Where to go on a trip Starina

Hrad Plaveč

Hrad Plaveč

Plaveč

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.

… More

Ľubovniansky hrad

Ľubovniansky hrad

Stará Ľubovňa

Few people would guess that northeastern Slovakia, bordering Poland, is a place where you can find interesting castles. Nevertheless, we have a trip idea for you in this area as well. If you set out to discover the beauties of Pieniny or the wild Dunajec, visit the town of Stará Ľubovňa. Above it towers the well-known Ľubovniansky hrad castle.

In the past, when Slovakia did not yet exist, trade was conducted between our homeland and the surrounding areas much like today. The Kingdom of Hungary (Uhorsko) and Poland were significant partners, and one of the most important trade routes of that time led beneath what is now Ľubovniansky hrad. It was created as a guard castle that ensured the defense and safety of the route. It was built around the year 1280 by the husband of the daughter of the Hungarian King Béla IV.

The castle initially went through a bumpy development. Its owners changed virtually one after another; it even happened that a certain family controlled it for only 4 years. Despite this instability, Ľubovniansky hrad made its mark on history in a big way. Poland and the Kingdom of Hungary agreed on peace, as the Kingdom of Hungary was interested in expanding its empire toward Dalmatia and Venetia. Battles with Poland were unnecessarily weakening it, so peace was the best way forward. Moreover, Poland lent money to the Kingdom of Hungary to conquer new territories, so it needed collateral. And so, in 1412, Ľubovniansky hrad, together with 16 other Spiš towns, ended up under Polish pledge.

The period under Polish rule lasted from 1412 until 1769. The castle was inhabited at the time by Polish mayors representing the pledged territory. For the castle, it was a significant benefit. During this time, the castle underwent its largest reconstructions, partly due to a castle fire in 1553. King Sigismund II Augustus ordered an extensive reconstruction into a Renaissance fortress. An interesting fact is that the most modern bastion, a defensive tower, was built at the castle at that time. For a certain period, the Polish coronation jewels were also kept at the castle.

Polish rule over the castle ended only in 1772 during the reign of Maria Theresa. The most significant noble family of the final period and at the same time the last owner of the castle was the Zamoyski family from 1883 to 1945.

What about the castle today? Part of the castle is in its original condition, part as a ruin. You certainly won't be bored here. In the preserved part, there is a museum where you will have the opportunity to see exhibitions of period furniture, weapons, or an exhibition room. Directly below the castle cliff lies another attraction, the Múzeum ľudovej architektúry open-air museum. You will thus see with your own eyes how not only the nobility lived, but also their subjects.

Stará Ľubovňa offers the widest accommodation options in the area. More demanding guests who enjoy pleasant hotels will find what they are looking for, as will those who prefer budget accommodation. Plenty of private stays, hostels, and cottages will convince you to visit Ľubovniansky hrad as well.

… More

Nestville Park

Nestville Park

Hniezdne

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.

… More

Čergovský Minčol

Čergovský Minčol

Kyjov

You can count up to 7 peaks named Minčol while wandering around Slovakia. Let's take a closer look at the one in Čergov, which is the highest peak of the Čergov mountain range. It lies on its western side, on the border of the districts of Sabinov, Stará Ľubovňa, and Bardejov, in the Prešov Region. In the district of Stará Ľubovňa as well as in the entire Šariš region, Čergovský Minčol is even the highest point with its altitude of 1,157.2 m above sea level.

The peak got its name in connection with Wallachian colonization. The origin is to be found in the word "muncel", which translated means a hill or its very peak. After climbing to the top, you will immediately notice a reinforced concrete pylon, which has been here since the times of the first Czechoslovak Republic. Right next to it is a tourist signpost with a summit logbook. The international long-distance hiking trail E3 also passes through here. At the peak, it breaks from the red tourist trail to the blue one.

Some hikers hike up the hill for a good inner feeling, many do it mostly for the views. From the peak, a view opens up into the Topľa river valley, the Ľubovnianska kotlina basin, you will see the Pieniny Tri Koruny, the Polish Beskydy mountains, or the main ridge together with the side ridges of the Čergov mountain range. In case of good weather conditions, you can also see the Vysoké Tatry, Nízke Tatry, Babia hora, or even the Ukrainian Poloniny. However, an even better view than the main peak is offered by its sub-peak at an altitude of 1,132 m above sea level, located approximately 500 m away from it. Its view is panoramic to all cardinal directions. You will also recognize it by the wooden cross that was consecrated here in 1995.

At the peak of Čergovský Minčol, there is the Národná prírodná rezervácia Čergovský Minčol national nature reserve, in which the 5th level of protection applies. It was declared in 1986 and its area covers 171.08 ha. It belongs to the NATURA 2000 network and the subject of protection is typical mountain Carpathian flora, as well as forest plant communities of the highest areas. As many as 15 taxa out of a total of 277 are included in the Red List of Threatened Plants of Slovakia. The reserve falls under the administration of the Štátna ochrana prírody Prešov.

Čergovský Minčol is also touristically attractive because access to it is possible from all cardinal directions. Every year, the event "Výstup na Minčol" is even held, which attracts a lot of tourists here every year. The easiest climb awaits you along the blue tourist trail from the village of Kyjov, which lies towards the northwest of the Čergov mountain range. It is also considered the shortest climb, along with the one from the village of Livovská Huta, which will lead your steps along the yellow tourist trail. Besides these, however, climbing is possible from many other starting points. From the village of Kamenica, both yellow and green tourist trails lead, from the village of Čirč a green tourist trail leads, from the village of Obručné a red tourist trail, and from the village of Šarišské Jastrabie a yellow tourist trail.

