Margecany: Tunnel History, Ružín Reservoir and Holiday Apartment

Margecany combines a distinctive railway history with paths along the Ružín Reservoir, regional folklore and a vibrant events culture. The Margeciansky Tunnel is a particularly defining feature of the town: on 22 March 1985, it was registered as a technical monument in the Central Register of Monuments of the Slovak Republic. Its origins date back to 1872, when it was built as part of the construction of the single-track Košice–Bohumín railway.

Culture

The tunnel is therefore one of the visible signs of Margecany’s technological development. It is passable by cars, cyclists and pedestrians, and is consequently connected with the various routes through the surrounding area. The local cultural history also includes the Folklórny súbor Jadlovec folklore ensemble. It was founded in 1976 as a women’s singing group and was soon expanded to include music and dance sections.

Rolova Huta also reflects an older economic history. The settlement was colonised by German settlers in 1597 for the purpose of smelting copper ores. Another defining building is the Church of Saint Margaret of Antioch. It was remodelled in the neo-Gothic style at the beginning of the 20th century, is in good condition and continues to serve its religious purpose.

Getting There

Margecany is located on railway line No. 180, which connects Košice, Žilina and Bratislava. Margecany railway station is also a suitable starting point for the excursion “Z Margecian cez tunel popri Ružíne”. The name already describes the connection between the town, the tunnel and the Ružín Reservoir, which can be found in the routes and landscapes around Margecany.

Nature

On the excursion “Z Margecian cez tunel popri Ružíne”, a gravel path runs directly above the Ružín Reservoir and follows its bays. A second route runs along the reservoir’s northern shore: from Margecany via Počkaj Beach and Rolova Huta to the old Margeciansky Tunnel, a paved path featuring wooden sculptures and educational panels leads through the area and is designed as a fairy-tale trail.

At Počkaj Beach in Margecany, there is a boat and pedal boat rental service. The reservoir is also used for recreation. Thus, various forms of travel and leisure exist alongside one another by the water, while the routes alternate between the shore, bays, sculptures and historic sites.

Local Life

The connection between culture and regional tradition is evident at Margecianske fajnoty. Since 2011, FSk Jadlovec has organised this event together with the Municipality of Margecany. Invited groups prepare food in front of visitors and offer it for sale. The culinary aspect is therefore linked to a visible, communal activity and is not limited to the finished dish alone.

For a quieter break, Fajnot Park has benches, a chess table and wooden sculptures. In addition to the paths along the reservoir, historic buildings and events, Margecany therefore also has a deliberately designed place with seating, an opportunity to play and art made of wood.

Further destinations to consider in the region: Kluknava, Nalepkovo, Gelnica.

For the regional travel overview: Gelnica District.