SLOVAK PARADISE AND SPIŠ

TOURIST GUIDE DISCOVERING THE BEAUTY AND ATTRACTIONS OF THE REGION AUTUMN & WINTER 1 2 3 Obsah

CONTENT

6 TOUR TIMES A DIFFERENT SLOVAK PARADISE AND SPIŠ 8 MARKUŠOVCE WALLS 10 WHITE ROCK 12 ROCKY TOWN IN DREVENÍK 14 MUSEUM OF MINING IN HNILČÍK 16 MALÉ ZAJFY 18 HISTORICAL TOWN GELNICA AND GELNICA CASTLE 20 RAVEN ROCK – 1 156 m ABOVE SEA LEVEL 22 BOROVNIAK (ONDREJISKO) – 1 272 m ABOVE SEA LEVEL 24 DRAGON HOLE - PORÁČ 26 RESERVOIR KLAUZY 28 CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING, ICE CLIMBING 30 WINTER ACTIVITIES IN PARADISE 32 WINTER IN SOUTHERN SPIŠ Welcome to 34 DESTINATION MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATION SLOVAK PARADISE & SPIŠ SLOVAK PARADISE AND SPIŠ

4 5 Four Seasons – four times a different Slovak paradise and Spiš

Stable autumn weather creates perhaps the most pleasant conditions in the year n the following pages we bring you some tips for hiking as well as for visiting cultural and O for autumn and winter wandering in our region. We historical monuments. The atmosphere on focus on places and attractions, which usually do pring, summer, autumn and winter. Each season gives the hiking trails within the Slovak Paradise and S not appear at the first pages of tourist bedeckers, region of the Slovak Paradise and Southern Spiš a distinctive its environs is more peaceful and romantic but their hidden beauty may pleasantly surprise you. face and charm. Whatever you choose, you will always compared to the summer. Thanks to the omnipresent bright colors and soft light au- experience something different, something special and typical We wish you a pleasant stay in Slovak Paradise tumn is the most popular season for both for the season. In spring - a unique atmosphere of the birth of and Spiš region! amateur and professional photographers. new life, blooming meadows, fresh smells and colours of young vegetation, meeting new generations from insects to beasts. During the summer you can enjoy long warm days made for fun and relaxation by the water... However, in this booklet, we would During winter the Slovak Paradise and like to draw attention to the other two seasons, which are often South Spiš region become a winter sports unjustly neglected. paradise, but there is no need to be afraid of hiking too. Snow cover dampens all the noise, there is a perfect silence and peace in nature, only interrupted by creaking snow under the boots. For more experienced tourists the winter gorges of Slovak Para- Four Seasons dise are challenging. They are open all year except for Ferrata HZS Kyseľ. In case of favorable conditions, even climbing on se- FOUR TIMES A DIFFERENT SLOVAK PARADISE AND SPIŠ lected icefalls is permitted.

6 7 Autumn experiences

I. The Markušovce Walls

The Markušovce village near However, not everyone knows The entire educational trail is Spišská Nová Ves is mostly visited about the equally interesting nat- 6 kilometers long and takes about by tourists because of its splendid ural gem – The Markušovce Walls 2 hours to walk. Therefore it is an Renaissance mansion and sum- located in the neighborhood of the easy walk suitable for all ages, even mer-house Dardanelly with muse- village. The yellow-marked nature in autumn or winter. If you decide to The Markušovce Walls rise along um expositions. trail leads you from the center of take the trip in winter, you can contin- the left side of the Hornád River and Markušovce along the Markušovce ue from Matejovce nad Hornádom create a unique landscape scenery Walls, and ends in the neighbouring on the right side of the Hornád River here. In 1988 the site was even dec- village Matejovce nad Hornádom. to the so-called Šikľavá skala Rock. lared a national natural monument. This massive rock overhang forms in It also includes a unique formation case of strong frosts an icefall with of Markušovce Rocky Mushroom. a height of up to 14 meters, where you feel like in the ice kingdom.

A unique formation the Markušovce Rocky Mush- THE MARKUŠOVCE WALLS room is also a part of the Markušovce Rocks.

