Voznica: Holiday apartment between nature, hiking trails and mining history

Voznica combines protected areas, a historic mining heritage and marked trails in a landscape that stretches as far as the Hron. Between valleys, springs and traces of the past, the village reveals different facets that come together to form a diverse picture.

Nature

The Štiavnické vrchy Protected Landscape Area extends through the municipality of Voznica from its southern boundary to the banks of the Hron. The small protected areas of the CHKO Štiavnické vrchy feature volcanic landforms, rock formations created by selective weathering, scree slopes, as well as numerous protected and endangered animal and plant species. In the eastern part of the municipality lies the Kojatín Nature Reserve in the Richňavská Valley. It was designated in 1997, covers 68.63 hectares and is subject to the fifth level of protection.

Hiking and Cycling

A hiking route connects Sedlo Peciny, the Richnavské jazerá, Banište, Kopanice and Kojatín with Voznica. After crossing the boundary of Kojatín, a blue-marked hiking trail leads to the former Slavkov forester’s lodge. Beyond Voznica, near the Dedičná štôlňa Jozefa II., a route begins that leads to the cross-crowned hill of Smrkáčik.

In the surroundings of Voznica, a cycling route leads from Žarnovica through Voznica and Rudno nad Hronom, continuing on a green-marked route towards Rudnianska dolina and Uhliská to the approximately 4-metre-high Rudniansky vodopád. This means that several different route options are available: a hiking route through several named landscape features, a blue-marked section to the former forester’s lodge, and a green-marked cycling route towards the waterfall.

Notable Places in the Landscape

At the Hájovňa Slavkov in the Richňavská Valley stands a protected giant sequoia, botanically known as Sequoiadendron giganteum, which was planted in 1905. On the summit of Smrkáčik there is a tourist shelter and an information board.

The Gabrielka spring lies about 4 kilometres upstream from Voznica in the Richňavská dolina. At the spring there is a wooden shelter with benches; it serves as a stopping point for cyclists and hikers. The Suchá Voznica spring is well maintained and serves as a water source during hikes through the long Suchá Voznica valley.

Transport and Crossings

The R1 expressway runs through the municipality of Voznica; the nearest access point is in Žarnovica. A new reinforced-concrete footbridge has served as a crossing over the Hron since 1969, replacing the former ferry. Both details are clearly named transport connections of the village.

History and Architectural Heritage

Archaeological investigations near Bártová in the Richňavská Valley provide evidence of settlement by people of the Lusatian culture dating from 1220 to 700 BC. Since 1075, Voznica has been documented as an important economic and transport centre of the surrounding area, with a toll station, or the Voznica toll system.

The Dedičná štôlňa Jozefa II. opens into the Hron River in Voznica. It was constructed from 1782 to 1878 and, upon completion, was the longest mining structure in the world. To this day, it drains the Štiavnica mining district. Another notable building is the Church of Saint Catherine of Alexandria in Voznica, a late Classicist church dating from 1842.

Culture and Events

The Dolinka folklore ensemble was founded in Voznica in 1984. The regional folk music competition Spievam, spievaš, spievame takes place in Voznica every two years. At the Voznica pond, the MO SRZ organises fishing competitions for adults and children every year.

More destinations to discover: Hronský Beňadik, Žarnovica, Hrabičov, Nová Baňa, Malá Lehota, Orovnica, Župkov, Horné Hámre.

To the broader travel overview: Scharnowitz.