Gelnica: Mining History, Trails and Water

Gelnica lies in the Hnilec Valley in the northeastern part of the Volovské vrchy, northwest of Košice. The town combines a mining heritage with distinctive buildings and opportunities for hiking, cycling and activities at the lakes. If you are planning an overnight stay, you can tailor your trip to the things that interest you: the museum and industrial history, walks and viewpoints, or cycling tours.

Mining History at the Museum and Outdoors

The Banícke múzeum is housed in a building constructed in 1805 from stone taken from the ruins of Gelnica Castle. Its collections focus on mining, folklore, Gelnica’s history, geology and guilds. The exhibits include mining tools and lamps, old mining maps, wooden models used to haul ore, and miners’ work and holiday clothing. Mining symbols and a scale model of a mine entrance are also part of the exhibition.

The Štôlňa Jozef is also part of the history of mining: it opened to the public in August 2016 and was incorporated into the Banícke múzeum exhibition. A unique historic ore-crushing stamp mill is in operation at the developing Banský skanzen. It is powered by water from nearby Turzovské jazero. Another technical feature of the region is a unique type of smelting furnace, characteristic of Smolník, Gelnica and the Hnilec Valley, which was reconstructed after 300 years.

Hydropower has also played a part in the town’s history. It helped make Gelnica the first town in what is now Slovakia to establish a public electricity supply, in 1894. The various examples show mining and technological development from different perspectives: as a museum collection, as a site at the developing open-air museum, and as part of the region’s history.

Historic Buildings and Walks

Hrad v Gelnici is designated a national cultural monument of Slovakia. The grounds are now used as a park, a place to relax and a destination for walks. Another historic stop is the stone bridge over the Hnilec. It was built between 1837 and 1845 as a massive two-arch structure made of rubble stone and is currently used by pedestrians. Its riverside location and construction make it a destination in its own right, alongside the town’s mining attractions.

For a walk with a view, a blue-marked mountain trail leads from Gelnica to Vyhliadka mládeže, also known as Gloriet. The viewpoint is at an elevation of 785 metres and consists of a rocky outcrop with a rest area; from there, you can see all of Gelnica. The Banský náučný chodník starts at Banícke námestie, which is easily accessible from Gelnica mesto railway station. The trail is self-guided, linear and can be walked in either direction; it is open year-round. The trail and the mining sites along it are maintained. Check conditions before your visit when planning your trip.

Hiking, Cycling and Lakes

If you are considering a longer cycling tour, cycling route No. 2858 starts in Gelnica. It is 40 kilometres long, suitable for touring bikes and considered relatively challenging. The educational trail offers a self-guided route, while the cycling route is a longer ride with a stated difficulty level.

The lakes also offer different options. Horné jazero is 17 metres deep and serves as a natural swimming pool. Spodné jazero offers opportunities for fishing. If you are mainly looking for a place to fish, that is a different activity from swimming in a natural pool. Together, the trails, buildings and waterside spots offer different ways to enjoy a stay in Gelnica—from mining and town history to viewpoints, cycling and activities on the water.

Discover more destinations: Kluknava, Nalepkovo, Margecany

Go to the overview of the wider travel area: Gelnica District.