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Potocny CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Rožňava

Town

A medieval mining town near the Slovak Karst, Rožňava funnels visitors to the Ochtinská Aragonite Cave, hilltop fortifications and mining museums; caving and rural hikes are the main draws.

Rožňava Map data © OpenStreetMap contributorsSlovak Karst National ParkKrásna Hôrka CastleCathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin MaryRožňava
In this guide

Rožňava essentials

Country: Slovakia
Driest months: Jan-Mar
Pay in: Euro (€)
Language: Slovak
Emergency: 158

Where to Go in Rožňava

Sight Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Rožňava Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, RožňavaGothic cathedral in Rožňava and medieval diocesan seat Sight St Martin's Cathedral (Spišská Kapitula) St Martin's Cathedral (Spišská Kapitula)Romanesque–Gothic cathedral on Spišská Kapitula hill Sight Basilica of St. James, Levoča Basilica of St. James, LevočaGothic basilica in Levoča housing historic altar History Spiš Castle Spiš CastleOne of Europe's largest castle ruins, hilltop fortress History Krásna Hôrka Castle Krásna Hôrka CastleHilltop medieval castle overlooking Rožňava region History Turňa Castle Turňa CastleRuined medieval castle atop hill in eastern Slovakia. History Levoča, Spišský Hrad and the Associated Cultural Monuments Levoča, Spišský Hrad and the Associated Cultural MonumentsHistoric Slovak town and large Gothic hilltop castle Nature Slovak Paradise National Park Slovak Paradise National ParkKarst national park with gorges and ladder trails Nature Aggtelek AggtelekHungarian village famous for extensive karst cave system Nature Aggtelek National Park Aggtelek National ParkKarst national park famed for extensive cave systems Nature Slovak Ore Mountains Slovak Ore MountainsMountain range in eastern Slovakia with mining history Nature Slovak Karst National Park Slovak Karst National ParkProtected karst region with caves and limestone gorges
All Attractions
Neighbourhoods

Rožňava at a Glance

Local Time
5:20 AM
GMT+2
Population
17,122

Costs: Affordable regional prices - expect about $35-$65 per day for food, lodging and excursions.

Safety: Safe and relaxed - safe small town; outdoor activities are low‑risk with usual caution.

Best Time: Spring through early autumn - april-October for cave visits, hiking and national‑park access.

Rožňava sits on historic mining grounds and is a gateway to the Slovak Karst, which contains over 1,000 caves.

Why Visit Rožňava?

Rožňava is a medieval mining town that serves as a gateway to the Slovak Karst, home to unique caves like the Ochtinská Aragonite Cave and nearby Jasovská Cave. Stroll the historic main square, explore mining-era museums and use the town as a starting point for hiking and caving in the national park. The mix of geological wonders and old-town atmosphere gives a distinct, spelunking-flavored character to visits.

Best Things to Do in Rožňava

Rožňava Bucket List

Don't Miss

Rožňava Cathedral and main square - Rožňava Cathedral and historic main square with Gothic and Baroque elements.

Gemersko‑Malohontské Museum - Gemersko‑Malohontské Museum exhibiting local mining history, minerals, and regional archaeology.

Historic town streets and arcades - Wandering the historic streets reveals arcades, traditional houses, and small galleries.

Hidden Gems

Local gemstone and mineral shops - Local gemstone and mineral shops reflecting the region’s mining heritage and collectors’ finds.

Small family-run vinárna (wine bars) - Cozy family-run wine bars serving regional wines and Slovak tapas-style dishes.

Riverside walking paths along Slaná - Riverside paths along the Slaná River offering calm walks and picnic places.

Day Trips

Jasovská Cave - Jasovská Cave showcave within the Slovak Karst with stalactites and guided tours.

Dobšinská Ice Cave - Dobšinská Ice Cave offering spectacular ice formations, show cave tours in winter and summer.

When to Go

Best Time to Visit Rožňava

Rožňava is nicest from late spring through summer when hikes and canyon sites are fully accessible. Winters are colder and quieter, best for a low-key cultural visit.

Winter

December - February-5 - 2 °C / 23 - 36 °F

Chilly winters with occasional snow in the hills; caves and indoor cultural sites offer a warm escape from frosty outdoor conditions.

Spring

March - May4 - 16 °C / 39 - 61 °F

Refreshing and pleasant for hiking, exploring medieval streets, and outdoor cafés; trails reopen and countryside looks lively and green.

Summer

June - August14 - 25 °C / 57 - 77 °F

Warm, clear days perfect for hiking, canyon visits, and terrace dining; peak season brings more visitors but excellent outdoor conditions.

Climate

Rožňava's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -6°C to 24°C. Moderate rainfall (562 mm/year).

