Liptovský Mikuláš and the surroundings
A guide to attractions December 2014 – May 2015
· museums · galleries · sights · folk architecture · caves · water parks · winter sports
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Winter in the region of Liptov
offers a wide choice of activities for tourists, which combine winter sports – alpine and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, freeride, ski touring, hiking, great fun and endless relaxation in hot water of aqua parks, beautiful caves, unique monuments of folk architecture and precious knowledge in museums and galleries. The biggest ski resorts and water parks are connected 2
via SKI & AQUA buses in the season of 2014/15 again. They start operating on Christmas days and are free of charge for holders of the discount Liptov Region Card and valid ski passes. The SKI & AQUA bus drives to the biggest town of the Liptov region - Liptovský Mikuláš as well. Its historical centre is very attractive for tourists and the narrow streets are ideal for walks. You can also visit interesting museums, galleries, cultural events or listen to stories and news told by your tourist guide. The following pages will introduce various tourist attractions that the town of Liptovský Mikuláš and its surroundings have to offer. They should help you enjoy your holiday here to the fullest so that you can go back home full of positive energy and nice memories. Thank you for choosing the region of Liptov. We will be happy to welcome you here anytime again!
HISTORY, SIGHTS, MUSEUMS, GALLERIES
Church of St. Nicolas The oldest monument in the city is named after its patron – Saint Nicolas. Scenes from his life are depicted on the main altar, which also contains a late-Gothic sculpture of him. The blessing figure of St. Nicolas is placed on the portal above the church entrance. There are beautiful side altars, stained-glass windows, a stone font from 1490 and paintings made by academic painters Hanula, Škorvánek and Alexy inside the church.
Námestie osloboditeľov 27 [D5] Phone no.: +421/44/552 21 42, www.faralm.sk available after the Holy Mass: Mon-Fri: 6:15, 17:00*, Sat: 7:00, 17:00*, Sun: 6:15, 8:00, 9:15, 10:45, 18:15 * after winter time changes to summer time, the evening holy mass starts at 18:15
Centre of Koloman Sokol The gallery introduces the biggest collection of works made by a brilliant graphic designer and painter, Koloman Sokol, who was respected even by Pablo Picasso. Sokol gifted 49 of his excellent paintings to Liptovský Mikuláš – the town where he had been born 112 years ago. Personal items and photographs, which depict the artist and were made by Tibor Huszár, create special atmosphere in the exposition. The gallery introduces works of other artists as well. There is an exposition of painters related to the region of Liptov – Landscape Impressions and Expressions – until 21st February 2015. Then it will be replaced by an exhibition of professional painters´ works for sale.
Námestie osloboditeľov 28 [C4] Phone no.: +421/44/562 00 35, www.galerialm.sk admission/exhibition: adults 1 €, children 0.50 €, open all year Tue-Sat: 10:00-17:00
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Museum of Janko Kráľ The permanent exposition called “Chapters of the town history” introduces the more than 700-year-old history of Liptovský Mikuláš. One after another, you will open fourteen chapters and learn about the oldest history of the town, the aristocratic Pongrác dynasty, famous tanning industry of Mikuláš, you will have a look inside the room of Janko Kráľ – a famous Romantic poet, or inside a dining room of local townsmen. You will meet prominent families of Mikuláš and their personalities, and witness the beginnings of sport and hiking in the town and its surroundings. The exhibition hall hosts a Christmas exhibition called “Old School” until 11/1/2015, then “Toys from Modrý Kameň” from 21/1/2015 to 5/4/2015 and “Enamelware from Hronec” from 15/4/2015.
Torture Chamber of Mikuláš The exposition in the Museum of Janko Kráľ reminds us of the trial with the most famous Slovak bandit - Juraj Jánošík, which was held in 1713. The atmosphere of old times is emphasised by exhibited instruments of torture – a flogging bench, a rack, pliers for pulling out one´s tongue, and various drawings that depict cruel torture procedures.
