Discover Jelšava: Castle, Manor House and Muráň

Jelšava offers a variety of options for your stay: medieval history and architecture, as well as trails and activities on the Muráň. If you are looking for a hotel in Jelšava, you can plan your trip based on whether you are most interested in the castle, the Coburgovcov Manor House, city tours or activities on the river.

Jelšava Castle and its medieval role

Jelšava Castle is located within the city’s cadastral area, three kilometres west of the city centre, on a spur of the Revúcka vrchovina highlands. In the 14th and 15th centuries, it was the centre of the Jelšava estate. The original castle was probably built in the 1330s. Its layout included a dominant castle tower and a palace building on the opposite side of the grounds. The castle therefore represents a different period in the city’s history from the later-built Coburgovcov Manor House.

Coburgovcov Manor House: construction history and access

The three-storey Coburgovcov Manor House dates from 1763 and was built onto an older Renaissance building from the early 17th century. This older building stood on the site of a supposed Templar monastery. In historic Gemer, the manor house is a unique building in the French Classicist style. The city has been carrying out conservation and restoration work since 2015. It opens the building to the public during cultural events.

The Kaštieľ Coburgov Jelšava Information Centre offers tours of the manor house and the city from Tuesday to Sunday, between 10:00 and 16:00. These also include the Jelšava Museum and the Evangelical Church of Jelšava. As tour arrangements may change, it is advisable to check the current schedule before your visit.

Church and bell-making

The Church of Saints Peter and Paul houses a Classicist organ dating from 1865. Bell-making is another part of the local history: in the 19th century, Jelšava had as many as 40 bell-making workshops. The Jelšava City Museum has an exhibition about this craft; the display may change. The church, museum and tours thus highlight different aspects of Jelšava’s religious and artisanal heritage.

Nature trail, viewpoint and mountain scooters

The Hrádok nature trail was expanded in 2025 with a covered rest area and a dendrological information board. There is also a bicycle service station along the trail. The Dielková viewpoint offers views of the surrounding mountains. These attractions cater to different interests: the nature trail combines information with a place to rest, while Dielková opens up views of the mountain landscape.

Another option is a mountain scooter descent. The route is about 6.5 kilometres long and has an elevation difference of more than 500 metres. It begins at a forest-road junction below Hotel Hrádok. There, staff brief participants and provide helmets. The ride usually ends at the start of 9. mája Street on the outskirts of the city. The descent is suitable for adults and children aged 12 and over. Confirm the operating details again before your trip.

Leisure trips on the Muráň

On the Muráň, a leisure trip is possible along the Teplá Voda–Jelšava stretch, as far as the road bridge, in one- to four-person kayaks. Kayaks and equipment are available to hire for river trips. Transport to the starting point and from the finish, a changing room and a hot shower are also provided. Mestské služby Jelšava provides logistical support for rafting on the Muráň. Confirm operating details and availability before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Skerešovo, Rybník, Revúcka Lehota, Muránska Dlhá Lúka, Ratkovské Bystré, Višňové, Muránska Huta, Mokrá Lúka.

For the broader travel overview: Revúca District.