Where to go on a trip Ochtiná

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.

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.

Just 3 kilometers north of the village of Rožňava lies the picturesque village of Betliar, which proudly boasts a luxurious 17th-century noble residence. Kaštieľ Betliar was originally built as an advanced fortification of Hrad Krásna Hôrka. Did you know that Kaštieľ v Betliari is the only manor house in Slovakia that has been preserved with its original furnishings and collections after the end of World War II? All the exhibits that you can view in its interior once belonged to the Hungarian noble family of Andrássy. They were considered the most prominent aristocrats in Europe. In Slovakia, they were known thanks to four hundred years of ownership of Hrad Krásna Hôrka and Kaštieľ Betliar.

On the site of the original older Renaissance manor house, a truly luxurious residence was built between 1881 and 1886, which Count Emanuel I Andrássy had renovated. A member of the Hungarian Parliament and the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, he was inspired by English country estates. His son Gejza I was responsible for further modernization, resulting in a lavish residence featuring electric lighting, central heating, 16 bathrooms, a magnificent library, and numerous apartments that were inhabited by the social elite during times of legendary hunts. The Andrássy family were passionate travelers, which was also reflected in the interior decoration. They filled the manor house with numerous valuable pieces of furniture, works of art, and extensive collections consisting of exotic objects, hunting trophies, and paintings by 19th-century realists.

The manor house served as the family residence until 1945. In the post-war period, it was nationalized, and today it houses a museum capturing the life of this prominent noble family. The exhibition of noble domestic culture from the 18th and 19th centuries was established and opened to the public after a complete reconstruction of the building in 1994. The museum exhibition is set up on the first and second floors and covers an area of 2,308 m². It consists of nearly 50 living rooms and several utility spaces, such as bathrooms, a wardrobe, and workspaces. Alongside exclusive pieces of furniture with tasteful textiles and upholstery, you can also view silver objects, utility porcelain, glass and ceramics, as well as oriental carpets and curtains. Ancient Egypt has long fascinated not only scientists and researchers but also passionate travelers, and it was no different in the case of the Andrássy family. The ground floor of the manor house is therefore dedicated to a unique collection of egyptological valuables. Perhaps the most attractive artifact is the mummy of the priest of the god Amun brought from the burial ground in Giza. Its age is estimated to be from the 12th century BC. Another rarity is the mummified body of an unknown Egyptian child and grave finds in the form of amulets and their fragments.

The Andrássy family were also passionate hunters. An Exhibition of Exotic Trophies has been established for this hobby combined with a fascination for exotic countries. Count Emanuel, who undertook an adventurous journey to India in 1849, is considered the founder of this unique collection. His footsteps were followed by his son Gejza I, who became famous as an exceptional hunter and an enthusiast of everything thrilling and dangerous. The exhibition contains specimens from Africa and Asia and is installed in the premises of the winter garden to evoke an engaging and adventurous atmosphere for visitors. Among the museum's greatest attractions is also the main library, founded in 1790 by Leopold Andrássy. At the time of its inception, it contained 565 books, mainly in the fields of history, medicine, physics, and philosophy. Today, it consists of more than 14,000 volumes of theological, philosophical, historical, and geographical works from the 15th to the 19th century, written in six different languages. The most valuable specimens are incunabula. The oldest is a medical book published in Venice in 1486. Your tour ends in a magnificent English park with a waterfall, a cave, and three fountains, which was inscribed in the list of historic gardens and parks of the world in 1977.

After an exhausting but all the more exciting tour of the manor house, take a walk to the nearby Hermes Well. Crown your nice day in a stylish room of a family guesthouse. However, if you are looking for more privacy, click on the accommodation in Betliar page, and the complete offer of accommodation near Kaštieľ Betliar will be displayed to you. You will find a variety of romantic cottages and stylish apartments there. Reserve the following days for exploring the beauties of Slovenské rudohorie and Volovské vrchy.

In the quiet and picturesque environment of the Volovské vrchy, directly under the massif of the Radzim peak, near the village of Vyšná Slaná, lies Lyžiarske stredisko Július, which for years has provided an ideal base for winter sports enthusiasts, families with children, and fans of peaceful recreation in the Gemer region. The complex was built in close proximity to the well-known Chata Radzim, offering a pleasant and intimate atmosphere far away from crowded major resorts.

