A restored manor house, a castle with marked hiking trails and bodies of water offering a wide range of leisure activities give Michalovce District its distinctive character as a place to explore. Cultural history and activities on the water are not the same experience here: you can tailor your visit to your interests, focusing on art, architecture, hiking or water sports.
Art and Architectural History in the Manor House
The Klenotnica exhibition is housed on the first floor of a restored central manor house in the Baroque-Classical style at the Zemplínske Museum. The museum is located in a manor house designated as a cultural monument. The central part of the Sztáray Manor House, which is home to the museum, also contains permanent exhibitions on art history and sacred art. You can therefore explore the museum visit through two themes: art history and religious art, as well as the Klenotnica exhibition and its historical setting.
Senné Manor has its own architectural history. The manor house was built in the 16th century and remodelled in the Renaissance style in the 17th century; today it is a national cultural monument. It also serves as an entrance to the protected Senianske rybníky bird area. Senné Manor is considered one of the oldest and one of the last surviving buildings of its kind in Lower Zemplín. Its architecture and access to the bird area offer two distinct reasons to visit.
Vinné Castle and Trails Through the Landscape
The history of Vinné Castle continues into the present as a designated cultural monument: the castle received this status in 1963. Marked hiking trails lead to the castle from Vinianske Jazero and from the Hôrka, Medvedia Hora and Kamenec holiday resorts on Zemplínska Šírava. This describes several named starting points for a hike to this historic destination; no walking time is specified.
Another nature trail starts elsewhere: the Náučný chodník Vihorlatskými bučinami begins in Poruba pod Vihorlatom, at the foot of the Vihorlatské vrchy mountains. Its location at the foot of the mountains makes the landscape the trail’s focus. As trail conditions can change seasonally, it is a good idea to check current conditions before setting out.
Two Bodies of Water, Different Possibilities
At Vinianske Lake, you can swim, sail and hike; in winter, ice skating is also possible. The lake covers 8 hectares. From Vinné, it can be reached by a road that runs around it, as well as by hiking trails. The activities listed range from being active on the water to trails around the lake and winter recreation. If you would like to compare different leisure ideas at one body of water, the lake offers several options.
Zemplínska Šírava is on a different scale: it is the second-largest reservoir in Slovakia and has seven leisure centres. There are opportunities for swimming, water sports and fishing, as well as mountain biking and hiking. Jet skis, yachts and pedal boats are also part of the leisure offering. While the 8-hectare surface area gives a specific measurement for Vinianske Lake, Zemplínska Šírava is characterised by its seven leisure centres and wide range of activities.
Zemplínska Šírava is accessible via a paved four-lane road and several SAD bus services from both bus stations in Michalovce. As bus services may change, it is advisable to check the latest timetables before travelling.
A Taste of Lower Zemplín
Regional cuisine is also part of what Lower Zemplín has to offer: you can try holúbky, a local speciality, and drink Tokaj wine. These culinary suggestions add a distinct regional touch to visits to manor houses, the castle and the bodies of water.
Discover more destinations: Veľké Kapušany, Vinné, Kaluža, Lúčky, Vyšná Rybnica, Gelnica District, Spišská Nová Ves District, Sobrance District.
Go to the main travel overview: Košice.
