Košice-Okolie District: Karst, Monasteries and Culture

In Košice-Okolie District, things to see and do range from karst landscapes and hiking trails to hydropower, monastic culture and historic archaeological sites. Jasovská Cave and the Premonstratensian Monastery of Jasov showcase two different sides of the region: natural history underground and Baroque architecture above ground.

Karst, Cliffs and Nature Trails

Jasovská Cave is one of the most significant caves in Slovak Karst National Park. As part of the Caves of the Slovak and Aggtelek Karst network, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Another way to explore the karst landscape is the Zádielska tiesňava educational trail. Located in Slovak Karst National Park and Zádielska tiesňava National Nature Reserve, it provides information about local flora and fauna, karst features and the use of the plateau.

The limestone rock formation Jánošíkova bašta rises above the Hornád Valley and is considered a popular climbing area. A red-marked hiking trail leads there from the village of Kysak. The views take in the Hornád Valley, Humenec Nature Reserve, the Slanské vrchy mountains and the castle hill with the ruins of Kysacký Castle. Rankovské skaly offer a different kind of landscape: these protected volcanic rock formations lie in the Slanské vrchy mountains. A green-marked hiking trail starts in Herľany and leads through woodland to the summit.

Herľany in Košice-Okolie District is known for the Herliansky gejzír, considered Europe’s only cold geyser. It was activated by a 404.5-metre-deep borehole, and its water is low-temperature. Eruptions currently occur every 34 to 36 hours, and each lasts 25 minutes. Since the rhythm can vary, check for the latest information before your visit.

Engineering, Monasteries and History

The Hámor in Medzev is a historic smithy powered by running water. The water drove the forging hammers, bellows and furnace blowers. The Slovak Technical Museum manages this living technical monument and makes it accessible to visitors. It demonstrates how a single energy source could power several stages of work in a smithy.

The Premonstratensian Monastery of Jasov is a Baroque complex comprising the Church of St John the Baptist, the monastery and a French-style monastic garden. The complex is one of Slovakia’s national cultural monuments. On guided tours, you can visit the church, former archive, library, halls, hunting salon, garden, convent and current exhibitions. Seasonal offerings may change, so check dates before making plans.

Turniansky Castle was founded by the turn of the 13th and 14th centuries at the latest and is now open to the public. Check access conditions before your visit. Two major hiking trails lead to the castle: one starts in Háj and follows the yellow-marked trail; the other starts in Turňa nad Bodvou and partly follows the blue-marked trail. The two routes described therefore differ in their starting points and trail markings.

The Nižná Myšľa archaeological site consists of two settlements and a burial ground located 200 metres away, containing more than 900 graves. In Moldava nad Bodvou, the Máté Laczkó Szepsi Wine Museum presents wine production, the wine route and historic cellars. The Sieň bojovej slávy in Dargov offers a virtual tour; groups of more than ten people can visit the facility by prior arrangement.

Planetarium and Wellness

The Medzev Observatory and Planetarium offers presentations and explanations in the planetarium. When weather conditions are suitable, visitors can also observe the sky outdoors; a permanent meteorite exhibition is also part of the offering. Since dates may change, check the programme in advance.

Kúpele Štós has a complex of water and steam baths with herbal, eucalyptus and Finnish saunas, a vitality shower, water walkway, hydromassage pool and tepidarium. Check which facilities are currently available before visiting. The grounds also include a forest park with more than 200 species of rare trees and flowers, an artificial stream and cascades with fountains.

Discover More Destinations

Vyšný Klátov, Budimír, Štós, Kechnec, Moldava Nad Bodvou, Košická Belá, Vyšný Medzev, Turňa Nad Bodvou, Nižná Myšľa, Zlatá Idka, Medzev, Opátka, Bukovec, Malá Ida

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