Where to go on a trip Ružín

The remnants of the mysterious Hrad Sokoľ are located west of the village of the same name, at the end of the Uhrič valley, on Hrádek hill. The village of Sokoľ is situated in the Košice-okolie district. An educational trail leads from its center all the way to the ruins of a medieval castle, the origin of which remains shrouded in mystery to this day. In addition to the stone ruins, tourists are drawn to Hrádek by a castle cave leading underneath the central part of the former structure. Will you find the courage to enter the castle underground?

It is assumed that Hrad Sokoľ was built after the devastating Mongol invasions that marked the beginning of the 13th century. This period is also known as a boom in the construction of stone castles in difficult-to-access terrains, which were intended to serve as refuge in case the Mongol forces returned. Hrad Sokoľ was also virtually hidden in dense forests, far from settled areas. The first written record of its existence dates back to 1299. The structure was likely demolished in the 15th century by the city of Košice, to which it was reportedly gifted by King Sigismund.

Based on current findings, it is believed to have been a smaller castle featuring a guard tower and a residential palace. To this day, only an earthen rampart with a ditch and remnants of the castle walls have been preserved. The greatest attraction for visitors is the castle cave located beneath the castle. It reaches a length of 27 meters and leads underneath the central part of the former structure. You can find the entrance to the cave about 12 meters below the castle on the northeastern slope. It is a modified natural cave that likely served as a cellar.

You can reach the castle ruins and the castle cave via an educational trail leading directly from the village of Sokoľ. In front of the castle ditch, you will be greeted by an information board offering more details about the castle. The entire area is well-maintained, featuring benches that offer a peaceful spot for rest and a mounted double cross. The route from the village to this location is easy, with a length of about 6 km.

Set out on a hike into the history of an almost forgotten Slovak castle. You can combine your trip here with a visit to Slovakia's largest zoo, Zoologická záhrada Košice, or with a hike to the Vyhliadka Jánošíkova bašta viewpoint, which offers a beautiful panoramic view of the Hornád valley. Or would you prefer a trip on the Košice Children's Heritage Railway? The choice is entirely yours, as is the selection of accommodation near Hrad Sokoľ. On our portal, you will find a range of accommodations in Sokoľ and the immediate surroundings, as well as an interesting array of options in Košice. Start preparing for a stay packed with experiences.

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.

Kojšovská hoľa, with an altitude of 1,225.7 m above sea level, is the highest peak of the Kojšovská hoľa sub-subunit, in the area of Slovenské rudohorie within Volovské vrchy. It is also the highest point of the entire Košice-okolie district. The peak is located approximately 16 km west of Košice, between the villages of Kojšov, Opátka, Prakovce, and Zlatá Idka. Tourists visit it year-round. It is used for hiking as well as for sports and recreation.

In summer, the peak is very attractive for tourists. It features a beautiful natural scenery overgrown with heather, cranberry and bilberry bushes, raspberries, and wild strawberries. You can also pick various mushrooms and medicinal plants. But beware, many of the plants you will find here are protected; please only look at them and enjoy their beauty. The red-marked Cesta hrdinov SNP trail passes through here. Together with Zlatoidská hora, Kojšovská hoľa forms a very popular hiking duo-combination. Tourists even say that one of the best views from Volovské vrchy is from here. The view of the Tatras is simply unique. Especially at the beginning of winter, when their snow-dusted peaks contrast sharply with the still brown-and-green rounded hills down below them. In the distance, you will also see into Poland, Hungary, and Ukraine.

In winter, Kojšovská hoľa transforms into a skiing paradise. The Kojšovská hoľa – Skipark Erika ski resort is a great space for skiers and snowboarders to enjoy themselves. The resort is accessible by cable car, and high-quality cross-country ski trails also lead through the surroundings. On the way to the peak, you will certainly also encounter ski mountaineers or ski touring enthusiasts. And feel free to build a snowman here too, because winter should be about the joy of snow.

An observatory of the Slovenský meteorologický ústav is located at the peak of Kojšovská hoľa. Right next to it stands a bronze commemorative plaque from 1981 bearing the inscription "česť a sláva hrdinom SNP". Likewise, you will find a box with a summit register here, and about 200 m further on, 49 peace poles with the inscription "nech je mier na Slovensku". They have stood here since 1997 as a symbol of peace in Europe. Slovakia received them as a gift from a Japanese company. You will also see a SNP monument along with an anti-tank gun here since 1999.