What you will find in the resort

Right on the slope, visitors can use a regularly groomed light slope approximately 500 meters long, which is ideal for beginner skiers and families with children. Two ski lifts are available in the resort. The seasonal offer also includes popular night skiing accompanied by basic refreshments right under the slope.

In terms of practical logistical details, mobile coverage in this valley is average to good, but a stable Wi-Fi connection is not available in the outdoor areas of the resort. Due to the smaller scale of operation and a more remote location outside major urban centers, card payment is available only to a limited extent or not at all, so it is strongly recommended to carry sufficient cash for purchasing skipasses or refreshments. During the peak season, weekends, or organized stays, early booking in advance is required for accommodation capacities and children's camps. Car access is provided directly to the resort via roads from the village of Vyšná Slaná, with parking available for visitors in designated areas near the lifts.

Who the place is suitable for

The location enthusiastically attracts families with children, beginners, ski courses, school trips, as well as recreational skiers looking for a quieter skiing experience without long queues. Gentle slopes are ideal for teaching ski lessons and making the first turns on snow, while the surrounding terrain also offers opportunities for easy winter hiking.

Where to go for a trip in the surroundings

The surrounding nature of the Volovské vrchy invites you to hike up the nearby Radzim massif with impressive rock viewpoints, or to the nearby town of Dobšiná. In the wider region, it is also worth visiting the famous Dobšinská ľadová jaskyňa cave or historical monuments in Rožňava.

Accommodation options in the region

Directly in the area of the Július recreational complex and in the neighborhood of Chata Radzim, accommodation options suitable for school trips, children's camps, or smaller groups are available. A broader selection of accommodation capacities in the form of guesthouses, cottages, and private rentals is provided by surrounding villages, Dobšiná, or the town of Rožňava.

A continuous layer of snow or sub-zero temperatures are a clear sign that you should head to the village of Rejdová, where you can treat yourself to a truly unconventional adrenaline experience. You don't even have to be sports-oriented to visit the local ski resort. The promised experience isn't skis or a snowboard, but a snowmobile. This exact means of transport will allow you to experience an indescribable adventure on the snow.

Riding snowmobiles in the village of Rejdová is interesting precisely because of the combination of active rest, relaxation, and fun. The village of Rejdová, located in the Rožňava district, provides the opportunity to enjoy the longest groomed trails for snowmobiles. Depending on difficulty, you can choose whether to take a trail for beginners or, as an experienced rider, clear your body and mind on more challenging routes. During the ride, you can enjoy the breathtaking natural scenery of pristine nature and even refresh yourself at checkpoint points if needed.

The length of the route depends on your abilities. Some have a length of 10 km, others up to 65 km. In total, completing them takes from half an hour to six and a half hours. Children can also ride smaller snowmobiles in a marked circular area. An interesting feature of this attraction is the evening and night rides, which have their own magical atmosphere. Also thanks to the total number of snowmobiles, many companies choose this type of experience as one of their teambuilding forms.

As part of a special offer, the company also provides transport for hikers to mountain huts, material transport, and assistance in organizing hiking and sports events. You can also choose a tour of forest stands during winter calamities specifically on snowmobiles or various other activities in connection with snowmobiles. Rest assured that this experience will always evoke beautiful feelings in you and you will remember it with a smile on your face for the rest of your life.

If you prefer active movement, right in the Ski Rejdová resort you can use groomed slopes. During snowplowing or fast riding, you can notice the untouched nature in the resort and its surroundings. A refreshing drink comes in handy at the snack bar, but you can also head to the Hron spring and fill a bottle with this mineral-rich water. Beautiful walks with taking breathtaking shots will be possible if you choose Grófska ľadovňa in Vlachovo as your destination. Even in winter, horseback riding is available at Ranč pod Ostrou skalou.

After riding, it is good to warm up for a moment. Best in the bed of your pre-booked accommodation near snežné skútre Rejdová. Here you will warm your body and gain new strength for the coming days. If you decide on a longer stay, we recommend choosing affordable private accommodation in Rejdová. For a family trip, you can also book a cabin in Rejdová or choose a bit more luxury in the form of a hotel room. We will be happy to help you choose the best accommodation.

In the beautiful environment of Slovenský kras, in the village of Rudná, lies a "paradise of horses and other small animals". On the map, you can find it marked as Minifarma Wattani Rudná or Ranch Wattani.

