Get to know Jelšava through its varied historical and active pursuits: the castle offers a glimpse into the medieval history of the manor, while Kaštieľ Coburgovcov represents French Classicism. The Hrádok educational trail, a mountain scooter descent and a kayaking trip on the Muráň offer very different activities. This lets you choose whether to focus your stay on architectural history, local crafts or outdoor activity.
Castle history and Classicist architecture
Jelšava Castle lies within the city’s cadastral area, three kilometres west of the city centre, on a spur of the Revúcka vrchovina. In the 14th and 15th centuries, it was the centre of the Jelšava manor. The original castle was probably built in the 1330s. Its layout included a dominant castle tower and a palace building on the opposite side of the site.
Kaštieľ Coburgovcov has a different building history. The three-storey building, dating from 1763, was added to an older Renaissance building from the early 17th century, which stood on the site of a presumed Templar monastery. The manor house is considered a unique example of French Classicist architecture in historic Gemer. The city has been carrying out conservation and restoration work since 2015. It opens the building to the public during cultural events.
The Kaštieľ Coburgov Jelšava Information Centre offers guided tours of the manor house and the city. City information published on 24 July 2026 lists opening hours from Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 to 16:00; the tours include the Jelšava Museum and the Evangelical church. As tour arrangements may change, check the times and itinerary before your visit.
Bell-making tradition and church art
In the 19th century, Jelšava had as many as 40 bell-making workshops. The Jelšava City Museum has an exhibition on local bell-making. As the exhibition may change, check in advance whether it is currently on display. Another distinctive feature of local church art is the Classicist organ dating from 1865 in the Church of St Peter and St Paul.
Educational trail, viewpoints and mountain scooters
The Hrádok educational trail was expanded in 2025 with a covered rest area and a dendrological information board. There is also a bicycle service station along the trail. Those interested in trees and woody plants will find a different focus here than in the castle’s history; the covered rest area is a specific feature of the trail. The Dielková viewpoint offers views of the surrounding mountains.
The mountain scooter descent is about 6.5 kilometres long, with an elevation difference of more than 500 metres. It starts at a junction of forest roads below Hotel Hrádok. There, staff brief participants and provide helmets. The ride usually ends at the start of 9. mája Street on the outskirts of the city. The activity is suitable for adults and children aged 12 and over; confirm the operational details before travelling.
Kayaking on the Muráň
A recreational kayaking trip is possible on the Muráň River along the Teplá Voda–Jelšava stretch as far as the road bridge, using kayaks with one to four seats. Kayaks with equipment are available for hire; transport to the starting point and from the finish, a changing room and a hot shower are also provided. Mestské služby Jelšava provides logistical support for rafting on the Muráň. Check in advance which services are available for your planned trip.
The outdoor activities differ in their key details: for the scooter descent, these are the distance, elevation difference and age limit; for the kayaking trip, the specified river stretch and boat capacity. This makes it easier to choose between a descent at Hrádok and an activity on the water, without presenting the two activities as a single itinerary.
Discover more destinations: Muránska Lehota, Muráň, Levkuška, Hucín, Muránska Zdychava, Muránska Dlhá Lúka, Prihradzany, Ratková.
For the wider travel overview: Okres Revúca.
