Flowing fiercely through eastern Slovakia, the Hornád River dares paddlers and adventurers alike to engage with its dynamic current and lush surroundings. Each year, Košice hosts the Hornád River Clean-Up and Paddle Festival, an event that blends environmental responsibility with outdoor excitement. This festival invites you to take part in a collective effort to clear the river of debris, then reward yourself with a paddle down its lively stretches.

The event spans a manageable 15-kilometer section of the river, perfect for intermediate to skilled paddlers eager for a physical challenge coupled with meaningful environmental impact. The river banks here alternate between steep forested slopes and wide floodplains, where birds and native plants hold court. Water levels can fluctuate, pushing paddlers to respect its mood swings—sometimes calm and inviting, other times a bustling force demanding attention.

The day starts early at Košice’s Slovakia Square, where volunteers gather gear and safety briefings. Armed with gloves and trash bags, groups fan out along the banks and shallow edges, pulling litter caught in rocky outcrops or beneath fallen branches. Expect uneven terrain underfoot—wet roots and gravelly stretches—so sturdy, waterproof footwear is a must.

Right after the clean-up, festival-goers mount kayaks and canoes, launching directly into the current for a paddle that’s as much a celebration as a test of skill. The 15 kilometers downstream passes by peaceful forest patches and opens into views of distant karst hills. Keep tabs on the river’s changing pace; currents may push you faster in some sections, while other spots force a tactical maneuver around fallen timber and swift bends.

Hydration is critical. Bring at least 2 liters of water and sun protection for the exposed river sections. A dry bag to protect your phone, camera, and snacks will keep essentials safe. The festival atmosphere is lively but practical, with food vendors serving local snacks and stations providing first aid support.

After the paddle, conversations flow about the river’s health and future care, paired with music and local craft vendors nearby. Whether you come for a full day of action or to soak in the community spirit, the Hornád River Clean-Up and Paddle Festival connects you directly with a wild place fiercely itself—one that needs respect, care, and the kind of attention that only hands-on adventure can offer.

Prepare to meet the Hornád with both grit and gratitude—the river will respond in kind.