Where to go on a trip Gemerská Poloma

Národný park Slovenský kras extends over the southwestern part of our country, along the border with Hungary. It reaches into the districts of Rožňava and Košice-okolie, with a portion of its buffer zone extending into the Revúca district as well. Its area covers 34,611.08 ha, while the buffer zone comprises 11,741.57 ha. The territory of the national park is formed by a system of karst plateaus, river canyons, gorges, and a multitude of surface and underground karst phenomena. Slovenský kras is the most extensive plateau-type karst area in all of Central Europe. 78% of its area is covered by forests.

Slovenský kras was declared a Protected Landscape Area on August 31, 1973. On March 1, 1977, the area became the first in Slovakia to be inscribed into the international network of UNESCO Biosphere Reserves under the Man and the Biosphere Programme. The area officially became a national park on February 13, 2002. Currently, more than 1,350 caves and chasms are known, which are inscribed on the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage List. Probably the most significant cave is the unique Ochtinská aragonitová jaskyňa. The territory is renowned for the diversity of its natural conditions. These allow for the occurrence of animal and plant species representing mountain, forest-steppe, and steppe habitats.

Climate of the national park and its “Highlights”

The climate in Národný park Slovenský kras is mild. The area falls within the moderately humid and moderately warm climate zone, while higher elevations fall into the moderately cool climate region. The average temperature in January ranges from -4 to -6 °C, whereas in July it climbs to between 19 and 20 °C. Snow cover blankets the territory from 50 to 115 days, reaching an average maximum height of 45 cm. Annual precipitation is not particularly high, reaching between 630 and 990 mm. Water seeps into underground cavities, subsequently creating so-called karst springs (vyvieračky, e.g., Brzotínska, Ardovská, Kečovská, and others). In the national park, you will encounter two waterfalls (Hrhovský, Hájske) and several smaller water reservoirs. These include various ponds, such as Jasovské rybníky or Hrušovské rybníky.

Národný park Slovenský kras boasts several "bests". The highest point sits at an altitude of 925 m above sea level on the peak of Matesova skala. The lowest point is located at an altitude of 217 m above sea level at the foot of Plešivská planina. The longest and simultaneously deepest cave is the cave system of Skalistý potok (length 8,123 m, elevation difference 373 m, vertical range 376 m). The oldest nature reserve dates back to 1925 (Jasovská jaskyňa). The lowest-lying classic ice cave (Silická jaskyňa) is located at an altitude of 503 m above sea level. The smallest nature reserve covers an area of 1.22 ha (Pod Fabiankou), while the largest (Brzotínske skaly) covers an area of 433.78 ha.

Slovenský kras has a diverse representation of flora and fauna

Národný park Slovenský kras features flora represented by various regions. Plants, together with their communities, belong among the most impressive components of the local nature. The influence of both Carpathian and Pannonian flora is clearly visible here, creating a mosaic-like vegetation pattern. In fact, all species of rumenica (Onosma) occurring in our country grow here. Given the altitudinal range of Slovenský kras, 3 vegetation tiers are distinctly defined, planar, colline, and submontane. Currently, chudôbka drsnoplodá Klášterského (Draba lasiocarpa subsp. klasterskyi) is considered an endemic species of the national park. It replaced rumenica turnianska (Onosma tornensis), which until recently was regarded as a local endemic. Other endemics of the territory include, for example, šafran spišský (Spiš crocus), poniklec prostredný (middle pasqueflower), or peniažtek slovenský (Slovak penny-cress). Calciphytes and xerothermic species have the largest representation. Their main feature is high adaptability to the environment; they survive in conditions of drought as well as extreme frosts. Up to 1,500 taxa of higher plants occur in Národný park Slovenský kras, but other "bests" are also tied to it. You will find here the largest area covered with kandík psí (dog's-tooth violet) and the lowest altitude where astra alpínska (alpine aster) occurs.

The fauna of Národný park Slovenský kras is equally diverse. The territory is home to all our carnivores, a wealth of invertebrates, and almost all species of bats. Avifauna (birds), herpetofauna (reptiles), and batrachofauna (amphibians) are also richly represented. Thanks to suitable living conditions in caves and underground spaces, spiders and mollusks occur alongside bats. A bat census takes place annually during their hibernation in cave systems. During that period, 24 species represented by more than 50,000 individuals live here. However, the fauna of the steppe and forest-steppe zones is particularly typical of this area. Interesting animals of the national park include sága stepná (predatory bush-cricket), krátkonôžka štíhla (snake-eyed skink), jašterica zelená (European green lizard), užovka stromová (Aesculapian snake), syseľ pasienkový (European ground squirrel), sova dlhochvostá (Ural owl), and ďateľ čierny (black woodpecker). The fauna of Slovenský kras also has its "bests". The largest hibernating colony of bats lives in the national park, our largest bird of prey (golden eagle) as well as our smallest feathered creature (firecrest) nest here, and our largest mammal (brown bear) has its den here.

