Where to go on a trip Studenec

There are few cases where natural richness marries cultural heritage so seamlessly. One of them can be found in Spiš, one of the most famous and most visited regions of Slovakia. And it is not just a Slovak, but a European uniqueness. Spišský hrad. One of the largest castles in all of Europe.

Thanks to its majesty, it is impossible to miss the castle. You will see it from afar, right from the highway. Lying below it is the small town of Spišské Podhradie, which is famous for its cathedral and priestly seminary. Spišský hrad castle is situated on a local travertine hill and, with an area of over 40,000 square meters, is one of the largest in all of Europe.

The entire castle rock is even a national natural monument. And the castle itself is inscribed on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list.

The travertine mound on which the castle stands enjoys an excellent strategic position. It stands up to 200 meters above the surrounding terrain, with the final meters being almost vertical. In the past, the travertine cliffs posed a great obstacle to enemies. The hillfort was inhabited back in ancient times by early cultures, even in the era before Christ. The period from the tenth to the thirteenth century represented a period of great development for the castle. Due to attacks by the Tatars, there was an acute need for a defensive castle. The first structure to be built was a massive, majestic tower, which was destroyed by an earthquake. In the 13th century, its successor was built, a tower that stands to this day.

During this period, there was vibrant construction activity at the castle. Paradoxically, the castle progressed despite the devastating Mongol invasions in 1241. A century later, a further expansion of the castle took place. The courtyard, measuring 150 x 60 meters, was exceptionally spacious for its time. Over time, the lower massive courtyard, which gives the castle such a large area, began to become a burden. Maintaining guards and defending such a vast area was unnecessary. Therefore, as time went on, it began to be used almost exclusively for economic and utility purposes.

The castle was ruled by the most famous royal and noble families. Worth mentioning are the Thurzo, Zápoľský, and Csák families. Over time, the castle began to fall into disrepair, playing its final role during the uprising. Imperial troops were stationed here, later abandoning the castle. The nail in the castle's coffin was a fire in 1780. The castle then decayed, lasting until 1945. It had to wait a while longer for reconstruction. Rescue and restoration works on the castle only began in 1961.

A tour of the castle offers something interesting for everyone. The castle tower, torture chamber, exhibition of period weapons, or a walk through the lower courtyard offer a wide spectrum of things to see. It would be a shame to miss the surrounding attractions, such as Katedrála sv. Martina in Spišská Kapitula or historical Levoča.

You will find the most convenient accommodation with the best access to Spišský hrad castle in Spišské Podhradie or nearby Žehra, which boasts a small church also inscribed on the UNESCO list. Your choices will primarily consist of private accommodations, but you will also find affordable and pleasant guesthouses. Discover our European-renowned gems and set out to explore the secrets of Spiš.

In the east of Slovakia, in the town of Spišské Podhradie, lies its separate part named Spišská Kapitula. From a distance, you will notice the massive Katedrála svätého Martina. This monumental building from the first third of the 13th century is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Not only history lovers or people seeking spiritual renewal will find what they are looking for here.

This Romanesque-Gothic building features two towering spires. Inside, you can find stunning Gothic altars, statues, tomb slabs, bells, or frescoes dating back to 1317 depicting the coronation of King Charles Robert. These are very rare pieces. You also will not miss the oldest Romanesque sculpture in Slovakia, Leo Albus.

Katedrála svätého Martina in Spišská Kapitula will offer you a perfect spiritual experience. In addition to visiting the cathedral from Tuesday to Sunday, you can also attend a religious service. The singing echoing through the spaces of this gigantic structure will delight your ears and soul. Upon request, a tour can be arranged for an organized group. You can choose a basic route with a guided commentary, or without one. It consists of the ground floor of the cathedral and the south sacristy. During the summer months, you can find a bit more information in the extended route, where you will see everything from the basic route plus the upper floor of the cathedral, which houses the canonical library, the archaeological exposition of the cathedral, and the westwork - the royal chapel (Leo Albus White Lion).

From a distance, you will see the silhouette of Katedrála svätého Martina as well as Spišský hrad. Plan a trip to these two interesting attractions of Spiš. Keep in mind, however, that perhaps thanks to accommodation near Katedrála sv. Martina in Spišskom Podhradie, you will soak up an amazing atmosphere. It is an environment where you can feel the antiquity of a sacred place and even a fortified one.

You can reach the cathedral from several directions, with a highway exit right in Spišské Podhradie. Do not miss the aforementioned largest castle fortress in Central Europe, Spišský hrad. In the summer season, potters here will convince you to make your own ceramics. A unique winter experience is provided by the exceptional Lesná sauna in Spišský Hrhov. However, the effects of saunas are beneficial for the body in every season.

If you stay at a cottage in Spišské Podhradie, you will certainly be close to Ranč Fah as well. You can indulge in sunsets with a glass of wine in hand in a guesthouse room in Spišské Podhradie. We know that the friendly approach of accommodation providers and comfortable rooms in any property guarantee a perfect feeling during your stay. The best accommodation in Spišské Podhradie can only be found with us.

