Nostalgic Geotourism as a New Form of Landscape Presentation: An Application to the Carphatian Mountains

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a surge in interest towards innovative methods of landscape presentation across various tourism sectors, including natural heritage. Geotourism exemplifies this trend, emerging as a distinct form of tourism primarily centered on inanimate elements of nature, accentuating the aesthetic value of landscapes. Presently, geotourism serves as a platform for showcasing landscape along with its historical narrative, contemporary attributes, and, inherently, its evolutionary trajectory. This paper delves into novel avenues within geotourism, introducing the concept of nostalgic geotourism. This concept involves the portrayal of geological heritage through the lens of historical inquiry. The authors employ a multidimensional analysis to forge a robust theoretical framework underpinning the emergence of this unconventional form of tourism dedicated to landscape presentation. Additionally, the paper furnishes a case study conducted in the High Tatras region, featuring a 19th-century guided tour (lecture) on non-living nature. Through this illustration, the theoretical construct of nostalgic geotourism is applied to the locale. This heralds a fresh dimension of tourism reminiscent of traditional nostalgia-based tourism, with a pronounced cultural focus. The innovative concept fosters an increased interest in exploring geological heritage and natural landscapes, while emphasizing their sentimental value.

1. Introduction

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in exploring innovative approaches for landscape presentation within the realm of different forms of tourism, including cultural, heritage, sustainable, mining tourism, etc. Significant shifts have occurred in how individuals access and consume information or knowledge. To make cultural or natural landscapes more attractive for tourists, various landscape presentation methods have been implemented. These include the integration of modern technologies such as 3D visualizations, animations, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR), and gamification. For instance, the application of mixed reality (MR) has been demonstrated to provide an interactive experience at cultural heritage sites, such as at the church of Roncesvalles at the commencement of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route in Spain [1]. Vlahakis et al. [2] developed Archeoguide, a system offering personalized augmented reality tours of archaeological sites. It employs 3D visualization, outdoor tracking, mobile computing, and augmented reality techniques to enrich information presentation, reconstruction of ruined sites, and simulation of ancient life. Another illustration is the Tiber Valley Virtual Museum in Italy, exemplifying a sensorial cultural landscape. By integrating various technologies, including topographical data acquisition, the museum offers immersive multi-sensory experiences that engage visitors on a physical and emotional level [3].

Another popular method of landscape presentation is oral storytelling [4]. The objective of employing oral storytelling is to immerse tourists in exploring historical landscapes of the past. Within these narratives, the concept of nature as a resource for humans, including its role in providing food, raw materials, wood, water, or serving as a venue for active relaxation (such as eco-tourism or geotourism) is vividly conveyed. Oral storytelling serves as a potent tool for both teaching and learning as it stimulates individuals’ imaginations [5]. According to Dujmović [6], oral storytelling facilitates students in connecting the story to their own lives, fostering an understanding of human behavior. Stories have a lasting impact on us—they shape our identities and influence our interactions with the world around us. Oral storytelling is frequently utilized as a tool for environmental education [7].

Several scholars [8,9,10,11,12,13] have devoted their research to exploring the impact of theater techniques or “living history” (the presentation of historical periods by live actors) as a means of facilitating knowledge and understanding within the context of heritage education. Additionally, sensory experience and experiential learning through study tours are utilized for landscape presentation. Experiential learning or historical empathy can be cultivated by retracing the footsteps of historical personalities [14], visiting battlefields [15], or engaging in immersive activities that evoke the essence of past events.

Regardless of whether the form of landscape presentation relies on modern technology or on creative ideas and tools that do not necessitate technological utilization, the aforementioned methods of landscape presentation serve to offer novel, memorable, and interactive experiences for tourists. They also contribute to making less-visited sites, which primarily appeal to scientists or specialists such as archaeologists, geologists, historians, etc., more accessible to the general public. Moreover, these approaches demonstrate an enhanced impact on learning compared to the exhibition method traditionally employed by museums.

Most of these presentation tools or methods are primarily employed within the realm of cultural tourism, particularly in the interpretation of historical or archaeological artifacts, whether extant or from the past. However, these presentation tools are less frequently utilized in conjunction with natural features, geosites, or geological heritage.

Geotourism, which traditionally emphasizes a region’s geological features as tourist attractions, has undergone a transformation to encompass a broader spectrum of experiential elements, including cultural, historical, and emotional dimensions.

The aim of this study is to define a new concept that integrates two existing forms of tourism—nostalgic tourism and geotourism. This concept enables tourists to explore past epochs and appreciate the historical significance of the landscapes they encounter while evoking emotional connections to bygone eras. This approach to presenting and promoting landscapes has the potential to enhance the tourist experience by fostering emotional engagement and deepening appreciation for the geological and natural heritage of a region. Additionally, it provides practical insights and implications for sustainability, geoconservation, tourism management, and outdoor education.

2. Literature Review

2.1. Definition of the Term Nostalgia

The term “nostalgia” has historically been associated with a psychiatric disorder, which could have potentially fatal outcomes. Swiss physician Johaness Hofer defined this term in 1688 as a pathological form of homesickness [16]. The term is derived from the Greek words “nostos” (homecoming) and “algos” (pain) [17]. Its impact primarily extended to individuals who were displaced, such as migrants, combatants, or slaves. In the 19th century, this term became domesticated and began to be used more metaphorically to describe sorrow or melancholy for something once experienced or described as a feeling of melancholy, containing a longing for reminiscence of happier days in a bittersweet sense or sentimental longing for the past [18]. On the other hand, there is a sobering recognition that those moments had passed, perhaps forever beyond reach [19]. As the term is overused by the general public or romantic writers, in psychology this term is sometimes replaced with other terms, such as neurasthenia [20].

