Hornád gorge

A special position among the natural values of Slovak Paradise is held by the Hornád Gorge (Prielom Hornádu) thanks to its long hiking history. In case of a solid winter freeze and sufficient ice thickness, you can enjoy this adrenaline route along the Hornád on foot, cross-country skis, or ice skates directly on the frozen river surface.

Skating

We invite you to skate through the Hornád Gorge. The ice here is as solid as the rocks along the riverbanks. When the river surface freezes completely, the Hornád Gorge turns into the longest ice rink in the country. You will not experience such a long “slide” on any other skating rink. In winter, it is one of the most attractive locations in Slovak Paradise.

The frozen gorge offers up to a 12-kilometre skating route. The first passage along the frozen surface took place in February 1906. Join those for whom this traverse has since become an unforgettable experience. The frozen surface offers a completely different view of the surrounding landscape. Some also enjoy night skating here, which is especially romantic.

The Hornád River has carved a canyon-like valley, with slopes and ridges rising up to more than 300 meters above the riverbed. The most attractive sections are those where, in summer, you walk along iron footholds fixed into the rock directly above the river. In winter, however, this space beneath the footholds belongs to you. It is an unforgettable experience. You can choose your own pace and adapt it to the enchanting natural surroundings. Information about ice conditions can always be obtained from the mountain rescue service.

Winter hiking

The most attractive sections are those that made Slovak Paradise famous far and wide – where the trail runs along iron footholds embedded in rock directly above the Hornád River. The canyon is also crossed by the educational trail of the same name, Prielom Hornádu.

The first section leads through an exposed canyon terrain and requires increased caution, so crampons are recommended. The second section runs through easier forest terrain, with only a short steep ascent to the Ihrík ridge being more demanding.

Due to its hiking history, the Hornád Gorge holds a special place among the natural values of Slovak Paradise. Over time, the Hornád River carved deeply into its bed, forming not only the gorge itself but also tributaries (Lesnica, Veľká Biela Voda, Biely Potok) with waterfalls and cascades flowing from the slopes of the Glac plateau.

The gorge was not always passable along its entire length. In 1960, construction began on a suspension footbridge at the mouth of Kláštorská Gorge, and in 1974 the phased construction of the “Mountain Rescue Service Trail” was completed. This trail includes 7 metal bridges and footbridges, about 320 meters of chains in exposed rock sections, 140 footholds, and approximately 70 meters of wooden walkways.

After crossing this canyon, you can balance the intensity of natural experiences with a dose of history in the town of Spišská Nová Ves.