Spring Escapes in Košice: 4 Parks for Nature and Leisure

Right in the heart of the city, just a five-minute walk from St. Elisabeth’s Cathedral and the historic heritage zone, you’ll find Košice City Park — a long-time favorite for urban relaxation. This green space draws visitors with its proximity to the Rumanova public swimming pool, a pond with fish and ducks, the multi-purpose Playko workout area, children’s playgrounds, and an interactive Floating Fountain controlled by artificial intelligence.

The park is also home to remarkable landmarks in various architectural styles, such as an elegant Swiss-style pavilion built for Emperor Franz Joseph I and his wife, Empress Elisabeth — better known as Sissi. Another gem is the breathtaking Art Nouveau Skating Pavilion from 1909, now beautifully restored and transformed into the four-star Villa Sandy resort.

In addition to the modern restaurant and café within the resort, be sure to stop by the POINT Parkfood Kiosk, where you can enjoy light refreshments like delicious grilled specialties, homemade pastries, and refreshing drinks. Why not plan a picnic, play some badminton, relax with a coffee or a savory flatbread in hand, or explore more of the park’s monuments and sculptures created by world-renowned artists?

Tip: In summer, the park comes alive with a vibrant program of events as part of the Košice Culture and Sports Summer! Check out our Event Calendar for details and join us for a concert, open-air party, or morning yoga session!

Welcome to one of Košice’s largest recreational and entertainment areas — Anička Area is a beloved destination for visitors of all ages! Located in the northern part of the city, it’s easily accessible by public transport, on foot, or by bike. This 50-hectare cultural and leisure hub is especially popular with children, offering plenty of fun attractions like a pirate ship, regular theatre performances, a mini zoo, and mini golf. Adventurous kids can bounce to their heart’s content on inflatable attractions or try to find their way out of a maze.

The park also features the fantastic summer Ryba swimming pool — the perfect place to cool off on hot days — as well as Lake Ryba, which is suitable for fishing, and the year-round street food spot Klídek, serving some of the tastiest local bites! History lovers should definitely try the mineral spring Gajdovka at the site of the former Gajdove Baths, where the health-promoting spring was discovered back in the 18th century. Don’t forget to bring your own bottle and come prepared!

Let yourself be captivated by the beauty of the woodland trails in Furča Forest Park, located just behind the Dargovských hrdinov housing estate. Take a bus up the hill and, after a short walk, you'll find yourself immersed in the greenery of a forest known for its 3.5-kilometer walking route leading to Zelený dvor — perfect for a trip by bike, on rollerblades, or simply in sneakers. This area is especially popular with parents pushing strollers and adventurous families looking to enjoy a picnic or barbecue in the shade, with nearby fire pits, wooden seating areas, gazebos, and information panels.

Go cross-country skiing in winter, forage for mushrooms in summer and late autumn, train like a running champion for the Košice Peace Marathon, or explore the park’s flora, fauna, and hidden corners in the Lučenec-Košice basin. You can even follow forest trails to the nearby villages of Beniakovce or Hrašovík.

And finally, perhaps the most well-known recreational area of all — Bankov, a place close to the hearts of Košice locals, with a rich mining history! Visit Bankov during warm weather, when the forest paths and cycling trails are bathed in color. Did you know that the Košice Municipal Forests are the second largest in Central Europe? Or that Bankov is home to a network of singletrack biking trails maintained by the KE.CY association of cycling enthusiasts?

Enjoy a relaxing 10-kilometer hike from Bankov to the Jahodná Ski Resort along the red-marked SNP Heroes’ Trail (Cesta hrdinov SNP), treat yourself to an orange oil massage or wellness session at the historic Hotel Bankov, or take a walk to the neo-Gothic Chapel of St. John of Nepomucký from 1922, located above a drinking spring along the Stará bankovská cesta promenade. On your way to Bankov, don’t miss the chance to admire the impressive architecture of the villas of Aladár Bielek and Július Offenheimer.

Read more about recreational and leisure areas in the city in the Nature section.