Lakes and dams Volovské vrchy

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.

A popular spot for longer walks during sun-drenched days is Brzotínsky rybník. It is a system of 9 bodies of water located in the village of Brzotín in the Rožňava district, on the left bank of the Čermošná stream below Silická planina.

This place is enjoyed especially by fishermen. The ponds are used commercially for fish farming. In their waters, you can mainly find the gracefully swimming common carp. However, a pike, tench, or eel might also flash before your eyes or catch on your fishing hook. The water reservoirs also serve an aesthetic and tourist function. Unfortunately, swimming enthusiasts will not find what they are looking for here. Various plant habitats are found on the shores of the lake. Thanks to the broadleaf cattail and reeds, water birds such as the little reed warbler and the Eurasian reed warbler have made their home here. The list of animals living in this locality also includes ducks, storks, and herons.

A total of 9 ponds are managed by the Slovenský rybársky zväz. A path leads around the water surface, which you can also take. By doing so, you will do something good for your health and enjoy a pleasant time here. In addition to your body, your soul especially will get a perfect rest in this quiet environment. The view of the calm water surface reflecting the rays of the sun, the pleasant chirping of birds, or soaking in the unique atmosphere of this place will certainly captivate you.

Rejuvenated, set off to discover other attractions of the region. You can look at the world from horseback at Konský Dvor. Admiring a system of plateaus, river canyons, gorges, and a multitude of surface and underground karst phenomena is possible in the Národný park Slovenský kras. Do you love summer and all the fun associated with it? In that case, it is worth visiting the Kúpalisko Rožňava. You will learn about the infinite universe, its secrets, and phenomena if you visit the Hvezdáreň Rožňava.

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.