Are you looking for a place where you can relax, have fun, and learn something new during the summer? We have a tip for a summer oasis of relaxation near Levoča. The recreation area Žabia cesta, also known as the former Levočská priehrada, is an ideal choice for families with children, couples, and active visitors. It is located less than 3 kilometers from the center of Levoča and, during the summer season (July - August, and September if the weather is favorable), offers a variety of activities in a beautiful natural environment. Entrance to the multifunctional area is free, though some attractions are paid.

Summer Fun and Sports under the Levočské vrchy

In a picturesque setting surrounded by beautiful nature, a space awaits you that combines refreshing relaxation by the water with active movement and adventure. The centerpiece of the entire area is a popular natural swimming pool with a maximum depth of 130 centimeters, providing an ideal spot for safe fun for children and non-swimmers, while a lifeguard on duty ensures visitors' peace of mind. Water cleanliness is regularly inspected by experts, so you can fully enjoy every moment of carefree swimming. Beyond water fun, you will find a children's playground, outdoor natural showers, practical changing rooms, a beach volleyball court, table tennis tables, and a sports equipment rental. Lovers of quieter moments on the water will appreciate the rental of pedal boats and rowboats, which will take you on a scenic cruise with magical views of the Levočské vrchy in the background.

Rope Park, Climbing Wall, and Trail of Knowledge

If you crave a bit of adrenaline and heights, a huge attraction is the local rope park divided into three difficulty levels. The youngest visitors from three years of age can enjoy the children's track, older children and teenagers can test the medium circuit (for heights from 160 centimeters), and the bravest will head to the large circuit, which winds nearly ten meters above the ground and offers not only a physical challenge but also a great view of the entire area. The rope park also features a climbing wall, where trained instructors assist all interested participants, ready to explain proper technique and supervise your safety. For those who prefer a relaxing walk combined with a bit of learning, there is an interactive educational trail just under twelve hundred meters long. Along the way, you will playfully learn interesting facts about the amphibians living in this locality and discover rare species of local flora.

Practical Information for Your Visit

This diverse area is a great choice for families with children, groups of friends, solo tourists, and seniors. Thanks to the overall flat terrain, moving around is very comfortable and easily manageable even with a stroller or wheelchair. While the rope park naturally has its height and age restrictions, the vast majority of other activities are accessible without limits, and the overall physical demand of a visit is very low. The area is ideal for a multi-hour trip, but thanks to the rich offer of activities, you can easily spend an entire day here. Good news for pet owners is that dogs are allowed, provided you follow the basic rules of the area and show consideration for other visitors.

Access, Services, and Surroundings

The recreation area is located within easy reach of the town of Levoča. The easiest way to get here is by car or bicycle. There is a parking lot directly at the area. Restaurant facilities and snack bars are located nearby, where you can enjoy refreshments. For cyclists and hikers, marked cycle routes and trails are available, leading to picturesque spots in the Levočské vrchy.

Skiers in Slovakia often bypass the eastern part of the country. Perhaps they don't even know what they are missing out on. The pristine nature, somewhat hidden from the eyes of tourists, offers something for them as well. Perhaps the best ski resort they can visit here is Relax Center Plejsy.

The ski resort has a more than fitting name, as the services in the resort offer great opportunities for active relaxation. Where can you find all this? Just a short distance from Krompachy. You can get here, for example, from Spišské Podhradie. The resort is spread over the northern slopes of Krompašský vrch. Thanks to its northern orientation, there is always plenty of snow at Plejsy.

Relax Center Plejsy is not just any ordinary ski resort. It is one of those larger and modern skiing centers. Its high level is also evidenced by the organization of international skiing events, such as the European Cup skiing races.

The resort offers more than sufficient elevation gain. It ranges between 470 – 912 meters above sea level. But do you know what is absolute best about Plejsy? That all groups of skiers can enjoy skiing here. You will find slopes for beginners, intermediate skiers, and even total experts. Most of the slopes are designated for intermediate skiers. The resort is therefore suitable for family skiing as well as for every skier looking to refine their skills.

The Plejsy resort offers up to 9 km of slopes. Its pride is the main slope, which contains all levels of difficulty you can encounter. At the beginning, it has the steepest incline, later transitioning into medium difficulty, and the final section has a gentle slope suitable even for beginners. The resort's longest slope is also above average, measuring up to 2,500 meters. Up to 5 ski lifts will take care of your comfort while skiing.

Other additional services at Plejsy are at a European level: plenty of parking spaces, snack bars, a restaurant, a comprehensive artificial snowmaking system, and floodlighting for night skiing. Thanks to this, you will be skiing late into the evening and until early spring. The average ski season lasts up to 123 days, proving that you can ski here for a really long time.

The surroundings of the resort offer options for interesting trips, whether to the nearby Slovenský raj or to the aforementioned Spišské Podhradie. History, culture, nature, and sports enthusiasts will all find something to enjoy here. Cross-country skiing enthusiasts haven't been forgotten either. You will find up to 11 km of cross-country trails here where you can train from morning to evening.