Anthropologists explain nostalgia in the context of cultural changes or even the extinction of some cultures and traditions [21,22]. Sociologists explain this term mainly from the perspective of social bonds (bonds with ancestors, family, and friends). Zhou et al. [23] and Enea et al. [24] stated in their studies that the feeling of loneliness and separation during the COVID-19 pandemic increased the feeling of nostalgia. In this study, we will endeavor to highlight mostly the positive side of nostalgia in relation to tourism.

2.2. Definitions of the Term Nostalgic Tourism

Several studies have been conducted on nostalgic tourism and tourists’ motivation for participating in this type of tourism. The feeling of nostalgia is one of the motivational factors why travelers revisit some tourism destinations after many years [25]. This was confirmed by Wong and Si Man Ao Ieong [26], who additionally stated that nostalgia influences the consumption of cultural resources.

Scholars have categorized nostalgic tourism primarily as a part of cultural or heritage tourism in the past [27,28]. However, nowadays nostalgic tourism is rather understood as an independent form of tourism [26]. Additionally, it is important to emphasize that different forms of tourism associated with nostalgia can overlap.

Visits to flea markets with historical artifacts, various sites of national memory, places where classic movies were shot, and sports stadiums where Olympic games have taken place in the past could also be classified as nostalgic tourism [17]. In academic literature, we also find the term “post-socialist nostalgic tourism”, which focuses on visiting sites and destinations where seniors, in particular, want to recall certain types of architecture, products, political regimes, ways of life, etc., in either a positive or negative light. Examples of this type of tourism include visiting destinations such as Cuba, Laos, and China [29], or visiting specific attractions/museums located mainly in post-socialistic countries such as Poland (Neon Museum in Warsaw) [30], Slovakia (Underground Museum of Socialism and the Cold War, Alekšince), Hungary (House of Terror, Budapest), [31], or the Czech Republic (Museum of Communism, Prague) [32]. In general, Holbrook and Schindler [33] conceptualize nostalgic tourism as a preference for people, places, or things from the past.

Dann [34] categorized four types of nostalgia in the context of tourism. First, the “quest for paradise” symbolizes a desire to break away from the monotony of everyday life, with relaxation and rejuvenation serving as the primary motivations to travel (ethnic tourism). Embracing the “simple life” entails seeking solace in nature, offering a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of urban existence and technological modernization (nostalgic geotourism). Conversely, the third one, called “the bygone era”, represents a fascination with the historical and social fabric of a region, offering a glimpse into earlier eras (heritage tourism). Finally, the fourth one, a “return to childhood”, evokes nostalgia for familiar objects or places that resonate with one’s cultural identity (root or genealogical tourism).

Another category of nostalgia was defined by Hsu et al. and Sellick [25,35], who proposed personal nostalgia, which drives people to visit personally related destinations to revive their past experiences and is a strong motivator for senior travelers. Historical nostalgia is shared among different age groups as it is rooted in collective memory, motivating them to escape from daily life and experience a different (usually romanticized) form of life [36]. Some authors also define the third category as being one where individuals aim to revisit places that have been passed down through family stories or significant others, making it an intergenerational cultural setting. This is often referred to as “roots tourism”, genealogical tourism [37], or, according to definitions of some authors [38], sentimental tourism. In the context of linking nostalgia and tourism, this concept can be understood predominantly in a positive sense as tourism mainly brings individuals positive emotions and pleasurable longings. However, all the above-mentioned three categories of nostalgic tourism can also evoke negative emotions (such as visiting places associated with negative personal memories from childhood or youth, cemeteries, and sites related to war or other tragic events). For example, visiting Nazi concentration camps in Poland could also be part of so-called diaspora tourism, according to Coles and Timothy [39].

Shi et al. [36] identified two distinct methods in their research for developing historical nostalgia tourism. Both genuine and artificial approaches can evoke nostalgic feelings in people, with the genuine approach generating more intense emotions than the artificial one.

2.3. Defintion of Geotourism

Based on the aforementioned description of nostalgic tourism, it is apparent that this form of tourism is closely intertwined with visits to cultural landmarks or heritage tourism sites. However, it is notably less associated with nature tourism or geotourism.

The evolution of the term “geotourism” is closely tied to its adaptation to contemporary trends and current tourism demands. One of the pioneers in defining geotourism was Hose [40], who described it as a form of tourism based on geology, with roots tracing back to the 17th century. It is crucial to note that the term “geotourism” was not known during that era and only gained a specific definition in recent decades [41,42], as articulated by Hose. Over 20 years ago, he defined geotourism as: “The provision of interpretive and service facilities to enable tourists to acquire knowledge and understanding of the geology and geomorphology of a site (including its contribution to the development of the Earth sciences) beyond the level of a mere aesthetic appreciation”. Since then, the definition has evolved and been refined by various authors. However, leading researchers in this field have not reached a consensus on a single definition. Scholars such as Hose [43,44], Newsome and Dowling [42,45], and Joyce [46] continue to define geotourism as a form of tourism based on geology.

