Kokava nad Rimavicou

Kokava nad Rimavicou combines documented architectural history, glass culture and marked trails through a landscape where hiking, cross-country skiing and cycling are popular activities.

Glass, Craftsmanship and Local History

Stará škola Kokava is a historic building from 1913, a local memorial site and, since 2021, a cultural and educational venue. It hosts exhibitions of historic glass and presentations of contemporary glass design under the title “Príbeh skla”. Stará škola also offers individual tours outside regular opening hours. Its connection to the local glassmaking history is reflected in the hollow, thick-walled, round green-glass bottles formerly produced for bottling mineral water in Slatina. Traditional crafts are also part of the cultural character of the area. An institution in Kokava nad Rimavicou teaches traditional weaving – from flaxseed to linen fabric and products made from it. In addition, the two natural mineral springs provide cold, hypotonic, naturally carbonated and iron-rich water.

Historic Buildings and Older Traces

The Roman Catholic Church of St. Peter and Paul was built in 1820. In 1903, a tower with four bells and a choir were added. From an original church building dating from 1566, the lower part of the tower and a stone Gothic portal of the inner doors have been preserved. In addition, a Renaissance church originally built in 1566 is documented in Kokava nad Rimavicou. Other historic points of interest include a manor house commissioned by Count Anton Forgáč in 1805 in the Classical style, probably on the site of an older building, as well as a smaller Romantic building with historicist elements, probably built around 1890. A bridge is probably the oldest building in the area. Kokava nad Rimavicou is also home to the entrance to an old adit dating from former gold mining activities.

Hiking Trails, Winter Sports and Landscape

Several routes described in different ways are available for an active trip. A red-marked hiking trail leads to Diel, which lies 934 metres above sea level. A green-marked hiking trail reaches Slopovo at 853 metres above sea level. The green-marked tourist route No. 5466 runs from Kokava nad Rimavicou via Slopovo and Laz to the Pereš saddle. Another option is the red-marked route from Rimavská Baňa. It runs below Sinec and through Bodnárka before reaching the centre of Kokava nad Rimavicou. In the Kokavská rekreačná oblasť, the scenic meadow ridges beside the ski slopes are suitable for cross-country skiing, hiking and active cycling. The Kokava-Línia ski centre is also located nearby, with easy, undemanding ski runs that are particularly suitable for beginners and families with children.

Guidance for Choosing Where to Stay

Liešnica, the location of the Včelí kRaj educational centre, is a district of Kokava nad Rimavicou and is reached from the Vlkovo part of the municipality. The educational centre offers creative workshops for schools of all levels and for the general public. The area’s historic transport history also provides useful orientation: the building of the Kokava nad Rimavicou railway station was constructed in 1908 together with the Poltár–Kokava nad Rimavicou railway line. A railway structure was built in 1909, when the railway line from Kokava nad Rimavicou to Utekáč was completed. To compare other destinations, you can also view Utekáč, Uhorské, Hradište, Ozdín, Hrnčiarska Ves, Krná, Poltár and České Brezovo.

For the broader travel overview: Poltár District.