In Likavka, the history of Likava Castle and the watermill meets hiking trails with varying time and elevation requirements. For planning, it is worth considering these options separately: the castle is undergoing reconstruction work, while the routes range from an approximately one-hour loop to a long, challenging hike.
Likava Castle: History and Access
Likava Castle was a royal guard castle dating from the first third of the 14th century; it was first mentioned in writing in 1341. It is one of the largest castle complexes in central Slovakia. In 1707, it was dismantled by order of Prince František II Rákóczi. An old castle road runs along the north side to the castle walls.
As of August 26, 2026, Likava Castle was closed due to ongoing reconstruction work. Since access may change, check before your trip whether a visit is now possible. In 2004, following extensive reconstruction work, an exhibition on the castle’s history featuring images and objects was opened to the public in Hunyady Tower. If access is possible, the lower castle courtyard offers partial views of Likavka and Ružomberok.
Mill and Memorial
The watermill in Likavka was probably built in 1435 under Ján Hunyadi, at the same time as the bakery at Likava Castle. It operated from approximately 1640 to 1950, is the only surviving mill in the region, and has been listed in the Central Register of the Monuments Fund of Slovakia since 2016. The building is privately used.
Another chapter in the town’s history is commemorated by the memorial in Likavka: it honors eleven insurgents and partisans who were murdered there on January 26, 1945. Access is via stone steps; the memorial is set in a wooded natural setting.
Hiking: A Loop or a Long Tour
The “Na Likavu” loop trail from Likavka is 2.5 kilometers long, takes approximately one hour, is marked red, and has an elevation gain of 115 meters. Near Likavka, it joins the red-marked hiking trail from Ružomberok to Likava Castle and continues to Sedlo Spuštiak saddle. This loop is not suitable for visitors with limited mobility or for strollers.
The hiking route from Likavka to Lúčky takes considerably more time. It passes via Likava Castle, Predný Choč, Spuštiak, Stredná poľana, and Veľký Choč. The route is considered relatively challenging, has an elevation gain of 1,114 meters, and takes 6 hours and 45 minutes. Near the summit, it reaches a high-alpine landscape. The difference in time compared with the “Na Likavu” loop is therefore considerable; these are two different options, not variations of the same length.
Parking for the loop is available on E77, on Pod hradom street. The “Likavka,,hrad” bus stop is about 200 meters from the starting point. Trail conditions and markings may change; check the current situation and travel information before setting out.
Discover more destinations: Ružomberok, Liptovske Sliace, Hubová, Liptovska Osada, Kalameny, Lisková, Stankovany, Liptovská Teplá.
For the main travel overview: Okres Ružomberok.
