Lakes and dams Švábovce

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.

Skalnaté pleso is one of the most popular tourist spots in the Vysoké Tatry mountains. You can get here from Tatranská Lomnica on foot along a marked hiking trail or by cable car. It makes a beautiful trip for families with children as well.

Skalnaté pleso is located at an altitude of 1,755 m above sea level, and an educational trail leads around it, keeping even the youngest visitors entertained. At the top of the cable car station, there is a restaurant with a sun terrace, and right next to it is a children's playground - Svištia krajinka, where kids can play to their heart's content. You will find wooden marmot sculptures, climbing frames, a marmot cabin, and many other attractions here.

The tarn is of morainic origin, formed naturally after the Ice Age. No fish live in it, and its water level fluctuates. Interestingly, during dry periods, the lake dries up, which has been influenced not only by climate change but also by the construction of the cable car station.

From Skalnaté pleso, you can take a cable car to Lomnický štít, which towers to an altitude of 2,634 m above sea level directly above the tarn, creating breathtaking views. Near the tarn, at an altitude of 1,781 m above sea level, you will also discover the Astronomické observatórium, which includes an observatory.

Skalnaté pleso is magnificent in both winter and summer. During a winter skiing trip, you can relax here before hitting the slopes, on what is, by the way, the steepest ski slope in Slovakia. However, don't forget to check the weather forecast; the Vysoké Tatry can be unpredictable. Set out on a trip here and you certainly won't regret it. Book your accommodation near Skalnaté pleso directly with us.