Šiklavá skala, photo: Peter Olekšák Markušovce Walls, photo: Milan Barlog GPS: 48.9165, 20.64988

8 59 Autumn experiences

In good weather you can see from the rock II. White rock the panoramic views of the ridge of Hnilecké WHITE ROCK vrchy Mountain, Rock, Kojšovská hoľa and the village of Slovinky. You can also ue to its karst relief, the Galmus D sign the book located in a steel box on the Mountains are often marked also tourist signpost. as the „Little Slovak Paradise“. In addition to several karst valleys and GPS: 48.89642, 20.83578 interesting rock formations, it also attracts tourists with its glamorous ccording to your time and strength, you scenic peaks. A can continue from the White rock in several directions. Either to , recreation area Zahura near Spišske Vlachy, village Ol- One of them is Biela skala - the cnava, or even walk the whole ridge of Gal- White Rock - towering above the mus Mountain to the village Poráč. During distinctive village Slovinky. Walking such a whole day trip you will be rewarded the yellow-marked hiking trail from by other two attractive views - Kňazovka and Slovinky to the White Rock takes Vysoký vrch. Short deviated routes lead from about an hour and a half. the main, blue marked trail to the views.

On the top of the White Rock there is a 3 meter high wooden cross, and The top of the White Rock is dominated benches for tourists to rest after a by a 3 meter high wooden cross. steep ascent.

10 11 Autumn experiences III. Rocky town in Dreveník ROCKY TOWN IN DREVENÍK The historic gem of Spiš region, Dreveník is divided into two trav- In the vicinity of the Dreveník res- Spiš Castle, also registered in ertine rock towns named “Hell” and ervation there are other smaller the UNESCO World Heritage List, “Heaven”. They contain numerous travertine mounds - Sobotisko, becomes a destination for thou- karst formations, travertine walls Spiš Castle Hill, Ostrá hora and Sivá GPS: 48.98609, 20.77562 sands of tourists every year. How- and towers, often sought by rock brada. ever, we recommend visiting the climbers. nearby Dreveník National Nature Reserve too.

Dreveník is the largest travertine hill in , From the top platform of Dreveník there also registered in the UNESCO World Cultural are impressive panoramic views of the and Natural Heritage List. Spiš landscape surrounding, namely the Hornád Basin bounded by the Branisko Hills, Levočské vrchy Hills and Volovské vrchy Hills. The yellow-marked hiking trail leading directly from the Spiš Castle and ending in the village Žehra, known for its late Romanesque church, also registered on the UNESCO list, runs through the entire territory of the Dreveník.

The view from Dreveník to Spiš Castle, photo: archive of OOCR Slovenský raj & Spiš

12 135 Autumn experiences

One of the most interesting mining open-air IV. Museum of mining in Hnilčík museums is located in the village of Hnilčík, MUSEUM OF MINING IN HNILČÍK which, incidentally, is one of the longest mu- nicipalities in Slovakia. The mining museum or centuries, the South Spiš region owed its pros- F in Hnilčík consists of three parts. The first perity and growth mainly to mining. Miners have is a museum exhibition located in historical been mining ores of various metals here since an- building of a former school in the local part cient times in dozens of mining sites. Today, when GPS: 48.85627, 20.57175 of Jerhout, near the municipal office. Fur- this activity dies down in the region, various themed thermore, in local part Roztoky you can have educational trails and open-air museums are being a look directly into the underground spac- built in memory of the former mining fame in former es of the open-cast mining tunnel Ľudmila. mining villages and towns. The third part of the open-air museum con- sists of four nature trails: route A - Roztoky, route B - Bindt, route C - Gretľa and route D – through the valley of Železný potok Creek.

An experienced lecturer will recommend you the most suitable variant of exploring the open-air museum according to your time possibilities. More information about the museum can be found on the website skan- The mining museum in Hnilčík consists of three parts: zenhnilcik.sk. 1. MUSEUM EXPOSITION 2. UNDERGROUND SPACE 3. FOUR EDUCATIONAL TRAILS

Open-cast mining tunnel Ľudmila, photo: Miloš Greisel

14 15 Autumn experiences MALÉ ZAJFY Malé Zajfy V. The centre line of the val- An ideal route for more demanding ley is the Vráblovský potok tourists is the educational trail Slovak Creek, which creates attrac- Paradise - South. It starts in the village GPS: 48.88988, 20.37025 tive meanders on its stream. Dedinky, leads along the shore of the A walk from Stratená village Palcmanská Maša dam to Stratenská Malé Zajfy is a name of one of the through Stratená sawmill to píla, up the valley Malé Zajfy, to the charming but relatively little known valleys Malé Zajfy is undemanding Geravy plateau and back to Dedinky. in the south of the Slovak Paradise Nation- in any season, suitable for The whole circuit is 11 kilometers long al Park. Unlike the gorges of the Slovak Par- all age categories of visitors. and it takes about 3,5 hours walk it all adise, the valley of Malé Zajfy has no karst Thanks to the fact that up to through. The beautiful natural scenery character. However, it is home for a num- the crossroads of the Veľké in the valley of Malé Zajfy and its sur- ber of rare plant communities and animals, and Malé Zajfy the hiking trail roundings generously reward every- thanks to which it was declared a Nature leads along the asphalt road one who decides to come to this part Reserve in 1993. with a slight incline, the fami- of the national park. lies with small children in car- riages can also choose this destination. A twisting stream of creek dominates the picturesque valley of Malé Zajfy.