Several different routes lead to the peak. You can get here from Gelnica, Kojšov, and Zlatá Idka along the blue trail. You can get to Kojšovská hoľa from the village of Prakovce along the yellow trail. Calculate your hiking time to be approximately 3 hours; in summer, we naturally also recommend sitting down on the sunny peak. So that you do not have to rush home for the hike or from it, book accommodation near the Kojšovská hoľa peak. Try it, for example, on the accommodation Kojšov or accommodation Košice page. You will surely find one that will be just right for you.

If you enjoy going on trips into nature, head up to the cliff behind the town of Gelnica and discover the remains of Gelnický hrad castle. The history of this once grand residence dates back to 1234. In ancient times, it was also known as Thurzov hrad castle. Take a pleasant walk with your family and enjoy quality time spent together in nature. A marked hiking trail leading from the Banícke múzeum museum will guide you to the remains of this medieval fortress.

You will find the ruins of the castle in a place called „zámčisko“. The purpose of constructing the castle was to protect the town and its mines. Since its establishment, it went through many hands. During times of unrest and continuous battles for the Hungarian throne between Ferdinand I of Habsburg and John Zápolya, the castle was destroyed. Following Zápolya's defeat, Ferdinand I gifted Gelnický hrad castle to the nobleman Alexej Thurzo, who had it rebuilt and expanded.

The Thurzo family owned the castle until 1636, when its last male descendant, Michal Thurzo, passed away. For a short time, the castle became state property. In 1638, King Ferdinand III granted it to Count Štefan Csáky and his wife Eva Forgách. During the reign of the Csáky family, several uprisings broke out, during which the castle and the town changed hands repeatedly. The castle began to fall into disrepair, and from 1765 onwards, it served merely as a training ground for the hussars of Gelnica.

The final destruction was brought about by the town itself when it ordered the stone from the walls to be used for the construction of the town hall and adjacent buildings. It is assumed that the castle had four bastions and a main entrance on the eastern side. In addition to the main entrance, there were three other courtyards at the castle. The most well-preserved section is the torso of the castle tower with a window opening and a loophole.

During an archaeological survey in 1963, it was discovered that 14 underground tunnels lead out into the surroundings of the castle. Various artifacts were also found, such as keys, weapons, spurs, and other items. The castle ruins are freely accessible all year round. From the castle hill, you will enjoy a wonderful view over the entire town. If you head to the castle in autumn, your children will certainly be delighted by the chestnuts they find under the trees in the chestnut alley.

After visiting „zámčisko“, set off for Turzovské jazero lake and enjoy a great picnic on its shores. On your travels, you can also stop by the Banícke múzeum, which will introduce you to the history of mining in the area. In the surroundings of Gelnica, there are many fantastic attractions worth visiting. Don't wait and book your weekend stay in the Slovenské rudohorie mountains today. A wide selection of accommodation near the ruins of Gelnický hrad castle can be found on our page accommodation in Gelnica. We wish you a wonderful and undisturbed stay.

In the Košickom kraji, in eastern Slovakia, just 3 km past the village of Gelnica, you will find the foothill so-called Turzovské jazero. At first glance, its surroundings will captivate you with their magnificent coniferous forests and mountain meadows. Did you know that in the past, Jazero Turzov was among the most sought-after spa resorts in Rakúsko-Uhorsku? They were visited mainly by patients with respiratory and nervous system disorders.

The Turzovské kúpele were known throughout the Rakúska-Uhorská monarchy. People went boating on the water surface, and famous Anna bály were held at the spa. There was also a bowling alley and tennis courts. Water from the lake was boiled with pine needles and used for the inhalation of medicinal essential oils. Directly on the shore stood a spa house, which currently provides accommodation and catering services.

The water in Turzovskom jazere is clean and clear, reaching up to 17 meters at its deepest point. During hot summer days, you can swim in it, but only at your own risk. Part of the resort is also the lower lake, by which you will find the detached exhibition of the Baníckeho múzea v Gelnici, the Banský skanzen, and the Jozef adit. The lower lake is not suitable for swimming as it is used for fishing. Both lakes are fed by mountain streams originating in fault zones of rocks, as well as waters from abandoned mining works.

The wonderful environment in the middle of the forest is made for a picnic, so do not hesitate and take a blanket and a basket full of goodies for your trip. Directly on the shore, there is also a fire pit where you can roast delicious sausages. A mining educational trail will lead you to the lake from Gelnica.

After this undemanding walk, set out on a proper hike and conquer Kojšovskú hoľu. The surroundings of Gelnica offer plenty of opportunities for hiking and cycling. A great place for relaxation and swimming is the popular Vodná nádrž Ružín. Discover the beauties of the Volovských vrchov and book your stay in Spiši today. You can find the best accommodation offer around Turzovského jazera on our website accommodation in Gelnica. Come and see for yourself what remarkable places Východné Slovensko hides.

