River Hnilec - Slovakia

spring (source):
The river sources on east slope of Králova hola Mountain.

flow length:
82 km

River description:

The river sources on east slope of Králova hola Mountain in an altitude of 1705 above sea level, in northwest direction, near to the community of Vernar. At first, it flows to the east, at the town of Mníšek nad Hnilcom, it turns towards northeast, and near to the community of Margecany it mouths, from right part, into Hornad-river. The length of navigable flow makes 60 kms, and moreover 11 kms - over Dedinky-dam. River basin makes 665 km².

Low Hnilec is passable within high water level only. However, water register index in Jaklovce was cancelled. So, the navigability could be stipulated by river-investigation at confluence, where the river must be safely passable. Further, you can ask by phone at Dedinky dam-office or in Dobšiná electric power station. The navigability of a section over a dam could be surprisingly very good even within summer saison, when the excursion-organizers look for substantional watermen terrains in Slovak rivers. So, water register index for this section is to be found nearby the community of Stratená in right direction, and would show 130 cm at least.

Accommodation:

It is available in a community of Dedinky.

Food supply:

It is available in Dedinky, Dobšiná, Mníšek nad Hnilcom, Gelnica and Margecany.

First aid:

It is available in Dedinky, Dobšiná, Mníšek nad Hnilcom, Gelnica and Margecany.

Places of interest:

• Hnilec Valley: in past very poor, unfertile countryside, where the living conditions were very hard.
• Dobšiná Ice Cave: the biggest ice-cave in Slovakia, open for public in 1871. Starting point for excursion into Slovak Paradise.