Námestie osloboditeľov 30 [C4] Phone no.: +421/44/552 25 54, www.mjk.sk, admission: Chapters of the Town History, Torture Chamber of Liptovský Mikuláš adults 2 €, children 1 €, exhibition hall 0.50 €, LRC 1/9/14 - 30/6/15: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri: 9:00-16:00, Wed: 9:00-18:00, Sat: closed, Sun: 10:00-17:00 * free entry to the museum on the first Sunday every month
Liptov Gallery of P. M. Bohúň The gallery named after an exceptional painter, Peter Michal Bohúň, keeps a record of more than 5,000 works in its collections. Six permanent expositions introduce impressive works of Slovak visual artists - L. Medňanský, D. Skutecký, M. Benka, J. Hála, Z. Palugyay, Ľ. Fulla, E.M. Šimerová, M. Ksandr, M. Kern, M. Martinček and many others. The exposition of “Old Art – Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque” is opened from 4/12/2014 again. Inside the gallery, there is the biggest exposition hall in Slovakia, which introduces works of Janko Alexy until 3/1/2015 and will be hosting the exhibition called “Kern – from Generation to Generation” afterwards. In the small hall, an exhibition about “Times Gone By” is scheduled from 4/3/2015 to 9/5/2015, which is dedicated to the work of 19th century painters.
Tranovského ulica 3 [D5] Phone no.: +421/44/552 27 58 www.galerialm.sk admission/exhibition: adults 1 €, children 0.50 €, open year round: Tue-Sat: 10:00-17:00
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The House of Photography
The first specialised Slovak institution of photography resides inside the Liptov Gallery of P.M. Bohúň until 31/1/2015 and hosts an exhibition of documentary and reportage photography called “Moments of Time”, which introduces artists of present-day Slovak photography. After 31/1/2015, exhibitions of The House of Photography will be organised by partner organisations in Slovakia and abroad.
Tranovského ulica 3 [D5] Phone no.: +421/905 288 717 www.domfoto.sk, admission: adults 1 €, children 0.50 €, open year round: Tue-Sat: 10:00-17:00
Rumanský Art Liptov Museum Centre NKP The Rumanskí brothers, academic Čierny orol painters, were born in a town part of
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Liptovský Mikuláš called Demänová. Ivan Rumanský was an excellent draughtsman, Igor Rumanský a great graphic artist and illustrator. You can admire their works in their private gallery, which is located close to the historical town centre. In cooperation with the Centre of Koloman Sokol, the Rumanský Art Centre will be hosting the exhibition called “PF for Koloman Sokol” The permanent exposition called from 8th March to 30th April 2015. “History of hunting and fishing in the region of Liptov” is very popular with families and children due to a rich collection of mounted animals. One can see here a bear, a badger, a fox or an owl from a very close distance. Besides interesting information about the fauna of the region, you will learn about various game and fish species, and have a look into an old hunter´s – fisher´s kitchen Ivan Rumanský: Countryside with a small church, 1974 and salon. Ulica 1. mája 28/196 [E6] Phone no.: +421/44/551 47 85 www.liptovskemuzeum.sk admission: adults 1 €, children 0.35 € 1/11/14 - 30/4/15: Mon-Fri: 8:00-16:00, Sat-Sun: arranged groups only; 1/5/15 -30/6/15: Mon-Fri: 8:00-16:00, Sat-Sun: 14:00-17:00
Ulica E. M. Šimerovej 4506/4 (at the Hypernova supermarket) [C3] www.rumanskyartcentre.sk Phone no.: +421/903 510 072, admission: adults 1.50 €, children 1 € until 7/3/15 closed, from 8/3/15 Tue-Fri: 13:00-17:00 (arrangements over the phone out of office hours possible)
Church of St. Peter of Alcantara
with The Museum of L. Mattyasovszky
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In the town part of Okoličné, on the bank of the Váh river, there is a majestic medieval church, which creates flawless harmony with a Franciscan monastery. Inside the church, there are eight altars with a rich decoration, benches from 1721 with decorative carvings and oil paintings on the walls. The Museum of Ladislav Mattyasovszky, a bishop who supported the church renovation and construction of the monastery in the early 18th century, is located inside the church as well. The museum Interior of the Church of St. Peter of exposition contains a wing fragment Alcantara Kláštorná 123 [F11] Phone no.: +421/949 217 797, www.farnostokolicne.sk, www.sakralnacesta.sk Church of St. Peter of Alcantara: accessible all year round during Holly Masses Mon-Sat: 18:00, Sun: 9:00, 11:00, 18:30 Museum of Ladislav Mattyasovszky: accessible after the Holly admission: voluntary Mass or other arrangements over the phone are possible,