Plejsy is full of life, especially in winter. The high number of tourists requires broad accommodation capacities. These are available here in various quality levels and price ranges. From modern guesthouses and beautiful cottages to pleasant and quiet private accommodations in nearby villages. In addition, right next to the ski lifts, Hotel Plejsy will ensure maximum comfort during your stay. So head on over for a great skiing trip.

Your little ones will surely enjoy a visit to Alex Park, which is located in Spišská Nová Ves. It is one of the largest indoor parks you can discover during your holiday in Slovakia. Across an area of 1,200 m², there are numerous attractions and activities that will keep the whole family entertained for hours. At the same time, parents can enjoy a cup of excellent coffee here, for example.

Trampolines, various climbing frames, slides, or water-style tube slides. You can try all of these 7 days a week. Do not hesitate to conquer the spider tower or challenge others to a race on the racetrack. The youngest children can build a bunker or a castle out of huge foam blocks. Older siblings will appreciate the cannon arena, where they can test their reflexes. You can also play hide-and-seek here; there are truly no limits to imagination. You will also be very pleasantly surprised by the menu of the local restaurant, where everyone will find their favorite dish.

The indoor playground is also a perfect place for birthday parties. The staff will be happy to prepare a separate party room for you based on a chosen theme. You can choose from various birthday packages that include refreshments, activities, and the services of an experienced entertainer. The birthday boy or girl and their friends are guaranteed to have a smile on their faces and enjoy themselves to the fullest. A small surprise is also prepared for the star of the celebration.

The Spiš region is an interesting combination of nature and history. You can find a wide range of accommodation options near Alex Park as well. Simply choose from the rich offer of cottages or guest houses in Spišská Nová Ves. You can spend the following days in the gorges of Slovenský raj, and children can certainly handle the hike up to Tomášovský výhľad. You can observe animals at Zoologická záhrada Spišská Nová Ves or introduce your children to history at Múzeum Spiša. During summer days, you will surely appreciate a refreshing swim at Letné kúpalisko Spišská Nová Ves.

Do you long to treat your body to a pleasant rest in the warmth? Or just to switch off from everyday worries for a moment? Then head to the Sans Souci site in the picturesque village of Iliašovce, located in eastern Slovakia in the Košický kraj region. Tucked away in its forest, hidden from the eyes of passers-by, is a unique wooden sauna that you can use specifically for relaxation and recreation.

You can enjoy the positive and detoxifying effects on the human body if you visit this unique natural sauna. A private individual stood behind its creation. Their main goal was an escape from the everyday world into a natural environment with the intention of doing something good for their body as well. Looking into our history, we can discover that the origin of saunaville dates back to 4000 BC. Even back then, baths such as the Turkish or Arabian hammam, Roman public baths, or the Korean sauna were known. We only learn about the Finnish sauna in 1112, when it served to heat dwellings in Finland.

Do you also feel like coming and experiencing sauna bathing firsthand? Book your slot for this wooden Finnish sauna online. Here, you will light up the wood-burning stove and take a seat on your chosen wooden bench. For a full 15 minutes, enjoy the indescribable view of the soothing nature, where you might even catch a glimpse of wild game. After this time, cold air will stroke your heated body, and with determination, you will step down to a wooden tub filled with cold water. You can freely repeat this process 2 to 3 times. However, after each cycle, do not forget to take a moment to pause and "tune into yourself" in the relaxation room. You might be so tired that you even take a short nap. Make sure to bring your own towels, sheets, or slippers with you, as these are not provided at the sauna. If you plan to use the sauna in the evening hours, it is also advisable to pack flashlights or your own light source.

You too can come and enjoy the beneficial effects that act on the entire human organism. It will relieve your tension, strengthen blood circulation, rejuvenate your skin, and speed up your metabolism. Thanks to sweating, you will get rid of undesirable substances from your body. A stay in the sauna is recommended for visitors who do not suffer from any health complications. To enjoy sauna bathing to the fullest, we recommend booking accommodation near Lesná sauna Iliašovce.

In the village of Iliašovce, you can walk around and draw new spiritual energy at the place known as Sans Souci, where a chapel is built. You can also elevate your artistic spirit by visiting the Spišské múzeum – Výstavná sieň. If you are interested in information from the field of mining, it is worth looking into the exhibition História baníctva na Spiši. Perhaps during a mass at Bazilika sv. Jakuba in Levoča, you will listen to the beauty of organ music and afterwards view the famous altar by Master Paul. Active visitors can get their bodies moving in the pools of Krytá plaváreň Spišská Nová Ves.

Choosing from the available options is relatively easy. In the same way, you can choose from the range of accommodations in Iliašovce. Our catalog includes beautiful apartments in Iliašovce, but you might also appreciate the option of renting a room in a guesthouse. We will gladly help you find the best accommodation for any type of stay in this region.