom krase? Silická ľadnica is situated at an altitude of only 503 m a. s. l., and a yellow-marked tourist trail leading from the village of Silica will take you to it. The dominant feature of the Silickej planiny was formed in the Mesozoic middle Triassic limestones of the Silického príkrovu by the underground stream of the Čierneho potoka, which flows into the nearby Gombaseckej jaskyne. Despite the fact that the cave is not freely accessible, a pleasant hike awaits you, which even your little ones can manage.

The journey along the marked forest path will take you approximately 20 minutes at a leisurely pace. The staircase by the cave itself is slippery due to the presence of moisture, so increase your caution when descending. The entrance portal gate, which is partially iced over, will surely captivate you. At this altitude and latitude, this is an exceptional climatic phenomenon. This remarkable ice cave is 1,100 m long and its interior reaches a depth of up to 100 m. Archaeological finds prove that the cave was inhabited as early as the Neolithic period before it became iced over.

Behind the entrance abyss lies a hidden underground world accessible only to experienced cavers. The main, sloping part of the sinkhole is bordered by a 15 m high icefall, which divides the lower surface into two parts. At the bottom of the ice abyss is a 20 m long opening that leads to the Archeologickému dómu. Inside it is the active upper course of the Čierneho potoka, which reaches the surface via the nearby Čiernou vyvieračkou. To get further, cavers must use diving equipment and swim through the 60 m long Kufr siphon. Upon surfacing, they find themselves in an extremely gigantic cave space decorated with magnificent dripstone decoration.

Silická ľadová jaskyňa was formed approximately 2,000 years ago by the collapse of the ceiling of an older underground dome. If you have been wondering why this cave bears the attribute ľadnica, we have a simple explanation for you. Those who guessed that cold air accumulates in it, turning water into ice, are right. Throughout the year, the temperature inside ranges around -2 to -5 °C. Not only the ice decoration but also certain species of bats enjoy the sub-zero temperatures. In the winter months, it is inhabited by the greater mouse-eared bat, the lesser horseshoe bat, and the rare Bechstein's bat. Due to its exceptional value, it was declared a national natural monument in 1982, and thirteen years later it became part of the UNESCO world cultural heritage.

If you still have the appetite to explore, head to the nearby village of Slavec and visit the now accessible Gombaseckú jaskyňu. In addition to majestic stalactites, you will also be charmed by ultra-thin white soda straws up to 3 m long. Book your accommodation near Silickej ľadnice and dedicate a few days to the beauties of the Rožňavského okresu. You will find a rich offer of accommodation facilities on the website accommodation in Silica. Add water relaxation at Kúpalisku Roňava, horse riding at Konskom Dvore, and a visit to the legend-shrouded Hradu Krásna Hôrka to your exceptional experiences.

The Vodná nádrž Teplý vrch reservoir is located between the villages of Teplý vrch, Budikovany, and Drienčany near Rimavská Sobota. On almost 5.98 km², you can indulge in all kinds of water fun. In the summer period, the water here reaches an incredible 28 degrees, which is also why this water reservoir is a sought-after holiday location in Slovakia.

The water reservoir was built on the Blh stream. Its shores are lined with both sandy and pebbly beaches. The beach is sought after not only by lovers of summer relaxation. Together with your children, you can also plan a bit of education in the protected area of foreign hickory groves, or along the Náučný chodník Driečanský kras educational trail. The more adventurous will be thrilled by the option of renting sports equipment at the rental shop. It will equip you with everything needed for windsurfing, paddleboating, or boating.

After water fun, you can refresh yourself in one of the nearby restaurants. If you don't secure accommodation in this location yourself directly through our portal, you can come with a tent or caravan and make use of the local campsite. Such a stay has a different charm altogether. Or would you rather choose a room in a guesthouse, hostel, or one of the surrounding cottages by the reservoir?

