The Oldest Opal Mines in the World – and the Only Ones in Eurasia

Just a 30-minute drive from Košice lies a sprawling network of underground tunnels stretching for dozens of kilometers. Opal was mined here from pre-Roman times all the way to the early 20th century. On the guided tour, you’ll learn about the history and mining techniques, but you’ll also hear thrilling stories and legends connected to this mysterious place. Visitors can choose between a one-hour tour or an adventurous four-hour route deep into the mine. This site is a true world rarity – don’t miss it!

Roma Street Food Near the Opal Mines

After your underground adventure, refuel at the local Roma food truck. Try iconic specialties such as goja, marikľe, or their famously tender ribs. It’s the most delicious way to experience Roma culture.

Strike It Rich in a Gold Mine

If you don’t feel like traveling to California — and you’ve already missed the Klondike Gold Rush — no worries. You can try real gold panning in the village called Zlatá Baňa (“Golden Mine”), about 30 minutes from Košice. A former mayor and passionate local enthusiast Dušan Demčák will teach you the technique, and whatever gold you find… you get to keep! Call him: +421 910 507 748

Authentic Slovakia

To see how our ancestors lived, dressed, and celebrated, head to the village of Zamutov and visit the charming rural museum U Cetky. The owners, Štefan and Anna Višňovský, have dedicated their lives to preserving Slovak folklore and traditional folk culture. With warmth and passion, they will guide you through the colorful world of local customs, costumes, and everyday life from the past. We recommend this place 10/10!

Lakeside Sauna at Sigord

If you’re exploring the region in winter, end your day in the romantic outdoor sauna by Lake Sigord. Low price, maximum experience! You book the sauna online, a local caretaker heats it up before you arrive, and you simply show up to a perfectly warmed retreat. The cooling? Directly in the lake. An unforgettable experience!

Gallery:

Realizované s finančnou podporou Ministerstva cestovného ruchu a športu SR
With the financial support of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of the Slovak Republic.

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How did it all start?

At the beginning of the 13th century, the Mongol horde galloped into Europe, leaving no survivors. A large part of Central and Eastern Europe remained destroyed and depopulated. Therefore, the Hungarian king Belo IV. decided to revive these areas and invited settlers from all around Europe. Most often, they were German miners and builders, but also Italians who, besides trading also excelled in viticulture. It didn’t take long before they found out that the conditions for growing wine in the Tokaj region are excellent…

What makes Tokaj so unique?

• It is located on a volcanic, tufa subsoil that drains water well and at the same time retains and accumulates heat, which is excellent for the vines.
• Thanks to the unique climate – there are short morning fogs in autumn, which help the growth of the noble rot Botrytis cinerea. It attacks the grape berries, which slowly dry up and shrink, due to which the concentration of sugar in them increases. These berries are used in the production of legendary sweet Azsú wines (wine of kings king of wines).
• Wines are stored in ancient cellars, many of which were dug as far back as the 13th century, as a shelter from the Mongol invaders. People later discovered that if you store wine in them, it achieves exceptional qualities. The reason is – wine cellar fungus Cladosporium cellare. It lives on wine vapors and in return helps to maintain ideal humidity and temperature in the cellars.

Tokaj are not only sweet wines!

One of the most common mistakes that people associate with Tokaj is that Tokaj wines are sweet. However, that is no longer the case. Besides traditional sweet wines, you can also find fantastic dry wines, sparkling wines, orange wines, and straw wines. You have a lot to discover here!

Tokaj wine tasting from Košice

If you want to get to know Tokaj, we will be happy to take you there. We most often cooperate with small, family winemakers from Veľká Trňa. In addition to great wines, you will get to know their personal stories, visit old cellars, and experience the unique atmosphere. Tokaj wine tasting from Košice is the best thing you can do especially on rainy days, when you have nothing to do.

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