Olcnava – Blatná – Za horou – Chata Galmus – Biela skala – Chata Galmus – Zbojský Stôl – Kňazovka – Olcnava
The Galmus Mountains in southern Spiš are a subdivision of the Volovské Hory Mountains and among tourists it often enjoys the nickname “Little Slovak Paradise”. This is mainly due to the karst character of the mountain with dozens of caves, deep inaccessible gorges and high rocky peaks, from which captivating views open up. Probably the most popular starting point for hiking in the Galmus Mountains is the village of Poráč, but today we will start our wanderings from the village of Olcnava, situated in the valley of the Hornád River. We can get here either by car or by passenger train from Spišská Nová Ves, or also in the direction of Košice, Margeciany, Spišské Vlách or Krompách. The route of the trip will take us to two very attractive views of this mountain range – Biela skala and Kňazovka.
Behind the mountain
From the village of Olcnava, follow the green hiking trail up to the Blatná recreation area and then follow the paved road down to the pond in the Za hora locality, locally called “Zahura”. It is a resting place much sought after not only by the inhabitants of the nearby town of Spišské Vlachy, but also by visitors from the whole region. The pond, which is located here, offers ideal conditions for a stay by the water and fishing during the summer. On the slope above the pond, the dominant sign “ZAHURAWOOD” catches the visitor’s eye at first glance. The Sabinka cottage right by the pond offers catering and accommodation services. Various cultural events and entertainment with live music are regularly held at the adjacent mini-amphitheatre as well as at the Sabinka cottage during the summer. After a short stop at Zahur, we continue our trip by climbing up the yellow marked hiking trail towards the Galmus hut, and then to the viewing peak of Biela skala.
White scale
The Biela skala hill rises above the village of Slovinky and the nearby town of Krompachy. There are also hiking trails leading from both of them. The White Rock offers attractive views in the southeastern direction of Slovinky, the surrounding ridges of the Volovské vrchy Mountains and the Poráčská valley. In good weather, the dominant massif of Kojšovská Hole can be seen in the distance. On the very top of the White Rock there is a bench and a wooden cross. There is also a summit book located in a stainless steel box attached to the crossroads, in which you can write. The following is a descent back to the Galmus Chalet site, from where we will follow the blue marked hiking trail along the summit plateau of the Galmus Mountains, in the direction of Nad Sejkovou and Zbojský stôl.
Priestess
At the crossroads in the locality Zbojský stôl we turned to the yellow marked trail and soon we find ourselves at the second sightseeing spot of today’s hike – Kňazovka. Our reward for the effort are the panoramic views northwards to the Hornád basin, the High Tatras, the Levoča Hills and Branisko. On Kňazovka there is also a spiritual place with benches, a cross and a statue of the Virgin Mary, where services are occasionally held in nature. Near the lookout we can also discover the Good Shepherd’s Hut, used for temporary overnight stays for tourists and pilgrims. There is a shelter with seating and a fireplace right next to the shelter. It is an ideal place where we can rest again for a while and treat ourselves to something to eat and drink from our own supplies. From Kňazovka we have only a descent along the yellow hiking trail back to Olcnava.
Questions for smart observers:
- Opposite Slovinska skala, the entrance to the Poráč valley is “guarded” by another attractive lookout hill with an altitude of 1014 metres. It is mostly known only by locals, its name is derived from the village of Slovinky. Can you find out its name from the map?
- When looking from Kňazovka, a keen eye in good weather will not miss the historical dominant of Spiš, Spiš Castle. Together with the town of Levoča and other monuments of the surrounding area, it is included in the famous World Heritage List as a whole. Do you know the abbreviation of the organisation that compiled this list?
For whom the trip is intended
It is a full-day trip, which, due to its length and elevation, requires adequate physical fitness. It is also suitable for families with children, as long as the children are already experienced with hiking and are fit. Most of the route is on good quality paved forest roads. In case of unexpected delays or other complications during the trip, it is possible to shorten it in several places, for example by turning from the White Rock down to Slovinek or Krompách.
Tip
If you do not necessarily need to end the trip in Olcnava, you can continue from Kňazovka along the ridge of Galmus towards the village of Poráč, from which you can also turn to the well-known cave Šarkanova hole and to another attractive lookout point Vysoký vrch (High Hill). There are regular public buses from Poráč to Spišská Nová Ves.
How do you get here?
Regular passenger trains from the town of Spišská Nová Ves as well as from Margeciany, Krompách, Spišské Vlách and surrounding villages stop in Olcnava. In case you come here by car, the turn-off to Olcnava from the main road No. 536 is located between the villages of Bystrany and Spišské Vlachy.
Parking
Parking is available directly in the village of Olcnava.
More information:
http://www.keturist.sk/info/luky-a-horske-luky/planina-a-pohorie-galmus/
Dining options nearby:
- Nostalgie Restaurant & Café, Letná 49, Spišská Nová Ves, tel.: 053/441 41 44, e-mail: nostalgie@nostalgie.sk
- Metropol Hotel Restaurant****, Štefánikovo námestie 2, Spišská Nová Ves, tel.: 053/417 47 00, e-mail: recepcia@hotel-metropol.sk
Accommodation options in the surroundings:
- Hotel Metropol****, Štefánikovo námestie 2, Spišská Nová Ves, tel.: 053/417 47 00, e-mail: recepcia@hotel-metropol.skň
- Pension Resa, Fabiniho 10, Spišská Nová Ves, tel.: 0905 550 475, 0944 723 343, e-mail: info@penzionresa.sk
- PB Apartments, Zimná 178/43, Spišská Nová Ves, tel.: 0904 546 644, e-mail: reservation@pbapartments.sk
- Apartments Spiš, Spišská 3359/3, Spišská Nová Ves, tel.: 0907 378 522, e-mail: slavomira@vastusko.sk