In addition to the mentioned authors, it is important to highlight the contributions of Brilha [47], who focuses on the protection of geological heritage. Brilha emphasizes the increasing need to concentrate on preserving geological heritage, which is one of the functions of geotourism. He argues that it is essential to incorporate this protection into legislative frameworks.

The initial attempts to define geotourism [41,42,43] were associated with ensuring appropriate interpretation for the protection of geological sites in situ, as well as in museums, libraries, and archival collections, along with artistic works. Dowling and Newsome [44] described geotourism as a specialized segment of natural area tourism that focuses on geological sites. These sites can vary in size, encompassing features from small rock outcrops or fossil beds to large landforms. Newsome and Dowling [48] further refined the definition, highlighting the associated values of geotourism as follows: protection and conservation of geological heritage, raising public awareness about the need for conservation, educating visitors, fostering collaboration with residents, engaging local communities to enhance the economic level of the area, and expanding employment opportunities. From these considerations they derived a definition that encompasses these values and states: “Geotourism is a form of natural area tourism that specifically focuses on geology and landscape. It promotes tourism to geosites, the conservation of geodiversity, and an understanding of earth sciences through appreciation and learning. This is achieved through independent visits to geological features, use of geo-trails and viewpoints, guided tours, geo-activities, and patronage of geosite visitor centres”. It is important to mention how Dowling [49] characterized the components of geotourism in 2013, describing the ABC approach, which consists of A—abiotic, B—biotic, and C—cultural components. He stated that it is necessary to view geotourism in such a comprehensive manner because all these components influence each other. The non-living environment affects the living environment, and these two components subsequently impact the society that lives in that area.

The original definition was accepted by UNESCO in its initial documentation concerning geoparks [50,51] and was intended to serve as the foundation for all modern geoparks. Hose [52] further states that there was a relatively rapid development of geotourism during this time. However, a major challenge arose as many individuals interested in setting up geotourism organizations lacked adequate experience in conservation and geoconservation. The deficiency was apparent in the limited knowledge and understanding of geology. From a historical perspective, geology emerged as a compelling argument for reshaping societal perceptions through sustainable tourism focused on geopreservation and related geointerpretation [53]. Despite geotourism being a relatively recent concept, its historical approach to presenting the Earth’s development history has led to ongoing redefinition in Europe and beyond [53]. Hose [54] views geotourism as a form of “pure” tourism or tourism with specialized interest, representing a growing trend in the tourism industry. Notably, geotourism intersects with other forms of tourism such as ecotourism, sustainable tourism, and alternative tourism sharing similar themes. These intersections give rise to terms like “educational tourism”, “environmental tourism”, and “nature tourism” within the realm of geotourism.

The support for the idea of geotourism gradually slowed urbanization and increased the need to present natural geological exposures [55]. Interest in this tourism sector grew at the turn of the century, coinciding with the establishment of geoparks.

In general, geotourism deals with the theories and practical aspects of managing geosites that have high geological value [56,57]. National Geographic [58] defines geotourism as “tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place—its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage, and the well-being of its residents”. According to this definition, geotourism is a branch of sustainable tourism that, instead of focusing on minimizing environmental impacts, strives to preserve all the natural and human attributes that make a given place distinct from others [59].

The importance of geotourism has increased over time, leading to the strategic development of geopark networks. Notable examples include the European Geopark Network and the Global Geopark Network, established in 2004 through collaboration with UNESCO [60,61].

These networks aim to foster co-operation and support among geoparks, raise awareness, and promote these significant areas. The identification of geological heritage and geotourism potential has been the foundation for establishing geoparks worldwide [62].

To support geotourism, geoparks offer various activities that enhance the region’s economic strength, as highlighted by Farsani et al. [63,64]. Effective management of all geotourism products is crucial—a necessity emphasized by prominent authors such as Dowling and Newsome [65].

Current definitions focus on linking geotourism with experiences. Experiential tourism has been defined by several authors [66,67,68]. This form of tourism provides visitors with an interactive approach to discovering the natural and cultural heritage of destinations through guided hikes, cultural integration experiences, and educational programs [68,69,70]. Unlike traditional tourism, it emphasizes active involvement and connection with destinations [70]. According to Gordon [69], experiential geotourism can shape visitors’ attitudes and behaviour toward conservation and sustainability by offering engaging and impactful experiences.

First Geotourist Expeditions and First Geotourists

Numerous studies have been conducted on the early travels and explorers to various parts of the world [71,72,73,74]. Premodern travel primarily involved migratory, military, and commercial activities, often intersecting with political or religious duties. One of the earliest travelers and a pioneer of the travelogue genre was geographer Hecataeus of Miletus, who created a well-known work called the World Map, divided into three parts (Europe, Asia, and Africa), separated by the Mediterranean, the Red Sea, and the Black Sea [75]. According to Andriotis [72], Herodotus of Halicarnassus is considered the first tourist and travel writer, documenting his Mediterranean travels and cultural observations in the 5th century BCE [76]. In antiquity, travel for personal enrichment and relaxation became more common. The Roman elite owned country estates for retreats, and provincial elites would travel seasonally between urban and rural homes. Friedlander [77] noted the emergence of second homes for wealthy Roman citizens in the Bay of Naples area. Long-distance travel for rituals and festivals at sanctuaries was also prevalent, akin to pilgrimages in the Christian era. Around 1200, large-scale pilgrimages to the Holy Land, Rome, and Santiago de Compostela began, driven by the Roman Catholic Church [78]. In the Middle Ages and Early Modern Era, scholars and craftsmen often traveled across Europe to enhance their knowledge and skills. In the 16th century, the Protestant Reformation transformed religious travel into more manageable thematic itineraries, focusing on shrines, religious art, or architecture rather than long-distance pilgrimages [79]. The trend of educational journeys, where young men traveled with their tutors, persisted throughout the 18th century. In the early 1800s, as the term “tourism” was officially defined, travel became more accessible to women, entire families, seniors, and less affluent individuals [76]. From the above, it is evident that many authors have studied the history of tourism and early travelers. However, there is comparatively little research specifically examining the initial geological journeys and geotourists.