Vráblovský stream, photo: Peter Olekšák

16 17 Autumn experiences

The historic town center is lined with splendid The historical town of Gelnica and Gelnica castle VI. THE HISTORICAL TOWN OF GELNICA Baroque mansions of wealthy owners of mines. It is dominated by the Roman Catholic Church of the Virgin Mary´s Assumption and the building of the historic town hall, currently the seat of the AND GELNICA CASTLE Mining Museum. When visiting the town, take a walk to the ruins of the Gelnica Castle, dating back to the 13th century.

The ruins of Gelnica Castle, photo: OOCR Slovak Paradise & Spiš

Gelnica Castle rises above the western part of the town on the Zámčisko hill. In the 16th century the castle was demolished, but then it was owned by the noble family of Thurzo, who re- stored it. Since then, the castle was also called Thurzo castle. When you visit the former free royal town It is interesting that in the past the castle was interspersed with of Gelnica, history breathes on you from each underground corridors for emergency escape from the castle. side. The flourishing of mining and crafts A walk to the castle ruins is easy, suitable for visitors of all ages. brought the wealth to the town, which was You will be rewarded with a view of the surrounding Volovské manifested mainly in architecture. vrchy Hills, which open from the castle hill.

Gelnica´s Mining Museum, photo: archive of city Gelnica

18 19 Autumn experiences

Raven Rock - 1156 m above sea level VII.

This dominant hill is char- You can get to Raven Rock by three different hiking trails - from Stratenský Canyon, acterized by high rock cliffs Stratená Píla and directly from the village Stratená. Because of steep gradients, this is falling into the east of valley a moderate walk requiring some condition. However, on your way up, you can relax by Veľké Zajfy. From the top of the interesting natural creation of the Občasný prameň Spring. From there to the top The Southern Slovak Para- the hill there are panoramic of Raven Rock you will be accompanied by an educational trail with seven information dise offers several very attrac- views of the central part of panels dedicated to the history and natural attractions of the surroundings. tive viewpoints. One of them is the national park, as well as Raven Rock, which rises with the western corner of the Pal- the height of 1 156 meters near cmanská Maša dam. There the village Stratená. are also several smaller ac- cessible caves in the rock it- self.

RAVEN ROCK Pod Havraňou skalou v Suchej doline sa nachádza zvláštny 1156 m above sea level prírodný jav Slovenského raja - Občasný prameň. Panoramic view from Raven Rock, photo: archive of OOCR Slovenský raj & Spiš

GPS: 48.89007, 20.34452 Raven Rock, photo: Peter Olekšák

20 21 KST dobsina

Autumn experiences

The border of three regions - Spiš, Gemer VIII. Borovniak (Ondrejisko) and Horehronie - meet on the top of Besník under the Borovniak saddle. At the same time there are three national parks – Slo- One of the most popular tourist at- BOROVNIAK vak Paradise, Muránska planina and already tractions near Stratená is undoubt- mentioned Low Tatras. After a demanding edly the world famous Dobšinská ascent you will appreciate a wooden bench, Ice Cave. An attractive but slightly (ONDREJISKO) - 1272 m above sea level which is set right on the top view and is per- less well-known tourist destination fect for a moment of relaxation and medita- in its vicinity is the Borovniak view tion over the beauty of the surrounding na- tower, which, unlike the cave, you ture. can visit during all year. GPS: 48.85983, 20.25858 The fastest way to get to Borovniak is di- rectly from the Besník Saddle, or from the village of Dobšinská Ľadová Jaskyňa, where there is also a railway station, parking and orovniak is part of the Ondre- B refreshment stalls. jisko massif and with its height of 1 272 meters it is one of the highest peaks of the Slovak Paradise. It of- fers views of the entire western part Borovniak offers beautiful views to the surround- of the national park with the valley ing countryside and the nearby Kráľova Hoľa. of the River, as well as the nearby Kráľova Hoľa, which is al- ready part of the Low Tatras Moun- tains.

