Vrbov: Thermal Park, Churches and Trails with Tatra Views

Vrbov combines thermal water, a remarkable historic townscape, and trails through the landscape at the foot of the High Tatra peaks. This makes it possible to discover the town in different ways: with a stay at Thermal Park Vrbov, on a walk by the ponds, along designated cycling routes, or past several churches and monuments. The contrast between relaxation and culture is particularly striking, as the town’s oldest buildings stand in close thematic contrast to the thermal pools, which can be used year-round.

Thermal Park Vrbov: Pools for Different Seasons

Thermal Park Vrbov has nine pools, including three children’s pools. The three children’s pools make the facilities clearly suitable for families as well, without limiting the park to a single focus of use. Visitors can use the thermal pools with geothermal water there all year round.

During the winter season, Thermal Park Vrbov has four pools with geothermal and clear water.

Churches and Monuments in the Townscape

The Roman Catholic Church of Saint Servác is a Romanesque church dating from the second half of the 13th century. It is considered the oldest and most significant object in Vrbov’s heritage area and has richly decorated Baroque interiors. Its dedication is also unusual: the Church of Saint Servác has a unique dedication in Slovakia.

Vrbov’s historic townscape also includes its masonry bell tower. The structure dates from the 16th century, is Late Gothic, and has a square floor plan. The Evangelical Church of Vrbov offers a different denominational and architectural perspective. It was built in 1784 as a Toleration Church without a tower and is a Baroque-Classical building. South of the bell tower stands the Immaculata, a Marian column with a statue of the Virgin Mary.

Beyond the religious buildings, linen production is also part of the town’s history. It has a long tradition in Vrbov. For visitors, this means that the cultural side is not limited to individual buildings, but also includes a craft passed down through generations.

Walk with Views of the High Tatra

The documented walk around Vrbov begins behind Vrbov at a car park. At first, the route follows a comfortable paved path along the shore of the ponds for about 20 minutes before branching off onto a dirt track. The route thus deliberately alternates between a paved section by the water and a dirt track. It also leads to a viewpoint overlooking the peaks of the High Tatra.

Cycling Routes with Different Surfaces

For cycling, route 5890 “Zlatná–Kežmarok–Vrbov” is documented as being 11 km long with an elevation difference of 120 m. Its surface alternates between asphalt, gravel, and dirt tracks. Those considering another connection will find completed sections on the Slovak side of the Cesta na Spiši from Kežmarok to Huncovce, Vrbov, and Strážky. The 4.6 km section of the Huncovce–Kežmarok–Vrbov route follows a wide paved path into the centre of Vrbov.

The Kežmarok District also includes Jezersko, Osturna, Zakovce, Tvarožná, Veľká Franková, Spišské Hanušovce, Lechnica and Stara Lesna.

For the higher-level travel overview: Kežmarok District.