The Museum of Ladislav Mattyasovszký
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Other architectonic monuments of the town:
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Discover the town with a Tourist Guide
• Synagogue, Hollého ulica [C4], accessible on request in the Museum of Janko Kráľ • former County House (present District House), Námestie osloboditeľov 1 [C5]] Tourist guide services have been • Secondary School of M.M. Hodža, Hodžova 860/9 [A3] offered in Liptovský Mikuláš for 6 years already. Every year, a new • Evangelical Church with sightseeing route is introduced and sculptures of preachers Juraj dedicated to a certain period of hisTranovský and Michal Miloslav tory, present time or personalities Hodža, Tranovského 6 [C6] of the town. The new route of 2015 • Old Evangelical Rectory (present is called: museum exposition Tatrín and Requests of the Slovak nation), Tranovského 8 [D6]
Traditions of Liptovský Mikuláš
• urban area Vrbica: Evangelical Church [F6], Birth house of the Rázus siblings (present museum exposition) [G7], Vrbica Cemetery (final resting place of several When you hear the name “Liptoveminent personalities) ský Mikuláš”, people usually think • urban area Okoličné [F11]: of delicious sheep cheese produFranciscan Monastery, cts such as bryndza, parenice and Okoličány´s Manor House oštiepky (smoked), others recall the renowned distillery, local curriers or • urban area Palúdzka [B1]: Vranovo Mansion with a sculptu- furriers. Your guide will introduce the traditions of Liptovský Mikuláš re of Jánošík (the place where from the point of history and preJánošík was arrested), Bocian sent times but you will also have a Mansion, Evangelical Church, look into the life of famous currier Church of St. John the Apostle families and meet eminent personalities they became. The route of the Traditions of Liptovský Mikuláš will be launched with a free town tour on 20th February 2015, which begins at 15:00 in front of the Information Centre. It will be available free of charge in July and August every Friday at 16:00. Except this time and date, you can book the route or other 6 sight-
seeing routes in the Information Centre. Each of them takes an hour and is combined with several stops in the historical centre and tempting stories. Let us introduce them briefly below. It´s only up to you which of them you choose. Tourist guides are easy to recognise in Liptovský Mikuláš, they all carry big green umbrellas in their hands.
Six stops in the heart of Liptovský Mikuláš An ideal sightseeing route to make the first contact with Liptovský Mikuláš. The tour guide will give you basic information about turning points in the town history, its personalities and current issues. He will show you the most important tourist attractions so you will learn more about the synagogue, the Church of St. Nicolas, the Centre of Koloman Sokol, the Museum of Janko Kráľ, the Liptov Gallery of P. Michal Bohúň or the Metamorphosis Fountain. The fountain pays a tribute to eminent natives of Liptovský Mikuláš - scientists, inventors, artists, writers, priests, doctors...... Seventy names are in-
scribed in black granite, including the most significant one - Aurel Stodola, the inventor of steam turbines, who was born in Liptovský Mikuláš in 1859 and one of whose students was Albert Einstein himself.
Artists of Liptovský Mikuláš Liptovský Mikuláš is a town where many personalities of art were born and active. They dedicated their lives to art and were developing their talents there. Their works were appreciated and admired even beyond the borders of Slovakia. There were e.g.: painters P.M. Bohúň, K. Sokol, J. Alexy, E.M. Šimerová, the Rumanskí brothers, sculptors A. Groma and M. Ksandr, photographer M. Martinček, writers J. Kráľ, the Rázus siblings, I. Stodola, composers J.L. Bella and
Alojz Štróbl: Our Mother
10 D. Pálka, musician Jožko Piťo, or the founder of the Slovak Amateur Theatre G.F. Belopotocký. Your tourist guide will tell you about their lives and works, take you to places where these artists are still remembered. The Liptov Gallery of P.M. Bohúň is one of such places. It introduces paintings of the brilliant portraitist, whom the gallery is named after. If you book town guide services, you will get a 20% discount on tickets to this exposition.