22 23 Autumn experiences IX. Šarkanova Diera Cave – Poráč ŠARKANOVA DIERA CAVE– PORÁČ The Galmus Mountains near the The cave is 177 meters long. The cave represents a great con- village of Poráč is known for its It consists of the Shepherd’s Cor- cept among archaeologists as a site many karst formations and mysteri- ridor, a high Archaeological Dome of precious artifacts of prehistoric ous caves. Perhaps the best known and ends with the Gallery. The cave man who inhabited it already in the of these is the so-called Šarkanova is inhabited by bats that are legally Late Stone Age, around 4 400 BC. diera Cave – Dragon Hole. It is lo- protected. In addition, the cave has There is also a smaller cave Chyža cated under a rocky ridge between been declared a protected natural with a length of 14 meters near Šar- the hills Vysoký vrch and Borisová. reserve since 1979, so entry to the kanova Diera, where the oldest re- In 1979 it was declared a protected cave is only allowed during the sea- mains of a domesticated dog in Slo- natural reserve. son and accompanied by a guide. vakia were found.

There is a red-marked hiking trail from the village Poráč, through Vysoký vrch with The cave has remnants of sinter decoration, significant spectacular views, as well as an educational archaeological and paleontological findings. trail with four information panels, starting at the popular recreation center Porač Park in Poráčska dolina.

Entrance to the Šarkanova diera cave , photo: Majka Sabolová Rusnáková

24 255 Autumn experiences nemame

Water reservoir Klauzy X.

The starting point for the hike to Klauzy can be either tourist centers Čingov, Košiarny Briežok, Podlesok, village Spišské Tomášovce (through Tomášovský Výhľad view), or village Dedinky in the south of Slovak Paradise. The Klauzy lies on a green marked hiking trail that crosses the whole national park. Whichever way you choose, this is a medium- WATER demanding walk, for which you definitely need all day. RESERVOIR Klauzy, photo: Peter Olekšák In the territory of today’s Slovak Paradise The Klauzy reservoir is located in the middle of National Park, several artificial waterworks a picturesque natural scenery on the upper flow of the were built in the past. However, these did not Biely Potok Creek. It served its original purpose from KLAUZY serve the purpose of mining as in other parts its construction in 1781 until 1950. Today it is primarily of Slovakia, but activities related to logging used for fish farming and fulfills an aesthetic function. and rafting of the wood. Right in the heart of Swimming is not allowed here. Anyway, the temperature Slovak Paradise you can visit one of them, of the water in the tank is very low even during the hottest called Klauzy. summer.

Klauzy, photo: Peter Olekšák xxxxxxxxx

26 27 Winter experiences

I. Downhill and cross country skiing, ice climbing DOWNHILL AND CROSS COUNTRY If you are a cross-country skiing Ice climbing enthusiasts will cer- Ski resorts in the region: enthusiast, come to enjoy fantastic tainly appreciate the possibili- • Ski Telgárt | sport practise in the cross-coun- ty to climb icefalls with special SKIING, ICE CLIMBING try skiing areas in the Grajnár sad- equipment in the gorge of Suchá www.skitelgart.sk dle near Spišská Nová Ves, in the Belá, Piecky, Sokolia dolina Val- • Ski Gugel | new cross-country skiing area ley, Kláštorská roklina Gorge, www.skimlynky.eu in Dobšinská Ice Cave or in the Zejmarská roklina Gorge and also • Ski Mlynky - Biele Vody | village Mlynky - Biele Vody or Poráč. at the Letanovský Mlyn. www.skimlynky.sk In the case of favorable snow • Ski centrum Hnilčík - Mraznica | conditions there is also possible www.scm.sk cross-country skiing at the sports • Relax Center Plejsy - lyžiarske airfield in Spišská Nová Ves. stredisko | During the winter, there is perfect peace www.plejsy.sk in the Slovak Paradise and southern Spiš. • Ski Poráčska dolina | The rush persists only in popular region- www.poracpark.sk/sk/lyzovanie al ski resorts, which are searched by skiers • Ski Vernár - Studničky | and snowboarders from all over Slovakia www.vernar-studnicky.com and abroad for their quality services, family atmosphere and affordability. If you are tired of pushing among the crowds of skiers in prestigious Slovak or foreign resorts, come to ski here!

