Nature attractions Rudňany

Above the riverbed of the Hornád river, approximately 5 km east of the village of Markušovce, in the Spišská Nová Ves district, stands the most famous mushroom-shaped rock formation in Slovakia, Markušovský skalný hríb. Take a hike into the Hornádska dolina and explore this interesting natural monument. The protected rock mushroom is located at an altitude of 470 m above sea level, and a marked educational trail will lead you right to it.

An interesting fact is that while the 8-meter-high stem is formed by conglomerate, the cap with a diameter of 3 meters consists of sandstone. The creation of such an unusual formation is due to the fact that two different geological layers meet at this location. Markušovský skalný hríb is part of the Markušovské steny National Nature Monument with a 4th level of protection.

The route of the yellow-marked educational trail begins in the center of Markušovce, where a protected heritage zone with 22 real estate monuments is located, and leads past Markušovský kaštieľ mansion to the east, in the direction of the flow of the Hornád river. The path along the river will bring you all the way to Markušovský skalný hríb, where the cadastre of the village of Odorín begins. From here, you can return to Markušovce or take a detour to the village of Matejovce nad Hornádom.

The route length is approximately 6 km, and due to the predominantly flat terrain leading across meadows and a forest path, the trip is also suitable for families with small children. Directly in the village, you can visit Markušovský hrad and Markušovský kaštieľ. Markušovce is an excellent starting point for undertaking trips to the surrounding area. Children will certainly be delighted if you visit the Zoologická záhrada in Spišská Nová Ves with them. An exceptional experience will also be a visit to Alex park, which is among the largest indoor children's centers in Slovakia. You can find a wide range of accommodation near Markušovský skalný hríb on our page Markušovce accommodation.

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.