Bratislava forest park restores its eighth historic spring

The city reports that Jozsef-forrás spring below Cvičná lúka on Kamzík has been restored. It is the eighth historic stone spring repaired by Mestské lesy, as part of its programme to preserve the forest park’s historic features.

The stone springs date from the forest park’s development in the late nineteenth century. Around 21 named springs were built for Hungary’s millennium celebrations in 1898. Some later suffered damage from roads and infrastructure, while others became buried under soil and leaves.

Previous restorations include Mihály-forrás near II. lom and Margit-forrás near Sŕní jarok. Mestské lesy works with restorer Jakub Kachút, aiming to retain original features and materials rather than replace the historic structures wholesale.

The city plans further restorations, using old maps and field surveys to locate surviving remains. It also reports that some repaired springs provide habitat for spotted salamanders. Restoration of a structure is not confirmation that its water is safe to drink.