Tour of Jánošík It was in 1713 that the legendary bandit´s captain Juraj Jánošík was tried and executed in Liptovský Mikuláš. Listen to a gripping story of facts and myths, desire for freedom and justice, but also cruelty and fear. Go back to times when even a minor offence was punished hard and torturing was a regular procedure of interrogation. Visit the Torture chamber of Liptovský Mikuláš and learn how Jánošík must have suffered before the final verdict was delivered. Jánošík´s bravery and resistance went down well among the folk and they were remembered through children´s games, legends, songs, literature, theatre, visual art and films. A minor role in the famous film “Jánošík” was played by the actor Adam Matejka, who used to live in Liptovský Mikuláš, in Bottova Street. Today, there is a plaque on the house he lived in to remember him. The tour ends in a symbolic way – at a scaffold next to the Jánošík Hotel, in the street called Jánošíkovo nábrežie (Jánošík´s waterfront).
Jews of Liptovský Mikuláš
The first Jewish families came to Liptovský Mikuláš around 1720. And 100 years later, they formed about 50% of the town population. They were skilful traders, progressive entrepreneurs, excellent teachers, doctors and advocates. Your tourist guide will tell you about the best known ones, such as Samuel Fischer – the founder of the famous Fischer Verlag publishing house, which is still active in Frankfurt am Main, and the author of the well-known European novel “Farewell to a Century” – Iboja Wandall-Holm, who experienced suffering in a concentration camp. You will hear the life story of the great-granddaughter of English Queen Victoria – Valeria Maria, who spent a simple childhood in a house located in the present historic centre. Although the Jews went down in the town history and became an unforgettable part of it, today they are remembered only thanks to an abandoned synagogue. And that is the last stop of this guided tour. If you book town guide services, you will get a 50% discount on tickets to the synagogue.
Milestones of the town history Around 1100, there was only the Church of St. Nicolas standing in the middle of the area, and a settlement called Svätý Mikuláš (Saint Nicolas) with about 10 inhabitants was located next to it. As it was growing, a knight named Seraphin and his sons started to be interested in it. King Ladislav IV. gave them the settlement as a reward for their military merits in 1286. The respective deed of gift is considered the first written historical source of the town. It was the founders of the Pongrác aristocratic dynasty that used to own the town for more than 500 years. Your guide will take you to the sculpture of one of the Pongrác aristocrats, who was given the right to hold a market in the settlement every Tuesday. This was in 1350 and the settlement of Svätý Mikuláš was developing as a small town ever since. Learn who was the most feared member of the dynasty, what duties local ordinary people had in order to serve them and what they did for living, how the town management worked and how the town was changing throughout centuries. Enter the historic Church of St. Nicolas and discover the jewels hidden inside. Tourist guide services can be booked in the: Information Centre of the Town Liptovský Mikuláš Námestie mieru 1 [B4], Liptovský Mikuláš Phone no.: +421/44/16 186, 552 24 18 www.mikulas.travel 15/9/14 - 30/6/15: Mon-Fri: 9:00-17:00, Sat: 9:00-13:00, Sun: closed
11 Secrets hidden behind the walls in the historic town centre The historic town centre lives a peaceful live. It´s a popular location for relaxation and walking around, shopping or spending time at restaurants or cafés. However, until mid 20th century, it was rather lively and busy. Your tourist guide will give you a vivid picture of the former bustling atmosphere in shops, workshops of various craftsmen or services. He will show you where doctor´s offices, pharmacies, banks, notary and advocate offices, pubs and hotels used to stand, or delicatessen with delicacies from all over the world. People would run their business there, but used to live in the area and take care of their gardens and homesteads as well. Traditional meals of local people included gnocchi with bryndza (sheep cheese product) and sauerkraut, pasta with nuts, potato-dough pallets with poppy seeds and potato pancakes. You can taste some of these specialities in local restaurants.
