There is always something to discover in the territory of Upper Zemplín. In summer, visitors enjoy not only staying by the water, but also in the cooling nature. We offer you some tips on how and where to spend your holidays in the easternmost corner of our picturesque country.
Educational trails and city trains
In this region, be sure not to bypass the village Zemplínské Hámre and the Hámor Nature Trail with fourteen stops. It includes original buildings or their replicas, which were used for mining and processing of iron ore.
From Zemplínské Hámry you can go to [trip:3986;Sninský kameň], from where you can enjoy beautiful views of the town of Snina, the main ridge of Vihorlat, but also the Morské oko lake or the border ridge of the Popričný hill and the East Slovak lowland. The youngest ones will enjoy a ride on the tourist train Hámorská mašinka, which reminds the village of the narrow-gauge railway that used to operate in the village. This is the second such train on wheels in the region. The first is Andy Express in Medzilaborce (timetable), which this year runs not only to Kalinov, but also to Habura.
In the village of Habura (7 km from Medzilaborce) stands a replica of the original wooden church St. Nicholas Bishop. A monumental statue guards the valley above the village on the hill Prince of Swan. High is over five metres high and stands on an almost two-metre high pedestal made of natural stone. The statue was erected in memory of Prince Laborac and as a symbol of Rusyn unity.
Around Humenne not only for views
The town of Humenné, often called the centre or the gate of the Upper Zemplín region, attracts visitors to get to know its history, culture, traditions, curiosities, but also the picturesque nature all around.
The most sought-after tourist attraction of the town is Renaissance manor house with a large park. Its history dates back to the beginning of the 14th century and is undoubtedly connected with the Drugeth family, later the Csaky and Andrássy families. The manor house has been rebuilt and reconstructed several times. This national cultural monument is one of the largest and most extensive buildings of this type in Slovakia.
The manor house houses Vihorlat Museumwhich, in addition to permanent attractive expositions, annually prepares for the public a number of interesting exhibitions and cultural and social events.
Part of the museum is exposition of folk architecture and housing near the manor house.
Significant natural values can also be found in National Nature Reserve Humenský sokol. The highest point of this locality is the Červená skala lookout (447 m above sea level), from where it is possible to observe the overall landscape around the Humenne Hills, as well as the district town itself and the surrounding villages, but also the Jasenovský hrad (Jasenovský castle). It is really a very pleasant stay in nature, where you can also observe interesting rock formations.
The Dúpna Cave is also a part of the Humenský sokol Nature Reserve. It consists of a single hall with a floor plan of 20 x 17 meters. You will find there the so-called giant pots. These are cavities in the ceiling caused by water activity. A circular nature trail with ten graphic signs runs through the reserve. It is 3.5 kilometres long with an elevation of 257 metres.
Surroundings of Stropkov for the whole family
The district town of Stropkov does not appear at first sight as a tourist destination. However, you should not miss a visit to Stropkov on your wanderings through the upper Zemplín region. Especially if you take your children with you. There are about 40 species of animals in the Animal Park and this small zoo also serves the function of protecting the gene pool of our planet. For the pleasure of small visitors, the area is complete with atypical children's facilities, a fairy-tale buffet Red Riding Hood, or a contact zoo for children with the possibility of feeding the animals.
A very interesting attraction is also church tower in the centre of Stropkov, on top of which, in addition to a unique glass ceiling, there is also an observation telescope, thanks to which you can observe the wide surroundings of the city. The two nearby observation towers Ščob and Ščerbovka also offer breathtaking views of the Ondava Highlands.
Not far from Stropkov is one of the largest resorts in eastern Slovakia - Domaša water reservoir. You can get to know her from the deck cruise ship Bohemia. You can get to Domasa not only by car or bus (or cyclobus), but also by bicycle, thanks to the new cycling routes that connect this reservoir with the town of Giraltovce and the Slanské Hills, where you can find, for example, an interesting observation tower above the village of Zlatník.
Home recommended: don't skip Poloniny
Michaela Zdražilová, Director of OOCR Horný Zemplín
An experience I won't miss: I was born in Upper Zemplín, I have lived here for decades and despite the fact that I have walked a lot, something always surprises me. I met Vladiča in 2019. I already knew when I entered the village that I would come back here more often. And it is still the case today. I find absolute peace of mind at the Vladič waterfalls. These are just a half-hour walk from the village museum, which takes me back to my childhood holidays at my grandmother's house. In summer and also in autumn, I always have to get my feet wet at least in the small water reservoir Hucok, which is located near the local tourist information centre. So far, those already rather large crayfish have not bitten them off. This year we are also preparing a series of tourist events as part of the Vladičský Summer 2023. You have a lot to look forward to.
An unusual place in the region that I love/like: An unusual and magical place for me is also the Oblík National Nature Reserve. The age of some of the trees that grow in this area is estimated at 250 years, and the boulders at the summit are steeped in Slavic legends.
Popular hiking: If you visit the Upper Zemplín region, be sure to visit the Gazdoráň Nature Reserve in the Poloniny Mountains, which was opened to the public last year thanks to a new hiking trail. The hike to one of the most beautiful views in the area is about 7.5 km long and can be done in about 2 hours. It starts in the village of Príslop (423 m) near the church, in the grounds of which there is a war cemetery. A gentle climb will take you to the outcropping, from where you can enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. Continue through the green meadows to a small forest, which will lead you to a point called Barankovec, a saddle (483 m). On the way you can rest at a small sitting area by a wooden cross. At the ascent to Gazdoráň (511 m) you can enjoy the view of the Starina reservoir.
More tips for trips in Poloniny:
TOP events summer/autumn 2023 Upper Zemplín:
1.7. 2023 - Around Domaša, Domaša - Dobrá
5.7. 2023 - Domašská desiatka, Domaša - Eva
8 July 2023 - Ondavský cyklomarathon, Stropkov
9.7. 2023 - Fest under Kremenec, Nová Sedlica
15.7. 2023 - The Hammer Mile, Zemplínske Hámre
20.7. - 22.7. 2023 - Rock under the stone, Snina
30.7. 2023 - From castle to temples - cycling, Stropkov
4.8. - 6.8. 2023 - Stropkov Fair, Stropkov
12.8. 2023 - Vihorlatská spojka, Zemplínske Hámre
17.8. - 20.8. 2023 - [event:15300;Discover Poloniny]
26.8. - 27.8. 2023 - Rusínska 100 and 66, Stropkov
29.8. 2023 - Lackovsky run, Lackovce
1.9. 2023 - Bicycle to Hawaii, Medzilaborce
2.9. - 3.9. 2023 - Hornozemplín Folklore Festival, Vranov nad Topľou
8.9. - 9.9. 2023 - Humenné Town Days, Humenné
10.9. 2023 - St. Hubert's Day, Snina
10.9. 2023 - STD Domasa Tour, Domasa - Good
15 Sep 2023 - Unesco, Poloniny NP
Processed according to the sources of OOCR Horný Zemplín, www.hornyzemplin.sk