Slovak scholars Rybár and Hronček [80] have previously examined the historical development of mining tourism and geotourism, mentioning the first “mining tourist” or “pioneers who conducted the first geotourist expeditions” to Upper Hungary. Among the first mining tourists primarily exploring mining towns of central Slovakia were, for example, Swiss physician, philosopher, and alchemist Paracelsus in the first half of the 16th century under the Habsburg monarchy. Later, in the middle of the 16th century, it was Professor Gašpar Naumann from Berlin and English physician John Baptista Merin who visited mines in Banská Štiavnica in the 17th century [80]. Jesenský and Hronček [81] in their work confirmed that at least twenty-five scholars (e.g., Swiss doctor Paracelsus, Austrian teacher, mathematician, and astronomer Georg Joachim Rheticus, alchemists like Alexander Blinking from Strassburg, Vincent Reuss from Halle, and John Dee and Edward Kelley from England, etc.) undertook scientific journeys for mining science to the territory of Upper Hungary during the 16th century. The interest of the abovementioned scholars and the general public in following in the footsteps of historical figures is evidence that nostalgia can also play a role in visiting natural areas and geological sites.

The goal of this paper is not only to define the new term “nostalgic geotourism” but also to elucidate its significance as a novel concept in landscape presentation. This concept aims to integrate historical knowledge with the current understanding of landscapes and their geological potential.

3. Materials and Methods

This study aims to analyze activities that fall within the broader definition of geotourism in the past, focusing on the period from the 16th century to the late 1930s. The primary objective is to highlight the contributions of both foreign and domestic figures whose interests, activities, and achievements in studying geological, mineralogical, and geomorphological heritage have also influenced the modern understanding of the natural potential of the landscape, including its cultural and aesthetic values.

The methodological procedures and research methods for this study were divided into several directly related and sequential stages that systematically led to the fulfilment of the research objectives and the processing of its results into the original concept of nostalgic geotourism.

The materials examined and analyzed in this study can be categorized into the following groups:

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Archival Materials: These encompass information about historical forms of geotourism, primarily derived from preserved archival sources, diverse period testimonies, authentic records, and descriptions of the Carpathian region (present-day Slovakia).

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Materials on Contemporary Geotourism: These materials, providing insights into the current understanding of geotourism, were sourced from journals and books.

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Materials on Contemporary Nostalgic Tourism: Materials offering perspectives on the current understanding of nostalgic tourism, which were also sourced from domestic and foreign scientific journals and books.

The methodology (Figure 1) consists of the following phases:

• We analyzed activities fitting within the broader definition of geotourism in the past, focusing on the period from the 16th century to the end of the 1930s. This involved highlighting the role of both foreign and domestic figures whose interests, activities, and results in studying geological, mineralogical, and geomorphological heritage influenced the modern understanding of the natural potential of the landscape, including its cultural and aesthetic values.
• Our study of geotourism and its beginnings led to the hypothesis that, prior to the modern definitions of geotourism, there was an interest in geology education and certain forms of educational tourism aimed at exploring inanimate nature, geology, and geomorphology. Consequently, we formulated a hypothesis that, upon verification, will confirm the existence of older forms of geotourism. These older forms are characterized by historical, often outdated, knowledge. To capture this, we decided to incorporate the concept of nostalgia into geotourism, creating a new form termed “nostalgic geotourism”. We framed the hypothesis as a conditional statement regarding the relationship between geotourism and nostalgic tourism. That is, there is geotourism that incorporates elements of nostalgic tourism.
• In this section, we utilized conceptual analysis to explore the relationships between the terms “geotourism” and “nostalgic tourism”. This method was chosen because it effectively elucidates the connections between these concepts. The outcome of this analysis is represented in Word Clouds. Prior to this analysis, we conducted a separate study of the concepts of geotourism and nostalgic tourism.
• Based on the results of a critical content analysis of literary sources and historical research findings, we employed a combination of evaluation, comparison, and synthesis methods to define nostalgic geotourism. Our extensive research over several years has confirmed the essential need for an interdisciplinary approach in identifying the concept of nostalgic geotourism. We conducted an analysis of the terms and current definitions of geotourism and nostalgic tourism. A comparative analysis identified common and differing elements, leading to the definition of a new form of tourism: nostalgic geotourism. The primary objective of this section is to formulate the definition, which is the result of the defining method employed.
• By exploring the possibilities of nostalgic geotourism, we formulated its basic characteristics and identified a representative example based on past geotourism analysis. We selected representative examples from archival research that examined the travel records of both international and local figures. These individuals, through their interests, activities, and contributions to the exploration of geological, mineralogical, and geomorphological heritage have significantly influenced contemporary perceptions of the landscape’s natural, cultural, and aesthetic values. The research specifically concentrated on the Carpathian Mountains.
• The representative example was then compared with current tourism practices. We proposed introducing it to the market as a tourism product, aiming to enhance the promotion of the landscape.

