The Alps in winter, the Adriatic in summer—yet tourists are increasingly drawn to one of the most beautiful corners of the Gemer region in southern Slovakia. In the small village of Dedinky, there are now more visitors than locals. With a population of just 230, Dedinky offers a wealth of hidden treasures.
One of its standout attractions is a single-seat cable car, the only one of its kind in Slovakia, which resumed operation last year after a 12-year hiatus. Even during its one-year trial run, it drew immense interest from visitors, a trend that continues to grow. A helping hand in the heart of Europe thanks to the Slovakia travel guide with more than 1,000 photos and hundreds of tourist spots.
"It provides an exceptional experience, not just from the ride itself but from the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and Palcmanská Maša [water reservoir - ed.]," said Lenka Vargová Jurková, executive director of Košice Region Tourism. "The 20-minute ride each way offers a chance to take in the beauty of Slovak Paradise [National Park].
" This winter, it will once again be open to tourists. The cable car now transports thousands of people each month. Last year, despite operating only from August to October, the cable car carried 13,000 visitors.
"This year, we exceeded that number in July alone. We expect the total to rise to 25,000 visitors annually," said Vargová Jurková. For comparison, she noted that during its previous period of operation, the cable car transported around 15,000 tourists annually.
From May through October, the cable car runs daily from 9:00 to 17:00. In winter, from November to April, it will continue operating, though with slightly shorter hours. Milan Červenka, the mayor of Dedinky, views the cable car's reopening as a major boost not only for the village but for the entire Gemer region.
In an area not typically favoured by large investors, the cable car has spurred promising tourism growth and positively impacted the local economy. "It's encouraging to see things improving. As the cable car attracts more tourists, the village benefits," said the mayor.
He also highlighted that the cable car, which is owned by the village, has created new employment opportunities. Twelve people are now employed in operating the cable car and managing the nearby food stands. The cable car from Dedinky to Geravy was constructed in 1970.
Spanning 1,980 metres with 32 columns, it ascends approximately 220 metres and has a capacity of 133 seats. It operates three trips per hour. "Many foreign visitors used to come here," recalled local Štefan Slejzák, who operated the original and now operates the renovated cable car.
The return trip, in particular, offers spectacular views of the Palcmanská Maša reservoir with its striking turquoise waters. The area is popular among holidaymakers who camp in caravans and tents, and it also attracts fishermen. Nearby attractions include the Dobšinská Ice Cave, Stratenský canyon, and Zejmarská gorge, making the region a sought-after destination for many people.
©My Novohrad.
