Where to go on a trip Matysová

Nestville Park in Hniezdne is among the youngest museums in the Stará Ľubovňa district. It was established in 2012 along with the exhibition of distilling and traditional folk crafts, Nestville Distillery. The name itself was created by combining two English words, nest and ville, which translates to the village of Hniezdne. Come and see the home of the first Slovak whisky, and at the same time, tour one of the most modern alcohol refineries in Central Europe.

The Nestville Distillery exhibition is divided into three parts. The historical part is dedicated to demonstrations of folk crafts closely linked to distilling. The modern part will guide you through the refinery, where more than 35,000 tons of grain are processed annually. Located in the traditional or tasting part is one of the largest hand-carved wooden reliefs in Europe, crafted by local woodcarvers. It is precisely in this section that the maturation warehouses of Nestville Whisky are situated. At the end of the tour, you can treat your taste buds and sample Nestville Whisky or unpasteurized and unfiltered craft beer, Nestville Beer.

After the tour of Nestville Distillery, visit the chocolate kingdom of Nestville Chocolate. As the only chocolate shop in the region, it offers you this sweet delicacy in the highest quality. Sit back over a cup of hot chocolate or quality coffee and taste delicious Belgian pralines, fabulous homemade desserts, or delightful chocolate liqueur. While enjoying your sweet treat, you can watch the chocolate production process through glass.

At Nestville Park, they have also thought of your children, who will experience plenty of fun at a large, modern playground. A rope pyramid, slides, climbing frames, spring rockers, a tube slide, trampolines, and many other play features await them.

They won't leave you hungry here either. You can have lunch at the Nestville Taberna restaurant, which also houses a craft brewery. The unique "farm to table" concept will enhance the culinary experience of the served specialties.

After a great lunch, you can rent e-bikes and electric scooters at Nestville Rent and ride around the surrounding area. You can then swap the bike saddle for horseback and enjoy horseback riding at the Nestville Horses equestrian area. A lovely keepsake of this great day can be a souvenir purchased at the Exposhop.

Do not leave for home right after spending a pleasant day. The Stará Ľubovňa district is full of interesting attractions worth visiting, so do not hesitate and book your weekend stay in Zamagurie today. You can find a rich selection of accommodation near Nestville Park on our pages accommodation in Hniezdne and accommodation in Stará Ľubovňa. Use the following days to tour Ľubovniansky hrad, the Múzeum Zamagurskej dediny, and a raft trip on wooden rafts along Splav Dunajca will surely be an unforgettable experience.

If you have ever driven around the Stará Ľubovňa district, the work in the village of Plaveč – Plavečský hrad certainly did not escape your attention. It spreads above the wide valley of the Poprad river. Its original function was reserved for defense, nowadays it serves rather as a place with magnificent views of the wide surroundings. Do you want to experience a pleasant picnic in an amazing atmosphere or go on a minor hike as a family? Then choose Hrad Plaveč as your trip destination.

The castle was built in the 13th century. Plavečský hrad was built by the nobleman Arnold, son of Ditrich from Spiš. Significant dynasties inhabited it, among them for example the Anjou or the Luxembourg family. In the 18th century, it lost its significance and was rebuilt into a residential mansion. Since the statics of the castle were disrupted, its owners moved to the manor house. It gradually began to decay, and a fire also engulfed it. Now, with the help of volunteers, it is being successfully reconstructed.

This luxurious mansion thus became the attraction of Plaveč, which many tourists visit every year. You can set out for the Deň Hradu Plaveč event, which takes place on the last Sunday of August, or alternatively for children's day during the first Saturday of June.

Access to the castle is very simple. You can start in the village of Plaveč and direct your steps to the Podzámok locality. You will recognize the castle already on the basis of its silhouette. The journey takes about 10 to 15 minutes on foot and even smaller children can manage it. So as not to tire them out too much, we recommend checking out accommodation near Hrad Plaveč. It is one of the ways to spend a nice time.

There are also many other places in the vicinity of the village that you can visit. Many clients of Ľubovnianske kúpele praise the surrounding nature. Do not miss amazing walks along trails or cycling routes. A tour of the slightly more distant Nestville park is also interesting. However, if you plan a wellness stay in the guest house Plaveč, you will certainly be more than satisfied. Slightly more privacy on the other hand is offered by chalets and cottages Plaveč. Of course, the choice of accommodation in Plaveč is entirely up to you.

