Nature attractions Košický kraj

Most of us would likely locate a natural landmark named Vyhliadka Jánošíkova bašta near Jánošík's birthplace, in the Malá Fatra mountain range. However, on the map, we will move all the way east, to Slovenské Rudohorie. This unique natural viewpoint is situated in the cadastral area of the village of Veľká Lodina towards Kysak, in the district of Košice - okolie. It is the oldest rock climbing area near Košice and a popular tourist destination with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.

Jánošíkova bašta is an impressive limestone-dolomite rock with a height of 45–50 metres. Its summit reaches an altitude of 523 m above sea level, and its slopes drop steeply down into the valley of the Hornád river. Climbing in this area began even before the First World War, offering climbers dozens of moderately challenging routes. Tourists can reach this spot along easy, marked trails from the villages of Veľká Lodina and Kysak.

The rocky summits and outcrops represent a natural viewpoint offering a beautiful panorama of the wider surroundings. Spread out before your eyes will be the Hornád valley, Slanské vrchy, the ruins of Hrad Kysak, as well as the Košicko-bohumínska železničná trať railway line. The surrounding area provides picturesque spots for relaxation or a outdoor picnic. The surrounding forests are filled with wild berries, mushrooms, blueberries, cranberries, and strawberries. The entire natural area is rich in dense forests and spacious meadow cover. Everywhere is peace and quiet.

An interesting fact is that the rock named after our national hero was originally called Košútova bašta. It received its first name after the Hungarian politician and fighter for Hungarian independence, Ľudovít Košút. It was renamed to Jánošíkova bašta only after the establishment of the First Czechoslovak Republic in 1918.

If you feel like taking a walk through beautiful nature or are actively involved in rock climbing, be sure not to miss the opportunity to conquer Jánošíkova bašta in eastern Slovakia. You can combine a trip here with relaxation at Ružínska priehrada or with a visit to the largest zoo in Central Europe, Zoologická záhrada Košice. Start searching for accommodation near Vyhliadka Jánošíkova bašta now to turn your holiday dreams into reality. Whether you choose accommodation in Veľká Lodina or find accommodation in Košice, the offer on our portal will certainly not disappoint your expectations.

Tomášovský výhľad is located on the southern slope of Ludmanka, at an altitude of 667 m above sea level, in Slovenský raj. It is an impressive rock outcrop of a terraced shape with an overhang high above the Hornád river. From the top, you will enjoy a breathtaking view of Prielom Hornádu, Čertova Sihoť, the valley of Biely potok, as well as the Vysoké Tatry mountains. The ascent to it is not overly demanding, but the reward in the form of the most beautiful view in the Slovenský raj region is well deserved.

A group of climbers from Spišská Nová Ves, consisting of Brnčal, Huba, and Leschinský, was the first to conquer the wall of Tomášovský výhľad on October 8, 1938. Since then, the spot has been swarming with tourists, as everyone wants to enjoy this unforgettable view at least once. If you manage to arrive at a time when you are alone at the viewpoint, enjoy the unique atmosphere of the place. It is just you with your thoughts, a deep abyss below you, wild nature all around, silence, and a special sense of peace.

The limestone massif of Tomášovský výhľad has long been used as a climbing training ground, so you may notice steel pitons at the top. Currently, there are around 100 known climbing routes of various difficulty levels that can be used to conquer the steep wall. Rock climbing competitions are also held here. Directly below the rock terrace lies the lesser-known Michalova džura cave.

The starting point for the hike is the parking lot in the village of Čingov. From there, you will follow the yellow hiking trail, which will lead you past the Pomník Slovenského raja monument and a chalet settlement all the way to the top. You will overcome a certain incline and in about an hour (or even less via some routes), you will arrive at the spot. The entire route is 3.5 km long with an elevation gain of 235 m. It is not uncommon to pass families with young children or groups of seniors during the hike. Another option is to arrive from Spišské Tomášovce along the green hiking trail, which is considered the easiest route. Interesting routes also lead from Smižany, Ďurkovec, and Spišská Nová Ves. Cyclists will also appreciate the marked yellow MTB cycling route leading from the village of Spišské Tomášovce. Anyone with enough stamina should try the loop trail through Prielom Hornádu, which is among the most attractive routes.

Living in Slovakia and not seeing Tomášovský výhľad is like being Slovak and never tasting bryndzové halušky (sheep cheese dumplings). You might hesitate at first, but then you cannot get enough. Slovenský raj and its surroundings are a lifelong passion, where tourists come to find inner peace and draw the purest energy from nature. Book a stay in the vicinity of Tomášovský výhľad, for example on the accommodation Čingov or accommodation Spišské Tomášovce pages, and enjoy perfect views of our beautiful Mother Nature.

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.

Not far from Beňatinský kameňolom quarry in the village of Beňatina, in the district of Sobrance, you will find a natural monument hidden in the woodland. In its surroundings, there are fossils of bivalves and various molluscs. You can reach the travertine from the turquoise lake, which people compare to the Plitvice Lakes. Visit this natural phenomenon and its hidden corners.

Many visitors believe that Beňatinský travertín is the aforementioned lake itself. However, the travertine itself is hidden in the adjacent forest. Take a closer look and, among the leaves of the surrounding plants, you will see the most fascinating imprints and fossils of ammonites and other creatures. The location is a protected area within the Chránená krajinná oblasť Vihorlat protected landscape area. It was declared a natural monument back in 1989. The lake itself was formed after limestone mining ceased. Right upon arriving at the lake, Beňatinská veľryba will catch your attention. In the travertine wall above the lake, you will find an imprint resembling the body of a whale. The coloured layers of limestone create a unique phenomenon. This natural painting is unmissable.

The lake itself and the surroundings of the travertine will captivate you in every season. You can also admire the beauty of the surrounding nature during an ascent to the ruins of nearby castles. Embark on an easy hike to Hrad Tibava or Tibavský hrad in Choňkovce. Although very few historical sources have been preserved about these castles, their close proximity to one another is an interesting fact.

Did you know that the nearby Národný park Poloniny is a place characterized by the lowest light pollution in Slovakia? Thanks to this, it is home to protected and unique wildlife. Moreover, thanks to the minimal light pollution, you can enjoy a spectacular starry sky. Therefore, do not miss the Astronomické observatórium na Kolonickom sedle observatory.

Do you already have dates for your holiday? Choose from our range of accommodation around Sobrance and book accommodation near Beňatinský travertín. Whether you are travelling with friends or family, we believe you will fully enjoy the beauty of this region.