Horná Ves: Hiking and Mining History

Horná Ves lies in the picturesque landscape of the Kremnica Mountains, at the confluence of Lúčanský potok and Rudnica. Hiking and mining history define two distinct sides of the village. If you are looking for a hotel in Horná Ves, these highlights can help you get a sense of the destination and decide which interests to prioritise during your stay.

Hiking and trails

Horná Ves is well situated for both walks and more challenging hikes. The second section of the Kremnica Hiking Trail runs from Ihráč to Nevoľné. From there, the yellow-marked route leads to Horná Ves; in the village, the trail joins a blue-marked route back to Kremnica. Check the trail markings before setting out.

The route to Kremnický štít is also part of an educational trail. The distinction is clear when choosing between them: the second section can be identified by its sequence of several villages and the change in trail-marker colours, while the route to Kremnický štít is notable for its connection to an educational trail.

Historic monument in the centre

In the centre stands a Baroque column featuring a sculpture of the Holy Trinity, dating from 1710. The column is a national cultural monument. It was moved from Kremnica to Horná Ves in 1776; before that, it stood in front of the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Kremnica. The dates therefore mark two different moments in its history: the sculpture in 1710 and its transfer to Horná Ves in 1776.

Mining history above and below ground

The entrance to the Hlboká adit is at the southern entrance to the village. The adit was driven between 1519 and 1613 and is 7,050 metres long. It was used for drainage, transport and exploration. The Hlavná adit runs beneath Horná Ves, is 15,821 metres long and empties into the Hron River near Žiar nad Hronom. At 15,821 metres, the Hlavná adit is more than twice as long as the 7,050-metre Hlboká adit. The mining history of Horná Ves is closely linked to the history of gold mining in Kremnica.

In addition to the adits, mining history includes powering mining machinery and processing ochre. The Primaverka hydroelectric power plant was built in Horná Ves in 1896, with an output of 110 kW; it powered mining machinery in the fourth shaft in Kremnica. During the First Czechoslovak Republic, ochre extracted from the mine water of the Hlboká adit was processed in Horná Ves by the Farbová továreň bratov Strobentzových and sold as a dye to the chemical industry.

Sports in different seasons

For exercise without a hiking trail, Horná Ves has a multi-purpose sports court for volleyball, basketball and nohejbal. In winter, the court becomes an ice rink for hockey players and skaters. As use is seasonal and conditions may change, check in advance whether the facility will be available during your stay.

Discover more destinations: Svätý Kríž, Sklené Teplice, Krahule, Kunešov, Kremnica, Horná Ždaňa, Dolná Ves, Nevoľné.

For the broader travel overview: Žiar nad Hronom.