Northern Slovakia, especially its eastern part, is unfairly bypassed and often unnoticed. Even though you might not think so, there is a very large number of attractions located here. Whether it is Pieninský národný park (Pieniny National Park), the castle in Stará Ľubovňa, Dunajec, or Kúpele Vyšné Ružbachy.

And it is precisely to Vyšné Ružbachy that we invite you today. It is not only about the famous spa, but also about a surprisingly comprehensive ski resort. You will find the well-known village a few kilometers west of the town of Stará Ľubovňa, near the main road connecting this town with Poprad.

Despite the fact that Vyšné Ružbachy became famous mainly as a spa town, they also offer other attractions. In winter, the biggest attraction is definitely Ski park Vyšné Ružbachy.

Do you think that in the case of Vyšné Ružbachy and its ski resort, it is just a certain addition? You would be surprised, but that is not the case at all. The total length of the slopes reaches approximately 4,000 meters, which is definitely not a little.

The resort is mainly focused on less demanding and intermediate skiers. Most of the slopes are designed for beginners. They are marked in blue, and in northeastern Slovakia, you would have a very hard time finding a resort more suitable for ski novices. If you add qualified ski instructors to that, you can be almost certain that you will leave Vyšné Ružbachy as a fully-fledged skier.

The slopes of Vyšné Ružbachy are also very suitable for families with children. While the children learn on the blue, least demanding slopes, parents can enjoy true snowy ecstasy. The resort offers two long slopes marked in red, the classification of which is intermediate. Better skiers will also enjoy themselves here and experience truly relaxing skiing in a beautiful environment.

The resort extends over an altitude range of 624–808 meters above sea level. It is equipped with an artificial snowmaking system that ensures enough snow even during a weaker winter.

In Vyšné Ružbachy, you will forget about long lines for ski lifts. There are up to 5 of them here, ensuring smooth operation in the resort. In addition, ski rental, a snack bar with great treats, and even the option of night skiing are a matter of course. A downhill ride under artificial lighting is an experience every skier should have.

Vyšné Ružbachy is visited not only in winter, but also in summer. Therefore, there is no shortage of accommodation options here. There are stylish guesthouses, some of them right below the slopes. In the village, there are also other accommodation options in the form of private rentals and cozy cottages. Skiing in Vyšné Ružbachy will fulfill the expectations of even more demanding skiers.

Kúpele Vyšné Ružbachy spa resort is located in the village of the same name, in the Stará Ľubovňa District. The climatic and mineral spa is situated at an altitude of 617 m above sea level on the southern foothills of the Spišská Magura mountains, in the region of the Tatra mountain ranges. People come here from various corners of Slovakia with indicated oncological diseases, circulatory system diseases, digestive system diseases, metabolic disorders, non-tuberculous respiratory diseases, musculoskeletal diseases, kidney and urinary tract diseases, mental disorders, gynecological conditions, and occupational diseases.

Construction of the spa began in 1595, when the main building, pool, kitchen, dining room, and common room were built. This was during the time of Mayor Sebastián Ľubomirský, appointed by Polish King Casimir. Stanislav Ľubomirský, son of Sebastián, expanded the spa and turned it into an important center for Polish and Hungarian nobility. After the Ľubomirský family line died out, the spa began to decline. This was caused by frequent changes in ownership until it came back under the administration of the Kingdom of Hungary.

It was not until 1825 that it underwent reconstruction thanks to the efforts of Baron von Jony. He had a manor house, a new spa house, and a mirror bath built, and the spa began to come alive again. Subsequently, his son Daniel took care of it, and in 1865 it became the property of the Kežmarok Lyceum until it was purchased in 1882 by Andrzej Zamoyski, a Polish count. In 1923, he had a natural thermal swimming pool built here, which was the largest in Slovakia at the time. From then on, the spa began transforming into one of the most modern in our territory. The Biely dom building was constructed, becoming one of the spa's main landmarks.

The spa even received a highly respected and distinguished visit when the King of Spain and the Prince of Bourbon visited before World War II. This was likely due to the fact that after Zamoyski's death, the spa was inherited by his son Jan and his wife Isabel de Bourbon. Isabel was the niece of the King of Spain. Later, World War II thwarted plans for further expansion of the spa. It was later nationalized, passing under the administration of the ROH (Revolutionary Trade Union Movement) in 1952 and state control in 1957.

