The spring of the Rudava River is located in the Záhorie Region near the village of Bílkove Humence. This source of water for the unique and still unregulated river can be an interesting tip for a short trip near Bratislava. The area around the spring is characterized by an almost deserted environment, tranquility, a pleasant rural atmosphere, and several interesting sights in close proximity.
Although the Rudava River is unique for Slovakia due to its unregulated course and its important role in draining the land north of the Little Carpathians, its source is not marked. Finding it can therefore be a small adventure, where a navigation device will come in handy. It is still a trip suitable for families with children, seniors, and dog owners.
Reaching the Rudava Spring is a bit of a mini-navigational adventure. You can start, for example, from the village of Bílkove Humence or from the nearby Dubník Transmitter, which is accessible by car. It is advisable to study a map of the fields between Dubník and Bílkove Humence beforehand. A mobile map is also useful. From either the village or the transmitter, the walk to the spring takes around 20 minutes.
On the map, you can see that the Rudava seems to have two main sources. The one that appeared to us as the main source is located to the northwest. This charming little spring flows out of the ground near a hunting lookout, which seemed somewhat unstable and may not last long.
You can also orient yourself by the wetlands with characteristic vegetation, which grow in two distinct clusters in the field. Narrow streams flow from both sources and merge on the field. Just beyond Bílkove Humence, the Rudava gains water from its tributaries Štefanka, Čulanka, Habánka, and the Sokolský Canal. All of these originate in the surrounding fields, making the area rich for exploration.
Exploring the sources of the Rudava and its nearby tributaries can be an interesting type of easy hiking suitable for both children and adults. In the fields near the source, you will also find beautiful trees, and the character of the landscape is striking, with fields, wetlands, watercourses, rolling hills, and patches of forest. There are no marked trails here; you will mostly follow field paths, which are generally easy to walk, though they may be muddy after rain.
Another advantage of visiting the Rudava Spring is its proximity to the Chapel of St. Magdalene – a very nice pilgrimage site – and the unique cottages in the Habány area. Additionally, you can explore the Zelienka National Nature Reserve, a very unique location near Lakšárska Nová Ves Village. Other interesting nearby sights include the birthplace of Ján Hollý in Borský Mikuláš Vilage and the Gazárka Recreational Area.