This facility was once established as a mini-farm located on the edge of Národný park Slovenský kras. The excellent natural environment guarantees the opportunity for perfect relaxation here, where man is in harmony with nature. Not only animal enthusiasts will find something to their liking here, as pony Žužu, Shetland pony Luna, small mare Sunny, a herd of Cameroonian and Ouessant sheep, as well as dwarf rabbits and German checkered giant rabbits have found their home on the farm. Visitors who just need a change of scenery will also comfortably enjoy themselves here.

In addition to these animals, you can go horseback riding. Courses are prepared here where, as beginners, you will be taught to ride these majestic steeds, and you will also be told everything else about their care. More advanced riders might be interested in the option of a horseback ride out into nature. In addition to the classic style, it is possible to try the Western style of riding, show jumping, or what horse dressage preparation looks like.

Little visitors are usually satisfied with just petting or cuddling our cute sheep. Mothers are incredibly happy and therefore take photos of their children with the animals so they have at least some souvenir from this place. Fathers, on the other hand, are glad that their loved ones experienced an unusual time in this place.

After a day spent in nature and surrounded by animals, be sure to set out for other interesting places in the surroundings. If you are tickled by hot sun rays and feel like cooling down, treat yourself to true refreshment and plunge into the pools of Rožňavské kúpalisko. After this amazing experience, you can also set out for a tour of Banícke múzeum v Rožňave, where a great experience from it will also be ensured by a ride on a mining train. After all, who would not want to become a miner here for a little while? The region is rich in mineral resources, and you will learn how it used to be here a long time ago in the Historická expozícia Baníckeho múzea. You can observe stars in the sky or space phenomena if you head to the beautiful Hvezdáreň v Rožňave.

We believe that you will enjoy your stay in this location to the fullest. To enrich it, you can choose accommodation near Minifarma Wattani Rudná. The offer of accommodation capacities includes beautiful cottages in Rudná preferred by families as well, but apartments in Rudná are also popular. Everything depends solely on you and the type of accommodation you choose.

Relaxation in the water inherently belongs to summer. If the hot sunbeams are already tickling you, indulge in true summer refreshment and dive into the pools of Rožňavské kúpalisko. This municipal family-type swimming pool offers its visitors a beautiful, quiet, and well-maintained environment with plenty of greenery. In addition, plenty of trees will provide you with protection from the sun as well as pleasant shade. Just put on your favorite swimsuit and the water fun can begin!

Experienced swimmers will certainly be pleased with the classic large swimming pool measuring 50 x 25 m with a 3-story diving tower. The water depth in this pool reaches 120 – 400 cm. Another three pools are designated primarily for children visitors. The water is heated to 24 - 26 °C. Experienced lifeguards supervise your safety in the pools. After swimming, spread out a blanket on the grassy area and sunbathe in peace. For a small fee, you can rent a beach lounger and a sun umbrella. Before sunbathing, do not forget to apply a suitable sunscreen to protect your skin from sunburn and harmful UVA and UVB rays.

If you prefer active relaxation, make your time spent at the swimming pool more pleasant on the tennis court or the minigolf course. If needed, you have the option to rent a volleyball, basketball, or soccer ball. For little children, a smaller children's playground with a sandbox, climbing frames, and swings has been built. Your little ones will also enjoy real fun on the children's traffic playground with original road markings. Refreshments within the swimming pool complex are offered by as many as five buffets. Outdoor seating on benches with sun umbrellas or a covered summer terrace is a matter of course. The swimming pool also conducts morning swimming on weekdays between 6:00 and 8:00 AM.

So that you do not have to rush home for the evening, book accommodation near Kúpalisko Rožňava. Accommodation in Rožňava offers quality services of larger and smaller guesthouses as well as the privacy of stylish cottages. Spend the following days taking trips to the surrounding area. We bring to your attention the beautiful Kaštieľ Betliar manor house, Hrad Krásna Hôrka, and Krásnohorská jaskyňa. Also discover the natural treasures hidden in Národný park Slovenský kras. Within its territory lies the unique Ochtinská aragonitová jaskyňa cave, which is one of only four accessible caves of its kind in the world.

A popular spot for longer walks during sun-drenched days is Brzotínsky rybník. It is a system of 9 bodies of water located in the village of Brzotín in the Rožňava district, on the left bank of the Čermošná stream below Silická planina.