As a new concept, nostalgic geotourism must inherently incorporate the principles of both geotourism and nostalgic tourism. In the conclusion of this paper, a product reflecting these attributes is proposed and is now prepared for further expert discussion.

4. Results

4.1. Definition of the New Term “Nostalgic Geotourism”

The new term we have defined, “nostalgic geotourism”, consists of two components: “nostalgic tourism” and “geotourism”. These are two distinct forms of tourism that have been analyzed in detail. In this context, as already mentioned above, nostalgia can be understood as a retrospective view of events, narratives, places, or other attributes, often infused with romanticism and emotions (in this case, mostly positive). Nostalgia represents a longing for something we yearn for and evokes emotions from the past that we wish to experience again. In the case of nostalgic geotourism, visitors may not have personally experienced the past but are drawn to this form of tourism to immerse themselves in an environment that reflects historical times, thus engaging with the past in a meaningful way. Geotourism, in this sense, focuses on educating visitors about geological phenomena, their preservation, and their presentation in a modern and sustainable manner. By combining these elements, we obtain a new form of tourism that integrates aspects of both. While it is challenging to blend all features of these tourism types, nostalgic geotourism seeks to present historical geology and geological phenomena using traditional methods or tools of description and presentation. This approach offers visitors a unique experience that merges strong emotional responses (nostalgia) with insights into both historical and contemporary geology.

Visitors receive the same information through two different perspectives, confronting them with history, geology, and related elements from these different fields. This method endows geological knowledge to a nostalgic dimension. The most suitable periods for nostalgic geotourism include exploratory journeys, early geological descriptions of sites, and initial guided tours from the Romantic era. This form of landscape presentation combines descriptive elements with romanticism, offering visitors not only knowledge but also a historical perspective on, and experience of, the time when geology began to gain public recognition. Nostalgic geotourism thus blends historical and current knowledge, adding emotional value to the educational experience.

Nostalgic geotourism represents a tourism approach that explores geology through a nostalgic presentation of historical facts. Nostalgic geotourism focuses on historical descriptions of the landscape, highlighting topographic details and explaining the processes that shaped the landforms. It incorporates early geological and geomorphological concepts, even though these are outdated compared to modern knowledge. This approach views and describes the landscape holistically, considering all its components. Figure 2 illustrates the connection between nostalgic tourism and geotourism through a word cloud format, which effectively highlights the key concepts associated with each research area. This visualization method was selected for its clarity and impact. By mapping the concepts from both domains, the figure aims to demonstrate the overlap and commonalities between these two types of tourism. It also identifies shared characteristics that underpin the emerging field of nostalgic geotourism, providing a conceptual framework for understanding this novel tourism approach.

4.2. Representative Example of Texts for Nostalgic Geotourism Product—Adam Hlovík’s Geotour on Mount Oblík, Carpathian Mts., Eastern Slovakia (1844)

The novel approach to geotourism can lead to the creation of nostalgic geotourism products, such as thematic nostalgic guided (geo) tours, hiking trails that follow the paths of early geotourists, virtual reality experiences that transport visitors back in time to see how the landscape looked centuries ago, themed geotourism packages (e.g., Romantic era geological excursions), historical geotourism festivals, or historical educational lectures. One of the tools for creating such products can be historical texts, documents, and travel diaries from various eras, as mentioned below.

The patriot and ethnographer Adam Hlovík (1793–1851) authored a remarkable article titled “Journey to Oblík”, published in the January issue of Orol Tatranský (Tatra Eagle) Journal in 1845. The previous year, he undertook a hike to Mount Oblík while serving as a pastor in the nearby town of Giraltovce.

Mount Oblík (925 m above sea level) is located in the northern part of the Slanské Hills, south of the village of Petrovce and southwest of the village of Hermanovce nad Topľou in today’s Vranov nad Topľou district. It is a geomorphologically prominent andesite hill in the shape of a cone, part of the Dubník Geopark, and includes a national nature reserve.

“In the eastern territory of the Šariš County in the Kingdom of Hungary, above the town of Hanušovce, rises the far-seeing Mount Oblík, elevated 1000 feet above sea level. It stands as a hilly volcanic cone, almost entirely isolated, except on the southern side, where it connects to a series of slightly higher mountains through a low saddle, encircled here and there by rings and ruins of tall rocks. Just below Oblík, a formidable rock called Sokolova just out, 20–30 fathoms high. It is similar to a fortress, twisted and cut through by wild chasms, with two peaks-like sculptures displayed for admiration on its ridge among other cliffs. Across from Sokolova Rock, on the right bank of the stream, lies Vrania Rock, considerably smaller than the Sokolova and has a pointed shape resembling a tower or pulpit from a distance, with another smaller rock nearby”.

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The ascent to Oblík can be initiated from the village Hermanovce nad Topľou. A forest road at the village’s end leads to a blue-marked tourist trail that passes by the Hermanovce Rocks, specifically Havrania and Sokolia, the largest andesite formations in the Slanské Hills. The marked Hermanovce Tourist Circuit then leads into the Valley of Giants, part of Dubník Geopark. In the bed of the Old Stream, there are stones of unusual size. After a few minutes of walking, the northern side of the stone complex becomes visible, offering views of the Ondavská Highlands to the east and the Slanské Hills to the west. Along the trail, there is a boulder with a notice board about the Giant’s Footstep, a depression shaped like a footprint, measuring 15 × 40 cm with a depth of about 8 cm.

