The €18,600 project near Jelšava is aimed at drawing more visitors to one of Slovakia's lesser-known tourism regions.
A new via ferrata has opened near Jelšava in southern Slovakia as local authorities and businesses seek to attract more visitors to the Gemer region.
The route, known as Via Ferrata Hrádok – Mikova železná cesta, runs across a rocky outcrop above Hotel Hrádok and is designed to be accessible to visitors with little or no previous via ferrata experience. Equipment can be rented at the hotel.
The ferrata is located close to the Ochtinská Aragonite Cave, which forms part of UNESCO's World Heritage list.
The project was developed by regional tourism organisation OOCR Gemer in cooperation with the municipality of Jelšava and local businesses. According to OOCR Gemer, safety systems were installed along the route following an expert assessment of the terrain.
