Technical monuments Mlynky

Letanovský mlyn lies in the northern part of Slovenský raj at an altitude of 513 m above sea level, in Eastern Slovakia. It is precisely the mill that forms the boundary dividing Prielom Hornádu into two parts. It is among the popular tourist locations, as this very spot serves as the starting point for several hikes, for example to the resorts of Čingov, Podlesok, or Kláštorisko. Until approximately the middle of the 20th century, the mill fully fulfilled its original function.

In the vicinity of Letanovský mlyn, there was a 15th-century stone Carthusian bridge built by monks as part of the "Carthusian road up the mountain". The bridge was later destroyed during World War II; today, an exact replica stands here, captivating every visitor with an appearance that fits seamlessly into the character of the surroundings.

The first mill was built of wood at the beginning of the 19th century on the left bank of the Hornád. Originally, it was the property of Tiba, later belonging to the Carthusians and the Spiš Provostship, before finally ending up as the property of the village of Letanovce. When Karol Poledniak purchased it from the village, he demolished the original mill and built a new one in its place, specifically a brick, modern three-roller mill equipped with all the necessary machinery. The owner rented it out, but when the mill burned down in 1927, he did not restore it again. It gradually fell into disrepair and was eventually renovated, though only as a recreational cabin.

Local residents used it as a popular recreational facility for many years. Currently, a recreational settlement built in its immediate vicinity features several private cabins and a buffet. The buffet is immensely popular, and during the summer season when it is open, both locals and tourists visit it.

They come here to relax, draw energy from nature and the surroundings, or take a break to rest and catch their breath during a hike. Relax under the rare flora of Slovenský raj, the sessile oak and the thermophilic Mahaleb cherry.

A great hike to Letanovský mlyn leads from Podlesok along the blue hiking trail through Hrdlo Hornádu. You follow a moderately demanding route along the river; on the way, you cross bridges, walk over footbridges attached to rock faces while holding onto chains, or climb wooden ladders. Some rocks feature very intriguing openings that will catch your eye at first glance. However, this is only one of the possible routes, as red and yellow hiking trails also cross the area alongside the blue one.

No matter which direction you arrive from, the peace of nature, the scent of the forest, and the murmur of the river act as a balm for the soul. From spring to autumn, you can enjoy wonderful hiking and walks here. If you visit in winter, you can go ice climbing on frozen waterfalls. It is therefore up to you in which season of the year you visit this picturesque region. Pack your backpack, lace up your hiking boots, and book your stay on the accommodation Letanovce page. You will remember this trip long after returning home.

During a visit to the village of Nižná Slaná, stop by its significant industrial monument. It is the huta Etelka blast furnace, which is often also referred to as the iron heart of Gemer. Once upon a time, metallurgical materials mined in the Gemer region, which was rich in gold, silver, copper, and other mineral rocks, were smelted in this furnace.

In the village of Nižná Slaná, which lies at an altitude of 360 m a.s.l., you can also admire the beauty of a unique village bell tower or uplift your faith by visiting the Evangelical church from the first half of the 14th century. After descending from the Dobšinský kopec hill, the building of huta Etelka, which was built in 1867, will appear before you. It was built by Count Emanuel Andrássy. An interesting fact is that it was named after his mother. Thanks in part to this furnace, iron production was able to come fully alive in the 1860s. At that time, huta Etelka belonged to very prosperous enterprises in Gemer. Nowadays, your heart might break upon visiting it when you see the state it is in.

Once the most beautiful blast furnace in Slovakia, it reached a height of 11 m and its volume was up to 60 m³. The foundation was a pillar structure and an "open chest" design. A cast-iron heater was used for heating, and the blast furnace blower was powered by a water wheel. The furnace remained active until 1907. After its closure, there were efforts to reopen it with a specialization in a wet gravity ore dressing plant. Unfortunately, this proved unsuccessful, so the furnace was closed down again in 1910.

Today, this technical monument is visited by many of its admirers or lovers of interesting photography. Local residents from a non-profit organization are striving to save it. In the future, a museum is planned at huta Etelka that would showcase the operation of this furnace or the history of mining in this area.

Discovering the beauties of this village will certainly take more than one day. After all, who wouldn't go to see Hrad Muránčok as well? Feel free to put on your hiking shoes and head to the nearby Grófska ľadovňa ice house in Vlachovo. It is a sought-after spot for collecting interesting photos for your photo book. After your activities, you can indulge in a little rest at the Kúpalisko Vlachovo swimming pool. Or will you also visit the breathtaking Kaštieľ v Betliari? It is a sumptuous aristocratic residence from the 17th century housing various interesting exhibits. Its adjacent English park will charm you as well.

So that you don't have to rush home tired, we recommend booking accommodation near huta Etelka. As a family, you can choose your comfort in cottages Nižná Slaná, or opt for simpler private accommodation. It only depends on your preferences and the length of stay you choose.

The Chmarošský viadukt viaduct near Telgárt is one of the most elegant and most photographed technical monuments in Slovakia, recalling scenes from historical movies with its monumental brick architecture.

The site is located on the edge of the village of Telgárt, in the Brezno district, in the Banskobystrický kraj region, at the border of three national parks. The viaduct is part of railway line number 173, known as the Central Slovakian Transversal Railway, and was built in the 1930s. The structure, with a length of 113.6 meters and a height of 18 meters, consists of nine stone and brick arches that create an impressive curve in the open landscape. The viaduct still serves railway transport today, and a train passing over this historical structure is one of the greatest experiences for passengers and photographers waiting under the bridge. The architecture of the viaduct was designed with an emphasis on aesthetics, making it a unique example of engineering construction from the period of the first Czechoslovak Republic. Thanks to its location near the Besník pass, the surroundings of the viaduct offer fresh mountain air and the typical atmosphere of the Horehronie region, where the meadows change into different shades in every season. The viaduct has become an important point for tourism in the region, with its popularity constantly growing thanks to social networks that have turned it into one of the most visited technical monuments in Central Europe.

What can you find here?

In the area under the viaduct, you will find well-kept grassy areas suitable for photography and picnics, information boards about the history of the track, and marked trails leading to the best viewpoints. A nearby parking lot along the main road is available, as well as a stylish café located in a historical train carriage offering refreshments with a direct view of the bridge arches.

Who is the place suitable for?

The location is ideal for photographers, technical monument enthusiasts, and families with children looking for an easy walk with an attractive destination. It is also sought after by railway fans and tourists passing through Horehronie towards Dobšinská ľadová jaskyňa cave. Standard walking shoes are sufficient to access the base of the bridge, but maximum caution and adherence to the prohibition of entering the tracks themselves are required when moving near the railway.

What can you visit in the surroundings?

Right in Telgárt, there is another technical rarity, the Telgártska slučka loop, and the nearby Telgártsky viadukt viaduct. You can visit the source of the Hron river in the Besník pass or ascend the legendary peak Kráľova hoľa, which is the cradle of Slovak natural poetry. For history and geology lovers, Dobšinská ľadová jaskyňa cave or the picturesque village of Šumiac with its unique bell museum are within easy reach.