1/7/15 - 14/9/15: Mon-Fri: 9:00-18:00, Sat-Sun: 9:00-17:00 guide services 2 €/ person (min. 32 € / group), LRC
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Observation spot on the Háj Nicovô Knoll
The Háj Hincovô knoll [A11] used to be popular with local inhabitants for sledging and skiing in the past. Even the first portable ski lift in Slovakia was built there. Today, it is still a sought-after sledging and walking area in winter. Although it is only 746 metres high, it offers
beautiful views of Liptovský Mikuláš, the water dam Liptovská Mara, mountains of the Low and Western Tatras, the Chočské vrchy Mts. and the well-known Mt. Kriváň. The biggest military cemetery in the territory of former Czechoslovakia is located here, with a dominating memorial to fallen soldiers. Háj is easily accessible, you can get to the top on foot (about 4 km from the town centre) or you can get there in all comfort, by car. Please, check the situation on the road of Cesta hrdinov in winter.
Sport
Many town inhabitants like doing sports. Most of them because they want to be healthy and happy, but there are some who have been really successful and represent Slovakia in European and world competitions such as water slalom (Michal Martikán, Elena Kaliská), ice hockey (Ján Laco, Milan Jurčina, Jerguš Bača), skiing (Petra Vlhová, Natália Šlepecká), bodybuilding (Ľuboš Maliňák), fitness (Dominika Multáňová), and kick box (Martin Navrátil). If you like sport as well, you can enjoy it in Liptovský Mikuláš to the fullest – skiing, swimming, squash, tennis, bowling, go-carts...
[XY] – coordinates on the town map of Liptovský Mikuláš
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Sports activities in the town • Bowling: Guest house Bowling, Starohorského 3 [D3], Phone no.: +421/44/562 06 25, www.penzionbowling.sk • Ice skating: JL Aréna Partizánov 14 [E4] Phone no.: +421/948 241 056 www.jlarena.com Mobile ice rink at Fitness B Smrečianska 670 [F11] Phone no.: +421/44/553 41 58 www.fitnessb.sk • Indoor swimming pool Vajanského ulica 20 [D3] Phone no.: +421/44/552 03 06 www.vpslm.sk
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•Non-traditional sports: Rafting adventure Phone no. +421/948 906 506 www.raftingadventure.sk Mutton Phone no. +421/907 481 311 www.mutton.sk Xsport, Vitálišovce [F11] Phone no. +421/911 443 194 www.xsport.sk FUNsport, sports-entertaining events for companies Phone no. +421/905 521 323 www.funsport.sk LASERS LIPTOV - ARENA Revolučná 573/1 [A1] Phone no. +421/948 108 755, www.liptovlasers.com, LRC • Bike rental: INTERSPORT Kamenné pole 4456/1 [F1] Phone no. +421/44/324 07 01 www.intersport.sk, LRC
Bike rental • Kart halls: Kart Centrum Liptov, Demänová 116 [E1] Palugyayho 1 [B1] Phone no. +421/905 423 606 Phone no.: +421/903 999 222 www.lyzejasna.sk www.kartcentrum.sk, LRC Electro-bike rental Monaco Grand Prix Demänová [E1] Priemyselná zóna 545 [F11] Phone no. +421/918 101 076 Phone no. +421/944 733 566 www.cyklo-liptov.sk www.monacograndprix.sk, LRC • Squash Liptov • Multipurpose sports hall Starohorského 4083/1 [D3] Liptov Aréna, Phone no. +421/44/562 00 53, Brezovec 1053/1 [A1] www.squash-liptov.sk, LRC Phone no. +421/915 297 271, • Tennis: Relax tenis club, www.liptovarena.sk Nábrežie Janka Kráľa 4359 [E3] Phone no. +421/918 718 829 www.r-t-c.sk
WATER PARKS
Tatralandia Liptovský Mikuláš
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Only 4 km from the town centre of Liptovský Mikuláš, there is the largest water park in Central Europe, which is opened all year round. Even in cold winter which is typical for the Liptov region, it offers a hot summer atmosphere in the Tropical Paradise – an indoor hall with a tropical climate and flora, 10 pools and a replica of a wrecked pirate ship. Pools are filled with warm water of 32 to 36°C and contain various water attractions such as water jets, massage benches, water spouts and bubble machines, which guarantee flawless relaxation. In a snorkelling pool, swimmers can admire the underwater world with real fish, corals and anemone, a pirate pool is very popular with children. Swimming in the open air is attractive as well – it is available in 2 pools with thermal water and has beneficial effects on the respiratory and locomotive system. 5 toboggans and water slides offer endless fun, one of them (101 metres long)
