Day hikes
About
Day hikes - All hiking trails in the gorgeous surroundings of the city may be looked up at [19]. Apart from magnificent, relatively close and serious mountains of High Tatras (~ 1 and half hour on the train to Stary Smokovec with a stopover in Poprad, take the faster 'rychlik' trains) you may take up on an easily public transport approachable Bankov [bunkow] (hop on a bus #14 from Havlickova or Mier to Horny Bankov stop) providing nice views of the city (no straining walking needed), Jahodna [yahhodna](a bit more distant, small but enjoyable also on summer days ski resort, the #14 bus also), or Vyhliadkova Veza (the sightseeing tower, overseeing the city, #29 bus from center, direction at the ZOO or 'Kavecany'). For a more challenging hike you may take the train to 'Ruzin' stop (one stop after Mala Lodina stop on the map to the north west of the city, you need to take the slower 'osobny vlak' train as the faster ones stop in farther Margecany station only), walk down and across the bridge from the train stop and follow the walk up the hill along the yellow sign trail splurging in wonderful views of the surrounding hill country and the Ruzin dam [20]. The trip up and to the other side (take the green trail straight to the west then) of the Sivec [seewatz] hill (Kosicke Hamre bus stop, with last bus connection to Kosice at 17:24) takes about 2.5 hours and makes for great views and photographs[21]. For a shorter and easier hike to Sivec take the bus from the bus station to Kosicke Hamre and walk up the hill and back down following the green sign trail. Mid-range accommodation and food is provided at Kosicke Hamre at 'Sivec Pension' and 'Bradan'. Ruzin dam also makes up for nice fishing (permit required) and boat rides. For another lovely day-trip, you may take the 30 minute 'osobny vlak' train south to Slanec [slahnetz] township and enjoy lovely sights from the top of the hill with interesting ruins of a small medieval castle. For those interested in less distant history, take the bus from bus station to Dargov, a place of a major WW2 battle with real tanks and a war museum. A trip entertaining for kids with lovely surroundings asking for a hike and with the Herlany geyser in medium hiking distance.
