Banský Studenec: Lakes, Cultural Heritage and Nature

Those looking to include lakes, cultural heritage and nature in their travel plans will find several distinct themes in Banský Studenec. The entire cadastral area has been part of the Štiavnické vrchy Protected Landscape Area since 1979. Banský Studenec is also one of the municipalities in the Banskoštiavnický Geopark.

Kolpašské Lakes: Recreation and a Cultural Monument

The focus differs depending on the size of the Kolpašské lakes: fishing takes place mainly at the smaller lakes, while the larger ones are especially popular for summer recreation. The lakes are freely accessible to the public. Kolpašské malé jazero is listed as a national cultural monument, so a body of water is also part of the locality’s cultural heritage.

When planning your trip, it is worth distinguishing between the two cycling references. The Barborská cesta leads from Svätý Anton to Banský Studenec and the Kolpašské lake. One recommended cycling tour follows the Barborská cesta around Veľké Kolpašské jazero, along the dam in Banský Studenec. The path between Veľké Kolpašské tajch and Malé Kolpašské tajch has been renovated and illuminated.

Church, Bell Tower and Industrial History

The Baroque church Kostol Premenenia Pána was built between 1743 and 1745; its interior is original Baroque. A wooden bell tower dating from the 1850s stands beside the church and is a national cultural monument. Another building with its own historical significance is the chapel sv. Jána Nepomuckého, built in 1943.

Kysihýbel is also home to a technical testament to the region’s history: an aqueduct was built there around 1870 during the construction of the narrow-gauge railway from Hronská Breznica to Štiavnica. Together with the religious buildings, it offers a different way to discover the locality than the lakes and paths—through its architecture and former infrastructure.

Nature and Trails near Kysihýbel

The Gajdošovo Nature Reserve is within the cadastral area of Banský Studenec. Protected plant species grow in its meadow habitats. Another natural attraction is the Kysihýbel Arboretum: this protected forestry research area contains stands of fast-growing, non-native tree species. A total of 282 tree species have been planted there, mainly from North America.

The self-guided Kysihýbel educational trail begins in Banský Studenec, at the western edge of the arboretum. It is a circular route and is open year-round. One of the notable stops along the way is the underground Barlangy quarry, also known as Diery. A visit to the Lesnícke arborétum Kysihýbeľ can be arranged with the head of the relevant department at the Forestry Research Institute in Zvolen or with the institute’s research station in Banská Štiavnica; an appointment must be made in advance.

Events Throughout the Year

The Kolpašská púť takes place every year as a cultural, sporting or social event. If you would like to include it in your trip, check the dates for your chosen year in advance. This way, you can factor the annual event into your plans without confusing it with the year-round Kysihýbel educational trail or the summer leisure opportunities at the larger lakes.

Discover more destinations: Svätý Anton, Štiavnické Bane, Ilija, Kozelník, Vysoká, Banska Stiavnica, Dekýš, Podhorie

For the broader travel overview: Okres Banská Štiavnica.