Water reservoir Úhorná (Smolnícky tajch) and Lodenica
Do you need to cool down or heat up to the highest operating temperature? Even the highest demands of summer can be met by a trip to a taich full of wet water and air that is unmatched in our area. Pleasant coolness, humidity-rich air, clean lake - this is the Smolnícky taich. Among other things, it used to catch rainwater from the surrounding mountains, thus preventing frequent floods and flooding of mining areas. The dike is 190 metres long and 16 metres high. The lake is a popular resting place, sought after for relaxation, swimming, boating, fishing or a pleasant refreshment stop for hikers and cyclists. Nowadays it is a paradise for fishermen, this area is especially rich in trout, carp and pike. At the lake there is a renovated boathouse, where you can rent a boat, kayak or dinghy.
The Úhornian Lake, also known as the Smolnícky tajch reservoir, is located 4 kilometres southwest of Smolník and 2 kilometres northeast of Úhorná.
The water reaches a depth of 8 to 13 metres. There is a 35 m long tunnel under the lake. The lake was originally created as a mining work - a taich, a dam, a part of the water management system of the Smolnice mines and is one of the remarkable proofs of the technical maturity of the Smolnice mining. The Úhornian Lake built in 1768 is one of the oldest water structures in eastern Slovakia. It supplied Smolník's smelters, mining and processing machinery and cement plants. While you are sitting in the boat, remember one of the legends which also speaks about the mysterious local waters. Celtic warriors are said to have discovered them by sticking their spears and arrows into the water. In the morning, they were amazed to find that they had changed surface and colour. They figured this water must contain something. The water still flows through the open mine workings here today. It's such a rusty colour to look at. It was found to have healing properties as well.
Here you will also discover the charm of a Marian pilgrimage site. The chapel is situated at the foot of the mountain ridge of the Volovské hills and in early August, pilgrims from all over Slovakia have been gathering at the chapel above the village for more than 200 years. Although there is no snow at that time, it happens on the feast of Our Lady of the Snows.
