Palcmanská Maša

Where else but in paradise can you expect bliss and intoxicating delight? Everything you need is here: pleasant winter sun rays – neither burning nor sharp – therapeutic fresh air scented with pine, beech, and fir trees, a gentle breeze in your hair, the calm hibernating murmur of the crystal-clear Palcmanská Maša waters, or – during stronger frosts – a mirror-like reflection of the azure sky and heavenly “snow cotton candy” on the icy surface.

Skating

Skating on the vast ice surface of Palcmanská Maša would make even Evgeni Plushenko jealous. Beautiful scenery and majestic trees create an atmosphere full of fragrance and calm. It is also the largest water surface in Slovak Paradise. For tourists, it has a very convenient location, close to a village that is an important tourism center in the southern part of the national park. The enormous frozen reservoir attracts both skaters and walkers.

Cold-water swimming (hardening / winter swimming)

How about cooling off in Palcmanská Maša – the coldest and highest situated reservoir in Slovakia (almost 800 m above sea level), right at the edge of the world, here in paradise? The water is refreshing and beautifully clean. The Hnilec River, which feeds the reservoir, springs only a few kilometers away at the foothills of Kráľova hoľa and flows through untouched nature into the dam.

Can you imagine that fairy-tale transparent ice shell through which in winter you can see deep into the soul of Palcmanská Maša? So just put on a hat, neoprene socks, take everything off except your swimwear, and jump into the water up to your neck! And if it is freezing outside and you have to “fight your way” to the water, don’t be discouraged – instead, be bold and carve your own “pool” in the ice. The endorphins that flood you with a sense of victory after a few minutes in the water are absolutely worth it.

Hiking in the surroundings

The largest reservoir of Slovak Paradise and also the coldest reservoir in Slovakia lies near the village of Dedinky in the idyllic Hnilec Valley. It is surrounded by fairy-tale-like steep limestone cliffs of the Geravy plateau. Can you imagine a more picturesque place for winter hiking?

Regardless of age, fitness, or experience, walking through this paradise is an ideal activity. Even more so for the mind – all toxic “waste”, stress, and worries disappear and are replaced by positive thoughts, inspiration, and new energy.

From Dobšinská Hill, there is a beautiful view that makes the hike worthwhile. The trail is just under 5 km long and has 5 stops. It is an easy to moderately difficult route where you can travel back in time, for example to the 15th century, when ironworks and small settlements stood along the Hnilec River near Dobšiná.

The settlement Dobšinská Maša was created near a “Slovak furnace” during the uprising of Francis II Rákóczi (1708–1711), who had a cannon foundry built here. After the uprising, it disappeared, but was later restored near a furnace and smelting forge.

In the nearby village of Stratená, we recommend visiting the Stratenský Canyon educational trail, which is fully barrier-free. There is also the lesser-known Stratenská Gorge, crossed by a hiking trail with several bridges and ladders.

About 10 km from the Palcmanská Maša reservoir, the world-famous Dobšinská Ice Cave is also worth visiting, and in its surroundings you can even enjoy horseback riding.