“I had visited this area several times before, but it was only this year that I learned about some stone antiquities here, specifically the so-called Giant’s Rock or Footprint under Oblík. Additionally, there is a well on Oblík itself, carved into solid rock in a brigand’s style. I set out to examine both with my dear brother and two educated friends. Our guide from Hermanovce first led us to the famous Giant’s Footprint. It is located under Oblík on the southern side, in a place called Pyridol, along the path to Kuria Hill. Next to the well, there is a wide stone protruding from the ground with a somewhat uneven surface, three to five steps long. On it, one can see a quite artistically made groove, similar to a long sheath or small box without a lid, one foot three inches long, four inches wide, and five inches deep. This groove runs almost regularly from west to east, then curves slightly and, like the mark of a horse’s hoof, falls into a rounded hollow, where the footprint of the horse’s hoof, about five inches deep, ends. Local people say that some ancient, miraculous giant jumped from a great height onto this stone but slipped and made this mark”.

Close to this footprint is the Písaný or Rajzovaný Stone, which was twice its current size in the past. Quarrying occurred on this stone, but extraction was halted after the discovery of an inscription on its side. The inscription contains the letter “A” with a broken crossbar, a characteristic unique to the Romans. Consequently, some historians believe the inscription is evidence of soldiers under the command of Marcus Aurelius, whose initials were carved into the rock. Later inscriptions were dated to the Napoleonic era.

The blue-marked trail then leads to the meadow under Oblík, offering a majestic view of the mountain itself. From here, the Oblík Circuit Educational Trail guides visitors through the protected area. This trail features wooden notice boards with text carved into them. The terrain of the educational trail is quite challenging, as it is strewn with rocks, making walking difficult. The peak of Oblík has an exceptionally regular, rounded shape, and at its summit there are prominent rock formations that captured the attention of Adam Hlovík more than a century and a half ago.

“On the summit, we found bold pasture with large limestone boulders scattered here and there. In one of the rocks, we observed two holes opposite each other, resembling human nails, while another rock appeared like a piece of rock salt licked by livestock. But the most extraordinary feature was the surface on which the brigand’s well was situated. There was a large stone, six fathoms long, one and a half fathoms wide, and about four fathoms thick, lying from the northeast to the southwest between two boulders like a beam so that it did not touch the ground anywhere. At the eastern end, there was another stone supported by two smaller rocks, flat on the bottom, arched on the top, and slanted from the west. This stone measured five feet in length, six and a half feet in width, and about two feet in thickness. We climbed up to this observational platform without incident. On the higher, arched stone, after we cleaned the moss with a knife, we saw various deeper, longer lines on the surface, somewhat resembling hexagonal patterns, with triangular shapes arranged sequentially wherever the lines intersected. Near the chipped area, we observed three fairly symmetrical hollows and depressions similar to a bull’s snout, eyes, and forehead, all sculpted into the rock. We also noticed some small, seemingly forcefully scraped-out niches and grooves along the edge of the break, and a perfectly round hole, about half a foot in diameter, resembling the top of a human head. When struck with a wooden mallet, the entire rock produced a sound akin to a split bell or a hollow kettle”.

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4.3. Romanticism and Geotourism: Viliam Paulíny-Tóth

Slovak politician, poet, and publicist Viliam Paulíny-Tóth (1826–1877) authored a description of the geological wonders of the Tatra mountain region, comparing them to the Alpine landscape in his work “One Night in Považie”. This text was published in 1928 in his anthology titled “Kyčina”.

“Most enthusiasts of mountainous and romantic landscapes and most admirers of beautiful nature travel to distant foreign lands to see the renowned Rhine Valley or the awe-inspiring glaciers of Switzerland without first exploring the myriad beauties of their own homeland. Yet, how majestically beautiful is the chain of the Carpathians, how romantically splendid is our Považie! This often goes unnoticed by the sons of our homeland, who journey through foreign countries. In the Tatras, too, there are roaring waterfalls with rainbow-like clouds of pearls; swift rivers whose foamy waves break upon grey cliffs; and slopes with yawning chasms, covered in eternal ice and snow, that can be described as frozen images of nature. In the Tatras, one can see the daring leaps of wild goats, hear the mournful song of owls, and the whistling flight of eagles and falcons. As for the primeval rocks, which sometimes stand in pyramid-like masses, sometimes alone, and whose forms appear to the admiring eye now as a mother with an infant at her breast, now as praying monks—the poetic nature of the Slovak people has created many picturesque legends about them”.

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4.4. Nostalgic Geotourism Elements in the Works of Hlovík and Paulíny-Tóth

Hlovík’s descriptions of his geotour on Mt. Oblík primarily focus on the topography and shapes of rock formations, using vivid imagery such as “formidable rock called Sokolova”, “tall rocks”, and “with a pointed shape resembling a tower or pulpit”.

He was so captivated by the geological objects that he assigned them various origins and made numerous comparisons. For example, he noted, “In one of the rocks, we observed two holes opposite each other, resembling human nails”, or described “fairly symmetrical hollows and depressions similar to a bull’s snout, eyes, and forehead”, or a “groove similar to a horse’s hoof”. He even described the sounds these geological objects made when stepped on, likening them to “a split bell or a hollow kettle”.

