Vážka Boat Rental

A new water tourism attraction has been created on the Laborec River in the town of Strážske, in the Krivošťany district, with support from the Košice Self-Governing Region’s Terra Incognita grant programme. The project aims to increase visitor numbers to one of the most attractive natural areas of the Košice Region.

In recent years, water tourism in the Košice Region has experienced significant growth. Following successful developments on the Ondava and Bodrog rivers, new opportunities are now available on the Hornád and Laborec rivers.

As part of the “The Art of Drinking Wine on the Water” project, a small boat rental facility and a scenic viewing terrace have been created in Krivošťany. The terrace serves as a venue for regional wine tastings, geotourism lectures, and peaceful relaxation surrounded by nature.

The boat rental offers four small boats for recreational boating along an almost two-kilometre section of the Laborec River, stretching from the weir to the ruins of Brekov Castle. During the summer season, the rental service is open Tuesday to Sunday, and boats can also be reserved in advance by phone or email.

Besides the boat rental, the project also introduced a viewing terrace dedicated to regional wine tastings and local gastronomy. Visitors can learn about the area’s natural and historical heritage through geotourism presentations while enjoying relaxation on the water.

The project included the revitalisation of the Laborec riverbank, earthworks, the installation of steel piles, construction of a robust steel structure clad in black locust wood, floating pontoons, and a stainless-steel access bridge.

The civic association Priatelia Vážky (Friends of Vážka), which manages this section of the riverbank, has further enhanced the recreation area with a concrete staircase, a viewing terrace, benches, landscaped pathways, and green areas, allowing even visitors who do not go boating to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the Laborec River.