Liptovský hrad - Kalameny
The ruins of Liptovský hrad are located on the Sestrč hill, at an altitude of 999.9 m above sea level in the cadastre of the village of Liptovská Sielnica, in the Liptovský Mikuláš district. Sestrč is part of the Chočské vrchy, which rise above the villages of Bukovina and Kalameny. The castle is sometimes also referred to as Liptovský Starý hrad or Sielnický hrad. It is the highest-altitude castle in the territory of Slovakia and at the same time one of the highest-altitude castles within Central Europe.
The first mention of the castle dates back to the 13th century, to the year 1262. King Bela IV had the castle built on the site of an original hillfort, which had already served a defensive function in the pre-Christian era. The castle was subsequently destroyed and rebuilt several times in the 13th and 14th centuries. From 1340, it served as the seat of the Liptov County. Hussite troops occupied it between 1431 and 1434, and from 1454 it was owned by Pongrác. He restored the residential part and completed the outer ward wall. In 1471, King Matthias Corvinus conquered the castle and had it destroyed. Out of the original residential tower, cistern, small courtyard, and two gates, only a part of the wall with an overhang of grass-covered earth has been preserved.
In the 1980s, archaeological research was carried out at the site, which helped clarify the overall development of the castle and reconstructed and conserved its foundations. Several remnants of the structure were uncovered, as well as projectiles and blacksmithing materials.
You can reach the castle year-round, but the terrain is more demanding and at times dangerous during rains and winter. Otherwise, the hike is suitable for almost everyone, feel free to take your little ones along too. If they have at least a slightly better physical condition, they will definitely manage the trip. You can set off along the yellow tourist trail from the village of Kalameny via Sedlo pod Kráľovou and subsequently via the Poľana saddle. The second route leads along the red tourist trail from the village of Vlachy via Havránok, Bukovina, and Sedlo pod Kráľovou. On the way back, you will also experience a bit of adventure when crossing a wooden ladder that boosts adrenaline in the blood of the brave.
From the castle, you will be treated to breathtaking views of almost the entire Liptov region, the Liptovská Mara water reservoir will be laid out before you like on the palm of your hand, and the surrounding mountains will guarantee to enchant you. The view of the wooden shelter is very nice, and it is interesting to inspect the handmade board games. Many photographers also visit Liptovský hrad for unique shots of the surrounding nature and the night sky without significant light pollution.
The atmosphere of this unique place simply needs to be experienced. Visit the website accommodation Kalameny, choose suitable accommodation near Liptovský hrad, and a great trip can begin. If you want to know what is worth seeing in the surroundings, get inspired by our website accomodation Liptovský Mikuláš as well. The entire region is indescribably beautiful, offering many fascinating natural nooks and historic sites, and it is definitely worth visiting not just once, but easily repeatedly and for several days.
