Čingov – Tomášovský výhled – Letanovský mlyn – Hornádu breakthrough – Čingov
“Still water washes the shores”. So says a well-known folk proverb. In the Slovak Paradise it is doubly true. Over the millennia, water flows here have carved dozens of deep gorges and canyons into the limestone, above which magical views open up from steep banks. Join us on a trip to discover perhaps the most beautiful view in the national park, the Tomášovský vista, and the most famous canyon, the Hornád Gorge.
Genghis
We will start and end our sightseeing trip in a well-known tourist resort in the northern part of the Slovak Paradise, called Čingov. It is located only seven kilometres from the district town of Spišská Nová Ves, between the villages of Smižany and Spišské Tomášovce. There is plenty of parking space available here, as well as a varied offer of accommodation, catering and other useful services for tourists. From Čingovo we start up the yellow marked hiking trail towards the Tomášovský výhled (Tomášovský View). After about fifteen minutes we pass the former recreation area of Čingov – Ďurkovec. At Ďurkovec, the hiking trail turns to the left and after another three-quarters of an hour climb brings us to the well-known “Tomomašák”. On the way we pass two smaller rock outlooks, “Needle” and “Pulpit”.
Tomášovský vista
The Tomášovský výhled (Tomášovský prospect) has long been one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Slovak Paradise. It is sought not only by hikers, but also by rock climbing enthusiasts. And now there is also an official cycling route. It rises more than 140 metres above the confluence of the Hornád River and the White Stream. From its top, there are beautiful panoramic views to the south-west, to the central part of the Raj. In case of favourable weather, we can also observe the peaks of the High Tatras in the distance. On the slope of Čertova sihoti, opposite the Tomášovský lookout, the mysterious cave Čertova hole will not escape the watchful eye. Thousands of years ago it was inhabited by prehistoric man, but today it is inaccessible to tourists.
At the edge of the rock platform of the Tomášovský lookout, move as carefully as possible to avoid the risk of falling. Also avoid throwing any objects from the viewpoint. Doing so could endanger the climbers on the rock below us, who have more than 100 climbing routes secured here. From the overlook we descend along the yellow marked trail to the Letanovský mlyn site. From the edge of the forest near the lookout we can see views of the landscape of southern Spiš dotted with fields and villages. The closest village below us is Spišské Tomášovce.
Letanovský mill
The Letanovský mlyn recreational site near the village of Letanovce is a well-known crossroads of hiking trails and another of the gateways to the northern part of the Slovak Paradise. A replica of the old medieval Carthusian bridge from the 15th century, which was destroyed during the Second World War, arches over the Hornád River. The bridge was part of the old Carthusian monks’ route to Kláštorisko, where they had built a large monastery. A new bridge was built here in 1995. The name Letanovský Mill is derived from the old mill that was in operation here from the beginning of the 19th century until 1927, when it burned down. The remains of its foundations can still be seen at the local buffet, where refreshments are available during the summer season.
Hornád breakthrough
The Hornád River has created a truly impressive waterway through the Slovak Paradise. For thousands of years it has cut deep between the mountains of the Paradise and created the magical canyon of the Hornád Gorge. The canyon, with a total length of up to 16 kilometres, begins in the Hrdlo Hornádu locality near Hrabušice and ends at Smižianska Maša near Smižiany. Today we will walk along its section from Letanovský mlýn to Čingov. A blue hiking trail leads us through it. In less than an hour of walking over a relatively short distance we will cross several adventurous passages with metal climbers attached high to the rocks above the river. From the meadow at the White Brook site, we can see the majestic cliff of the Tomášovský lookout high above us, on which we stood only a few hours before. From here, it’s just a half-hour’s easy walk back to Čingov, still following the blue hiking trail.
Questions for smart observers
- Interestingly, the majestic plateau of the Tomášovský vista lies (although it does not seem so) at an altitude 115 metres lower than the level of the Palcmanská Maša dam in the south of the Slovak Paradise. Do you know at what altitude is the Tomášovský výhled located? The tourist signpost at its top will help you.
- The Hornád Gorge Canyon, which we climbed today, can also be paddled by kayak or canoe under favourable circumstances. Do you know in which months and at what river level it is possible to raft? The website of the Slovak Paradise National Park Administration will tell you, npslovenskyraj.sopsr.sk.
- The rocky cliffs around the Hornád Gorge are inhabited by a horned animal similar to a goat, which you might not expect to find in the Slovak Paradise. It was introduced here in 1963 from the Czech mountain Jesenníky. Do you know what kind of animal it is?
For whom the trip is intended
The trip is 12.7 kilometres long and has an elevation of 485 metres and is one of the moderately demanding hiking trips. It can be completed in 4 to 5 hours. It is also suitable for families with children who already have hiking experience and adequate physical fitness. Please note that crossing the climbs in the Hornád Gorge may cause problems for people with a fear of heights. In any case, it is necessary to be equipped with sturdy, waterproof hiking boots and sports clothing. You should also pack plenty of liquids and something to eat in your rucksack.
Tip
If you still have some strength and time to spare after your return to Čingov, be sure to take a look at the nearby view of Owl Rock, from which you can see the whole of Čingov as if in the palm of your hand, and in good weather also the High Tatras. You can reach Sovia skala by following the green hiking trail in the direction of Košiarny briežok from the Ihla buffet in about 15 minutes on foot.
How do you get here?
The tourist resort Čingov is very accessible by car and public transport from the nearby town of Spišská Nová Ves and the surrounding villages of Smižany and Spišské Tomášovce. Fitter tourists can also cover these distances on foot.
Parking
A large paid parking lot is located directly at the entrance to the resort of Cingov. There are also parking lots for guests at the adjacent accommodation facilities.
More information
www.vraji.sk, www.slovenskyraj.eu, www.npslovenskyraj.sopsr.sk
Catering options
Pension Lesnica – Čingov 113, 053 11 Smižany, 053/449 15 18
Ihla tourist cottage – Čingov, 053 11 Smižany, 0907 956 396
Buffet Čingov – Čingov 113, 053 11 Smižany, 0918 344 830
Accommodation options in the surroundings
Pension Lesnica – Čingov 113, 053 11 Smižany, 053/449 15 18
Grand Hotel Spiš – Hornádska 1001, 053 01 Spišské Tomášovce, 053/449 11 29
Hotel Čingov – Čingov, 053 11 Smižany, 053/443 36 63
Park Hotel Čingov – Čingov, 053 11 Smižany, 053/442 20 22