This place is enjoyed especially by fishermen. The ponds are used commercially for fish farming. In their waters, you can mainly find the gracefully swimming common carp. However, a pike, tench, or eel might also flash before your eyes or catch on your fishing hook. The water reservoirs also serve an aesthetic and tourist function. Unfortunately, swimming enthusiasts will not find what they are looking for here. Various plant habitats are found on the shores of the lake. Thanks to the broadleaf cattail and reeds, water birds such as the little reed warbler and the Eurasian reed warbler have made their home here. The list of animals living in this locality also includes ducks, storks, and herons.

A total of 9 ponds are managed by the Slovenský rybársky zväz. A path leads around the water surface, which you can also take. By doing so, you will do something good for your health and enjoy a pleasant time here. In addition to your body, your soul especially will get a perfect rest in this quiet environment. The view of the calm water surface reflecting the rays of the sun, the pleasant chirping of birds, or soaking in the unique atmosphere of this place will certainly captivate you.

Rejuvenated, set off to discover other attractions of the region. You can look at the world from horseback at Konský Dvor. Admiring a system of plateaus, river canyons, gorges, and a multitude of surface and underground karst phenomena is possible in the Národný park Slovenský kras. Do you love summer and all the fun associated with it? In that case, it is worth visiting the Kúpalisko Rožňava. You will learn about the infinite universe, its secrets, and phenomena if you visit the Hvezdáreň Rožňava.

Since time immemorial, people have been fascinated by stars and unexpected phenomena in the night sky. They watched supernova explosions, fixed their gaze on glowing stars, or sought to learn everything about distant, unexplored planets. Are you one of those people as well? Catch a glimpse into the secrets of the universe thanks to observations at Hvezdáreň v Rožňave. Weather permitting, these take place every Thursday.

From approximately the 15th century, people attempted to journey after the mysteries of the universe. In the town of Rožňava, however, people managed to peek into space only several centuries later. The first observatory was built on the southern slope of the calvary on Lesná ulica street in 1966, when the plot of land of the current observatory was handed over to an astronomy club to build an observation station. Since 1969, the local observatory became an independent institution named Ľudová hvezdáreň Uránia. Gradually, technical achievements were purchased for the observatory's equipment, such as a Newton-type telescope with dimensions of 280/2250, a radiotelescope, a weather station, or a refractor.

Hvezdáreň v Rožňave consists of a dome, a meteorological station, a rain gauge, an observation station with a sliding roof, a sliding observation station, a sundial, a solar furnace, and an all-sky camera. Its equipment also includes various types of telescopes, thanks to which all celestial bodies in the sky can be observed. Since 2009, the observatory has been entrusted to the property management of the Gemerské osvetové stredisko (GOS). Its activities were integrated into the organizational structure of GOS, and an astronomy section was created, which primarily fulfills tasks in the fields of popular education, professional research, observation, and advisory activities.

During Thursday evenings, the Rožňava observatory organizes popular evening sky observations for its visitors. These take place after dark only in case of favorable weather. As part of an evening excursion during a group visit, you can arrange a lecture on a pre-selected topic. On sunny days, thanks to a portable chromospheric telescope or telescopes with a solar filter or projection in the observatory dome, you can see all the way to the Sun, thousands of kilometers away. The observatory is a sought-after location for students, teachers, and the general public. Within its portfolio, it is possible to book a professional lecture on a pre-stated topic and thus learn more about this infinite cosmic space. Observatory staff also carry out outreach observations in schools and preschool facilities. The observatory's activities also include organizing the progressive knowledge competition "Čo vieš o hviezdach" (What Do You Know About Stars?) and art competitions "Vesmír očami detí" (The Universe Through Children's Eyes) and "Astrofilm". Extracurricular activities include uniting astronomy enthusiasts in the Astroklub affiliated with the observatory.

The observatory strives to appeal to every visitor. However, if you prefer to keep your feet firmly on the ground, visit other attractions in Rožňava. The Gemer region is famous for its mining activity. You will learn about the history of mining during a visit to the historical exhibition of the Banícke múzeum. A somewhat more interesting experience will be offered to you by Banícke múzeum Rožňava. On its premises, you can ride a mining train or view two rare technical uniques, a Škoda Sentinel steam truck and an Aveling & Porter steam roller. On summer days, when the temperature exceeds 25 °C, it is worth heading to the pools at Kúpalisko Rožňava to cool off your sun-heated bodies. After all, swimming is great for every age category. Ending the day can be with a glass of wine at your pre-booked accommodation or in a tent near Brzotínsky rybník.