The sense of nostalgia in Hlovík’s writing is evident in sentences like: “I had visited this area several times before, but it was only this year that I learned about some stone antiquities here...”. In this sentence, he reflects on the memories and experiences from the past. He also references local myths, such as “Local people say that some ancient, miraculous giant jumped from a great height onto this stone but slipped and made this mark”, showing a longing for the past and its stories.

Similarly, Paulíny-Tóth’s descriptions are detailed with comparisons of geological objects, drawing parallels to “waterfalls with rainbow-like clouds and pearls”, “rocks stand in pyramid-like masses”, or “as a mother with an infant at her breast, now as praying monks”. Additionally, he employs personification, attributing human or animal characteristics to non-living geological features such as “roaring waterfalls” or “slopes with yawning chasms”.

Paulíny-Tóth’s nostalgia is evident in his lamentations about Slovaks who travel abroad instead of exploring “the myriad beauties of their own homeland”. He also mentions the “poetic nature of the Slovak people has created many picturesque legends about them (rocks)”, reflecting a yearning for the appreciation of local beauty and cultural heritage.

5. Discussion

It is evident that people have traveled since the dawn of human society. More specific forms of travel began to emerge at the turn of the Middle Ages and the beginning of the Modern Age, driven by the discovery of new worlds. This exploratory travel aimed to acquire new territories, wealth, or trade opportunities. Alongside these goals came the exploration of new countries and their associated characteristics. Travel for entertainment, relaxation, joy, or experience became prominent during the Romantic period when high society primarily sought new destinations for leisure and the thrill of exploration. This form of touristic exploration was notable in Upper Hungary in the 19th century. By the end of the 18th century, travel began to adopt a new romantic essence, focusing on the beauty of nature and the landscape, which became especially associated with romantic travel [85]. In Upper Hungary, interest in visiting the High Tatras increased, and this enthusiasm fully expanded to other mountain ranges in Slovak territory by the 19th century [86]. The study of documents detailing travel from this period was the catalyst for developing the new concept of nostalgic geotourism. This was because such forms of guided tours could not be classified into any existing category of geotourism. Since it clearly represents a form of geotourism, and meeting all its parameters, a new category was necessary. In Figure 3, which depicts geotourism forms by Farsani et al. [87], nostalgic geotourism does not fit into any existing form of geotourism. Moreover, modern geotourism seeks not only to present and educate about geology but also to provide a comprehensive experience of exploring the landscape.

Modern geotourism is based on favoring experience and sensations, and explaining the natural environment by playing with its temporal and spatial dimensions may provide opportunities for economic development [88]. Nostalgic geotourism distinguishes itself from traditional geotourism through its unique interpretative approach and the nature of the information it offers. While modern geotourism focuses on presenting the latest research and developments in landscape and geology, nostalgic geotourism emphasizes historical knowledge about landscapes and early geological concepts, which can often be significantly outdated compared to current understanding. Consequently, nostalgic geotourism must also incorporate contemporary geological insights to clarify these historical inaccuracies for tourists. This approach not only evokes nostalgia for the past but also provides a juxtaposition with current geological knowledge.

A key advantage of nostalgic geotourism is its ability to offer tourists a dual perspective: an appreciation of the historical context of landscapes and geology (the nostalgic dimension) alongside an understanding of modern geological knowledge (the geotouristic dimension). This method enhances the appeal of geotourism by providing fresh perspectives on both historical and current aspects of the landscape. By highlighting the historical evolution of landscape understanding and the development of geology as a discipline, nostalgic geotourism increases the attractiveness of geosites. It makes visits to such locations more engaging, enhances the appeal of guided tours, and improves the site’s competitive edge. Nostalgic geotourism can imbue locations with a sense of genius loci, evoke emotional responses, and create lasting experiences. Any site of historical significance that has previously represented the landscape and carries nostalgic value can be considered an object of nostalgic geotourism. This includes not only natural sites but also places of historical interest, such as brownfields, many of which are increasingly being incorporated into tourism strategies [89,90,91,92].

In this study we showcased examples from the former Austro-Hungarian Empire territory in the Carpathian mountain region to illustrate the potential of nostalgic tourism. Numerous locations, particularly in European countries, possess similarly significant potential for nostalgic geotourism. To substantiate our claim, we provided several examples.

In his recollections from 1833, Kaczkowski described a visit by guests Wincenty Pol and Seweryn Goszczynski to the Cisna mansion, overseen by Ignacy Kaczkowski. They were both captivated by the view from the gallery, especially the prominent silhouette of Lopiennik. He noted: “Soon they were struck by the view which was new for them but at the same time always fascinating for us. On the east one could see a high mountain known as Łopiennik. It is not as high as the ridge of the Carpathians; behind the peak, there are mountain meadows whose flat summits are higher, but here for many miles around it is the highest mountain, and its view is so impressive because it looks like an additional top installed on a mountain. The peak resembles a sugar head, its ridge is completely covered with black forest, but the head is not-forested and glows in light green colour during sunny days. At this moment at the bottom of this sugar head mist was spread out over, as white as milk, and the clear peak was illuminated by bright rays of sun-shine, so when darkness descended it resembled a shiny celestial object suspended in the air” [93].

Another example is from the territory of Italy. When antiquarians began excavating Herculaneum and Pompeii in 1738 and 1748, respectively, these sites quickly became major tourist destinations. A notable account from this period is John Bacon Sawrey Morritt’s published letters detailing his 1794–1796 Grand Tour, which extended to Greece and Turkey but included significant observations on Naples. While primarily focused on cultural heritage and practical matters, Morritt provides valuable information on the impact of Vesuvius’s volcanic activity on Torre del Greco. He notes, “The place smokes still, and six months after the eruption, the fire was seen running under it” [94].

