Where to go on a trip okres Revúca

Sysľovisko na Bielych vodách near Muráň represents one of the largest and most popular ground squirrel colonies in Slovakia, where these small rodents have become accustomed to the presence of people.

The location is situated on the southern edge of the Národný park Muránska planina (Muránska Planina National Park), approximately 2.5 kilometers past the village of Muráň in the direction of Predná Hora, in the Revúca district. The ground squirrel habitat was established in a place where ground squirrels thrive thanks to the regular grazing of cattle and donkeys, which keep the grass short—a factor that is crucial for these animals in terms of safety from predators. Thanks to years of work by conservationists, the local ground squirrels are remarkably tame and are not afraid to come up to visitors if they sense food in the form of sunflower seeds, apple pieces, or carrots. In addition to hundreds of ground squirrels, the area is also home to the aforementioned donkeys, which are equally affectionate and complete the idyllic atmosphere of a mountain pasture. The observation season is limited by the ground squirrels' winter hibernation, so the location is mainly accessible from March to the end of September. The entire space is sensitively maintained with an emphasis on nature conservation and educating visitors about the importance of biodiversity in the national park.

What can you find here?

In the area, you will find extensive meadows dotted with hundreds of ground squirrel burrows and information boards about the life of the European ground squirrel and the protection of Muránska planina. At the entrance, there is a small snack bar or stall where you can purchase suitable food for the animals, and simple seating is also available. Part of the location includes a pasture for donkeys that move freely among people and love to be petted.

Who is the place suitable for?

The place is a total paradise for families with young children, who will be thrilled by direct contact with the animals and the opportunity to feed them by hand. It is also sought after by nature lovers, wildlife photographers, and tourists as a pleasant and easy stop while exploring Muránska planina. Given the grassy terrain, sports footwear is recommended, and on sunny days, one should not forget headwear, as the meadows are not shaded.

What can you visit in the surroundings?

From the nearby village of Muráň, a marked trail leads to the majestic Muránsky hrad, which is the third highest-located castle in Slovakia. You can also visit the recreational area at Predná Hora with a wellness center or go on a hike to the hunting lodge on the meadow below the castle. For cyclists, numerous routes are available in the area leading through the mountain passes of the plateau, such as Sedlo Zbojská with its popular shepherd's hut (salaš).

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.

Muránska planina National Park covers the western part of the Slovenské rudohorie mountains. It is considered one of the youngest national parks in the Slovak Republic. The goal of its establishment was the protection of Muránska planina. The national park extends into the districts of Revúca, Brezno, and Rimavská Sobota. Its area covers 20,318 ha, with a buffer zone spanning 21,698 ha. Tourists will find plenty to enjoy thanks to marked hiking trails and educational paths stretching up to 300 km.

The area was declared a national park on October 1, 1997, and its administration is based in the town of Revúca. Forests cover 86% of its territory. Like every national park, Muránska planina has its own "bests" that attract many visitors. The highest point of the national park is the summit of Stolica at an altitude of 1,476 m above sea level. Here you will also find the lowest-lying dwarf pine in our territory, growing at an altitude of 750 m above sea level.

Climate of Muránska planin

Thanks to the fact that the national park territory is located in a temperate climatic zone, we do not encounter extreme temperature fluctuations here. Most of the territory falls into an area with a cold mountain climate. The buffer zone has areas with a moderately warm climate; the lowest southern parts have a type of moderately cold mountain climate, while a cold mountain climate is typical for the peak areas. Average air temperatures in January reach values of -6 to -7 °C, while temperatures in July range between 11.5 and 13.5 °C. Annually, approximately 1,000 to 1,400 mm of precipitation falls in the area. As for snow cover, it stays on the ground for about 140 to 160 days a year, with the maximum depth exceeding 75 cm in places.

The core of the national park consists of a limestone and dolomite plateau. These minerals are characterized by being easily susceptible to the process of karstification. Mainly thanks to this, Muránska planina National Park is full of various surface and subsurface karst phenomena. To date, more than 500 caves and chasms have been discovered, with more than 250 caves not being open to the public. Bobačka, which is the most extensive of the local cave systems, is over 5 km long and boasts rich sinter decorations. Furthermore, the park area contains various gorges, rock towers and needles, karst pavements, sinkholes, and rock gates.

What plants and animals will you find in Muránska planina National Park?

The territory of the national park is extraordinarily rich in the diversity of animal and plant species. The flora of Muránska planina National Park includes many plants, from more demanding thermophilic species to subalpine and alpine species. To date, more than 1,400 plant species have been discovered and described here. Forests cover most of the area. While beech and fir-beech forests dominated in the past, today it is a mix. Lime-loving beech woods stretch from the south, transitioning into linden-maple and thermophilic oak forests. The plateau areas are covered mainly by beech and fir-beech forests, with spruce also mixed in. Coverage by spruce woods and mixed spruce-beech forests is typical for the northern parts. Relict pine and larch forests have been preserved on the rocky ridges.

