Lakes and dams Spiš

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 village of Vyšné Ružbachy, you can find Kráter, the largest travertine lake in our country. It is part of the Ružbašské krátery, where you will find four large and several smaller craters. These were formed by the collapse of travertine mounds around a healing mineral spring. They are located at an altitude of 620 m above sea level on the grounds of Kúpele Vyšné Ružbachy, near Spišská Magura, in the Stará Ľubovňa district.

The aforementioned Kráter lake has a diameter of approximately 20 m, an almost circular shape, a maximum depth of 3 m, all spanning a water surface area of 300 m². As the only one among the Ružbašské krátery, it is filled with 24 °C warm water, specifically, thermal mineral water rich in calcium. Since 1967, it has been listed among the protected natural formations of Slovakia, and swimming in it is strictly prohibited for this reason.

Another one of the local craters is Kaplnkový kráter, located near the Chapel of Our Lady of Lourdes. Thanks to its dimensions of 51 × 32 × 4.5 m, it ranks among the largest formations of its kind in our country. Also worth mentioning is the crater named Jama smrti. Like the others (excluding Kráter), this one is a waterless crater and is also known under the name Smerdžonka. And why such a goosebumps-inducing name? Carbon dioxide escapes from it, causing suffocation and loss of consciousness. Falling into the pit has already claimed the lives of several domestic animals belonging to local residents, as well as rodents and birds.

Many tourists bypass the craters because they do not find them interesting without water. However, that is a shame, as they certainly belong among unique natural phenomena. During your travels around Horný Spiš, make time to come and admire them. Allow yourself plenty of time for this; we recommend booking accommodation near Ružbašské krátery. You can find great tips for finding lodging on the page accommodation in Stará Ľubovňa. Enjoy your stay and do not forget to bring friends or family along. After all, wandering through nature brings the best experiences precisely when you do not embark on them alone.

Jezerské jazero lake was named after the small village of Jezersko nearby. The village is located only 15 kilometers from Slovenská Ves, and on the way here, you can enjoy views of the Vysoké Tatry or Belianske Tatry mountains. Lake Jezersko is located below the ridge of Spišská Magura, and this area is also called forgotten by God because it is little known among tourists. So if you long for a peaceful mountain environment and want to enjoy quietness, head to the shores of Jezerské jazero.

The small lake lies at an altitude of 919 m a.s.l. In 1967, it was declared a nature reserve. Water flows here from the surrounding slopes, and its depth is around 2 meters. Jezerský potok stream flows out of the lake. You can reach the lake along a hiking trail either from the village of Jezersko, via a route about 3 kilometers long, or from the popular Bachledova dolina valley.

Some tourists combine a trip to the lake with a walk to Bachledova rozhľadňa lookout tower, which is located on the ridge of Spišská Magura. From here, you will enjoy a beautiful view of the entire lake and its surroundings. Several legends are also connected to Jezerské jazero lake, about spirits living in it or about a powerful force that, according to legend, causes heavy rain when someone cuts down a tree near the lake. Maybe it is true and maybe not, but one thing is certain. The magical turquoise color of the water will surely leave you with a magical feeling.

You can also reach Jezerské jazero lake via a hiking trail from the village of Ždiar, Malá Franková, or Veľká Franková. The Belianske Tatry mountains will thus show themselves to you in all their glory. Benches and an information board about the local fauna and flora have been built near the small lake, where you will learn, for example, that newts live here. Unfortunately, severe windstorms in recent years have taken a toll on the surrounding forest, and it will take several years for new trees to grow here.

The surroundings of Jezersko are tailor-made for an active holiday. In addition to a trip to the lake, you can also enjoy the Chodník korunami stromov treetop walk in Bachledova dolina, or the beautiful Pieninský národný park (Pieniny National Park). For skiers, excellent skiing is also on offer near Jezersko at Bachledka Ski & Sun. Take advantage of the services of our accommodation portal and book accommodation near Jezerské jazero lake, for example on the Bachledova dolina accommodation pages. Discover other interesting tips for attractions in Belianske Tatry as well. Do not wait and set out on an adventure as soon as possible.