Tourism
Zemplínska šírava
The well-known recreation area Zemplínska šírava belongs to the warmest areas in Slovakia. An unprecedented number of tropical days and nights made this second largest body of water in Slovakia an important tourist center of the Zemplín region.
The water area has an area of 33 km2, length 11 km, width 3.5 km, average depth 9.5 m, maximum depth 14 m. Zemplínska šírava has extremely favorable conditions for swimming, water sports, and fishing.
The surroundings of Zemplínska šírava create space for recreation and tourism at any time of the year. The tourist centers of Zemplínska šírava are exclusively on the northern and northwestern banks of the reservoir: Biela hora, Hôrka, Medvedia hora, Kaluža, Kamenec, Klokočov, Paľkov.
The eastern part is a protected area with an area of 622 ha – an ornithological site of European importance.
Sninský kameň
The dominant feature of the Vihorlat mountain range, and at the same time a place with a wonderful view of the surroundings of Snina, is the igneous andesite formation Sninský kameň.
Sninský kameň is one of the most beautiful natural formations in the entire Vihorlat mountain range. It was declared a natural monument with an area of almost 6 hectares in 1982. Since the highest peak – Vihorlat (1075.5 m above sea level) is located in the military district of Valaškovce, the Sninský kameň (1006 m above sea level) is the most attractive for tourists.
It is a distinctive rock ridge with two peak rock formations in the form of platforms. The top part rises above the surrounding beech forests with almost vertical walls to a height of around 15 to 20 m. They are basically two massive rock cliffs in the shape of platforms. The larger of them has the name Veľký Sninský kameň (998 m above sea level). The Malý Sninský kameň (1006 m above sea level) is higher, but smaller in area. Both platforms are sometimes only 5 to 15 m wide, the larger one is around 50 to 60 m long. The top platforms are reached by steep, narrow iron steps with railings. From the top there is a breathtaking view of the surroundings (Snina, Zemplínske Hámre), and especially of Morská oko. Sninský kameň is definitely one of the best viewing locations in the area called Vihorlatské vrchy. Under favorable weather conditions, it is possible to see the contours of the High Tatras in the distance.
In addition to the Sninský kameň, numerous other rock formations were created by erosion after the end of the volcanic activity, of which Janíčkova skala in the Jozefova dolina and Skalné mesto are the most famous in the Snina cadastre.
Veľké Vihorlatské jazero - Morské oko
Morské oko is a national nature reserve with an area of 108 ha, of which 13.8 ha is water. The lake was created during the period of the waning of volcanic activity as a result of a massive landslide that blocked the valley of the Okna stream.
The lake is part of the Vihorlat protected landscape area and is located at an altitude of 609.2 m above sea level. It is about 750 m long, the depth of the lake is
25 m, length of dam 33 m, width of dam 12 m.
Six springs flow into the lake. The Okna stream drains the excess water. The present form of the lake dates back to the 80s. of the 19th century, when the dam wall was built and the water level rose by 5 m.
Morské oko is the third largest natural lake in Slovakia after Štrbský pleso and Veľky Hincovo pleso in the High Tatras.
Until 1945, Morské oko and surroundings belonged to Countess Gladys Vanderbilt-Széchenyi, who in 1924 by the lake had built a small mansion called Kaštielik. The reason for the construction was the illness of her daughter, who was successfully treated here.
This object later also served as a hunting lodge. Countess Széchenyi established a deer, roe deer and bison field in the area. She also contributed to the construction of the dam, which increased the level of the lake from the original 7 ha to 13.8 ha. The renovated Kaštielik is currently used as a representative forester’s lodge serving the public. The building belongs to the most beautifully situated forestry objects in Slovakia. The protected area covers the lake itself and the rare surrounding beech community. The location is one of the most beautiful still lifes in Slovakia, which has preserved its romance and natural charm.
It can be considered the heart of the beautiful nature of Vihorlat. There is a large number of fish in the lake. Fishing, swimming and boating are prohibited. Setting up bonfires and camping on the shores of the lake is also not allowed.
In 2007, Morské oko was included among the seven wonders of Slovakia.
Sightseeing cruise along Zemplínska šírava
During the summer season, a cruise ship runs along the Zemplínska šírava. In the period from June to August, visitors to the area can enjoy a sightseeing cruise.
The Zemplín cruise ship departs from Hôrka harbor at 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m. and returns back to port. During the cruise, it is not possible to disembark and board at a resort other than Hôrka. The minimum is 10 passengers and maximum 60 passengers. During the season, the cruise ship operates from Monday to Sunday. The sightseeing cruise takes 45 minutes along the recreation centers Medvedia hora, Kaluža, Kamenec and Paľkov. The ticket price for adults is € 5 and for children € 2.
You can also book a cruise at the hotel reception, where we will provide you with all the necessary information.
Source and more information will find at www.sirava.eu
Thermalpark Šírava
Thermalpark Šírava is located near the Hotel Glamour****. The area of the water world consists of four pools – massage, wave, relaxation and children’s. All pools are made in a high-quality stainless steel design, and customers of Hotel Glamour**** can treat themselves to a stay in this relaxing water world for a discounted fee.
For more informations ask at reception of Hotel Glamour****.
Vinianské jazero
Vinianske jazero is often wanted by visitors. It is located north of the village, in a forest environment. It occupies an area of 8 ha, its greatest depth is 3.8 meters. Vinianske jazero was created at the end of the 19th century as a pond, by building up an artificial dam and partially bringing water from the Vinianske stream, which flooded the marshy area.
Today, the lake area is one of the most frequented and sought-after tourist areas in the cadastre of the municipality. During the season, several cultural events are organized right on the lake. One of the most successful events in the region, with the support of the Košice self-governing region, are the Jánske ohne (Johns’ fire) organized every year in June. The lake (Vinianske jazero) provides a perfect place to rest, relax and spend free time by the water.
Hrad Vinné (Castle Vinné)
Vinné Castle, rising at an altitude of 325 m.a.s.l., built on the castle hill northwest of the village, belongs to the group of National Cultural Monuments of Slovakia.
Its origins date back to the 13th century, making it one of the oldest historical monuments in our area. We do not yet know the answer to exactly when and who had the castle built, but we do know that its primary task was to help the surrounding castles of Brekov and Jasen in protecting the trade route leading to Poland, especially against possible Tatar raids. In the end, the castle did not survive the battles with the Tatars, but as a result of the centuries-long conflicts of the Hungarian nobility with their own rulers, the castle was attacked and destroyed several times, while the actions of local bandits did not contribute to its preservation.