Great place for walks, hiking, and rock climbing

The national park comprises 6 nature reserves, 10 national nature reserves, and 16 national natural monuments (mainly caves). Each of these locations is exceptional in a different way and stands out with a unique asset that attracts tourists. Tourists can visit them year-round. It is possible to plan easy walks as well as multi-day treks. It is all down to considering your own abilities, strength, and options. In summer, hiking, cycling, and rock climbing are typical in the national park. In winter, meeting cross-country skiers is nothing unusual. As for the mentioned rock climbing, year-round climbing is permitted only in the locations Stienka za chatou, Stienka nad potokom (from the creek side as well as from the Masív Zadného komína wall), and Májová Veža. In other locations, due to a high level of nature protection, seasonal closures apply from February 1 to July 31. The main rock climbing center in Slovenský kras is NPR Zádielska tiesňava.

Among other opportunities offered by Národný park Slovenský kras are agritourism, fishing, and horseback riding. A perfect trip awaits you to Turniansky hrad, Štítnik, or Plešivec, which are castle ruins. It is also very lovely near Zádielske hradisko, Hrad Krásna Hôrka, or Kaštieľ Betliar. On our website, you will find an offer of accommodation in the vicinity of Národný park Slovenský kras, thanks to which you will be truly close to the local attractions. After that, your only task is to pack your backpack, put on your walking shoes, and set out to explore its beauty.

Tunel pod Homôľkou, also known as Slavošovský tunel, is located in the nature of the Štítnická dolina and Revúcka dolina valleys. This structure, which was once meant to connect interesting places, is an unfinished railway tunnel situated in one of the ridges of Stolické vrchy below the Homôlka peak at an altitude of 744.8 m above sea level. Today, it has become a popular tourist attraction that, in addition to exploring its mysterious spaces, offers other opportunities for recreation and entertainment at this location.

Getting to this tunnel is possible if you turn off the main road in the village of Slavošovce toward the valley. The road to it is not very well marked, but if you stick to the marked hiking trail, know that you will manage it successfully. The route from the village center takes approximately 20 minutes on foot and is suitable for everyone, from young children to seniors.

Construction of Slavošovský tunel began in 1941, when we wanted to connect even more with the surrounding world and had no other alternative for a train connection on our territory, as borders began to change. The first breakthrough of the tunnel occurred in 1944. Unfortunately, due to the end of the war and the Slovak National Uprising (SNP), the tunnel was not completed. If you visit today, you can notice that the tunnel is built in the shape of the letter S. It is 2,400 m long, and exploring all of its interior with a headlamp on your head or a flashlight in your hand can be done within 1 hour. However, it depends on how fast you walk. Claustrophobics avoid this place by a wide berth, as there is a sort of "horror atmosphere" prevailing here; you can feel moisture and cold, and all around you is darkness. A visit to this tunnel thus offers an unusual adrenaline experience. The entrance to the tunnel is not fully finished. You descend into it via a wooden staircase with a handrail, where extra caution is required due to slipperiness. Passing through the tunnel is always at your own risk. The only certainty you have here is that no train will run you over.

The Gemer nature hides a wealth of indescribable beauty within itself. If you head here, you certainly will not regret it. You will find peace, harmony, and perhaps a touch of inimitable fairy-tale atmosphere. In the Slavošovce section of the tunnel, an area focusing on fairy tales by Pavol Dobšinský has been built in front of its entrance. You can relax after a light hike under a shelter at the campsite. You can read interesting information on a 3D information board here. The location is sought after primarily by cyclists, as the tunnel is designated as one of the official cycling routes. Mushroom and berry pickers will also find plenty to enjoy here.

The region will win you over with a multitude of trails and routes for cyclists and hikers alike. You can also set off to the beautiful Ochtinská aragonitová jaskyňa cave. Did you know that aragonite is a rare mineral that occurs only very seldomly? Come and see it here. There are only two such beautiful caves in the entire world. In winter, you will be thrilled by the opportunity to try snowmobiles in the village of Rejdová. A ride on them will delight you so much that you will want to try it more than once. You can step back into the past during a visit to Štítnický hrad (or Štítnik castle). Significant industrial monuments include Huta Etelka. In the past, metallurgical materials extracted in the Gemer region were smelted in this furnace.

