Herľany Geyser

Herliansky gejzír

A rare cold-water geyser that erupts periodically to heights of over ten metres from a 19th-century borehole. One of the few of its kind in Europe, it is a curious natural spectacle worth timing a visit around.

Things to do

• Watch the eruption — Time your visit to catch the cold-water geyser shoot over ten metres into the air, an event that lasts around twenty to thirty minutes.
• Inspect the historic borehole — See the 19th-century well drilled between 1870 and 1875 that still powers this rare natural spectacle today.
• Check the eruption schedule — Consult the posted timetable or online prediction as the geyser erupts only roughly every 32 to 36 hours.
• Stroll the spa park — Wander the quiet former spa grounds of Herľany, once a popular 18th and 19th-century health resort.
• Walk in the Slanské vrchy hills — Take a forest trail through the volcanic Slanské Mountains surrounding the village for fresh air and views.
• Photograph the mineral deposits — Look at the reddish, iron-rich sinter crust that the mineral-laden water has built up around the vent.

Food to try

• Bryndzové halušky — Slovakia's national dish of soft potato dumplings with sheep's bryndza cheese and bacon, found in regional restaurants.
• Zemplínska kapustnica — A hearty eastern Slovak sauerkraut soup with smoked sausage and mushrooms, especially warming after an outdoor wait.
• Pirohy — Filled dough pockets stuffed with potato, cheese or cabbage, a staple comfort food of the Košice region.
• Lokše — Thin potato pancakes served plain or with savoury fillings, a common accompaniment at eastern Slovak tables.
• Tokaj wine — Sample sweet white wine from the nearby Slovak Tokaj region, one of Europe's smallest wine areas just south of Košice.

Local customs & good to know

• Bring your own supplies — Herľany is a tiny village with very limited services, so pack water, snacks and cash before arriving.
• Base yourself in Košice — The regional capital about 30 kilometres away offers the nearest hotels, restaurants and public transport connections.
• Be patient and punctual — Eruptions are natural and can vary, so arrive early and allow flexibility around the predicted time.
• Respect the protected site — The geyser is a national natural monument, so do not climb on or damage the borehole and mineral formations.

Nearby

• Košice — 20 km
• Prešov (Prešov Region) — 24 km
• Jasov Cave — 40 km
• Wooden Churches of the Carpathians (Prešov Region) — 46 km