Reľov between Spišská Magura and Goral tradition

Reľov at the Foot of Spišská Magura

Reľov combines a distinctive mountain landscape with traditional forms of village life. The village lies at the foot of Spišská Magura and is surrounded by high mountains on three sides.

Forest Landscape and Nature Observation

Most of the municipality is covered by coniferous forest. Roe deer live in the forests of Reľov; red deer, wild boars, bears and wolves also appear there from time to time. During walks, you may spot hares, foxes, martens, squirrels, badgers and wildcats, and with a little luck, lynxes as well.

A special natural feature is the Teplica spring below Baniská: it does not freeze over in winter. The use of the forest landscape is also part of the local character. Wild berries collected in Reľov are used to make preserves, syrups and jams. To this day, the village has retained its agricultural and pastoral character.

Goral Language and Living Traditions

The traditional Goral dialect is still spoken in Reľov today. The village's history dates back to the 13th century, when Reľov was founded by Magister Kokoš Berzeviczy. In 1314, the village was donated to the Carthusians at Skala útočišťa. The tradition of amateur theatre is also notable for the area's cultural identity: it dates back to around 1925, and rehearsals for amateur plays began again in Reľov in 2009.

Christmas shepherd plays have also survived to this day in a somewhat modified form. Another recurring part of local life is the annual Epiphany table tennis tournament, which has a long-standing tradition. Such customs and events add a social and cultural dimension to the landscape without reducing Reľov to a single excursion destination.

Village Character and Sacred Architecture

Characteristic architectural forms include traditional three-room log houses with wooden farm buildings. In Reľov, they form enclosed farmyards and make the agricultural origins of the village visible in its built character. Another historical landmark is the Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. It was built after 1787, incorporating an older Renaissance chapel into its ground plan. The presbytery and sacristy of the church are Renaissance.

Route through Spišská Magura

Among the tourist routes listed for Reľov is PI01 Hrebeňom Spišskej Magury - západná časť. The named route leads from Strednica via Magurka, Bukovina, Smrečiny and Magurské sedlo. Five named stations follow one another along the route: Strednica, Magurka, Bukovina, Smrečiny and Magurské sedlo. This documents a specific route section for travel planning, while the other features of the village are more suited to walks, nature observation and exploring Reľov from a cultural and historical perspective.

For further travel comparisons, you can also view Veľká Lomnica, Vrbov, Lechnica, Spišská Belá, Mlynceky, Slovenská Ves, Spišská Stará Ves and Malý Slavkov.

For the broader travel overview: Kežmarok District.