We believe that, also thanks to our accommodation near Hvezdáreň v Rožňave, you will be able to enjoy a great stay of any kind. Whether you come for a business trip or to relax here during the summer with your family, on our portal you can find accommodation that will meet all your requirements. Will you choose apartments in Rožňava or a room in a hotel? The decision is entirely yours.

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.

Predná Hora is a popular recreational resort surrounded by the pristine nature of Národný park Muránska planina. The recreational resort combines a top-class wellness center, various types of reconditioning stays, relaxation and rehabilitation programs for its clients, accommodation options, and an excellent restaurant. Relaxation in the resort will heal your body, and a stay in the picturesque nature will heal your soul. Visitors leave this place rested, full of energy, and in a good mood.

The history not only of the Predná Hora treatment facility, but also of the entire surrounding area dates back to the reign of the Bulgarian Tsar Ferdinand Coburg. He loved the whole region and continued to visit Slovakia regularly even after his abdication. His residence was Kaštieľ Svätý Anton (Antolský kaštieľ), which in even earlier times served as a hunting castle for the Coburg family. Tsar Ferdinand also began building his winter residence, a manor house, but unfortunately, he did not manage to complete its construction. It eventually became a treatment institution.

Today, it is utilized as Odborný liečebný ústav psychiatrický, n.o. Predná Hora. Originally, it served as a tuberculosis sanatorium. It treats patients who voluntarily or by court order undergo treatment for addiction to alcohol, drugs, and pathological gambling. Patients need not only professional help, but also nature, which has helped to heal since time immemorial. That is exactly what they receive here to the fullest. All that is needed is strong willpower, the support of loved ones, and the entire mind will heal.

Rekreačný areál Predná Hora offers a wellness center (as part of the guest house), a wooden hut (koliba), an observatory, sports grounds, a children's playground, and accommodation facilities. It is a popular destination for various groups of guests. Families with children, corporate clients, groups of seniors, or hikers, everyone is welcome here. And everyone will find exactly what they need. The resort is multifunctional, and thanks to the fact that Muránska planina is not yet widely discovered by tourists, you will experience privacy here that is so very rare nowadays.

Families with children will appreciate the children's corner, Water World, where even the smallest ones can have a blast. They can climb up the castle (a children's playhouse), slide down the slide, and play with plenty of toys. An interactive screen with numerous games is also a big attraction. Parents will appreciate the entrance to the children's corner, as it is accessible only from the Wellness Bar. This means that while your children play and make friends, you can enjoy a drink undisturbed. All without the fear of your child running off unnoticed after surrounding attractions. Another children's corner lounge is located right next to the restaurant and bar. In favorable weather, be sure to spend time at the outdoor wooden playground with climbing frames, swings, a slide, and a sandbox. Older children will enjoy the game room with table football, billiards, darts, and a poker set.

The resort is an ideal place for companies and is virtually tailored for a wide variety of indoor and outdoor activities. You can hold a smaller training session in a lounge equipped with modern technology. If it is not sufficient in capacity, you can use the restaurant premises. Many companies have already completed training or teambuilding here, which helped them energize their team, strengthen relationships, and gain a new perspective on their colleagues, the company, and their overall work.

Rekreačný areál Predná Hora even has its own brewery. In limited quantities, focusing not on quantity but on quality, they have been brewing specialty beers since 2017. They feature various flavors and top-quality ingredients, which is not always a given with commercially available beers. Enjoy relaxation to the sounds of pleasant music, tasting beer and various snacks, accompanied by a view of the beautiful Stolické vrchy mountains and the hamlets of Muránska Zdychava.

Various hiking trails and routes pass through the area, where you will find red, blue, yellow, and green hiking trail markers. Šindliarka, Salašná, Hrdzavá dolina, or Jaskova Muka. The entire Národný park Muránska planina opens up before you. We recommend visiting Muránsky hrad, the ruins of the third highest-located castle in Slovakia. You can also make a great trip to Vodopád pod Orlovou, Rozhľadňa Zbojská, or Slavošovský tunel. In winter, you can ski in the resorts Bánovo and Rejkovo in Tisovec.

To be able to experience all of this, the first step will be finding suitable accommodation near Rekreačný areál Predná Hora. The page accommodation Muráň will offer you the closest possible accommodation so that you are just a stone's throw away from the recreational resort. We will leave the rest of your trip planning to you, but if you want to use our tips for trips around the village of Muráň, we will gladly inspire 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.

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.