Part of the cadastral territory of Smizany lies within Slovak Paradise National Park. Marked trails and nature themes meet a distinctive cultural offering in the town: a historic parish church, exhibitions on folk culture, and the legacy of Ján Nálepka. When planning your visit, it is worth comparing trail lengths and stated walking times, as well as the different themes of the exhibitions.
Landscape and trails in Slovak Paradise
The recreational areas of Košiarny brieĹľok and ÄŚingov–Hradisko make Smizany the eastern gateway to Slovak Paradise. The section of the Hornád Gorge described here begins at the ÄŚingov entrance; it lies in the national park’s third protection zone. Marked trails lead through the gorge to TomašovskĂ˝ vĂ˝hÄľad, LetanovskĂ˝ mlyn, IhrĂk, and as far as Hrdlo Hornádu.
The Smižianska Maša–Čingov educational trail starts and ends in Maša, Smizany. The loop is five kilometres long, and the walk takes approximately two hours. Its nine stops cover local geology, botany, and archaeology; the history of Čingov; changes in the forest; nesting sites; and riverside vegetation. The trail therefore combines a set distance with a range of nature and history topics.
A nearby alternative is the loop from Smižianska Maša to Sovia skala and back. The stated walking time for this 5.9-kilometre route is about one hour and 15 minutes. By comparison, the educational trail is shorter but is estimated to take approximately two hours. When planning your time, consider not only the kilometres but also the stated duration of each route.
A cycling route also passes through Smizany: the route designated CY04, described as easy, runs via Čingov, Košiarny briežok, and Spišská Nová Ves before returning to Čingov, and is 18 kilometres long. Surfaces and signage may change. Protected species are also found in the Smizany and Slovak Paradise area, including the Slovak pasqueflower, leafless iris, golden eagle, capercaillie, and otter.
Church, exhibitions, and folklore
The Church of the Elevation of the Holy Cross (Povýšenia svätĂ©ho KrĂĹľa) is a national cultural monument. It dates from the mid-13th century and acquired Gothic architectural elements in the 15th century. Its construction history therefore spans several centuries: its medieval origins and the Gothic elements added later belong to different periods.
The Rodný dom kpt. Jána Nálepku displays the original furnishings, along with letters and documents from his student, teaching, and military years. The exhibition also covers Nálepka’s activities in the anti-fascist resistance during the Second World War. On weekdays, visits are possible only by prior appointment; arrange your visit at least one day in advance and check the visiting arrangements before you go.
A permanent ethnographic exhibition in Smizany focuses on the folk culture of central and lower Spiš from the late 19th to the early 20th century. Textiles, clothing, and how they were made are at its heart. This offers a different period and subject matter from the history of the parish church or the exhibition at the Rodný dom kpt. Jána Nálepku.
The local folklore tradition includes the custom of the “fašengari”: every year, the Smižančanka folklore group walks through the village singing, carrying a roasting spit and a wooden goat. Check the current dates locally in advance. Traditional events also include the Smižianske folklórne slávnosti. The programme for its 33rd edition in 2026 included performances by children’s and adult folklore groups, creative workshops, a craft market, and an exhibition.
The themed Gotická cesta (Gothic Route) also passes through Smizany. Alongside the parish church, it offers further ways to explore cultural history: by following a route, attending folklore events, or visiting exhibitions. Which of these to include in your plans depends on whether you are more interested in architecture, historical everyday culture, or living traditions.
Discover more destinations: Spisska Nova Ves, Betlanovce, Arnutovce, Harichovce, Krompachy, Hrabusice, Markušovce, Hnilec.
For the broader travel overview: Okres Spišská Nová Ves.
