Stará Ľubovňa: Castle, Gorges and Thermal Pools

Stará Ľubovňa combines historic sites with striking landscapes and thermal traditions. Between Ľubovňa Castle, the protected Jarabinský prielom gorge and the year-round indoor thermal pool at Kúpele Ružbachy, the region presents a diverse range of experiences. Whether you are looking for culture, nature, the pilgrimage site on Mount Zvir or regional culinary offerings, you will find different starting points for your trip to Slovakia.

Castles, Churches and Historic Interiors

Ľubovňa Castle was built at the turn of the 13th and 14th centuries. Its tower offers views of the Tatras and the Three Crowns in the Pieniny Mountains. The Gothic Church of St. Nicholas provides another historical perspective. It dates from the end of the 13th century and contains a Late Gothic stone baptismal font from the 16th century. Visits to its interior are organised by the tourist information centre.

The Dom ľubovnianskeho mešťana City Museum also offers insight into the area’s architectural and everyday history. The exhibition is housed in a historic burgher’s house from the 17th century. Preserved features include Renaissance architectural elements, original vaults, stucco decoration and cellars dating from the 15th century. The municipal tourism and regional development agency Marmon operates the tourist information centre, the Dom ľubovnianskeho mešťana City Museum and the Historical Military Camp.

Gorges, Border Trails and Distinctive Landscapes

Jarabinský prielom is a protected limestone gorge with rapids, waterfalls and large potholes. In Litmanová, hiking trails lead to the Litmanovské skalky nature reserve. For a hike near the border, trail PI07 runs between Šafranovka and Vysoká along the Slovak-Polish state border. These three landscape experiences differ significantly: the gorge is shaped by water and limestone, Litmanová by access to a nature reserve, and PI07 by its route along the state border.

On Mount Zvir in Litmanová, the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception of the Most Holy Mother of God was established on 7 September 2008, together with the entire site and the spring, as a pilgrimage site of the Greek Catholic Archdiocese of Prešov. In Vyšné Ružbachy, the crater is a legally protected travertine formation. Also there, the site of the International Sculpture Symposium was declared a cultural monument on 1 July 1997.

Thermal Pools and Regional Culinary Destinations

The indoor thermal pool at Kúpele Ružbachy offers relaxation and leisurely swimming throughout the year. Alongside the historical and landscape attractions, this provides a clearly defined wellness experience without requiring seasonal use.

The Nestville Distillery in Hniezdne offers another facet. It combines historic, modern and traditional areas and includes a tasting room for Nestville Whisky. Nestville Park also includes Nestville Chocolate with a children’s playground, as well as the craft brewery and restaurant Nestville Taberna. This makes it possible to combine insights into regional culinary offerings with a stay in the park.

Excursion Directions from Stará Ľubovňa

For the journey from Stará Ľubovňa towards Červený Kláštor, the municipal Pieniny route lists car and bus as means of transport. The excursion route to Plaveč leads in another direction; bus, train, car or walking are listed for this route. The castle ruins in Plaveč date from the 13th century. Sections of the walls have been preserved, and the site offers views of the surrounding area. The different means of transport make this route a separate way to extend your stay beyond the immediate city and castle theme.

For further orientation in the area, you can also visit Stará Ľubovňa, Plavnica, Mníšek Nad Popradom, Nová Ľubovňa, Šambron, Kamienka, Lesnica, Hajtovka, Malý Lipník and Vyšné Ružbachy.

For the higher-level travel overview: Prešov.