Lakes and dams Slovak Paradise

Vodná nádrž Klauzy is a smaller dam on the Biely potok stream in the eastern part of the Slovenský raj National Park. An approximately 6 km long section of Biely potok between the reservoir and its confluence with the Hornád river is called Tomášovská Belá. The reservoir was built as early as 1781 to serve for timber floating. The name of the reservoir comes from former technical terminology, as accumulation reservoirs were called klauzúry.

The original reservoir was located about 500 m above the current dam and was used until 1787. Subsequently, a new one with a 7.8 m high dam wall was built on the present site. It consists of an unconventional combination of a wooden structure with loose earth and clay. Between 1917 and 1928, it was restored, and thus this reservoir was used until 1950 for transporting timber to Smižanská Maša in the village of Smižany. Later, the timber transport system changed. Following reconstruction in 1980, the State Forests began using it for fish farming. Since March 22, 1985, it has been a cultural monument. During its existence, the reservoir had several owners; among the most famous is the aristocratic Csáky family.

Even today, the reservoir is used for fish farming and is not intended for recreational use. However, it cannot be denied that it simultaneously increases the tourist appeal of this locality. An interesting part of the dam wall is the so-called crest spillway, a wide wooden chute above which stands a guardhouse with a hipped roof. Both the dam wall and the surroundings of the reservoir were damaged by a windstorm in the summer of 2008. The shore of the dam invites you to relax; sit here for a while and observe the beauty of the surrounding nature reflected on the water's surface.

A hiking trail runs around the water reservoir, guiding you across the Slovenský raj National Park. You can continue, for example, to Sokolie dolina and the Kyseľ gorge, below the famous Tomášovský výhľad. We recommend starting the hike to Klauzy, for instance, in Letanovce or in the village of Čingov. A yellow-marked hiking trail also leads to the dam from the west from the Bykárka peak, and a green-marked trail from the south, from the Geravy area.

Besides Vodná nádrž Klauzy, do not miss other beauties of the Slovenský raj National Park. You can head to any of the waterfalls; choose, for example, Okienkový vodopád, Dúhový vodopád, or Kaskádový vodopád. If adrenaline tempts you, try the HZS Kyseľ via ferrata or rafting on the Hornád. History lovers will be thrilled by the ruins of the Gothic Carthusian monastery – Kláštorisko.

Looking for accommodation near Vodná nádrž Klauzy is very simple, as we are in the Slovenský raj area and the offer here is truly varied. It does not matter whether you are looking for a cottage or a guesthouse. You will find the widest selection on the accommodation in Smižany website. A good offer of accommodation is also available in Hrabušice or Spišské Tomášovce. If you prefer having city services close at hand, choose accommodation in Spišská Nová Ves.

Palcmanská Maša is located in Slovenský raj and is its largest water reservoir. The village of Dedinky spans the shores of the dam. Although tourists are primarily interested in the recreational use of the reservoir, its main purpose is collecting water for the Dobšiná hydroelectric power plant and regulating the flow of the Hnilec river. Over time, Palcmanská Maša also acquired environmental importance. Fish farming facilities are located here, and this environment fed by the waters of Hnilec and mountain streams enables the breeding of brook trout and rainbow trout. This is also why the water reservoir is a popular fishing grounds.

In summer, the dam is especially popular for water sports and boating. Swimming is also possible, but you should keep in mind that it is one of the coldest reservoirs in Slovakia. Thanks to its popularity among tourists, accommodation and restaurant facilities were gradually established in the area, so during your stay near Palcmanská Maša, it will be easy for you to secure a quick snack as well as a full lunch. In the village of Dedinky, boat, paddleboat, and classic bicycle rentals are available for those who want to get to know the surrounding area better.

Whether on a bicycle or on foot, tourists have a wide choice of diverse routes to set off on from the water reservoir. The long loop trail around the dam is 10 km long, starting in the village of Dedinky, passing through Stratená píla, Stratená, the Pod Čižmou intersection, Dobšinská Maša, and back to Dedinky. In the village of Stratená, a wheelchair-accessible educational trail called Stratenský kaňon has been established.

During a stay in this area, a walk to Zejmarská roklina with Nálepkove vodopády waterfalls is recommended. You can also admire other waterfalls in the vicinity, including Korytový vodopád, Dúhový vodopád, or Závojový vodopád. Do not miss a visit to Dobšinská ľadová jaskyňa, while the more adventurous can tackle Ferrata Kyseľ. If you are heading to Národný park Slovenský raj for skiing, in the immediate vicinity of Palcmanská Maša you will find several ski resorts: Dedinky, Mlynky - Biele Vody, or Kruhová - Gugeľ.

People do not visit Slovenský raj for just one-day trips; it is recommended to stay longer and explore as much as possible. Therefore, you will need comfortable accommodation where you can lay your head after a day of hiking. You don't have to go far from Palcmanská Maša for accommodation at all. In the village of Dedinky, several apartments and cottages are available, while Mlynky also offers guesthouses or private accommodation.