Kokava nad Rimavicou: Glass History, Trails and Winter Landscape

Kokava nad Rimavicou combines a remarkable glass and local history with marked trails through the landscape. Stará škola Kokava, a historic building dating from 1913, houses a local memorial site; since 2021, the building has also served as a cultural and educational venue. Exhibitions of historic glass and presentations of contemporary glass design take place there under the title “Príbeh skla”. Individual visits are also possible outside regular opening hours.

Culture

The glass history extends beyond the old school building. Glass production in Kokava nad Rimavicou produced hollow, thick-walled, round green-glass bottles used for bottling mineral water in Slatina. The two natural mineral springs provide cold, hypotonic, naturally carbonated and iron-containing water.

The local history also includes various buildings from different periods. A Renaissance church originally built in 1566 is documented in Kokava nad Rimavicou. The Roman Catholic Church of St Peter and Paul was built in 1820. The lower part of the tower and a stone Gothic portal of the inner doors survive from the original church building dating from 1566. In 1903, a tower with four bells and a choir were added to the church.

Historical traces can also be found outside the church building: Count Anton Forgáč had a Neoclassical manor house built in 1805, probably on the site of an older building. A bridge in the village is probably the oldest structure in Kokava nad Rimavicou. There is also an entrance to an old adit originating from earlier gold mining. A smaller Romantic building with historicist elements was probably constructed around 1890.

One institution in Kokava nad Rimavicou presents traditional weaving – from flaxseed to linen fabric and products made from it. The Včelí kRaj educational centre is located in Liešnica, a district of Kokava nad Rimavicou. Liešnica is reached from the Vlkovo local area. The educational centre offers creative workshops for schools of all levels and the general public.

Trails and Landscape

The marked trails lead to named elevations and through the area surrounding the village. A red-marked hiking trail leads to Diel, which lies at 934 metres above sea level. A green-marked hiking trail leads to Slopovo at 853 metres above sea level. Green-marked tourist route No. 5466 runs from Kokava nad Rimavicou via Slopovo and Laz to the Pereš saddle.

Another red-marked route reaches Kokava nad Rimavicou from Rimavská Baňa. It runs below Sinec and through Bodnárka to the centre of Kokava nad Rimavicou. Thus, the checked trail descriptions name both the starting places and the marked intermediate points, as well as the destination of each route.

Winter and Surroundings

In the Kokavská rekreačná oblasť, scenically attractive meadow ridges lie next to the ski slopes. They are suitable for cross-country skiing, hiking and active cycling. The Kokava-Línia ski centre is also located in the area around Kokava nad Rimavicou. It offers easy, undemanding ski runs that are particularly suitable for beginners and families with children.

Districts and Railway Traces

Railway history is also connected with the development of the village. The railway station building in Kokava nad Rimavicou was built in 1908 together with the Poltár–Kokava nad Rimavicou railway line. Another railway structure was built in 1909, when the railway line from Kokava nad Rimavicou to Utekáč was completed.

For further comparisons of places, you can also compare Poltár, Cinobaňa, Uhorské, Breznička, Zlatno, Krná, Ozdín and Veľká Ves.

For the broader travel overview: Poltár District.