Giraltovce: Culture, River Landscapes and Trails

Giraltovce lies at the confluence of the Topľa and Radomka rivers and combines a multifaceted local history with waterside trails and a varied landscape. The western part of the municipality is flat, while the eastern part is gently rolling to more varied in terrain. The Radomka Nature Reserve is also located nearby, protecting natural meadow and fen communities in alluvial meadows along the Radomka stream. This gives the town different points of connection for a trip to Slovakia: culture can be combined with walks, landscape experiences and active leisure.

Trails along the Radomka and Topľa

For a manageable hike, the Rybník circular trail follows Ulica kpt. Nálepku Street and then a field path along the Radomka and a stream. The trail is 4 km long and takes about 3 hours. Along the way, you can observe herons, gulls, fish and amphibians; aquatic and marsh plants are also part of the described landscape.

Another route follows the Topľa. It begins at the former tannery and leads over the embankment and along the riverside path to the edge of Giraltovce. The route is 3 km long and takes about 2 hours. Along the Topľa, you will find riverside vegetation, wild ducks, fish and fishing spots. For a longer route, the CHPR Radomka circular trail is available: It is 6 km long, takes about 4 hours, crosses a stream and leads across wet meadows and pastures. The three trails therefore clearly differ in length, duration and landscape character.

Church, Cemetery and Culture

The Protestant church in Giraltovce was built between 1650 and 1654 together with a tower. The Renaissance tower was restored in 1810; the church had already been extensively rebuilt, extended and enlarged in 1798. These successive construction phases make the building an important historical reference point in the town, without this implying any particular current accessibility.

The amphitheater in Mieru Park provides space for major music events and festivals. In 2026, it hosted the Topľa Valley Folklore Festival for the 33rd time. Another cultural and historical site is the Giraltovce Jewish cemetery, established in 1862 on a hill within the town. The cemetery contains approximately 100 gravestones, most of which are made of sandstone and granite. The Holocaust memorial erected in 2008 records the Jewish families who lived in Giraltovce until 1942.

Literature also has a local connection: Hlovíkova litera is a literary competition named after the writer and Protestant pastor Adam Hlovík. Adam Hlovík worked in Giraltovce for many years. In this way, the literary tradition complements the town's sacred, historical and musical facets.

More Things to Do Locally

If you would like to spend your time actively, tennis courts and a beach volleyball court can be rented in Giraltovce. Fishing permits are available every Friday during office hours, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the office of MO SRZ Giraltovce. For comparison with another destination, you can also include Svidník. Giraltovce itself is particularly suitable for choosing a destination where riverside trails, nature observation and historically shaped cultural sites come together in a compact visit.

For the overarching travel overview: Svidník District.