Lakes and dams Kaluža - Zemplínska Šírava

The Zemplínska šírava reservoir lies in the Michalovce and Sobrance districts. It is the third largest dam in Slovakia and, together with Liptovská Mara and Oravská priehrada, belongs to the most popular holiday destinations. Thanks to long sunny summers and an average annual sunshine duration of up to 2,200 hours, it is an ideal place to spend a summer holiday in Slovakia. Moreover, the dam is accessible to the public year-round.

In summer, the water reaches a pleasant 25°C, so in addition to swimming, water sports are also popular, including paddleboats or sightseeing cruises by yacht or excursion boat. Once a year, the International Motorcyclist Rally takes place here, accompanied by a festival program. Frequent visitors to Zemplínska šírava are families with children, groups of friends, anglers, as well as seniors who come here for high-quality recreation.

On the shores of the dam, 7 tourist centers are at your disposal, offering landscaped beaches, snack bars, restaurants, and an entertaining all-day program. The largest center, Hôrka, is the hub of entertainment and nightlife. It is also popular thanks to the finest sandy and pebble beaches, a wide choice of outdoor sports (tennis courts, a beach volleyball court, streetball, minigolf, and a children's playground), and because of Hipocentrum Hôrka, which offers riding lessons and horseback rides. A yacht club is also located here, where they will gladly introduce you to the basics of this unique sport.

Among other popular centers is Kaluža, which boasts the popular Thermal Šírava water park. In Medvedia hora, a unique experience awaits you. When you submerge under the surface of the former quarry, you will swim up to a building that was once part of the complex. It is no longer in use today, but in the quarry's waters you will find an interesting underwater world. Biela hora, Kamenec, Paľkov, and of course Klokočov are also well worth a visit. You can find a diverse range of accommodation options in these centers on our portal.

The surroundings of the Zemplínska šírava reservoir are also sought after by hikers and cyclists. Numerous hikes in the Vihorlatské vrchy mountains are a major draw. Views of the entire surrounding area are offered by the Vihorlat peak as well as the slightly lower Sninský kameň. The popular Morské oko lake also offers magnificent sights. This easy walk around the lake is suitable even for smaller children. During your stay at Zemplínska šírava, we recommend visiting the nearby Vinianske jazero lake and the ancient Viniansky hrad.

An advantage of staying near the Zemplínska šírava reservoir is also the easy access to surrounding towns. In addition to relaxing by the water, you can diversify your stay by visiting the town of Michalovce, where we recommend visiting the Hvezdáreň observatory, or take a trip to the Skanzen Humenné open-air museum.

To catch all the interesting attractions, we recommend booking a stay of at least a week. Book suitable accommodation near the Zemplínska šírava reservoir directly on our website, where you will also find inspiration for trips in the surroundings.

Vinianske jazero is located in the southern part of the Vihorlatské vrchy mountains. It is approximately 2 km away from the village of Vinné and 11 km from Michalovce. The surroundings consist of beautiful nature and forests. Thanks to the tree cover, strong winds do not penetrate here. And this is the reason why the lake is exceptionally warm and pleasant for splashing around. In summer, it is a sought-after location for both vacationers and tourists. During autumn, fishermen and mushroom pickers will find what they are looking for, while in winter, it is often used for winter fun, such as ice skating.

The lake spreads over an area of 8 ha, with a maximum depth of 3.8 m. It was artificially created by building a dam and subsequently diverting water from the Viniansky potok stream. It lies in the embrace of the Marečková and Šutová hills, at an altitude of 205 m above sea level. Hikers are very fond of climbing these hills because the tourist trails stretch across unique nature and lead through the primeval forests of the Vihorlatské vrchy mountains.

The surroundings of the lake offer full facilities that you will definitely appreciate as vacationers. There are dining options, a children's playground with attractions, and a beach volleyball court. Do you like unusual water sports? Here, you can learn, for example, yachting. If you desire a walk, near the lake is the beginning of a yellow tourist trail that leads to the very popular Viniansky hrad castle.

Come and discover the beauties of the Košický kraj region and the interesting features of the Zemplín region. There is an abundance of activities here, whether natural, adrenaline-filled, or cultural. The attractions in the Michalovce district are also interesting, and we definitely recommend you visit them. Book your accommodation near Vinianske jazero. You can find various options on the accommodation Vinné or accommodation Michalovce websites. Plan your stay and trips in this part of Slovakia now and treat yourself to a truly unforgettable holiday.

Morské oko in Remetské Hámre is the largest lake in the Vihorlatské vrchy mountains. It even boasts the title of the third largest natural lake in our country. Ahead of it are only the Tatras tarns, Štrbské pleso and Veľké Hincovo pleso. Morské oko retains its natural charm, beautiful surrounding scenery, and a subtle touch of romance. To soak up the local atmosphere to the fullest, you must visit the Košický kraj region, specifically the Sobrance district.

