Cycle into the heart of the Košice countryside. These are 5 routes you should try this spring
Immerse yourself in the scents and colours of the spring months in Košice and set off on a day-long adventure on two wheels into the Košice countryside. Shake off spring fatigue with active cycling through the forest, local villages, around the spectacular dam, for unexpected views or all the way to the Slovak-Hungarian border. This article will direct you to 5 cycling routes that sporty local patriots can't miss. Try them out next weekend too!
The Little Rouge Circuit
Route: 70 km, approx. 4 hours
Free your road bike from the pantry and set off on a 70-kilometre high-speed adventure to the magical meanders of the Ružín Reservoir, northwest of Košice. This popular local route is enjoyed by many local cycling groups with an easy starting point in Čermel.
A fairly significant climb towards the Jahodná and Košice Bela area is replaced by a pleasant straight with beautiful natural scenery. Continue along the route towards Malá Lodina, Kysak, stop for a legendary ice cream in Družstevna pri Hornáde and return to the centre via Anička Park.
The Great Ružín Circuit
Route: 90 km, approx. 6 hours
If you dare for even longer routes and the small Ružín circuit was not enough for you, take on a tougher challenge. The Great Ružín Circuit takes you on a 90-kilometre route to the romantic cottage area and the village of Margecany, which at first glance resembles a scene straight out of a film or a postcard.
Start your cycling pilgrimage this time from Kysak, see Ružín from the other side or stop along the way for a shorter climb to Folkmarska rock. This route is definitely recommended for more fit cyclists with a desire to not only have fun on the road, but also to train all the muscles in the body.
Lake and Beautiful
Route: 8 km, approx. 1.5 hours (there and back)
You don't have to chase the natural beauty beyond the city periphery! Take whatever type of bike you have at home and head to the Nad Jezero housing estate, where you can ride along the proverbial route from the Railway Secondary Vocational School along the Hornád River with no climb to a pleasant promenade overlooking the lake surrounded by traditional apartment blocks. Stop, mingle with local life and sit in local pubs with traditional delicacies on plastic trays.
To the Hungarian border and a park with military equipment
Route: approx. 34 km from Krásna, approx. 5 hours (there and back)
If you feel like continuing today and you feel like seeing what lies beyond the borders of the housing estate, go on an adventure all the way to Krásna. At the end of the village, the trail will take you to the local gravel pit with its educational boards and flourishing nature, or to the Kokšov-Bakša section with its children's and football pitches and new recreation area. 
Take the longer route from Krásná and continue to the Slovak-Hungarian border, which you will find close to the town. From Krásná, head towards the village of Nižná Hutka to Nižná Mysľa and the important archaeological area. Through Ždaňa you will reach Skároš, where you will be impressed by the former Skároš manor house, today a photogenic ruin.
Perhaps the most impressive is the extensive park with an exhibition of military technology with original tanks and the majestic Monument to the Liberation of Skároš with two concrete wings symbolizing the direction in which the troops were to advance. The authors of the work are academic sculptors Pavol Merjavý and Juraj Bartusz.
Skároš was the first village liberated by Soviet troops in the area around Košice. Noteworthy is the T-34/85 tank, which reached the famous village by using its propulsion power. Take a ride to the Slovak-Hungarian border, continue on to picturesque Hungary or return to Košice for an honest-to-goodness reward dinner!
Photo source
The Furcian Trail in the middle of forest thickets
Route: 8 kilometres, approx. 1.5 hours (there and back)
At the end, we recommend you head out into the pleasant urban wilderness a stone's throw from the city centre. Take bus line 17, 71 or 72 together with your bike to the Dargovské hrdinov housing estate and continue to the nearby Forest Park Furča, where you will find a peaceful forest environment, several fireplaces for barbecue feasts or information boards about life in the forest, native fauna and flora.
Take a relaxing bike ride suitable for families or individuals from the beginning of the Furča Forest Park to the Green Court area with its restaurant. The 4-kilometre route will recharge your batteries and replenish your energy for further exploration of the city. The local Chvalabohu Nature Trail provides more detailed information about the surrounding countryside and this forest part of the city if you are coming here for the first time.
These 5 cycling tips are just a start in exploring the sporting possibilities of Košice. Click on our website or on www.ihriskozazitkov.sk to find out where to go for a trip in Košice during spring!