Poprad: Culture, Thermal Water and Kvetnica

Poprad combines urban history with thermal water and the forest landscape of Kvetnica. The city therefore offers you a variety of travel experiences: historic squares and churches, exhibitions and workshops, water and wellness facilities, as well as marked paths through forests and nature. Arrival can also be planned using several documented transport connections.

Getting to and around Poprad

Poprad is served by Poprad-Tatry International Airport. The city also has road and rail connections via the international E50 road and the Košice–Bratislava main railway line. From there, connections to the Czech Republic and Ukraine are available. This accessibility is particularly relevant if you are considering Poprad as a destination with various arrival options and want to choose your accommodation according to your planned urban, cultural or nature experiences.

Historic Poprad and Spišská Sobota

In the centre of Poprad stands the early Gothic Church of St. Egidius, dating from the 13th century. Inside is an exceptional ensemble of medieval paintings. During guided tours, you can climb up to 26 metres and enjoy a panoramic view from the tower gallery. The visit thus combines the city’s religious history with a view from a historic building.

A particularly well-preserved historic townscape can be found in Spišská Sobota, a district of Poprad. The town has a uniquely preserved urban heritage reserve. The square is lined with Renaissance and Gothic burgher houses. The Church of St. George dates from the mid-13th century and features a Gothic interior and an altar from the workshop of Master Paul of Levoča. A branch of the Podtatranské Museum is located in a burgher house within the heritage reserve; this burgher house is a national cultural monument.

One of Poprad’s exceptional historical subjects is the Tomb of the Prince of Poprad. It is the tomb of a Germanic prince from the turn of the 4th and 5th centuries AD. In terms of the preservation of its wooden architecture and furnishings, it is unique in Europe. Scherfelov dom offers another perspective on the city’s history: the house was established in 2008 and its permanent exhibition presents the life, scholarly work and extensive civic engagement of Viliam Scherfel. At the same time, it serves as a gallery and hosts various exhibitions.

Thermal Water, Art and Events

AquaCity Poprad has 13 indoor and outdoor pools with thermal water ranging from 28°C to 38°C, water slides and more than 350 water attractions. The wellness and spa area covers 1,600 m² and includes various saunas, inhalations, whirlpools, a lovers’ bay and a snow cave. Poprad therefore offers both water facilities and a dedicated wellness area.

For art and architecture, head to the Tatranská galéria. It was created by converting an old power station building, which is also an important technical monument. The gallery offers chamber exhibitions and creative workshops. Popradské kultúrne leto has a tradition spanning more than 20 years and takes place annually. The 2024 programme included concert Fridays and Saturday morning fairy-tale sessions for children.

Kvetnica: Educational Trail, Peaks and Game Reserve

South of the city’s cultural attractions, Kvetnica offers another side of Poprad. The Kvetnica educational trail presents the Slovak forest vegetation zones, the historic archaeological site of Zámčisko and the Hranovnícka dubina National Nature Reserve at nine stations. The circular route begins in Kvetnica Forest Park, is 13.6 km long and takes approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes.

Kvetnica has several marked hiking trails and circular routes. A Stations of the Cross route leads to the Chapel of the Resurrection near the 941-metre-high peak of Krížová. From the educational trail, you can also reach the 921-metre-high peak of Zámčisko and enjoy views of the surrounding landscape. In the north-western part of Kvetnica, there is a 21-hectare game reserve with mouflon and wild boar. This allows you to shape a stay in Poprad around city history, thermal water and nature trails of varying lengths.

More destinations to compare

To compare more destinations, you can also view Velký Slavkov, Spišské Bystré, Stola, Spišský Štiavnik, Liptovská Teplicka, Lucivna and Zdiar.

To the higher-level travel overview: Poprad District.

More about the destination

Relevant information for planning your trip:

Poprad - Gateway to the High Tatras.