The opening of the Alps to tourism in the 19th century was a significant step which was preceded by a growing appreciation for nature, influenced by the Enlightenment and Romanticism, which idealized the mountains. This movement attracted a variety of individuals, including researchers, nobles, artists, painters, writers, and other educated and upwardly mobile middle-class members, who followed figures like Albrecht von Haller (1708–1777), Horace-Bénédict de Saussure (1740–1799), and Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712–1778) in their quest for natural beauty and mountain experiences. The romanticization of alpine harmony replaced the medieval fear of mountains and evolved into a tourism phenomenon over the 19th century. Two main groups drove this transformation: the aristocracy and the emerging middle class. British mountaineers, in particular, were enthusiastic pioneers, engaging in the exclusive sport of mountaineering in Switzerland. Their ongoing presence spurred the development of infrastructure, such as hotels, Alpine huts, mountain railways, and Anglican chapels, and facilitated a cultural exchange [95].

In September 1832, during the final stage of his northern tour, Nathaniel Hawthorne traversed the Notch of the White Mountains, USA. Unlike the picturesque Hudson River valley, which attracted many fashionable tourists with its pastoral scenes and serene grandeur, the White Mountain region was starkly different. It featured dreary landscapes of half-cleared fields and primitive shacks, far from the pleasant suburbs of Boston or the prosperous farmlands of the Connecticut River valley. Northern New Hampshire was known for being somewhat rudimentary, lacking the literacy, religious devotion, and order of southern New England, and instead embodying frontier slovenliness and godlessness.

Despite these challenges, Hawthorne was not alone in his choice to visit the White Mountains. The region, though wild, inaccessible, and primitive, offered something that sophisticated tourists craved. As one visitor noted, the White Mountains provided “unspeakable gratification” to “lovers of the wild and wonderful operations of Nature”. In pursuit of this gratification, some enthusiastic tourists were willing to endure primitive inns, bad roads, and poor food. Educated at Niagara Falls and along the Hudson, an increasing number of American tourists began to view mountains of New Hampshire with a fresh perspective, seeing them not as a frontier region’s rough roads and partially cleared woodlands, but as a romantic landscape of majestic peaks and scenic valleys [96].

Based on the aforementioned historical examples, these can serve as the foundation for creating nostalgic geotourism products. These products must adhere to all marketing criteria, including clearly identifying the target audience, showcasing specific areas, and ensuring effective distribution and promotion.

An example of such a product could be a guided tour designed for the general public. The guide would present the area in a historically accurate manner, complete with period clothing and a presentation style inspired by historical descriptions of the landscape. Additionally, tourists could immerse themselves in history by participating in the tour dressed in period costumes and using period equipment. These criteria should also extend to the presented landscape, ensuring it features minimal modern elements.

6. Conclusions

This article introduced the novel concept of nostalgic geotourism, defining its focus, scope, and its position among other forms of tourism. It included preliminary examples of guided tours (hikes) that could serve as a foundation for developing a comprehensive nostalgic geotourism product. However, it is important to recognize that this contribution is only an initial exploration, setting the stage for future research into nostalgic geotourism.

Several limitations of this study should be noted. Firstly, the examples provided may not fully capture the breadth of nostalgic geotourism or its potential applications to landscape presentation. Additionally, the current examples do not account for regional variations or the diverse cultural contexts that may influence the implementation and reception of nostalgic geotourism. Therefore, further studies should focus on the geographical expansion of nostalgic tourism beyond the Carphatian Mountains. While this paper has already mentioned examples where nostalgic geotourism can be applied, these are merely indicative. Comprehensive case studies from various regions will better demonstrate nostalgic geotourism’s potential. We hope that the concept of nostalgic geotourism will continue to develop and evolve, much like the concept of geotourism, thanks to the contributions of other researchers.

Another important area of future research should be the practical application of nostalgic geotourism. This work has simply highlighted the potential of nostalgic geotourism. Observing the research and development in nostalgic geotourism products and their acceptance by the general public will be highly interesting. Further research should particularly focus on marketing strategies. Following the market introduction, it will be crucial to observe tourists’ behavior and identify target groups. As the authorial team, we would be pleased if this concept extended beyond theoretical discourse and found practical application, garnering support from the tourism sector.

Marketing efforts should employ modern and effective methods, particularly social networks which currently influence various target groups. Platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube are highly effective tools for researching potential customers of nostalgic geotourism products, spanning from young individuals to older age groups. In today’s digital age, it is essential to gain visibility and engage with audiences on social networks. Through interest groups within these platforms, it is possible to reach a broach audience. The nostalgic geotourism product will offer a compelling experience through engaging thematic videos of shorts or reels. This presentation format is effective as it can attract, entertain, capture, and maintain the attention of even previously uninterested potential customers, creating interest due to its concise length of 30 to 90 s.

It is also important to define target groups for this new form of tourism more precisely, although it is anticipated that these groups will largely overlap with those of traditional geotourism. Nonetheless, nostalgic geotourism has the potential to attract new visitors to geotourism and regions, offering significant benefits and enhancing the value of this new form of geotourism. Furthermore, this study offers practical insights and implications for landscape presentation, outdoor education, sustainability, and geoconservation.