Nothing beats taking a deep breath of fresh air, listening to the sounds of the forest, and setting off on a journey that will not only get you moving physically, but also nourish your soul. The surroundings of Košice, Slovakia’s second largest city, offer beautiful hiking trails that lead through picturesque villages, healing spas, historical museums, and natural treasure troves.
Whether you are an experienced hiker, a family with children, or just looking for a quiet place to relax, here you will find what you are looking for. Let’s dive into the most beautiful trails of the Abov and the Slovak Karst regions.
From Ruskov to the Rakaťa Chalet: Peaceful countryside and quiet forests
(5743 green – Ruskov – Črepník, Rakaťa Chalet – 6.70 km)
The route leading from the village of Ruskov along the green trail to Črepník and the Rakaťa Chalet (6.7 km) is an ideal starting point for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Ruskov, a quiet village in the Košice – Precincts district, will welcome you with its peaceful atmosphere and the scent of a rural morning. The hike will take you through easy terrain with views of the surrounding forests, meadows, and distant peaks. It is a trail where you can slow down, listen to the sounds of nature, and recharge your batteries in the green countryside. At the end, you will find the Rakaťa Chalet – a place where even tea from a thermal flask tastes you better.
From the Štós Spa to the Hačavské Sedlo saddle: Healing air and literary history
(5718 green – Štós, spa – Hačavské Sedlo saddle – 8.20 km)
Eight kilometres of relaxation, culture, and natural beauty – this is how the route from Štós to Hačavské Sedlo saddle could be described. The Štós Spa, set in the heart of a mixed forest, is a treat for both body and mind. In the forest park with 200 species of rare plants, where a stream babbles and fountains whisper history, you can forget the stress and noise of the world. Here you breathe differently – deeply and gratefully.
Along the route, we recommend visiting the memorial house of Zoltán Fábry, a significant writer and fighter against fascism. The house, full of books, memories, and personal items, exudes history and reminds us of the power of words in challenging times. If that is not enough, the Úhorná reservoir is just a short distance from the route. This peaceful lake, hidden in the embrace of the Volovské Vrchy hills, was built in the 18th century on the Smolník stream and served as a water reservoir for mining facilities. Today, it is a haven for fishermen and enthusiasts of quiet recreation. Try sitting on the shore and just watching for a while. You may find the answers you have been looking for right here.
Hačava – Bodovka: Through karst and waterfalls into the heart of nature
(Route: 8717 yellow – Hačava – Bodovka – 8.30 km)
The Hačava – Bodovka route (8.3 km) will take you through one of the most beautiful areas of the Slovak Karst. Hačava, a picturesque village with a typical rural rhythm, is an excellent starting point for a hike filled with discoveries.
The trail can take you to the Hájské Vodopády waterfalls, also known as the Hlboký Jarok waterfalls, located in the karst gorge of Hájska Dolina valley. The Hájska Dolina valley is accessed through the village of Háj and is 3 km long. Near the village in the valley, there are remarkable karst phenomena and numerous waterfalls – the Stredný Hájsky waterfall, the Hájsky waterfall above the bridge, and the Veľký Hájsky waterfall. Signposts will guide you from the road. If you stop and close your eyes, you may hear the whispers of stories from ancient times when the valley only belonged to nature.
Medzev – Krížna Poľana: Steel history and stars above your head
(8718 yellow – Medzev – Krížna Poľana – 5.60 km)
The last route in our selection leads from Medzev to Krížna Poľana (5.6 km), and although it is the shortest route, it is definitely one of the most interesting. Medzev, a town with a strong craft tradition, will take you back to a time when steel was forged by hand and with heart. In the Hámor Technical Museum, you will see a functioning water hammer machine that formed tools with skilful blows – proof of the ingenuity and skill of the Medzev blacksmiths.
Don’t miss the Schuster Family Museum of Cinematography, where time has stopped in lenses and film strips. Photographic and cinematographic technology can be considered one of the greatest discoveries of mankind. It has gradually become an everyday and indispensable part of our lives, to such an extent that it has become almost commonplace and few of us are aware of its full significance. Rudolf Schuster, an enthusiastic photographer and film technology enthusiast since his younger days, began collecting photographic and cinematographic equipment with the intention of creating a memorial room in his family home in Medzev.
And when the sun goes down, the Medzev Observatory invites you to stargaze. Maybe you’ll be lucky enough to spot a star falling and make a silent wish.
Wherever you may go, return with a smile
A trip to the surroundings of Košice is not just hiking – it is a return to nature, culture, silence, or even to yourself. Each route is like a chapter in a book that you write yourself: At your own pace, with your own thoughts, and unforgettable experiences. Choose your route, take someone you love with you, or go alone – nature will take you by the hand halfway there.
Because even a few kilometres can change your view of the world.
