The “In the Footsteps of Maginhrad” educational trail starts at the Skálnik Reservoir; the ruins of Maginhrad lie above Vyšný Skálnik. Vyšný Skálnik lies in the south of the Slovak Ore Mountains, on the river floodplain and in the Rimava Valley. Here, landscape, archaeological traces, and memorial sites dedicated to the poet Ján Botto come together. The different themes may be of interest when planning your trip: natural history, culture, and seasonal recreational activities.

Landscape and Natural History

The volcanic cone Čelo is 387 m high. Impressions of leaves and of branches from hornbeam, chestnut, elm, and willow trees have been preserved in the sandstone on its western slopes. The combination of sandstone and plant impressions gives the landscape a distinctive natural-history aspect. It differs from the archaeological finds and memorial sites in the village: here, the focus is on the landform and preserved traces of plants. If you are interested in natural history, this combination of a volcanic cone, sandstone, and the named tree species offers a particularly specific view of the area.

Maginhrad and the Educational Trail

The ruins of Maginhrad are located above Vyšný Skálnik. The “In the Footsteps of Maginhrad” educational trail starts at the Skálnik Reservoir and includes two stops at sandstone quarries. This links the theme of Maginhrad with the sandstone traces that are also important to the area's natural history. The trail can be reached by car or bus, is accessible year-round, and can be visited independently without prior arrangements. Local conditions may change, so check accessibility before your visit. If travelling by bus, it is also a good idea to check the timetable for your travel date.

Ján Botto and Archaeological Heritage

Vyšný Skálnik is the birthplace of the poet Ján Botto, a member of the Štúr generation (1829–1881). A memorial plaque is attached to his birthplace. The cultural centre houses a memorial room dedicated to Botto, and a monument featuring his bust stands outside the building. You can encounter three different forms of remembrance: the plaque at his birthplace, the room in the cultural centre, and the bust outside the building. If you would like to visit the memorial room, it is best to check access in advance. The village's history also stretches far back archaeologically: finds from the La Tène period (400–0 BC) and Celtic coins have been discovered here. The span from these finds to Botto offers a clear comparison between different chapters of the village's history.

Choose Your Travel Dates and Accommodation

The Skálnik Reservoir is used for recreation in summer and for winter sports in winter. When choosing your travel dates, you therefore have a seasonal alternative to consider; the educational trail, by contrast, is accessible year-round. When looking for a holiday rental in Vyšný Skálnik, you can first decide what you would like your stay to focus on: the memorial sites and archaeological finds, the “In the Footsteps of Maginhrad” educational trail, or the reservoir's seasonal use. This helps you choose a destination based on specific travel interests.

Discover more destinations: Ivanice, Španie Pole, Rumince, Dulovo, Večelkov, Padarovce, Čerenčany, Lenka

For the overview of the wider area: Okres Rimavská Sobota.