At an altitude of 825 meters above sea level, Mengusovce lies at the foot of the High Tatras. The surrounding area offers very beautiful views of the High and Low Tatras. There are also hiking trails, protected areas, and architectural heritage spanning several centuries. This makes it possible to combine three distinct themes during a stay: landscape, activity, and local history.
Landscape and Protected Areas
Mengusovce lies within the buffer zone of the High Tatras National Park. To the north of the village is the Jelšina Nature Reserve, which protects natural stands; to the southeast is the Bôrik Nature Reserve. So, in addition to the views, specific protected areas also help orient visitors in the surrounding area: Jelšina is to the north, Bôrik to the southeast. They lie in different directions from the village.
Hiking Trails for Different Plans
There are opportunities for hiking in Mengusovce. The Batizovce–Gerlachov–Mengusovce–Štôla educational hiking trail is intended for the general public; it is explicitly described as suitable for less experienced hikers, as well as for children and older people. The Kimbiark educational trail has a different focus: it is 13 kilometers long and runs via Bôrik to the edge of Mengusovce near the cemetery. Different factors can help you choose: the first trail is described as suitable for a broad range of visitors, while the Kimbiark is specified by length and route. If you are planning for a group that includes less experienced hikers, children, or older people, the first description is more relevant; if you want to compare a specific route length, that information is provided for the Kimbiark.
Churches and Historical Heritage
The Roman Catholic Church of St. Thomas the Apostle in Mengusovce was remodeled in the Baroque style in the 18th century. The Evangelical church is a Neoclassical building dating from 1840. Mengusovce is also home to an Early Gothic baptismal font from the 13th century and a painted wooden ceiling from the 18th century. The timeline thus stretches from the 13th-century baptismal font through the Baroque remodeling and painted wooden ceiling of the 18th century to the Neoclassical church of 1840. The churches and surviving individual artifacts therefore offer different points of connection to local history.
The Mengusovské Rodeo
The Mengusovské Rodeo is a regularly held equestrian event featuring Western-style competitions. In 2019, the 22nd edition took place. If you want to use the rodeo as an occasion for a trip, check the date of the edition you wish to attend before setting your travel dates.
Getting There by Bus and Train
A regular bus service runs via Mengusovce between Poprad, Svit, Vyšné Hágy, and Štrbské Pleso, and back. Two details should be distinguished when it comes to rail travel: the Lučivná Kúpele stop for passenger trains is 1.5 kilometers from Mengusovce; in Vyšné Hágy, you can transfer to the electric railway. If you are traveling by public transport, check the current timetables for your travel day and coordinate the individual legs of your journey.
Discover more destinations: Gánovce, Lucivna, Sunava, Hozelec, Spišský Štiavnik, Velký Slavkov, Hôrka, Vernár
For the broader travel overview: Okres Poprad.
