11 sports tips: An adventurous summer in Košice for active visitors
Experience a unique summer full of action-packed moments for those who are committed to regular training in a variety of sports. Go for a run in enchanting forest parks, take a dip in a special Olympic-sized swimming pool, head out onto nearby hiking trails, or play a proper game of tennis with friends. Read on to find out which sports facilities in Košice will let you enjoy a fantastic summer for active sports enthusiasts and groups of friends.
Discover what it’s like to glide along the surface of Slovakia’s rivers
Spend your summer on the water and set off on a white-water rafting trip down the Hornád, whilst learning about water sports on regular canoeing and kayaking courses. If you’d like to discover authentic river nooks and beautiful meanders hidden deep in the countryside, plan a trip to Košice and sign up for a water sports course! During the summer, you can go rafting on the Hornád, the Dunajec and the mystical Bodrog! Splavujeme.sk also offers a wide range of activities for lovers of archery on recreational meadows, paddleboarding, off-road driving in local forests featuring historical monuments, and fun rafting!
Go for a swim like top Olympic athletes
Continue your water adventures and endurance training whilst honing your swimming skills right in the city centre. Did you know that, following the recently completed refurbishment, we now have a fantastic Olympic-sized swimming pool in Košice that meets all the criteria of the International Swimming Federation (FINA)?
National Olympic Centre for Aquatic Sports (NOC Košice) will impress you with its grandeur and modern facilities worthy of Europe’s sporting capitals – the 50-metre Olympic pool is complemented by a 25-metre warm-up pool and a 33-metre water polo pool. The centre’s complex includes accommodation, a wellness centre, a sports shop, a fitness centre and even a planned Olympic Museum on the second floor, dedicated to Olympic achievements.
Strength in the legs, direction and endurance in the arms
Every climber knows that strength comes from the legs! Whether you’ve been a keen climber for several summer seasons or are just looking to take up the sport now, we recommend including the the Rozlomity Climbing Wall in the northern part of the city. Sign up for a regular course where you’ll learn how to tie different types of knots correctly and how to use the right climbing techniques on both the climbing wall and natural rock faces.
If you’re only in Košice for a short visit and don’t have your own kit with you, you can hire climbing shoes, a rope and a harness at a reasonable price right there on site. You can also book individual or group sessions led by a professional instructor, or go climbing on your own with your climbing partner. What’s more, a day climbing camp is now running for children aged 7 to 15 throughout July and August.
Play a game of tennis with your friends
Play it safe and enjoy a proper game of tennis at the National Training Centre on Popradská Street in Košice! Don’t leave this popular sport off your sporting itinerary – get your whole body moving on professionally maintained courts. Inside the centre, you can serve an ace on three indoor tennis courts or hone your badminton skills. The summer months offer a great chance to enjoy up to 8 outdoor clay courts – tennis rackets and balls are available at the centre.
Set off to explore the mysterious corners of the Košice forests
Go for a run in the recreational areas and discover the flora and fauna of the Košice City Forests, which are the second-largest urban forests in Central Europe! For your summer trip to Košice, we recommend exploring the forest trails in Furča Forest Park in the Dargovských hrdinov housing estate, where, after your run, you can sit by cosy campfires and discover what the area has to offer via the information boards.
Discover the beauty of the popular Anička Park, where you’ll find something for every visitor – go for a run around the historic Gajdové Spa and fill your own bottle with water from this precious spring, which will cure all your ailments! When visiting the park, do stop off at the Ryba Anička lido for some summer refreshment, a spot of rowing, a game of table football or a spot of fishing!
Cycling communities and the view of the city from Morská chata
For beginners on bikes, we recommend a relaxed and easy route along Hlavná Street, along the signposted footpath from the Secondary Railway School towards the Nad jazerom housing estate, or from Komenského Street towards Anička Park and on to the popular Súdky district for some langoš.
Moderately experienced cyclists can head through Furča Forest Park towards Zelený dvor or take the flat route from Hotel Bankov through the mining area. Another popular route for both children and adults is from the Čermeľ leisure area to Alpinka in Bankov and back. The gentle climb to the Kavečany district, home to Chata Hrešná, is also well worth the effort for its magnificent views, offering a panoramic vista of the entire city.
And serious off-road cyclists will certainly enjoy the initiative organised by the KE.CY – Košické cyklotraily, whose well-maintained and professionally groomed singletrack trails can be found in the historic Bankov recreation area. Try out the aptly named, medium-difficulty tracks – DržHubu, Jahoda, Michalkov and Hriešny – as well as the most challenging trails: Bedľa, Zlatokopka and Lesmír.
Read our article with tips on other cycling routes around Košice for experienced cyclists.
Combine your cycling adventures with a visit to the unique Morská chata on Červený breh, where you’ll be treated to an impressive view of the whole city. Treat yourself to a chilled craft drink, watch the sunset over the Košice housing estates and pop in for an unforgettable summer party!
At a leisurely pace through the picturesque hills
Summer in the Košice countryside is the ideal time to track your steps on your phone and immerse yourself in the beauty and tranquillity of the beech, oak and fir forests. Set off on an easy hike to Folkmarská Rock ( 915 m above sea level), a must-do route for all locals, which stretches above the village of Kojšov and can be reached by a very easy walk from the car park – suitable for all fitness levels and age groups.
For those who won’t want to miss the breathtaking views and don’t mind a gentler climb, we recommend the local favourite Sivec (781 m above sea level), beneath which the photogenic meanders of the Ružín Dam wind their way, and over which a railway viaduct carries passing trains. Take an iconic Sivec selfie and enjoy lunch on the rocky summit with a view that’s priceless!
As a final hiking tip near the city of Košice, head to the Skárošská vyhliadka viewpoint (795 m above sea level) near the Slovak-Hungarian border, where an easy, short hike will take you to a stunning panoramic view of the city’s surroundings and the Košice Basin from a different angle. The viewing platform is ideal for family picnics and watching sunsets with friends.
Find out more about summer sports activities on the website www.ihriskozazitkov.sk.