Discover Kežmarok

Kežmarok combines a historic route through the city with unusually detailed insights into sacred architecture, library collections, museum work and Jewish history. If you would like to combine culture and cycling, you will find several different points of interest here: The sights described are located in Kežmarok, while the cycling routes lead both through the historic centre and into the surrounding area.

Historic Route and Notable Buildings

The Historic Route through Kežmarok was established to guide visitors to the city's most significant monuments. One of the outstanding stops is the Drevený artikulárny kostol, which has been included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is open to the general public; large music concerts are also held there. The Nový evanjelický kostol stands out due to its distinctive red colour, making it a prominent landmark in Kežmarok.

Another focal point is the Lyceum Library. Its collection comprises 150,000 books, including 55 incunabula printed between 1470 and 1500. The library therefore combines an extensive overall collection with a clearly defined collection of early printed works. The Basilica minor sv. Kríža presents another aspect of the city's history: its current form as a three-nave basilica was created through a Gothic reconstruction between 1444 and 1498. Inside, it has net, star and cross-ribbed vaulting.

Castle, Museum and Jewish History

Kežmarok Castle is located in the city centre and is accessible by car. It offers a viewing tower as well as a permanent exhibition of historic automobiles. The Múzeum v Kežmarku covers a thematic range from archaeology to art. The exhibitions mentioned include a presentation on bourgeois domestic culture and a collection of historic weapons.

The Jewish Cemetery in Kežmarok has been registered as a national cultural monument since 2000. The site contains 555 gravestones arranged in 25 regular rows. The Renaissance Zvonárka, also known as Zlatá veža, further enriches the city's historic character. Its oldest bell is dated to 1525.

Explore Kežmarok by Bicycle

For cyclists, cycle route 014 leads through the historic centre of Kežmarok, past the castle and onwards towards Zlatná. There is also a 4.5 km-long cycle path between Kežmarok and Vrbov. This section is paved, marked in green and suitable for both mountain bikes and road bikes. The two offerings described have different focuses: Route 014 connects the urban area with a continuation beyond it, while the cycle path to Vrbov is characterised in greater detail by its length, surface and markings.

Other Destinations in the Area

If you would like to compare Kežmarok with other destinations, you will find Veľká Lomnica, Zakovce, Lechnica, Busovce, Červený Kláštor, Spišské Hanušovce, Veľká Franková and Osturna.

For the higher-level travel overview: Kežmarok District.