Ružín is one of Slovakia's most scenic reservoirs — a long, winding lake carved into the deep valley of the Hornád River, flanked by sheer rocky cliffs, ancient broadleaf forests and dramatic peaks. Whether you come to paddle, swim, fish or simply breathe in the mountain air, this place will leave a lasting impression.

The reservoir stretches for about 14–15 km through a narrow gorge in the northeastern part of the Slovak Ore Mountains. The shores are mostly steep and rocky, draped in lush forest, and from the water you can spot the peaks of Šľuchta (781 m), Bujanov (757 m) and the remarkable limestone crag of Sivec (781 m), which towers some 430 m above the water surface — one of the region's most jaw-dropping views. Summer brings warm water temperatures averaging around 20.5°C, while autumn transforms the forested slopes into a blaze of gold and red. The maximum depth of the reservoir reaches 54 m near the dam.

• From the northwest — via Margecany and Jaklovce (confluence of the Hornád and Hnilec rivers) — main access point, reachable by car and train, starting point for water and hiking activities
• From the south — via Košická Belá and Veľký Folkmar — access to Hámorská Bay with beaches and the Ružín boathouse
• From the east — via Malá Lodina — direct road access to the dam itself

• Swimming is permitted only in the designated zone of Hámorská Bay, between the Ružín boathouse and the mouths of the Opátka and Belá streams
• Motorboats with combustion engines are banned across most of the reservoir; exceptions apply only to designated water-skiing zones near Margecany and Kozinec
• Jet skis and planing craft are prohibited between 18:00 and 10:00
• Several national nature reserves surround the lake: NPR Sivec, NPR Bujanovská dubina, NPR Vozárska, NPR Bokšov and NPR Humenec — home to rare orchids, lynx, wolves, otters and many bat species
• Boat rentals available at Počkaj beach (Margecany) and near the Hámor bridge

The reservoir takes its name from the village of Ružín — one of several communities submerged when the dam was built between 1963 and 1970. Spanning the lake is the impressive Ružín railway viaduct, and nearby you can walk through a 19th-century railway tunnel, now lit and open to pedestrians and cyclists as a charming heritage trail.