No matter which side you set off on your hike from, you will need suitable accommodation near Čergovský Minčol. You will find the best for you on our pages. Approximately at a distance of 23 km from the peak, there is accommodation Stará Ľubovňa for you, at a distance of approximately 22 km accommodation Bardejov, and approximately 16 km away is accommodation Sabinov. Wherever you decide to spend your stay, above all enjoy it thoroughly and prepare well for the hike.

… More

Litmanová Resort

Litmanová Resort

Litmanová

Welcome to the beautiful Pieniny mountain range, in the middle of which lies the tourist-popular village of Litmanová. It is right here where you will find the ski resort Litmanová Resort, suitable for children and adults alike. Once a continuous layer of snow falls, not only recreational enthusiasts but also demanding winter sports lovers will find something to their liking here. The slopes are artificially snowed, which means the winter season can fully begin at sub-zero temperatures. At your disposal, you have a choice of four ski lifts that will take you up to one of the total of five slopes with various inclines.

The shortest slope with a length of 150 m and an elevation gain of 20 meters is for children. The Žiacka slope serves for instruction during ski training camps. Two other slopes with a length of 400 m will be appreciated by more advanced skiers. The difficulty of one is medium and the other is hard. The longest is called Fakľovka and offers the option of skiing along a total length of 1,000 m. The most demanding skiers love riding on virgin, un-groomed snow during freeride skiing or snowboarding. Lovers of cross-country skiing will not be disappointed either, which you can enjoy when there is enough natural snow, for example, on the ridge circuit of Fakľovka.

A huge advantage in this resort is the option of illuminated slopes, and thus evening skiing. However, you will appreciate the views of the surrounding nature during beautiful sunny days. In the resort, it is possible to rent ski equipment or use the ski service. Many will refine their technique or learn it in the ski school or snowboarding school. You can also warm up in the snack bar on the slope or in a Goral-style teahouse near the resort. All you need to do is plan a multi-day ski trip and take advantage of accommodation near the Litmanová Resort.

After parking your car in the parking lot, in addition to fantastic skiing, you can undertake a slightly more demanding hike along the ridges of Pieniny. Under good natural conditions, a cross-country trail leads through the ski resort. The experience of this sport is thus enhanced. Even in winter, a visit to the Stredoveký vojenský tábor is interesting. You can warm up on the premises of Ľubovniansky hrad, where you will see its interesting exhibition. However, it is good to keep in mind that accommodation in Litmanová fills up very quickly and it is necessary to find and book the best option in advance. The complete offer can be found on our portal.

… More

Farma Kamenica

Farma Kamenica

Kamenica

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.

… More

Kamenický hrad

Kamenický hrad

Kamenica

You can find the ruins of Kamenický hrad in the Čergov mountain range. The castle hill rises above the village of Kamenica, located in the district of Sabinov. An educational trail with ten stops will reliably guide you through the most interesting places of this historical structure and its surroundings. In addition to the beautiful natural scenery surrounding the limestone castle cliff, you will also enjoy magical views of the panorama of the wider area. In good visibility, you can see as far as Ľubovniansky hrad, Hanigovský hrad, and Šarišský hrad from the top of the castle hill.

The construction of the castle above Kamenica took place at the turn of the 13th and 14th centuries. The first written mention dates back to 1306, when the castle belonged to Rikolf Jr. According to documentary evidence, Rikolf built the castle at his own expense. The fortress's location near the Polish border suggests a military and defensive function in addition to a residential one. Throughout its history, the castle changed owners several times, but mostly belonged to the Traczay family. The year 1556 proved fatal for it, when it was conquered and began to fall into ruin. Currently, the preserved remnants are cared for by the civic association Kamenná veža. Among other things, it contributed to the construction of the educational trail, which was opened to visitors in 2009.

Of the monumental fortress, which ranked among the largest castles in Slovakia by area, you will currently find only minor original remnants on the castle hill. Thanks to the aforementioned civic association, the remediation of the remnants of the palace's northern wall was completed, and the mass of the tower and the northern bastion was stabilized. The castle complex is currently open to the public without restrictions. Access is relatively simple. A yellow hiking trail will bring you here directly from the village of Kamenica in about 30 minutes. From the village of Lúčka, you can reach the castle hill in approximately 45 minutes, and from the Potoky locality, also via the yellow route, in about 60 minutes.

Be sure to combine a trip to the remnants of Kamenického hrad with water relaxation and fun at Aquapark Lipany, a walk through the picturesque surroundings of Rožkovianske rybníky, or a visit to Miniskanzen drevených chrámov in the nearby village of Ľutina. There are many, many more tourist attractions and attractive trip destinations in this region. Book accommodation near Kamenického hrad and come see for yourself. You can choose from the selection of accommodation in Kamenica on our portal. Directly in the village and in the adjacent areas, you will find cottages and chalets extremely popular among tourists, which will provide you with an excellent starting location for local attractions. Alternatively, you can look for accommodation in Sabinov, where the options are somewhat broader.

… More

Ski Park Vyšné Ružbachy

Ski Park Vyšné Ružbachy

Vyšné Ružbachy

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.

… More

Kúpele Vyšné Ružbachy

Kúpele Vyšné Ružbachy

Vyšné Ružbachy

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.

… More

Ružbašské krátery

Ružbašské krátery

Stará Ľubovňa

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.

… More

Termálne kúpalisko Izabela

Termálne kúpalisko Izabela

Vyšné Ružbachy

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.

… More












The most popular attraction categories


Accommodation with a human touch

  • Best prices guaranteed directly from accommodation owners

  • Over 7,000 verified owners available by phone

  • Detailed presentations, photos, and 180,000 genuine reviews

  • Trusted by 1.5 million customers in Slovakia and the Czech Republic

Special offers and tips to your e-mail

We process personal data under Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR to handle your request.