Lakes and dams Gelnica

In the Košickom kraji, in eastern Slovakia, just 3 km past the village of Gelnica, you will find the foothill so-called Turzovské jazero. At first glance, its surroundings will captivate you with their magnificent coniferous forests and mountain meadows. Did you know that in the past, Jazero Turzov was among the most sought-after spa resorts in Rakúsko-Uhorsku? They were visited mainly by patients with respiratory and nervous system disorders.

The Turzovské kúpele were known throughout the Rakúska-Uhorská monarchy. People went boating on the water surface, and famous Anna bály were held at the spa. There was also a bowling alley and tennis courts. Water from the lake was boiled with pine needles and used for the inhalation of medicinal essential oils. Directly on the shore stood a spa house, which currently provides accommodation and catering services.

The water in Turzovskom jazere is clean and clear, reaching up to 17 meters at its deepest point. During hot summer days, you can swim in it, but only at your own risk. Part of the resort is also the lower lake, by which you will find the detached exhibition of the Baníckeho múzea v Gelnici, the Banský skanzen, and the Jozef adit. The lower lake is not suitable for swimming as it is used for fishing. Both lakes are fed by mountain streams originating in fault zones of rocks, as well as waters from abandoned mining works.

The wonderful environment in the middle of the forest is made for a picnic, so do not hesitate and take a blanket and a basket full of goodies for your trip. Directly on the shore, there is also a fire pit where you can roast delicious sausages. A mining educational trail will lead you to the lake from Gelnica.

After this undemanding walk, set out on a proper hike and conquer Kojšovskú hoľu. The surroundings of Gelnica offer plenty of opportunities for hiking and cycling. A great place for relaxation and swimming is the popular Vodná nádrž Ružín. Discover the beauties of the Volovských vrchov and book your stay in Spiši today. You can find the best accommodation offer around Turzovského jazera on our website accommodation in Gelnica. Come and see for yourself what remarkable places Východné Slovensko hides.

The Vodná nádrž Ružín reservoir was artificially built on the Hornád river, at its confluence with the Hnilec river, between 1963 and 1972. It is set into the valley of Bujanovské vrchy, amidst the beautiful mountainous nature of Eastern Slovakia. It is located near Košice, and if you look at it from a bird's-eye perspective, it has the shape of a curved letter "V". Although the water is relatively cold even during the hottest summer, it rightfully ranks among Slovakia's most beautiful bodies of water.

Jazero Ružín lake spreads out at an altitude of 327 m above sea level, over an area of 600 hectares, with a maximum depth of up to 50 meters. Its construction resulted in the partial or total flooding of the villages of Jaklovce, Košické Hámre, Malý Folkmár, Margecany, Rolová Huta, and Ružín. The reservoir forms a system of two waterworks. Ružín I. stretches from the dam body to the Margecany railway bridge and is used for swimming. Ružín II., also known under the name vodná nádrž Malá Lodina, functions as a compensation basin for the pumped-storage hydroelectric power plant Ružín I..

The famous railway viaduct, Ružínsky viadukt, which belongs among frequently photographed objects, leads across the dam. The banks of the water reservoir are mostly rocky and steep, with the scenery of the surroundings beautifully completed by deciduous trees. Since the entire reservoir is sufficiently long, several recreational areas are located along it. In some, dining options, playgrounds, water sports beach areas are available, and of course, you can also go swimming here. Popular ones include, for example, Potoky, Táleng, Košické Hámre, or Jaklovce. Diverse leisure options for holidaymakers are offered by the Lodenica resort, where a boat and pedal boat rental is located alongside a maintained beach with sun loungers and umbrellas.

The Ružín dam has gradually become a sought-after and popular location not only among vacationers seeking rest and cooling off during hot summer, but also among anglers and kayakers. They swear by the deserted, quiet nooks with two small islands. These are Ostrov lásky and Malý ostrov. The dam ranks among the most beautiful grounds of the Slovenský rybársky zväz (Slovak Anglers' Union). The most popular fishing grounds are those in the village of Margecany and Opátska zátoka.

You can also enhance your stay at the Ružín dam with hiking. A popular spot is Sivec hill, from which you will have the entire dam in the palm of your hand. Besides it, you will see Volovské vrchy, and if the weather favors you, even Vysoké Tatry. You will certainly not regret making a trip to Drienková skala, the national nature reserve Bujanov, and Holica hill, also known as Napoleónov klobúk.

We will not reveal any more to you, come see with your own eyes what beauties the Spiš region hides. Book accommodation near Vodná nádrž Ružín, for instance on the page accommodation Margecany or accommodation Košice, pack your backpack with swimwear and trekking shoes, and off you go.