Muránska planina is home to several protected and rare tree species (yew, Hazslinszky's rowan, Mišulka's rowan, Alpine honeysuckle), dwarf pines (mountain pine), and herbs (red helleborine, white helleborine, lady's-slipper orchid, Komorica helleborine, dog's tooth violet). The color of the area is complemented by submontane meadows and pastures, some of which are also very rare and endangered. A valuable natural community is completed by rock vegetation and steep slopes. It is right on these slopes that the rarest plant in the area is located, the Muráň daphne (Lykovec muránsky). It is a rare remnant dating back to the Tertiary period. Wetland communities are perhaps the most threatened. These are home to gems of our nature (such as globe-flower or mealy primrose) and have a significant impact on the healthy functioning of the landscape. Interesting plants living here are the common butterwort and round-leaved sundew. Both are carnivorous.

The fauna of Muránska planina National Park also includes some now endangered and rare animal species. The brown bear, gray wolf, wildcat, and Eurasian lynx hide in the forests. Clear mountain streams are home to many fish, even some native species, as well as our rare predator, the Eurasian otter. But it is not the only one lurking for aquatic animals. Along with it, the rare black stork feeds on them. Among the birds that have found their nesting ground right in Muránska planina, we can mention the golden eagle, peregrine falcon, Eurasian pygmy owl, boreal owl, and the endangered western capercaillie. 23 species of bats hibernate in the cave systems. The numbers of vertebrates (more than 270 species) and invertebrates (more than 2,700 species) found so far are also remarkable. Endemics of Muránska planina include ground beetles (behúnik and snehulčík), as well as the common jarva and bound flea beetle.

Tips for trips

Interesting tips for trips include educational trails such as Stožky (13.5 km), Jakub Surovec (4 km), Tŕstie (6 km), or the trail with the most original name Poďte s nami za sysľami ("Come with us to see the ground squirrels", 6.3 km). Speaking of ground squirrels: Sysľovisko Biele vody is one of the biggest attractions of the national park. From around March, you can watch one of the largest European ground squirrel colonies in Slovakia here. Despite being a very shy animal under normal circumstances, the ones here are accustomed to human presence. So much so that at the beginning of the season, when they are still starved, they take food directly from your hand. Offer them carrots, sunflower seeds, apples, beetroot, oats, barley, or walnuts. The ground squirrels will enjoy a treat, and you will have an unforgettable experience, both children and adults alike. Visit also Lesnícky skanzen Vydrovo, Muránsky hrad, or Chmarošský viadukt in Telgárt.

There are many trip options. To be as close to them as possible, book accommodation near Muránska planina National Park, for example on the page accommodation Slovenské rudohorie. It is up to you who you come with or where you go. The important thing is to enjoy the trip, appreciate the beauty of nature, and remember that the national park is our most important natural heritage. Treat nature attentively, with humility and respect. Take care of its protection and instill love for living things, plants, and animals in children from an early age. Nature will thank you for it.

If you decide to visit the Gemer region, you have a unique opportunity to see the remains of one of the oldest Slovak castles. Hrad Gemer or also Gemerský hrad is located on an elevated hill above the village of the same name at an altitude of 232 m a. s. l.

The castle was built on the site of an old Slavic hillfort, probably in the late 11th century. The first written mention of the castle dates back to the late 12th century. It got its name after its first owner, the knight Gumurum (or Gumur). Originally a timber-earth castle, it played its first important role in the fights against the Tatars. Between 1241 and 1242, it was rebuilt into a stronger stone tower-type object. It was the property of the king and fulfilled not only a guarding and defensive role, but also an important economic one.

The ore- and forest-rich region of Gemer developed relatively quickly. In the 14th century, Gemer became the seat of the county and was the second largest small town in the region with the right to hold markets. In the 15th century, two bridges were built across the Slaná river, where tolls were collected. The castle, which guarded the bridges, was never very large. It was more of a guarding fortress surrounded by an earthen rampart. In the 15th century, the structure was conquered by the Hussites. In 1459, the castle was reconquered by King Matej Korvín, while being destroyed. Later it was restored and changed owners several times. In the 16th century, it was definitively destroyed in the Turkish wars.

If you plan a trip to it, you will find that not much is left of the castle today. However, the attentive eye of a visitor will not miss the castle plateau with configuration waves from the destroyed structures. There is a beautiful view of the surroundings from the castle hill. If you climb there, you can learn something about the famous Hussite Panna Cinka. Or will you be more interested in the legend about King Matej Korvín? His stay at this place is also commemorated by a life-size bronze statue. It is interesting because it is the only statue in Europe that depicts a monarch with a working tool.

There is also plenty to admire below the castle. In the 19th century, an Evangelical gymnasium was established in the town, where such significant personalities as Janko Matuška, Ján Kalinčiak, or Janko Kráľ studied. One of the most important poets of Slovak romanticism, Samo Chalúpka, influenced by this place, describes the hard anti-Turkish struggles in the Gemer region in his poem as follows: Sharp sabres flash, spears crack, and the Slovak earth drinks the blood of its sons.

History lovers will probably also be interested in the story of the nearby Hrad Jelšava. Or will you rather visit one of the most impressive Slovak castles Krásna Hôrka? On hot summer days, you certainly won't refuse cooling refreshment in the waves of the Vodná nádrž Teplý vrch water reservoir or boating on the coldest Slovak dam Palcmanská Maša. A unique natural phenomenon that is worth visiting is the magnificent Ochtinská aragonitová jaskyňa.

This amazing region will provide you with several options where you can lay your head and rest before another wonderful day. Book accommodation near Gemerský hrad. Will you be appealed by the offer of romantic Gemer cottages, or will you rather prefer comfortable and affordable Gemer apartments? We will leave that solely to your choice.