In the summer season, music from various cultural events and concerts carries across the water surface. In cooler weather, anglers will find their paradise here instead. Catching a common carp is a true joy for them. We can also recommend a bike trip to the game enclosure, which houses fallow deer and mouflons. There are truly plenty of leisure opportunities here.

Restroom facilities are a matter of course at the water reservoir. Surrounding the reservoir is beautiful nature suitable for trips and hiking. So all that's left is to plan your stay and enjoy all the attractions and available activities at the Vodná nádrž Teplý vrch reservoir.

A popular spot for longer walks during sun-drenched days is Brzotínsky rybník. It is a system of 9 bodies of water located in the village of Brzotín in the Rožňava district, on the left bank of the Čermošná stream below Silická planina.

This place is enjoyed especially by fishermen. The ponds are used commercially for fish farming. In their waters, you can mainly find the gracefully swimming common carp. However, a pike, tench, or eel might also flash before your eyes or catch on your fishing hook. The water reservoirs also serve an aesthetic and tourist function. Unfortunately, swimming enthusiasts will not find what they are looking for here. Various plant habitats are found on the shores of the lake. Thanks to the broadleaf cattail and reeds, water birds such as the little reed warbler and the Eurasian reed warbler have made their home here. The list of animals living in this locality also includes ducks, storks, and herons.

A total of 9 ponds are managed by the Slovenský rybársky zväz. A path leads around the water surface, which you can also take. By doing so, you will do something good for your health and enjoy a pleasant time here. In addition to your body, your soul especially will get a perfect rest in this quiet environment. The view of the calm water surface reflecting the rays of the sun, the pleasant chirping of birds, or soaking in the unique atmosphere of this place will certainly captivate you.

Rejuvenated, set off to discover other attractions of the region. You can look at the world from horseback at Konský Dvor. Admiring a system of plateaus, river canyons, gorges, and a multitude of surface and underground karst phenomena is possible in the Národný park Slovenský kras. Do you love summer and all the fun associated with it? In that case, it is worth visiting the Kúpalisko Rožňava. You will learn about the infinite universe, its secrets, and phenomena if you visit the Hvezdáreň Rožňava.

In the village of Drienčany in the Rimavská Sobota district, the birthplace of the famous fairytale writer Pavol Dobšinský, you will find the ruins of a castle built in the 13th century. Although only minimal remnants of its walls have been preserved, this former medieval seat is shrouded in various stories and legends regarding its demise. Set off to find the castle hill and view the remaining ruins of Drienčanský hrad.

You can reach the castle directly from the village of Drienčany. The ruins are located on the edge of the village on an elevated castle hill. An information board in the village will direct you to the castle. Some of the local residents remember legends about the flooding of the castle by Hunyadi's troops. However, according to existing sources, the castle only fell into ruin in the 17th century. From that time on, it gradually deteriorated until the last remaining parts of the castle walls became overgrown with lush vegetation. The castle ruins are situated near a former quarry. One of the local stories mentions the quarry workers themselves, who blew open the cellar walls of the already ruined castle using dynamite. It is said they found wine so old in them that it was no longer even liquid. On the meadow of the castle hill, a booming sound can still be heard in some places when walking. This fact is also said to be evidence of the castle cellars, which are no longer accessible in any way.

If old castles and ruins attract you, we have a few tips for you in the surrounding area. Do not miss Hrad Sobôtka in Rimavská Sobota or Hrad Blh in the nearby village of Veľký Blh. Although only wall remnants remain that barely recall the once majestic castles with defensive ramparts, these places still hold their charm, especially for lovers of ruins.

The Gemersko-malohontské múzeum in Rimavská Sobota, which is the fifth oldest museum in Slovakia, will also immerse you in history. Take a look at permanent exhibitions such as History of Art or Ethnology, which is dedicated to several aspects of folk culture in the Gemer region. Choose accommodation near Drienčanský hrad and discover beautiful hidden corners. Book a modern apartment or a cozy guesthouse and enjoy your trip.

