Opátka: Hiking Trails, Bees and Mining History

Opátka offers a combination of marked trails, a bee-themed experience and a mining history dating back to the Middle Ages. A blue hiking trail runs through the village; a blue-marked cycling route to Košice also starts here. The historical record spans from the first mention under an earlier name to the decline of the copper smelter toward the end of the 19th century.

Nature and Trails

Outside the built-up area, the cadastral territory of Opátka lies within the Volovské vrchy Natura 2000 protected area, which is also designated as a bird sanctuary. This describes the natural setting of the municipality’s territory outside the built-up area.

The blue-marked hiking trail runs through Opátka. To the north, it continues past the ATC turistclub signpost at an altitude of 330 m to the Ružín–Košické Hámre recreation area on the Ružín Reservoir. To the south, the blue trail leads to the Idčianske sedlo signpost at an altitude of 954 m. The two directions offer distinct destinations: the lakeside recreation area to the north and the Idčianske sedlo signpost to the south.

A blue-marked cycling route also starts in Opátka and leads to Košice. Its destination is different from that of the hiking route, for which landmarks to the north and south are given. Another major tourist attraction associated with Opátka is the Kojšovská hoľa viewpoint summit.

Experiences and Local History

The MIMI farm in Opátka offers hands-on learning through an encounter with a beekeeper. Visitors can observe live bees up close. The activities also include making beeswax candles, and Slovak honey is available to taste. At the MIMI farm, observing, making and tasting offer distinct ways to explore bees.

The Church of St. Florian was built in 1784 and restored in 1845 and toward the end of the 19th century. Half-length figures of two miners are located on the front face of the triumphal arch. The folk-style painting dates from the first half of the 19th century and brings the mining theme into a specific detail of the church’s art.

Opátka was first mentioned in 1324 under the name Apokapotoka. During a mining boom, the village reached its highest population in 1808, with about 500 residents. For a long time, Opátka was divided into two parts, assigned to the Abaúj and Spiš counties respectively. Each part had its own mill, cemetery and inn. These facilities were therefore assigned separately to the two parts.

After copper ore mining ceased, the copper smelter was shut down and closed toward the end of the 19th century, probably because it was unprofitable. Opátka then gradually entered a period of economic and social decline. This sequence places the history of the copper smelter within a time of change for the village.

The Administrative Building of the Copper Hammers

Another testament to the mining history is the administrative building of the copper hammers, built in the 1770s. The single-storey late-Baroque building has two wings and a mansard roof. It is currently occupied and privately owned. If you are considering a visit, check in advance whether one is possible.

Discover more destinations: Košická Belá, Moldava Nad Bodvou, Kechnec, Turňa Nad Bodvou, Malá Ida, Vyšný Klátov, Medzev, Nižná Myšľa

For the broader travel overview: Košice-Okolie District.