Koš – Culture, Lakes and Golf in Slovakia

Koš combines a long history of settlement with archaeological sites, a Gothic chapel, golfing opportunities and the Laskár Lakes. As a result, very different themes come together in the Slovak municipality: its history stretches from the Chalcolithic to the Middle Ages, while the lakes are associated with walks, easy hikes, birdwatching and fishing.

Culture

The Gothic Chapel of St Andrew in Koš dates from 1410. In 2000, it was separated from the former Church of St Andrew in Koš. On 6 December 2000, the chapel was relocated to a site approximately 1,700 metres from the original church location. On the right side of the church there is also an annex that recalls the sacred space of the old church and contains valuable furnishings from the former church.

The settlement of the Koš area began in the Late Stone Age, the Chalcolithic, between 3,000 and 1,900 BC. A copper-stone hammer found in Koš provides evidence of this settlement in the area. Further archaeological traces can be found at the Koš–Katkej kopec site: it contains tar kilns broadly dated to the 9th to 11th centuries. Settlement features belong to a settlement dating from the 12th to the middle of the 14th century; in addition, 27 production facilities for tar production were documented there.

The Stvacipalej kopec archaeological site in Koš is located on what is known as a Slavic burial mound. Settlement areas with economic structures were identified at this site. The history of theatre is also part of the cultural character of the place: since 1919, a total of 126 plays have been performed in Koš. In 1919, the amateur actors from Koš rehearsed “Kamenný chodníček od Ferka Urbánka” as their first play and performed it.

Nature

Koš, or Laskár Koš, refers to a group of bodies of water and lakes in the area of Koš near Laskár in the Prievidza District. These bodies of water were formed by ground collapses and the flooding of former mining areas. The Laskár Lakes form a natural habitat in the Horná Nitra Basin. In their surroundings, the shores and wetlands are suitable for easy hikes and walks. The Laskár Lakes are also noted for opportunities for walks, birdwatching and fishing.

One of Koš’s distinctive natural features is the “Lipa na Šajbách” lime tree. It is a protected small-leaved lime and is cared for by the administration of the Ponitrie Protected Landscape Area.

Golf

The golf facility in Koš includes a driving range that is also open to the public. The facility also has a publicly available 9-hole course, which the municipality describes as the first golf course in the Trenčín Region. Footgolf is also accessible to the general public there. The offer is complemented by an equestrian facility and the “Golf from the Saddle” experience.

Geographical Setting

A road was rebuilt in Koš to connect the upper and lower parts of the village.

Other Places

Ráztočno, Malinová, Lehota Pod Vtáčnikom, Kamenec Pod Vtáčnikom, Bystricany, Radobica, Nedožery-Brezany, Šútovce

For the higher-level travel overview: Prievidza.