If you want to enjoy a great relaxing or healing stay at Kúpele Číž, head to the Rimavská Sobota district. Located near the Hungarian border, at an altitude of 174 m above sea level in an area with an average of 240 sunny days a year, a place truly made for relaxation awaits you. The spring spa is set in the beautiful nature of a year-round maintained forest park. Thanks to the unique composition of its water, Kúpele Číž is unique not only in Slovakia but across the whole of Europe. It focuses on the treatment of musculoskeletal and circulatory system disorders, skin, nervous, and gynecological diseases, occupational diseases, and metabolic disorders.

Kúpele Číž owes its creation to "chance." While digging a well in 1862, Andráš Harnócz stumbled upon salty water. The locals used it for cooking and for livestock. In 1865, a chemical analysis of the water was conducted in Budapest. It confirmed its therapeutic effects thanks to the presence of iodine and bromine. The first spring was named Themis. Subsequently, additional wells were dug. Thus, other springs were discovered: Hygiea (used for drinking water) and Neptún (used together with Themis for bath treatments).

In 1888, the construction of the spa began. Several spa houses were built, as well as military guesthouses. These served for post-treatment recovery, except for cases of pulmonary tuberculosis. The spa had two parts. The Lower Spa (Dolné kúpele) was also referred to as the clean part. The Upper Spa (Horné kúpele) was intended for patients with open wounds. A stay at the spa was regarded as a social event. In addition to receiving procedures, patients had access to dance evenings, a piano, music in the park, a tennis court, and water sports options on the Rimava river, as well as a telephone and post office.

The water from Číž won numerous awards for its quality. It also began to be bottled and shipped to the USA. High-quality soaps were produced from it as well. During the era of the First Czechoslovak Republic, a children's convalescent home was established here. After World Year II, the spa was nationalized, and from 1956, it transitioned from seasonal to year-round operation. Another spa house was built. Since 1996, Kúpele Číž has been managed by a joint-stock company and has undergone a complete renovation.

The healing power of Kúpele Číž comes from a combination of water, bioclimate, and appropriate therapeutic methods and procedures. Stays involving bath treatments are supplemented by drinking cures, hydrotherapy, and electrotherapy. Furthermore, patients receive kinesitherapy, rehabilitation, as well as peat and paraffin wraps. If necessary, medication treatment is also administered. A method with good results is hippotherapy. It is a rehabilitation method enhanced by the strong energy given to the patient solely by an animal—in this case, a horse. At Kúpele Číž, it is used mainly for neurological and orthopedic indications. All procedures are suitably complemented by a dining system based on a dietary and balanced diet.

The spa also features a great wellness center. It includes a vital sauna world and an outdoor pool complex. You can use a swimming pool, non-swimmers' pool, relaxation pool with water jets, a small pool with water attractions, and a three-lane slide. A stay in the pools is especially popular among pediatric patients. The sauna world offers a Finnish sauna, salt sauna, foot bath, tropical and cold rain, a magic shower, a whirlpool pool, and a quiet pool with underwater massage jets. You can also spend your leisure time actively. The spa offers the opportunity to play volleyball, footvolley (nohejbal), basketball, tennis, minigolf, or table tennis. Exercise enthusiasts will appreciate the fitness center and gym. For those looking for pure relaxation, we recommend a gentle walk through the spa park, or a visit to the spa gallery and library.

The surroundings of Kúpele Číž entice you with possibilities to explore. One option is from the saddle of a bicycle. During your trips, we recommend visiting jaskyňa Peško cave, Hutnianska jaskyňa cave, jaskyňa Domica cave, Drienčanský hrad castle, as well as the slightly more distant kaštieľ Betliar manor house or hrad Krásna Hôrka castle. Visit the webpage accommodation in Číž or accommodation in the Rimavská Sobota district, where you will find accommodation tips in the vicinity of Kúpele Číž. We wish you a pleasant stay.