Bankov: Urbex Gem and Hiking Area in Košice

There are many beautiful green areas in the center of Košice, but some of them lie nearby. One such place is the Bankov Košice area. It is suitable for short-day trips in sunny spring, summer, and autumn. There are some great spots with great views of the town worth visiting.

Overview of Bankov

I remember Bankov Košice as a place where I used to go on day trips with my school. These trips usually included some field running or similar sports activities. But besides being a favorite spot for runners and cyclists, many people visit it for the Urbex potential of the Mine Bankov.

Centuries ago, in 1705, some locals established Bankov thermal baths. In the 19th century, the baths underwent some major construction. They added a dancing hall, a new dining room, and a telephone line.

In the past, the Old Spiš Road (now Old Bankov Road) to Spiš led through Bankov and not through the Čermel Valley as it does today.

Even some notable and famous people came to visit Bankov Košice. For example, Luciano Pavarotti is one of them. In 1998, he was playing a concert in Košice and visited this lovely place.

How to Get there

If you want to reach the main gate of Mine Bankov, you can take bus number 13 and get off at the last stop. It will be in front of you. From there, you can walk towards the solar powerhouse.

Alternatively, you can take the bus number 14. It will take you to the Dolný Bankov area, home to Hotel Bankov, or you can continue to the final stop, Horný Bankov.

If you are coming with a car, there is a big but paid parking lot.

Mine Bankov

If you come to the main gate of the mine to do some Urbex exploration, you will need to find a different entrance. You can cross the street to the bus stop, where the bus leaves for the mine. Just cross the plants and follow the wannabe path. From there, you can go up the hill to the solar powerhouse. Try to use GPS and head somewhere toward the Adrenaline Bridge. You will probably find some second paths inside.

Alternatively, you can explore Horný Bankov by following the trail down to the old mine or heading uphill to discover the area with solar panels. I remember finding a hole in the fence. I recommend checking some of the Urbex videos on YouTube or contacting people who have already been inside. Unfortunately, I haven’t been inside yet.

Keep in mind that CCTV cameras are everywhere. Venturing underground could lead to trouble, as happened with two tourists from the Netherlands who got stuck and faced issues with the police.

People once mined magnesite here, but now only remnants remain abandoned mining machinery, an underground mining area, and a large crater left after surface mining ceased.

Hiking trails and scenic spots

It is also possible to walk from KVP borough directly to Horný Bankov. Just start to walk towards restaurant Čičky Areál and the bar U Koňa. Then, follow the path up the hill over the town and slowly walk inside the forest. It should take you around an hour. The hike offers a great view of the city and the solar panels.

Another route starts at the Botanical Garden bus stop and takes you to the Cross spot. You can also choose to pass the Cemetery of St. Rozália is one of the most beautiful in Slovakia. I highly recommend checking it out. In this case, start at the bus stop Business Academy and go up. Try to find the road Sladkovičová.

Between Dolný Bankov and Alpinka is the Old Bankov Road, formerly Old Spiš Road. It is a promenade for walking, cycling, and even for skating. A nature trail with seven stations educates visitors on tree rings, thinning, logging practices, native trees (linden and oak), the role of sap, natural regeneration versus clearcutting, and the ecological importance of old-growth trees. The route includes rest areas with tables and shelters.

The important red hiking trail, known as the Path of the Heroes of the SNP, also passes through Bankov, heading west to the popular Jahodná resort. In the opposite direction, it continues north to Čermeľ, a hike that takes approximately 30 minutes (40 minutes on the return).  

By following combined routes, you can reach scenic peaks like Kojšovská Hoľa (1,246 m), Holý Vrch (1,054 m) – also called Tisícka, and the lookout point Skala Loreley (901 m).

Historic Sights

Two chapels, one hotel, and a couple of old villas, many of them concentrated in Dolný Bankov. Some older ones are not standing there anymore. For example, the fashionable wooden restaurant Koliba, or Villa Lujza, was replaced by the swimming pool belonging to Hotel Bankov.

The Chapel of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary lies near the bus stop Horný Bankov. It is a neogothic chapel built in 1903 from stones and bricks. The structure with the metal rooftop hosts Holy Masses during the summer, both on Sundays and feast days.

The second chapel, dedicated to St. John Nepomuk, was also designed in the neogothic style and built-in 1922. The hot spring water source is near the Cross spot, along the Old Bankov Road.

Food, accommodation, sports

As mentioned before, Bankov Košice offers accommodation in the luxurious Hotel Bankov. Other options are also available. Guest House Zlatý Jeleň, and Živanská Koliba. The latter has Bistro Bankov, which offers drinks and food (including traditional Slovak). An additional small buffet is part of the minigolf playground.

For more insights on what to do in Košice, be sure to check out my articles on Košice nightlife and 10 exciting things to do in the city.