The bell tower in the Rieka district offers a tangible introduction to the history of Zlatá Idka: the three-storey rubble-stone building was erected in 1823 and now houses a museum of local significance. Alongside this architectural and cultural history, the moderately difficult circular route to Kojšovská hoľa offers a very different focus. If you are looking for a holiday apartment for your stay, you can first decide whether local history or a several-hour hike in the Volovské vrchy will be the deciding factor.
Mining History in Buildings and the Landscape
The former mining administration building is also in the Rieka district. It was built in the Baroque style in 1767 and converted into a roadside inn in the first half of the 19th century. The bell tower and the administration building thus represent different historical uses: the former’s present-day use as a museum is part of its story, while the latter’s conversion into an inn is part of its history. In a direct comparison of their dates, the administration building is older: it was built in 1767, while the bell tower was erected in 1823.
The Breuner adit complements these architectural landmarks with a mining structure of its own distinctive character: it has a stone portal and entrance area and is the only very well-preserved mining structure of its kind in this ore district. Along the Ida River, placer-mining facilities, spoil heaps, prospecting works and the remains of several mining installations are among the mining relics. In the ore-bearing area of Zlatá Idka, quartz-sulphide veins occur, from which gold, silver and antimony were extracted in the past.
Those interested in architectural and industrial history can explore the local history from different perspectives: a building points to its use, the adit to a mining structure, and traces in the terrain to earlier activities. The geological veins add another perspective: the raw materials that were extracted in the past.
Circular Route to Kojšovská hoľa
The circular route leads from Zlatá Idka to the main ridge of the Volovské vrchy and the prominent Kojšovská hoľa. It is moderately difficult, takes four hours and has an elevation gain of 587 metres; route figures may vary depending on the trail conditions encountered. The hike follows forest roads and footpaths and is well marked. The details serve different planning purposes: the difficulty rating describes the character of the route, the duration indicates the time required, and the elevation gain indicates the climb. Markings and trail conditions may vary seasonally; check local conditions before setting out.
The circular route starts and ends at the bus stop and car park in Zlatá Idka. Kojšovská hoľa can be reached by SAD buses from Košice via Myslava, Vyšný Klatov and Zlatá Idka. Check the timetable for your travel date and local access conditions.
Discover more destinations: Nižná Myšľa, Vyšný Medzev, Medzev, Opátka, Turňa Nad Bodvou, Košická Belá, Kechnec, Moldava Nad Bodvou.
For the broader travel overview: Košice-Okolie District.