The health of patients and clients is taken care of by water from the main thermal spring Izabela, along with water from the thermal spring Jozef (the spring "near the post office"). Izabela is the most yield-abundant spring in all of Europe, with a flow rate of 20 liters per second. Moderately mineralized, lukewarm, calcium-magnesium, hypotonic water flows from it. Jozef, on the other hand, is a spring with cold, moderately mineralized, carbonated drinking water containing an increased proportion of calcium, magnesium, and fluorine. In addition to the main spring, healing water gushes from 14 other slightly less abundant springs.

People also visit Kúpele Vyšné Ružbachy to view the Kráter small lake. This is an interesting natural travertine lake with thermal water. With a diameter of 20 m and a depth of 3 m, it is the largest of its kind in Slovakia. In 1967, it was designated a protected natural creation. It beautifully complements the surroundings of Biely dom, creating a truly eye-pleasing ensemble. In addition, hotel complexes are located here. Wellness services and a restaurant are a matter of course.

Guests can enjoy several different types of procedures at the spa. Water procedures offer a choice of underwater massage, massage pool, thermal sitting pool, carbonated tub bath, bubble bath, Scottish douches, alternating foot bath, swimming, and lower-limb whirlpool bath. Physical therapy procedures include cardiovascular rehabilitation, Nordic walking, hydrokinesiotherapy, fitness, and variously focused physical education. Psychotherapeutic procedures include music therapy, relaxation, EEG biofeedback, HRB biofeedback, and hippotherapy. Other procedures you can undergo include Vacu Well negative-pressure therapy, vibrosauna, manual lymphatic drainage, Pneuven-Bevuk lymphatic drainage, Aquavibron, classic or peat paraffin wraps, sauna, Solux lamp treatment, inhalations, gas injections, Biotherik dry carbonated bath, laser therapy, Bioptron light therapy, solarium, classic electrotherapy or BTL-06 device electrotherapy, hydrogalvanic bath, ultrasound, magnetotherapy, diathermy, diadynamic currents, and classic or reflex massages. Medical examinations are a matter of course.

You can spend your leisure time during your stay at Kúpele Vyšné Ružbachy through active or passive relaxation. Nearby is the Letné termálne kúpalisko Izabela outdoor thermal pool with natural healing water. History lovers should not miss Ľubovniansky hrad castle, Ľubovniansky skanzen open-air museum, Nestville Park, or the Stredoveký vojenský tábor. You can experience fun mixed with a bit of adrenaline while rafting or taking a wooden raft ride on the Dunajec river. Hikers will enjoy the options for walks or hikes in the Pieninský národný park. You won't be bored in winter either, as you can ski at resorts in Vyšné Ružbachy or Stará Ľubovňa.

A stay at Kúpele Vyšné Ružbachy has a beneficial effect on clients. Its secret lies in combining healing carbonated springs with the surrounding enchanted nature, into which the spa is sensitively set. Together, they act on both body and soul, bringing perfect balance. Every visitor leaves the spa healthier, happier, and full of energy and vitality. Book accommodation near Kúpele Vyšné Ružbachy; you can find the best offer on the website accommodation Vyšné Ružbachy.

In the village of Vyšné Ružbachy, you can find Kráter, the largest travertine lake in our country. It is part of the Ružbašské krátery, where you will find four large and several smaller craters. These were formed by the collapse of travertine mounds around a healing mineral spring. They are located at an altitude of 620 m above sea level on the grounds of Kúpele Vyšné Ružbachy, near Spišská Magura, in the Stará Ľubovňa district.

The aforementioned Kráter lake has a diameter of approximately 20 m, an almost circular shape, a maximum depth of 3 m, all spanning a water surface area of 300 m². As the only one among the Ružbašské krátery, it is filled with 24 °C warm water, specifically, thermal mineral water rich in calcium. Since 1967, it has been listed among the protected natural formations of Slovakia, and swimming in it is strictly prohibited for this reason.

Another one of the local craters is Kaplnkový kráter, located near the Chapel of Our Lady of Lourdes. Thanks to its dimensions of 51 × 32 × 4.5 m, it ranks among the largest formations of its kind in our country. Also worth mentioning is the crater named Jama smrti. Like the others (excluding Kráter), this one is a waterless crater and is also known under the name Smerdžonka. And why such a goosebumps-inducing name? Carbon dioxide escapes from it, causing suffocation and loss of consciousness. Falling into the pit has already claimed the lives of several domestic animals belonging to local residents, as well as rodents and birds.

