Počúvadlo — historic mining lake below Sitno

Počúvadlo (Počúvadlianske jazero) is the largest of the Štiavnica tajchs — historic artificial ponds built by the miners of Banská Štiavnica to drive the machinery of mines and smelters. The lake lies in the Štiavnické vrchy mountains at the foot of Sitno (1,009 m), the highest peak of the range, about 10 km from Banská Štiavnica; since 1980 its surroundings have belonged to the town as the district of Počúvadlianske Jazero. The name is linked to the Slovak «počúvať» — in its old meaning «to observe», i.e. «a lookout place».

The mining country around Banská Štiavnica is poor in natural water sources, so from the early 16th to the mid-19th century a unique system of 60 tajchs (from German Teich, pond) with a total volume of 7 million m³ was created here, linked by collecting (72 km) and feeder (57 km) channels: snow and rainwater gathered in the channels, accumulated in the ponds and flowed on to the mine wheels. The names of Matej Kornel Hell, Jozef Karol Hell and above all the scientist Samuel Mikovíni are associated with the system. Počúvadlo was built in 1775–1779 to a design by Jozef Karol Hell; no fewer than five dams hold back its water. It covers 11.73 ha (about 12 ha according to Slovak Wikipedia) and holds 745,300 m³; Polish Wikipedia gives a maximum depth of 20 m, Slovak and Czech Wikipedia 11 m. Water flowed into the lake through five artificial channels totalling 15.56 km (the longest, the Sitno channel, 4.63 km), and the outflow channels to the water wheels measured 13.77 km, seven sections of them running through underground adits. Of the 60 tajchs, 23 survive today; Počúvadlo is one of the largest and coldest. The tajchs are regarded as a technical monument listed by UNESCO together with Banská Štiavnica.

What to see and do

• A walk around the lake: mirror-like water, the forests of the Štiavnické vrchy and water lilies by the banks.
• Summer swimming: Polish Wikipedia mentions a bathing area on the lake; it is one of the most popular leisure spots near Banská Štiavnica, and visitors come in winter too.
• Traces of the historic water system: dams and channels that once carried water to the mines.
• The climb to Sitno — the highest peak of the Štiavnické vrchy with andesite walls and a lookout tower; a marked trail leads there from the lake via Tatárska lúka.

Getting there

You can drive right up to the lake — this is a stroll, not a hike, suitable for families with children; a trail signpost «Počúvadlianske jazero» (684 m) stands by the shore. Marked routes run around the lake and through the area, including the loop Počúvadlianske jazero – Počúvadlianske jazero and Bátovce, square – Tatárska lúka, used to climb Sitno via Tatárska lúka; to the south runs the long route Počúvadlianske Lake – Šahy, state border. The Andrej Kmeť Trail also passes nearby. Check the time for the climb to Sitno on the signposts by the lake.

Season and safety

The lake is accessible all year and access to the shores is free. In summer it is busy, especially at weekends; in autumn the forests around turn colourful. Swim only in the designated area — the water of the tajch is cold even in summer and the bottom is muddy in places. In winter do not go onto the ice unless you are sure it is safe. Protect the historic dams and channels — they are part of the monument. Mountain Rescue Service — 18 300, general emergency number — 112. As of October 2026.

Nearby

Above the lake rises the Sitno massif, crossed by the red Rudná magistrála: Veľký Inovec – Kadak; from Sedlo Krížna the route Banská Štiavnica, Križovatka – Sedlo Krížna leads towards Banská Štiavnica.

Photos: Palickap, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons; Michal Hruška, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons; Daniel Skreno, CC BY-SA 2.5, Wikimedia Commons; Jan Starec, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons.