Trips

Educational Trail in Modra–Kráľová to the Pond

Feel like an easy walk or bike ride? Come with us to Modra–Kráľová, once a sub-village of Modra established in 1609, that today is home to winegrowers and winemakers, amateur and volunteer. The educational trail at Kráľová was built in 2018 and it will take you on a tour of the history, traditional life, archaeology, and notable people of this historical area. The information boards on Národná street will give you a peek at the history of the village and inform you of what it’s like in the present. You will see religious sites including Zelený les (Green Forest), a memorial to the family of a Jewish merchant. Follow the cycling marks to get to the pond, a pleasant and peaceful place. You can continue along the cycling path to Harmónia, Dubová, or go back to Modra.

MODRA MINING TRAIL

Modra, Harmónia –> Harmónia reservoir –> Tri kopce –> Medvedia skala –> Modra, Harmónia

Modra may not seem like a mining town but remnants of mining activity can be found here. They mostly mined precious metals and sulphur, which is obtained from pyrite and pyrrhotite. We do not have any exact timeline for when mining began, but we do know that in 1773, mining entrepreneur Jozef Entzler toured old mines. Mining in Modra took place in several phases and was extensive, but it appears not to have been profitable. Today, there are still around twenty underground and surface mines in the area.

The mining trail was opened in 2013. It starts at what was once forest management headquarters, which today houses the Hollerung coffee house and general store. The trail will take you up among the villas to the reservoir in Harmónia. The mine gallery here was mentioned in 1821, and during World War II it was used as a hideout. There was a cave-in later so we are unable to identify its exact location. The Mining Trail continues to the Kameňolomy (quarries) – open-pit mines first referred to in 1811: Tri kopce (Three Hills) excavation; Tri kopce – pinga (pit); Tri kopce – shaft and gallery; Dolná Medvedia skala – Schovaná excavation.