Are you interested in exploring even more attractions? Then book accommodation near Slavošovský tunel. There are many accommodation facilities on offer where you can spend a very pleasant stay. Will you choose cozy cottages for your overnight stay, or will affordable private accommodation suffice? We leave the choice entirely up to you! We are ready to gladly assist you.

The Ski Gugel Mlynky ski resort, also known under the name Kruhová – Gugeľ, is located in the beautiful environment of Národný park Slovenský raj, in the village of Mlynky. Waiting for you here are six artificially snowed slopes and three ski lifts that provide comfort without lengthy waiting in lines.

The ski resort is situated at an altitude of 730 m, approximately 30 km from Spišská Nová Ves. Beginner skiers and children can ski on two slopes marked in blue, which symbolizes easy difficulty. The "Detská" slope is 150 m long and the "Turistická" slope is 1,400 m. For experienced skiers, there are three medium-difficulty slopes marked in red. The "Letná studňa" slope is 900 m long, "Zimná studňa" is 700 m, and the "Komín" slope is exactly 1,000 m. For pro skiers, the "Koleso – free ride" slope with a length of 700 m is prepared, marked in black, which means heavy difficulty.

Comfortable transport on the slopes is provided by 3 ski lifts. The POMA H300 lift with a length of 780 m and a transport capacity of 900 people/hour, the VL500 lift with a length of 637 m and a transport capacity of 450 people/hour, and the S1 lift, whose length is 150 m and transport capacity is 250 people/hour. Part of the Mlynky – Kruhová ski resort is also a snow park, sledding tracks, and racing courses. Skilled specialists at the sports equipment service shop will check or repair your gear, and two snack bars will take care of your hungry stomachs. Upon entry, every skier commits to following the rules of behavior and consideration at the resort, the so-called White Code (Biely kódex).

After great skiing, enjoy the warmth of the fireplace in one of the charming chalets. If you like "full service", stay at Penzión Salamander, which will pleasantly surprise you with its low prices and high quality of provided services. You can find the entire range of accommodation in the vicinity of the Kruhová – Gugeľ ski resort on our page accommodation in Mlynky. In the nearby village of Stratená, the breathtaking Dobšinská ľadová jaskyňa cave awaits you, enchanting you with its magnificent ice decoration. We believe that you will enjoy your winter vacation in the village of Mlynky to the fullest and return home satisfied and rested.

Spiš is perhaps among the richest regions of our beautiful Slovakia. What wealth does it hide? You will find many cultural treasures here, such as the majestic Spišský hrad castle or historical Levoča. There are also many natural beauties dominated by Slovenský raj, one of our most popular national parks. And right next to it, you can enjoy top-quality skiing.

We have in mind the village of Hnilčík, located in close proximity to Slovenský raj. You will find it approximately 18 km south of Spišská Nová Ves, the cultural center of Spiš. Hnilčík is characterized by beautiful surroundings and lies deep in the mountains, which are extremely attractive mainly for tourists. Thanks to its rugged terrain, it also favors skiers, who will come into their own in the local area of Ráztoky, at the Mraznica ski resort.

The Mraznica ski resort is a year-round popular recreational center. In winter, its gates welcome the broadest range of skiers, as it is designed for everyone—from absolute beginners to active sports skiers.

The Ski Mraznica complex spans an altitude range of 705 to 1035 meters above sea level. This elevation difference guarantees excellent skiing even for demanding skiers. In the lower part of the resort, there is a short, approximately 100-meter-long slope for beginner skiers and children. The gentle incline will not scare anyone, and learning the art of skiing will be fun.

Intermediate skiers will enjoy themselves on the main slope, where you can experience a relaxed yet brisk ride. Advanced skiers have also been kept in mind, with a black section of the trail prepared for them. It represents a challenge and an experience especially for those who feel even better on skis than off them.

Comfortable transport within the resort is provided by a trio of ski lifts. One of them is a children's lift located in the lower part of the resort for beginner skiers. The length of the local slopes is also pleasing. The longest of them measures up to 1,100 meters, which is truly a generous portion of great skiing. The total length of all trails is just under 2 km.

At the Mraznica ski resort near the village of Hnilčík, you will find more than just high-quality skiing conditions. Many additional services at the resort ensure an even better holiday experience. Naturally, ski equipment rental and service are available. In close proximity to the lifts is another attraction: an ice rink equipped with artificial lighting. After skiing, you can play hockey here at your leisure or simply go ice skating. For cross-country skiing enthusiasts, several interesting cross-country loops are available, one of which passes along the edge of the slope. Add to all this a stylish tea room located right by the lift with a wide selection of teas and meals, and you have a great tip for a winter holiday.