In the past, the lake was known as Veľké Vihorlatské jazero. It lies at an altitude of 618 m above sea level. It covers an area of 13.8 ha and reaches a maximum depth of up to 25.1 m. Its origin is similar to its smaller brother, the nearby lake Malé morské oko. Landslides and volcanic rocks are responsible for its creation. The location where the lakes are situated belongs to the buffer zone of Chránená krajinná oblasť Vihorlat. This has also been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2007. Due to the 5th level of protection, please keep in mind during your stay at the lake that swimming, fishing, and other water activities are strictly prohibited.

Six permanent springs flow into Morské oko, along with several seasonal ones. Its stable water level is maintained by the Okna stream, which drains all excess water away from the lake. The lake, however, is a very interesting natural phenomenon. Thanks to this, the entire surrounding area of 108.48 ha has been declared the Národná prírodná rezervácia Morské oko, which is also part of the NATURA 2000 network.

The lake is very popular, especially with the youngest hikers. The crystal-clear water glistens beautifully, and beneath the surface, you will see larger and smaller fish flickering. There are also benches by the lake so you can relax completely during your trip. Although camping and pitching tents are forbidden here, you can certainly have a family picnic. Feel free to bring a blanket, a picnic basket full of goodies, and perhaps an interesting book. Some shores have grassy areas around them, perfect for such family bonding or lounging to the sound of rustling tree leaves. Keep in mind, however, that whatever you bring with you, you must take away. Littering this area with any trash is strictly forbidden.

When we mentioned that the lake is especially popular with children, we naturally also meant the way to reach it. It is accessible even to less fit hikers, seniors, or young children. From the parking lot, it is only about a 1 km walk with a gentle incline to the lake. It is nothing demanding, and the peace that prevails by the lake is well worth it. However, if you do not intend to just sit idly, you can set off on a walk around the lake. Your steps will lead directly through Vihorlatský prales, along a nice forest path.

During your stay at Morské oko lake, you will certainly not miss Sninský kameň. It rises to an altitude of 1,006 m above sea level and is one of the landmarks of the Vihorlatské vrchy mountains. From its summit, you will enjoy a truly captivating view of Vihorlat and its surroundings. From Hámre, both Zemplínske Hámre and Remetské Hámre. You can get there following the blue hiking trail. An educational trail with a length of 2.5 km and easy terrain also leads around the lake.

It is definitely worth coming here and spending some time by the magical, almost turquoise water of the natural lake. Book accommodation near Morské oko and thoroughly discover all its shores and their complex layout during your stay. If you find accommodation in Remetské Hámre, the locals will surely advise you on many other trip tips in the Sobrance district. All you need to do is grab a backpack, sturdy footwear, and a great holiday can begin.

Malé Morské oko is a lake in the very heart of the Vihorlatské vrchy mountains, which many still remember under its old name, Malé Vihorlatské jazero. This small lake was formed over time as soil and volcanic rocks slid down. Since 1993, together with its surroundings, it has been a natural monument with the highest level of protection. The surrounding area is known as Vihorlatský prales or Vihorlat. It is a protected landscape area, and since 2007, it has also been inscribed on the UNESCO list. The Morské oko site, which covers an area of 2.0623 ha, is also registered in the NATURA 2000 network.

You will find it at an altitude of 727 m above sea level, west of the well-known Morské oko. In the Vihorlatské vrchy mountains, Malé Morské oko is a firm “number two”. The second highest-located and also the second best-preserved lake in the area. Its surface area is 0.33 ha, with fluctuating water levels. It is home to various animals, including several protected species. Surrounding it are beech primeval forests with specimens that are over 240 years old, which are also the reason for the aforementioned UNESCO inscription.

You can reach Malé Morské oko in the Dolný Zemplín region via a moderately demanding hike. From the village of Zemplínske Hámre, follow the yellow hiking trail, passing through the Tri tably saddle and Jedlinka. From the village of Remetské Hámre, a hike along the blue hiking trail past the better-known Morské oko awaits you. Of the mentioned routes, the one starting in Zemplínske Hámre is less time-consuming, while the one starting in Remetské Hámre is easier to navigate.

When you want to come and see this beautiful small lake, you will need to visit the Košický kraj region, specifically the Sobrance district. The surroundings are a great attraction, so we definitely recommend a multi-day stay. To find suitable accommodation near Malé Morské oko, you do not have to search long. Simply click on the accommodation Remetské Hámre page, which will offer you a list of verified local accommodation providers from which everyone is sure to choose.