Air Quality: AQI 53 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
AugustJulyJune
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
38°
Warmest Month
-22°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Poor -6° - 1° -6° 27 mm overcast 92% 1.9 m/s 0.1 low 8.6h
February Poor -5° - 3° -4° 23 mm overcast 87% 2.1 m/s 0.2 low 10.0h
March Good -1° - 9° 1° 26 mm partly cloudy 77% 2.5 m/s 0.4 low 11.7h
April Acceptable 3° - 14° 7° 46 mm partly cloudy 70% 2.6 m/s 0.8 moderate 13.5h
May Good 8° - 20° 14° 68 mm partly cloudy 71% 2.4 m/s 1.2 high 15.0h
June Very Good 11° - 23° 17° 83 mm partly cloudy 70% 2.2 m/s 1.5 high 15.8h
July Very Good 13° - 24° 18° 71 mm partly cloudy 67% 2.2 m/s 1.5 high 15.5h
August Excellent 12° - 24° 18° 64 mm partly cloudy 65% 2.0 m/s 1.3 high 14.1h
September Good 8° - 20° 14° 46 mm partly cloudy 70% 2.0 m/s 0.8 moderate 12.4h
October Good 4° - 14° 8° 39 mm partly cloudy 80% 1.9 m/s 0.4 low 10.7h
November Poor -1° - 6° 1° 39 mm overcast 89% 1.9 m/s 0.1 low 9.1h
December Poor -4° - 2° -4° 30 mm overcast 92% 1.9 m/s 0.1 low 8.2h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Rožňava

Rožňava is a small town in eastern Slovakia; Košice (KSC) is the nearest major airport. The town is reachable by regional trains and frequent regional buses, with buses often offering the simplest direct connection from Košice.

By Air

Košice International Airport (KSC): Košice is the closest major airport to Rožňava. From Košice take a regional bus or a combination of train and bus toward Rožňava; journey time is roughly 1.5-2 hours by direct bus or around 2 hours if changing trains/buses. Typical fares are around €4-10.

Poprad-Tatry (TAT): Poprad can be used for some domestic/regional connections; travel from Poprad to Rožňava usually involves rail and bus changes and takes longer (often 2-3 hours), so Košice is generally the easier airport option.

By Train & Bus

Train: Rožňava has a railway station (Rožňava) served by regional ŽSR services; trains connect Rožňava with Spišská Nová Ves, Košice and other regional hubs but services can be infrequent. Expect travel times from Košice by rail plus bus transfers of 1.5-2.5 hours depending on routing and connections.

Bus: Buses are often the most direct public transport option to Rožňava, with regular coach services from Košice and other towns. Bus journey times from Košice are typically about 1.5-2 hours and fares commonly fall in the €3-8 range.

How to Get Around Rožňava

Rožňava is easiest reached by regional bus from Košice; trains can be used but often need complementary bus legs. For local travel, walking works well in town while a rental car is best for wider exploration.

  • Regional bus (€3-8) - Buses are usually the most straightforward way to reach Rožňava from Košice and surrounding towns. Buses run several times a day on major routes; expect journey times around 1.5-2 hours from Košice and fares roughly €3-8. Check local timetables for seasonal changes.
  • Regional train (€3-10 (combined)) - Trains serve Rožňava but are less frequent and often require a bus for the final leg depending on origin. Rail travel can be scenic but slower; combine train and bus connections for best results. Ticket prices are modest but vary by route.
  • Taxi / private transfer (€30+ (varies)) - Taxis or pre-booked private transfers from Košice Airport or station provide door-to-door service and save transfer time, but cost more than buses. Useful for groups, early/late arrivals or when carrying a lot of luggage.
  • Car hire (€30-70/day (varies)) - Hiring a car is convenient for exploring the Slovak Karst and nearby villages; roads are generally good though mountain roads require care in winter. Rentals give maximum flexibility for day trips and accessing remote sites.
  • Bicycle (€5-15/day) - Local cycling can be pleasant in summer for short trips around town and nearby valleys, though distances to some attractions are significant. Bike rentals are limited - inquire locally if needed.
  • Walking - Rožňava’s compact historic centre is best explored on foot; walking is ideal for visiting the cathedral, market and local cafés within a short radius.

Where to Stay in Rožňava

Budget

Historic Centre - €20-50/night

Rožňava offers small guesthouses and pensions near the historic centre; budget travellers will find functional, locally run places aimed at hikers and sightseers.

Mid-Range

Town Centre / Riverside - €50-100/night

Comfortable mid-range hotels and family-run pensions provide decent rooms and local hospitality; they’re convenient for exploring nearby caves and countryside.

Luxury

Košice (regional centre) - €100+/night

Rožňava lacks high-end resorts; for luxury lodging and broader dining options, travellers typically base in Košice or other regional centres.

Eat & Drink

Where to Eat in Rožňava

Breakdown of cuisine types found across Rožňava’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.

Pizza
Kebab
Burger
Langos
Chinese
Italian
Vietnamese

Nightlife in Rožňava

Rožňava’s nightlife is subdued-small bars, cafés and occasional cultural events make up most evening options. The town has a relaxed, community-oriented evening scene rather than an active club culture.

If you’re seeking live-music venues or a nightclub atmosphere, plan a trip to Košice for more variety.

Shopping in Rožňava

Shopping in Rožňava focuses on local needs: small shops, markets and souvenir stalls tied to the town’s mining and historical heritage. You’ll find local handicrafts and practical stores in the town centre.

For major retail or brand-name shopping, Košice is the best nearby city to visit.