Voznica: Nature, Hiking Trails and Mining History

The Štiavnické vrchy Protected Landscape Area stretches across the municipality of Voznica from its southern boundary to the banks of the Hron. In the eastern part of the municipality, the Kojatín Nature Reserve lies in the Richňavská Valley. It was designated in 1997, covers 68.63 hectares and is subject to the fifth level of protection. The small protected areas of the Štiavnické vrchy Protected Landscape Area feature volcanic landforms, rock formations created by selective weathering, scree slopes, as well as numerous protected and endangered animal and plant species.

Nature

A protected giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum), planted in 1905, stands near Hájovňa Slavkov in the Richňavská Valley. A tourist shelter and an information board are located at the summit of Smrkáčik. The Gabrielka spring lies approximately 4 kilometres upstream from Voznica in the Richňavská dolina. There is a wooden shelter with benches at the spring; it serves as a rest stop for cyclists and hikers. The Suchá Voznica spring is maintained and serves as a water source when hiking through the long Suchá Voznica Valley.

Trails

A hiking route connects Sedlo Peciny, the Richnavské jazerá, Banište, Kopanice and Kojatín with Voznica. After crossing the border of Kojatín, a blue-marked hiking trail leads to the former Slavkov forester’s lodge. Beyond Voznica, near the Dedičná štôlňa Jozefa II., a route begins that leads to the cross-crowned hill of Smrkáčik.

In the vicinity of Voznica, a cycling route runs from Žarnovica through Voznica and Rudno nad Hronom, then continues along a green-marked route towards Rudnianska dolina and Uhliská to the approximately 4-metre-high Rudniansky waterfall. The then-new reinforced-concrete footbridge has served as a crossing over the Hron since 1969; it replaced the former ferry. The R1 expressway runs through the municipality of Voznica; the nearest access point is in Žarnovica.

History

Archaeological research near Bártová in the Richňavská Valley provides evidence of settlement by people of the Lusatian culture from 1220 to 700 BC. Since 1075, Voznica has been documented as an important economic and transport centre of the surrounding area, with a toll station or accommodation in the Voznica toll system.

The Dedičná štôlňa Jozefa II. emerges in Voznica into the Hron River. It was constructed from 1782 to 1878 and was the longest mining work in the world when completed. To this day, it drains the Štiavnica mining district. Voznica is also home to the Church of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, a late Neoclassical church dating from 1842.

Culture

The regional folk music competition showcase “Spievam, spievaš, spievame” takes place in Voznica every two years. The Dolinka folklore ensemble was founded in Voznica in 1984. The MO SRZ organises fishing competitions for adults and children at the Voznica pond every year.

Further destinations: Veľké Pole, Orovnica, Ostrý Grúň, Horné Hámre, Hrabičov, Rudno Nad Hronom, Brehy, Kľak.

For the higher-level travel overview: Scharnowitz.