Cross-country skiing area Mlynky - Biele Vody, Sokolia dolina, photo: Peter Olekšák photo: archive of OOCR Slovak Paradise & Spiš

28 29 Winter experiences WINTER ACTIVITIES Winter activities in paradise II. If you are a fan of an active hol- We also recommend visiting the historical Kláštorisko with the remains of a 700-year- iday with a pinch of adventure, old Carthusian monastery, where you will be lead through the picturesque Kláštorská do not miss the tourist resort roklina Gorge. A very touristy starting point for numerous popular routes in the Slovak IN PARADISE Paradise (direction Kláštorisko, Kláštorská roklina Gorge, Prielom Hornádu Canyon ...) Čingov in Slovak Paradise. It is lo- cated near the villages of Smižany is also Letanovský Mlyn near the nearby village Letanovce. and Spišské Tomášovce and the town of Spišská Nová Ves. And it has a lot to offer to demanding tourists. Not an hour‘s walk sep- arates you from one of the most beautiful sightseeing points in Slovakia - the Tomášovský výhľad View, from which you can enjoy he Slovak Paradise and Southern Spiš re- T beautiful views of the surrounding gion does not lose its charm even during the area and the nearby High Tatras. winter. The waterfalls in the gorges of Slo- Sokolia dolina Valley, with its 75 vak Paradise, which are accessible all year meters high Zavojový vodopád round except for Ferrata, are transformed into Waterfall is considered the wild- magical icefalls, snow creaks under the feet, est in Slovak Paradise. The Carthusian Monastery in Kláštorisko, photo: archive of OOCR everything shines whitish and there is capti- Slovak Paradise & Spiš vating peace and quiet on the hiking trails.

Suchá Belá Gorge, photo: Peter Olekšák

30 31 Winter experiences

A popular place for adventurers is also the III. Winter in Southern Spiš mysterious cave Šarkania diera, which was WINTER IN SOUTHERN SPIŠ once inhabited by a prehistoric man and a cave bear. Nordic walking lovers can en- he almost unknown jewel of the southern Spiš T joy walking through beautiful nature on spe- nature, represented by the karst mountains of the cially marked circuits. Numerous attractive, Galmus, often called the „Little Slovak Paradise“, or well-marked cycling routes connect Poráč the national nature reserves Galmuská tisina and with the town of Krompachy and the tourist Červené skaly Rocks, can boldly compete with much center Plejsy, as well as with neighbouring better known valleys such as Zádielská on Gemer or mountain villages Závadka and Hnilčík. This Gaderská in Liptov. Impressive views of the whole secluded piece of Spiš is also known for its Spiš open from the peaks of Vysoký vrch Hill, Bukovec, mining traditions, so accept the invitation White Rock, Kňazovka and Slovinská skala Rock, to look into the mining past of the village of which you will surely love. Poráč. Visit the Mining Museum at Poráč Park or take a walk through one of the three circuits of the Poráč Mining Trail.

Enjoy the tranquility and intimacy of this Perfect rest “at the end of the world”. If you are looking charming place in the area of lively and hos- for this, the distinctive village of Poráč with its adjacent pitable Ruthenians with their own distinc- Poráčska dolina Valley is the ideal choice for you. tive culture that will make you feel welcome among them. 1. 2. 3.

Vysoký vrch (824 m n.m.), photo: Majka Sabolová Rusnáková

32 33 The Regional Tourism Organization Slovenský raj & Spiš (OOCR)

OOCR Slovenský raj & Spiš creates Through active communication with its members, it reveals an active partnership platform of coopera- not only specific shortcomings, but also opportunities and tion between entrepreneurs offering prod- possibilities for improvement in the field of regional tourism. ucts and services in tourism, municipalities To the best of its ability, it systematically seeks to implement The Regional Tourism Organization Slovenský raj & Spiš of towns and municipalities of the region, these improvements in practice. (OOCR) is a destination management organization in the territory Slovak Paradise National Park Administra- of the Slovak Paradise and southern Spiš. tion based in Spišská Nová Ves and a wider range of professional and non-profit organi- zations.

The common goal of more than 50 partners is to make the Slovak Paradise an important and internationally renowned tourist desti- nation, while promoting and supporting oth- er attractive destinations in southern Spiš.

Here we can mention Poráčska and Hni- lecká dolina valleys, Krompachy - Plejsy, his- toric towns such as Spišská Nová Ves, but also Gelnica and Dobšiná, which are known mainly for their mining history and tradi- OOCR tions. OOCR Slovenský raj & Spiš creates conditions for the support of tourism devel- opment and realizes new challenges in the development of the territory within its com- petence. SLOVENSKÝ RAJ & SPIŠ Veľká Knola, photo: Peter Olekšák

34 35 Published I The Regional Tourism Organization Slovenský raj & Spiš (OOCR) I 2020 Texts I Oľga Danielová, Mgr. Martin Pižem, Peter Olekšák Graphic design and printing I Ing. Jozef Šivec - Webing.sk Photographers I Peter Olekšák, Miloš Greisel, Milan Barlog, Majka Sabolová Rusnáková, archive of OOCR Slovenský raj & Spiš, archive of city Gelnica

This project and its activities are being implemented with financial support of the Ministry of Transport and Construction of the Slovak Republic. 36