Margecany: Tunnel, Local History and Routes by Ružín

In Margecany, themes of technology and local history meet routes by the Ružín Reservoir and a distinctive cultural life. A stay can therefore have very different focuses: the Margeciansky Tunnel, the history of the Rolova Huta settlement, buildings and folklore, or an event where food is prepared in front of visitors. The following places and themes give you a concrete starting point for planning.

Margeciansky Tunnel: Structure and Monument

The Margeciansky Tunnel was built in 1872 as part of the construction of the single-track Košice–Bohumín railway. On 22 March 1985, it was entered in the Central Register of Monuments of the Slovak Republic as a technical monument. The year it was built and its monument status mark two different stages in its history: its construction in connection with the railway and its later recognition as technical heritage.

The tunnel is open to cars, cyclists and pedestrians. Since access conditions can change, check the current situation before your visit for the crossing you have planned. This lets you appreciate the tunnel as a technical structure while also taking it into account in your travel plans.

Routes by the Ružín Reservoir

For the “Z Margecian cez tunel popri Ružíne” excursion, Margecany railway station is considered a suitable starting point. The gravel path runs just above the Ružín Reservoir and follows its coves. Since path conditions can change, check them before your trip.

On the northern shore of the Ružín Reservoir, a paved path leads from Margecany via Počkaj Beach and Rolova Huta to the old Margeciansky Tunnel. Wooden sculptures and information boards make the route a fairy-tale trail.

There is a boat and pedal-boat rental at Počkaj Beach. Check before your trip whether it is currently available. This allows you to factor a possible stay by the water into your plans without assuming it is available now.

Local History, Church and Folklore

The settlement of Rolova Huta by German settlers began in 1597; its purpose was to smelt copper ores. This links local history to the industrial use of the raw material. The tunnel and Rolova Huta represent different periods in the area's technological and economic heritage.

The Church of Saint Margaret of Antioch was remodelled in the Pseudo-Gothic style in the early 20th century. It is in good condition and continues to serve its religious purpose. If you would like to visit the interior, check access locally.

The development of the Folklórny súbor Jadlovec folklore ensemble is also part of Margecany's cultural history. It was founded in 1976 as a women's singing group and soon expanded to include music and dance sections. Its origins as a singing group and its later expansion mark two stages in its development.

Since 2011, FSk Jadlovec and the municipality of Margecany have jointly organized the Margecianske fajnoty event. Invited groups prepare food there in front of visitors and offer it for sale. If you are interested in this event, check the current dates before your trip.

Fajnot Park has benches, a chess table and wooden sculptures. These features offer a different perspective on the place than the stories of the tunnel, church and railway.

Getting There and Finding a Hotel

Margecany lies on railway line No. 180, which connects Košice, Žilina and Bratislava. This route information is a useful guide if you are travelling by train; check the timetable for your travel date.

If you are looking for a hotel in Margecany, first consider whether you would like to focus your stay mainly on the tunnel and railway history, the routes by the Ružín Reservoir or the cultural themes. The topics described can help you choose what to visit; the details of each hotel offer will determine which accommodation suits your needs.

Discover more destinations: Kluknava, Nalepkovo, Gelnica.

Return to the regional travel overview: Gelnica District.