Holiday apartment in Smižany: Trails in Slovak Paradise

Smižany lies at the eastern entrance to Slovak Paradise and combines protected nature with historical evidence and vibrant traditions. Part of the cadastral area lies within Slovak Paradise National Park. Trails to distinctive landscape features begin in the surrounding area, while Smižany itself is home to a medieval parish church, ethnographic exhibitions and folklore events offering insights into the culture of Spiš.

Nature and trails

The recreational areas of Košiarny briežok and Čingov–Hradisko make Smižany the eastern gateway to Slovak Paradise. The section of the Hornád Gorge beginning at the Čingov entrance to Slovak Paradise lies in the national park’s third protection zone. Marked trails lead through the Hornád Gorge to Tomašovský výhľad, Letanovský mlyn, Ihrík and as far as Hrdlo Hornádu.

Protected species found in the Smižany and Slovak Paradise area include the Slovak pasqueflower, leafless iris, golden eagle, capercaillie and otter. The landscape can also be explored via a thematically structured educational trail: the Smižianska Maša–Čingov educational trail has nine stations covering local geology, botany and archaeology, as well as the history of Čingov, forest changes, nesting sites and riparian vegetation.

Routes for active days

The Smižianska Maša–Čingov educational trail begins and ends in Smižany, Maša. It is 5 km long and takes approximately two hours. In the vicinity of Smižany, there is also a 5.9 km out-and-back route from Smižianska Maša to the Sovia skala viewpoint and back; the walking time is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.

The crossing of Sokolia dolina is more demanding. It is secured with ladders, steps, chains and bridges and is only possible in one direction, against the current. The Sokolia dolina route begins and ends at the SAD bus stop and car park in Čingov. A circular route through Sokolia dolina also begins and ends in Čingov and takes approximately 7 hours and 15 minutes.

A gentle cycling tour is also marked out: Route CY04 Čingov–Košiarny briežok–Spišská Nová Ves–Smižany–Čingov is 18 km long and passes through Smižany. The themed Gotická cesta route also runs through the village.

Culture and history

The parish church of Povýšenia svätého Kríža stands in the village and is a national cultural monument. It dates from the mid-13th century and acquired architectural elements of the Gothic style in the 15th century. An archaeological investigation has been taking place in the church since 8 June.

The Rodný dom kpt. Jána Nálepku presents the original furnishings, as well as letters and documents from Ján Nálepka’s student, teaching and military years. His activities in the anti-fascist resistance during the Second World War are also documented there. The exhibition is accessible on weekdays only by prior arrangement; visits must be arranged at least one day in advance.

A permanent ethnographic exhibition in Smižany presents the folk culture of central and lower Spiš from the end of the 19th to the beginning of the 20th century. Textiles, clothing and their production are the main focus. The annual tradition of the “fašengari” is also part of local heritage: the Smižančanka folklore group walks through the village singing, carrying a roasting spit and a wooden goat.

Traditional events in Smižany include the Smižianske folklórne slávnosti. The programme of the 33rd Smižianske folklórne slávnosti included performances by children’s and adult folklore groups, creative workshops, a craft market and an exhibition.

Discover more places

Mlynky, Markušovce, Jamnik, Odorín, Krompachy, Betlanovce, Spišské Vlachy, Slovinky

To the higher-level travel overview: Okres Spišská Nová Ves.