The Mraznica sports and recreation area satisfies everyone when it comes to quality accommodation as well. Right by the lift is a stylish mountain cabin that welcomes families with children as well as couples eager for a skiing getaway. A bit further, in the village of Hnilčík, there are further accommodation options in private rentals or cottages. This is affordable yet cozy accommodation that will satisfy anyone seeking peace and relaxation in beautiful mountain surroundings.

Banský skanzen is built in the village of Hnilčík, in the spišskonovoveský okres district. Like many others, this village was once ranked among the mining villages of the southern Spiš region. The open-air museum was established in 2012 on the initiative of a local civic association. The museum is a declared Národná kultúrna pamiatka.

The open-air museum consists of three parts: the museum exhibition, the Štôlňa Ľudmila adit, and educational montane trails. The museum exhibition, located in the premises of the former school in the Jerohuta local part, is divided into thematic units. These focus on the history of the village of Hnilčík, ethnography and the material heritage of ancestors, geological structure and wildlife, the history of mining, and the processing of local ores. The building where the exhibition is located dates back to 1937 and served as a school until 1972. It is protected as a national cultural monument and is very valuable for its original architectural solution.

The Štôlňa Ľudmila adit is part of the open-air museum as an underground exhibition. It is a mining tunnel that was a purposeful mining work. At its end, there is an explosives storage. The space served as a warehouse until the end of ore extraction (the 1930s) and was subsequently abandoned.

The educational monetary trails will lead you through a pleasant natural environment. These are the following routes: route A Jerohuta - Roztoky, route B Bindt, route C Kira – Štolvek – Suchá hora - Grétla, route D Údolím Železného potoka. The mentioned routes will also introduce visitors to many other monuments that mining left behind in the Hnilčík cadastre. These include numerous miners' dwellings, the ruins of the iron ore processing plant and roasting plant in Bindt, authentic gunpowder storage facilities, former administrative and residential buildings of the mining plant in Bindt, the complex of authentic administrative and residential buildings of the mining plant in Roztokách, adit portals from the 18th and 19th centuries, the mining bell tower in Bindt, as well as the remains of railway bodies and bridges of the Markušovce – Roztoky and Markušovce – Bindt railways.

Come and discover the mining history of this beautiful region. However, one day will definitely not be enough for you. On our pages accommodation Hnilčík, you will find the right accommodation for you to fully enjoy your sightseeing stay among the attractions of Spiš and not stress about whether you will catch the train departure or not.

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.

Where the past of Spiš meets art

Are you looking for a place where the story of the land meets human creativity and legends of ancient giants? Would you like to be surrounded by the raw beauty of a former mining quarry, where the wealth of the earth was once extracted, but today you will find peace surrounded by art?

In the village of Hnilčík in the Spiš region, you will come across the Obri v raji area, which was created by the reclamation of an industrial space. Today, instead of mining machinery, you will discover an open-air gallery where geological rock layers are complemented by installations inspired by the local mining past. The project connects history with a new vision of land use and invites you to discover the nooks and crannies of this area at your own pace.

What will you find here?

In the area, you will see a collection of sculptures and objects made from natural materials that recall the mining tradition and the ancient legend of giants. You can walk along marked paths leading through the rugged terrain of the quarry, while a playground awaits children. The space is adapted for cyclists, and during the winter months, it serves as a base for winter activities.

Who is this place suitable for?

The place is suitable for families with children, tourists, cyclists, and dog owners who seek an unconventional connection between nature and industrial history. Due to the rugged surface of the quarry, we recommend suitable footwear. Parking is possible near the designated areas.

What can you visit in the surroundings?

In the wider surroundings, you will discover the town of Spišská Nová Ves, which serves as an entrance gate to the Národný park Slovenský raj. History lovers may head to Spišský hrad. The surroundings of the village of Hnilčík offer diverse possibilities for cyclists thanks to a network of marked trails in the Volovské vrchy mountains, which are suitable for family trips as well as mountain bikes.

If you plan to stay in the region for longer, you have several accommodation options. In the village of Hnilčík and its surroundings, you will find an offer of private cottages and guesthouses that offer authentic peace in the mountains. For lovers of urban infrastructure, accommodation in nearby Spišská Nová Ves is a great choice, where you will find hotels as well as apartments suitable as a base for your trips.