Gerlachov between the High Tatras and local history

Gerlachov between the High Tatras and the Poprad Basin

Gerlachov lies in the Poprad Basin on the southern slope of the High Tatras. The village therefore combines a clearly defined mountain landscape with a distinct history reflected in its churches, a stone bridge, monuments and traditional crafts. The name of the village also has a direct connection to the mountains: Gerlachovský štít, the highest peak in the Carpathians, is named after Gerlachov.

Hiking, panoramic views and winter sports

For active pursuits, the educational and hiking trail between Batizovce, Gerlachov, Mengusovce and Štôla is a particular highlight. The route is almost 10 kilometres long, passes through the foothills of the High Tatras and offers panoramic views of the Tatra peaks. It thus connects several villages with a landscape experience, without Gerlachov having to be viewed merely as a starting point.

Winter activities are also associated with Gerlachov. Tatraheim maintains a 20-kilometre network of cross-country ski trails. In addition, a tourist cross-country ski trail leads from Gerlachov to the Tatraheim area. If you would like to combine different ways of getting around, cycling is also among the leisure activities described in Gerlachov. Another notable event in village life is the annual Horský kros Gerlach, which leads from Gerlachov to Sliezsky dom.

Church, bridge and evidence of local history

The church in Gerlachov is the only surviving church in the municipality and remains fully functional. It is dated to around the year 1800. The church’s history also includes a preserved church bell cast in 1525. Of the old stone church from the 13th century, the tower as well as remains of the nave and foundations have survived.

A second historical landmark is located in the lower part of Gerlachov: the stone bridge was built by 1865 at the latest and was declared a national cultural monument on 15 December 2008. In the centre, a monument commemorates the residents of Gerlachov who fell in the war; it was erected at the end of the Second World War. The village’s historical events also include a plane crash in September 1944 involving an aircraft carrying 24 members of the Czechoslovak Brigade.

Crafts, traditions and local memories

Gerlachov was historically known for bleaching linen, which reached a very high quality. The village was also associated with the production of Tatra oil, referred to as turpentine. If you would like to experience local culture not only by observing it but also in practice, you can try weaving on traditional looms in Gerlachov. You can also watch typical Gerlachov Easter eggs being decorated using the scratch technique.

Recurring local traditions include the annual “Memorial of 24 Killed Heroes” tournament. Thus, in Gerlachov, nature trails, winter cross-country ski routes, sporting events and tangible evidence of local history stand side by side. For further village pages in this selection, you can visit Vernár, Zdiar, Spišská Teplica, Spišské Bystré, Poprad, Spišský Štiavnik, Gánovce and Strba.

For the overview of the wider area: Okres Poprad.