Opátka: Hiking Trails, Mining History and Hotels in Slovakia

Opátka combines nature, marked trails and mining history with unique experiences centered around beekeeping. The Slovak village reveals several sides: the surrounding area extends into a protected natural landscape, while its church architecture, historic settlement structures and former copper processing make the local history visible.

Nature

Outside the built-up settlement area, the cadastral territory of Opátka lies within the Volovské vrchy Natura 2000 protected area and bird protection area. Opátka is also associated with the Kojšovská hoľa viewpoint summit, which is considered one of the most important tourist attractions connected with the village.

Hiking and Cycling

A blue-marked hiking trail runs through Opátka. To the north, it leads via the ATC turistclub trail sign at an elevation of 330 m to the Ružín–Košické Hámre recreation area on the Ružín Reservoir. In a southerly direction, the blue-marked hiking trail leads to the Idčianske sedlo trail sign at an elevation of 954 m. The two directions therefore connect different elevations and landscape areas, without reducing the route to a single trail.

In addition, a blue-marked cycling trail begins in Opátka and leads to Košice. For orientation in the terrain, this provides both a marked hiking connection through the village and a separate cycling route heading toward Košice.

History

The first known mention of Opátka dates from 1324; at that time, the village was called Apokapotoka. Opátka reached its highest population in 1808, during a mining boom, with around 500 inhabitants.

For a long time, Opátka was divided into two parts, which were assigned to the Abov and Spiš counties. Each of the two parts had its own mill, cemetery and inn. This former division is therefore part of the village’s history, as is its economic development through mining.

Toward the end of the 19th century, copper ore mining was discontinued. The copper smelter was subsequently shut down and dissolved, presumably because it was unprofitable. After that, Opátka gradually began to decline economically and socially.

The Church of Saint Florian was built in 1784 and restored in 1845 and at the end of the 19th century. On the front side of its triumphal arch are half-length figures of two miners; these are examples of folk painting from the first half of the 19th century.

Another testimony to the local mining history is the administrative building of the copper hammers. The single-storey late Baroque building has two wings and a mansard roof and dates from the 1770s. The building is currently inhabited and privately owned.

Experiences with Bees and Honey

At MIMI farma, Opátka offers experience-based learning through a meeting with a beekeeper, as well as the opportunity to observe live bees up close. The practical production of beeswax candles is also offered there. In addition, Slovak honey can be tasted at MIMI farma.

Other Places

If you would like to compare Opátka with other places at the same regional level, you can find Budimír, Moldava Nad Bodvou, Štós, Turňa Nad Bodvou, Košická Belá, Nižná Myšľa, Kechnec and Zlatá Idka here.

For the higher-level travel overview: Okres Košice-Okolie.