Many tourists bypass the craters because they do not find them interesting without water. However, that is a shame, as they certainly belong among unique natural phenomena. During your travels around Horný Spiš, make time to come and admire them. Allow yourself plenty of time for this; we recommend booking accommodation near Ružbašské krátery. You can find great tips for finding lodging on the page accommodation in Stará Ľubovňa. Enjoy your stay and do not forget to bring friends or family along. After all, wandering through nature brings the best experiences precisely when you do not embark on them alone.

Hot summer days are perfect for swimming in the thermal pools of Kúpalisko Izabela in Vyšné Ružbachy. This exceptional swimming pool complex, whose history dates back to 1929, is named after its owner, the Spanish Crown Princess Isabella de Bourbon Zamoyski. Pools with healing mineral water, an exceptional spa atmosphere, and plenty of surrounding greenery guarantee a day well spent.

At the complex, you will find a swimming pool with a diving board, a large island pool, two children's pools, and one indoor pool with a retractable dome, which is open year-round. All pools are filled with healing thermal mineral water from the Izabela spring. This water has beneficial effects in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, respiratory diseases, gynecological, oncological, and mental illnesses. It also aids in the treatment of digestive system, urinary tract, and kidney diseases.

The temperature in the outdoor pools ranges from 23 to 27 °C, and in the indoor pool, the water temperature is 34 °C. Perhaps the most interesting attraction is a small island with tall conifers located in the middle of the island pool. Within the complex grounds, you will always find a well-maintained grassy area where you can lay out a blanket and peacefully indulge in the sun's rays.

Showers, restrooms, changing rooms, a children's playground, and lifeguard services are a matter of course. If you get hungry after splashing around in the water, refresh yourself at the snack bars directly by the pools. You can choose from a rich offer of food and drinks, and your little ones will surely enjoy ice cream. The summer swimming complex operates from June 30th to September 30th.

After swimming, take a walk through the wonderful spa park, where mountain brooks flow and coniferous trees grow all around. Here you will find the unique Biely dom (White House) and a natural travertine crater lake. Try the local restaurants, which offer all kinds of meat and fish specialties. If you like the idea of such a vacation, do not wait and book your stay in this spa town today. You can find a great range of accommodation near Termálne kúpalisko Izabela on our page accommodation in Vyšné Ružbachy. During your stay, you can take trips to the surrounding area and discover other interesting attractions in the Stará Ľubovňa district.

Pieninský národný park can be found in the far north of Slovakia, east of the Vysoké Tatry mountains on the border with Poland. It is located in the districts of Stará Ľubovňa and Kežmarok in the Prešovský kraj region. This smallest Slovak national park covers an area of only 37.5 km². The Pieniny are a beautiful location and, together with the Dunajec river that flows through them, create an unmistakable natural scenery.

Creation of the smallest national park in Slovakia

Pieninský národný park had to wait a long time for its role as a national park. A lot of timber was harvested in the forests here, especially on the Polish side, and the land mostly belonged to private owners. The first historical references point to an interest in creating a protected area in Pieniny in Poland in 1921.

Delimiting the territory was heavily influenced by negotiations between former Czechoslovakia and representatives of Poland in 1925 in Zakopane. Both countries agreed on the principles of the Pieniny border park. The purchasing of land from owners and the setting of the national park's boundaries began. However, this was slowed down by the war and the country's economic situation.

In 1932, at least the Slovenská prírodná rezervácia Pieniny was declared in Červený Kláštor, and Oldřich Lacina became its first administrator. The reserve was under the administration of Štátne lesy in Liptovský Hrádok. Only after World War II did territorial plans, maps, and research into local fauna and flora begin again. In 1957, the Pieninská prírodná rezervácia Červený Kláštor was established, and in 1960, the Náučný chodník Prielom Dunajca educational trail was opened to the public, which was the very first educational trail in Slovakia.

It was not until 10 years later, in 1967, that Pieninský národný park (abbreviated as PIENAP) was established. Today, it falls under the Štátna ochrana prírody headquartered in Banská Bystrica. They say that good things come in small packages, and in this case, it holds perfectly true. Pieninský národný park, with a buffer zone area of just 22,444 hectares, earned its recognition in the end. And even though it is small, it really has a lot to offer.

Parts of Pieninský národný park and their attractions

It is divided into three parts: the western Czorsztynske Pieniny, Malé Pieniny in the eastern part, and Pieninky in the central part. The highest peak is considered to be Tri Koruny at an altitude of 982 m above sea level, whose five rocky summits really look like a royal crown. Other popular ridges among hikers are Sokolica (747 m a.s.l.), Holica (824 m a.s.l.), and Kláštorná hora (654 m a.s.l.).

