Malcov – Walking Trails, Mountain Landscapes and Slovak Culture

Malcov combines a landscape shaped by streams with mountain areas, walking trails, regional culture and distinctive culinary traditions. For your trip to Slovakia, the town is particularly interesting if you would like to combine experiences in nature with insights into history and living folk culture. A first-class road towards Bardejov – Stará Ľubovňa – Poprad also runs through Malcov; this connection provides clear orientation for reaching the town and planning the rest of your journey.

Walking Trails Along Two Streams

Malcov lies in the valley of the Večný potok and Veľký rybný potok. For summer walks, there is a route along the Veľký rybný potok as well as a shorter route along the Večný potok. The streams are lined with large boulders, flat sandstone surfaces and, in places, deep pools. These features give the surroundings a clearly recognizable character and make the course of the waterways an independent nature experience.

Three Mountain Areas in the Cadastral District

The landscape of Malcov is geographically diverse. The central part of the cadastral district is occupied by the Ondavská vrchovina. In the southern part, an area of the Čergov mountain range extends across the district, while in the northeast the cadastral district reaches into the Ľubovnianska vrchovina. The three names refer to different geographical areas within the cadastral district and help you understand Malcov not merely as a single valley, but as a place situated among several landscape areas.

Distinctive landscape details include the wooded areas on the surrounding heights. There is a hornbeam forest on Stoličná hora. Birch groves grow on Veľká hora and at Humbark. Those who pay attention to the vegetation while hiking will therefore find distinct natural impressions on the named elevations. When there is sufficient snow, Malcov also offers a large selection of cross-country ski trails. This winter activity is explicitly dependent on snow conditions and should therefore not be considered independently of the conditions at the time.

Chapel, Church and Local Traditions

The chapel “Kaplnka Narodenia Presvätej Bohorodičky” stands on Hurka Hill. An indulgence festival is held at this chapel every September. A second historical landmark is the church “Chrám Stretnutia Pána”. It was originally built as a Gothic church in the first half of the 14th century. Part of the original surrounding masonry and the tower with a Gothic window have been preserved; the window’s stone tracery is visible in the reveal.

Local culture in Malcov is also represented by singing and folklore groups. The singing group “Malcovčanky” preserves local cultural traditions and folk songs in the Šariš dialect for future generations. It performs at folklore festivals in Malcov, the nearby area and abroad. The folklore group “Javorina” mainly performs dances and songs based on folk-song motifs and performed at a folklore festival in Malcov. The local St. John’s Day custom in June included collecting medicinal herbs and other herbs. The herbs, tied into small bouquets, were laid out around the church for blessing.

Regional Cuisine

Malcov’s culinary traditions include Mačadlo with mushrooms and baked kiški. Mačadlo with mushrooms is considered one of the culinary specialties of Malcov’s cuisine. Baked kiški are a local specialty from the cuisine of slaughtering. Both dishes point to distinctive local culinary traditions and complement the picture of a place whose special features lie not only in its landscape and architectural history.

More Destinations for Orientation

For further travel planning, you can also find Stebnícka Huta, Zborov, Bardejovské Kúpele, Regetovka, Bartfeld, Smilno, Bartošovce and Fričkovce.

For the higher-level travel overview: Bardejov.