In the region of central and western Slovakia, there are two interesting tourist locations associated with the name Green Point and the Kukla hill.

Green Point nad Kluknavou is a unique 35-meter-high lookout tower situated on the Kremenec hill at an altitude of 681 m above sea level. It is the first energy self-sufficient lookout tower in Slovakia, using solar panels and wind turbines to generate its own electricity. This smart structure made of galvanized iron and larch wood is equipped with LED lighting with motion sensors and offers visitors free charging for mobile phones and e-bikes. A circular panoramic view of Kráľova hoľa, Sľubica, Kloptaň, and the panorama of Spiš opens up from its top. The lookout tower on the Kukla hill (564 m above sea level) is located in the Malé Karpaty mountain range above the village of Píla near Modra. The current 12-meter-high wooden structure stands on the site of the original tower and offers one of the most beautiful views of the nearby Hrad Červený Kameň castle. The Kukla hill is steeped in legends of medieval witches and, thanks to its accessibility, is a popular destination for easy hiking. The location is part of a protected landscape area, and marked hiking trails connecting Modra-Piesok with the valley of the Gidra stream pass through it.

What can you find here?

Near the Green Point tower, you will find modern technological facilities, information panels on renewable energy sources, and a relaxation area with charging stations. On the Kukla hill, there is a classic wooden lookout tower with a ladder climb, near which fire pits and seating for hikers are built. In both cases, these are places that combine active relaxation with exploring local nature.

Who is the place suitable for?

Both locations are ideal for families with children and recreational hikers looking for a half-day trip. Thanks to its technological aspect, Green Point nad Kluknavou is also attractive to fans of modern design and ecology, while Kukla in the Malé Karpaty attracts lovers of traditional hiking and history. The ascent to both view points is moderately demanding and can be handled by seniors or active cyclists as well.

What can you visit in the surrounding area?

In the vicinity of Kluknava, you can visit the Baroque-Neoclassical manor house in Kluknava or the historical wooden bridge over the Hornád river in the village of Štefanská Huta. Near the Kukla hill, there is the majestic Hrad Červený Kameň castle, an educational trail in the Zochova chata locality, or the rock formation Traja jazdci. For wine lovers, numerous wineries are available in the town of Modra and its district Kráľová.

Skiers in Slovakia often bypass the eastern part of the country. Perhaps they don't even know what they are missing out on. The pristine nature, somewhat hidden from the eyes of tourists, offers something for them as well. Perhaps the best ski resort they can visit here is Relax Center Plejsy.

The ski resort has a more than fitting name, as the services in the resort offer great opportunities for active relaxation. Where can you find all this? Just a short distance from Krompachy. You can get here, for example, from Spišské Podhradie. The resort is spread over the northern slopes of Krompašský vrch. Thanks to its northern orientation, there is always plenty of snow at Plejsy.

Relax Center Plejsy is not just any ordinary ski resort. It is one of those larger and modern skiing centers. Its high level is also evidenced by the organization of international skiing events, such as the European Cup skiing races.

The resort offers more than sufficient elevation gain. It ranges between 470 – 912 meters above sea level. But do you know what is absolute best about Plejsy? That all groups of skiers can enjoy skiing here. You will find slopes for beginners, intermediate skiers, and even total experts. Most of the slopes are designated for intermediate skiers. The resort is therefore suitable for family skiing as well as for every skier looking to refine their skills.

The Plejsy resort offers up to 9 km of slopes. Its pride is the main slope, which contains all levels of difficulty you can encounter. At the beginning, it has the steepest incline, later transitioning into medium difficulty, and the final section has a gentle slope suitable even for beginners. The resort's longest slope is also above average, measuring up to 2,500 meters. Up to 5 ski lifts will take care of your comfort while skiing.

Other additional services at Plejsy are at a European level: plenty of parking spaces, snack bars, a restaurant, a comprehensive artificial snowmaking system, and floodlighting for night skiing. Thanks to this, you will be skiing late into the evening and until early spring. The average ski season lasts up to 123 days, proving that you can ski here for a really long time.

The surroundings of the resort offer options for interesting trips, whether to the nearby Slovenský raj or to the aforementioned Spišské Podhradie. History, culture, nature, and sports enthusiasts will all find something to enjoy here. Cross-country skiing enthusiasts haven't been forgotten either. You will find up to 11 km of cross-country trails here where you can train from morning to evening.

Plejsy is full of life, especially in winter. The high number of tourists requires broad accommodation capacities. These are available here in various quality levels and price ranges. From modern guesthouses and beautiful cottages to pleasant and quiet private accommodations in nearby villages. In addition, right next to the ski lifts, Hotel Plejsy will ensure maximum comfort during your stay. So head on over for a great skiing trip.