There are three protected natural reserves located in Pieninský národný park. Probably the most significant is Štátna prírodná rezervácia Pieniny, Prielom Dunajca. This area is particularly attractive for its rocky sections and natural phenomena created by the Dunajec river. Many water sports fans come here for rafting. You can try white-water rafting or wooden raft rides down the Dunajec. And perhaps you will spot a black stork or glimpse an Eurasian otter swimming on the water surface.

In addition to rafting down the Dunajec, a hiking trail with educational boards leads through the gorge. The trail begins in the village of Červený Kláštor and leads all the way to the Polish spa town of Szczawnica. Along the way, you can observe Jánošíkov skok, where the Dunajec narrows and reaches a depth of up to 12 meters. You will also discover the Storočná voda spring, from which, if you drink, you will reportedly live to be 100 years old.

Another protected natural formation of the Pieniny national park is Haligovské skaly. It is a magnificent complex of limestone rocks containing holes, cavities, and caves. The most famous karst cave among them is Aksamitka, which is unfortunately closed to the public. However, you can reach Haligovské skaly via a hiking route, for example from the village of Haligovce.

The last protected reserve of Pieninský národný park is Prielom Lesníckeho potoka. The Lesnícky potok stream flows from the right side of the Dunajec and has formed steep rock walls of Kača, Bystrík, Biela skala, and Osobitá skala. You can reach this natural formation via a hiking trail from the village of Lesnica, or by boat or raft.

The Pieniny region is undoubtedly a great choice for spending an active vacation. It is an ideal place for hikers, as well as for families with children. Some hiking trails are adapted for young visitors. Furthermore, the surroundings of Pieniny offer other attractions that are well worth visiting. And we have prepared a selection of accommodation in Pieninský národný park for you. Choose from a wide range of cottages, apartments, or family guesthouses. Book today so you don't miss out on your stay in the beautiful nature of the Pieniny national park.

In Eastern Slovakia, you can discover the beauty of the unique nature of Čergov directly from horseback. You can experience such an opportunity at the family-run Farma Kamenica. It lies in the middle of pristine nature, approximately 2.5 km from the main route Stará Ľubovňa - Lipany, above the village of Kamenica.

Thanks to its fantastic location, Farma Kamenica offers the opportunity for relaxation and agritourism in a beautiful setting surrounded by blooming meadows and mixed forests. In this place, you can learn information not only about breeding farm animals. They raise sheep, goats, chickens, peacocks, turkeys, rabbits, as well as cows and horses. During a tour of the farmyard, the farm owner will provide you with an excellent and interesting presentation.

Riding a horse is also among the popular options on the farm. Choose your steed to complete a horseback riding school with. It is always under the guidance of an accredited instructor, so you do not have to worry about picking up bad habits. Here, they will teach you the basics of how to saddle your horse, how to take care of it, and how to ride it. For those who are afraid of enjoying a ride on horseback, there is an alternative in the form of a carriage ride.

Many interesting events are regularly organized for the public. The farm is also sought after by anglers, who can indulge in their hobby to the fullest here thanks to sport fishing, or simply relax in harmoniously acting nature while catching fish. Not only homemakers will learn how to bake homemade bread in the traditional way. You will not leave hungry either, thanks to the shepherd's chalet with a shop, where the aroma will tempt you to a delicious lunch or to buy products made from sheep's milk as well as lamb and beef. Upon request, it is possible to arrange the rental of premises for family celebrations or smaller team-building events. The farm is open during weekends.

After visiting this unique place, you can enrich your itinerary by exploring the beauty of the Šariš region. Popular attractions in Kamenica also include a visit to a historical structure, Kamenický hrad castle, which offers panoramic views of the wide surroundings. During the summer season, you can refresh your body in the nearby AQUApark Lipany. Its attraction is thermal water, which has a beneficial effect on the human body. An evening walk around Rožkovianske rybníky ponds will, on the other hand, hit the spot for couples in love.

To avoid time stress and fully explore all the attractions, we recommend booking accommodation near Farma Kamenica. Perhaps you will be interested in private chalets here, where you can indulge in cozy family moments in the evening. Or would you rather book a more affordable room in a guesthouse in Kamenica? In case of any questions, do not hesitate to contact us. We will gladly help you find the perfect accommodation for your stay in Slovakia.