From the tower of Ľubovňa Castle, you can enjoy views of the Tatras and the Three Crowns in the Pieniny Mountains. The castle’s history of construction alone makes it a striking destination: it was built at the turn of the 14th century. The views and history stand out in different ways here—one in the broad panorama across the landscape, the other in the site’s long development.

Ľubovňa Castle and historic architecture

In Stará Ľubovňa, too, history leads to specific buildings. The Gothic Church of St. Nicholas dates from the late 13th century. One of its distinctive details is a late Gothic stone baptismal font from the 16th century. If you would like to visit the interior, the visit is arranged by the tourist information centre.

The town museum Dom ľubovnianskeho mešťana offers another insight into architectural history. It is housed in a historic burgher’s house dating from the 17th century. Renaissance architectural features, original vaults and stucco decorations define the building; its cellars date from the 15th century. The town’s tourism and regional development agency, Marmon, manages the tourist information centre, the town museum and the Historical Military Camp.

Gorges, hiking trails and border landscapes

Those interested in landscapes shaped by nature will find a protected limestone gorge at Jarabinský prielom. Rapids, waterfalls and large potholes are among its characteristic features. The gorge offers a different kind of discovery from the view from the castle tower: here, the focus is on the forms created by water and limestone.

In Litmanová, hiking trails lead to the Litmanovské skalky nature reserve. Hikers can also use route PI07, which runs between Šafranovka and Vysoká along the Slovak-Polish state border. These descriptions cover different nature and border-related themes without presenting them as a single route.

Pilgrimage site and cultural monument

The Chapel of the Immaculate Conception of the Most Holy Mother of God is located on Mount Zvir in Litmanová. On 7 September 2008, the chapel, the entire site and the spring were established as a pilgrimage site of the Greek Catholic Archdiocese of Prešov. The site thus brings together the chapel and the religious status of the entire area.

Another cultural landmark is the site of the International Sculpture Symposium in Vyšné Ružbachy. It was declared a cultural monument on 1 July 1997. In the same municipality, the crater is a legally protected travertine formation. Both features are a reason to look out for cultural monuments as well as protected natural formations during your visit.

Thermal pools and regional flavours

The indoor thermal pool at Kúpele Ružbachy offers year-round relaxation and quiet swimming. As access conditions may change, it is advisable to check them before your visit. This keeps the year-round opportunity to swim separate from the specifics of planning your visit.

In Hniezdne, the Nestville Distillery brings together historic, modern and traditional areas and includes a tasting room for Nestville Whisky. Nestville Park also features Nestville Chocolate, with a children’s play area, as well as the craft brewery and Nestville Taberna restaurant. Alongside buildings and landscapes, these attractions give the region its own culinary dimension to explore.

Plan excursions and transport

For the journey from Stará Ľubovňa towards Červený Kláštor, the municipal Pieniny route lists car and bus as transport options. The excursion route from Stará Ľubovňa to Plaveč can be reached by bus, train, car or on foot. Plaveč Castle dates from the 13th century; sections of the walls remain, and the site offers views of the surrounding area. If you plan to use public transport, check the current timetables for your specific journey.

The different places have different highlights: the castle and burgher’s house reveal architectural history, while the gorge and hiking trails lead to nature-related discoveries; the cultural and culinary attractions mentioned above add to the picture. This lets you choose which discoveries interest you most during your stay and plan suitable excursions accordingly.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Altlublau, Vysne Ruzbachy, Maly Lipnik, Plavnica, Mníšek Nad Popradom, Nová Ľubovňa, Hajtovka, Kamienka, Šambron, Lesnica.

Back to the regional travel overview: Prešov.