is the longest rafting toboggan in Central Europe. As for other services that Tatralandia has to offer, there is a Wellness centre and the so called Celtic sauna world, which will feature a special bio sauna for children over 3 years from the winter season of 2014/15 and a Tatra sauna with Himalayan salt, which has great detoxification effects. Ráztocká 21, Liptovský Mikuláš Phone no.: +421/915 834 644 www.tatralandia.sk tickets (winter season – 24/12/2014 – 7/4/2015): 3-hour tickets: children under 140 cm 8 €, students, seniors, physically disabled with cards 17 €, adults 19 €, family tickets 42 €, 1-day tickets: children under 140 cm 11 €, students, seniors, physically disabled with cards 20 €, adults 22 €, family tickets 47 €, children under 90 cm free of charge, group discounts, discounts with the GOPASS CARD and LRC, winter season: daily: 10:00-22:00, spring low season: daily 10:00-21:00
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Gino Paradise Bešeňová [17 km]
Termal raj Aqua-Vital Park Liptovský Ján [10 km] Lúčky [22 km]
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Geothermal water with a temperature of 60.5°C rises from a depth of 1,987 metres. It has beneficial effects on the skin, the locomotive and respiratory system, and thanks to lithium, also on the human mental state. The water is cooled to pleasant 36 to 40°C in winter and fills 7 outdoor pools – 5 of which are relaxation pools with various water attractions. There are 3 pools with clean warm water in the indoor part, whirlpools and 1 water slide. Other 6 water slides are located in the adrenaline zone, where a wave pool creates a real sea-side atmosphere. All children can enjoy a lot of fun in a children´s pool. The resort also offers a complex of 5 sauna types in the Wellness & Spa zone and various massages in the Relaxation Centre.
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Bešeňová Phone no.: +421/44/430 77 00, 430 77 08 www.ginoparadise.sk tickets: until 23/12/14 adults from 11 €/3 hrs., juniors under 18 years from 8 €/3 hrs., from 24/12/14 adults from 14 €/3 hrs., juniors under 18 years from 13 €/3 hrs., children under 12 years from 11 €/3 hrs., children under 6 years free of charge, group discounts, LRC daily: until 23/12/14: 10:00-21:00, 24/12/14 - 1/1/15: see the website for latest information, from 2/1/15: 10:00-22:00
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Inhabitants of Liptovský Ján have known about the healing effects of water in their village area for ages. It used to help them treat joint pain, rheumatic pain and boost digestion. Nowadays, a 25m-long swimming pool and a pool for non-swimmers in the Sorea Máj Hotel are filled with water from the thermal spring Rudolf (28°C) and you can enjoy its beneficial effects on the locomotive and respiratory system, and the skin. It takes about 10 – 15 minutes to walk from the hotel to the drinking water spring of Teplica.
Would you like to swim and bath in the embrace of a beautiful mountain countryside? This is the right place to do so! The outdoor area is formed of a recreational pool with various water attractions and a pool with healing 36 – 38°C warm mineral water. The indoor area features a pool with mineral water, a sauna world, a wellness centre with a salt cave and various healing treatments. In front of the entrance gate to the AQUA-VITAL PARK, there rises the mineral spring Valentina, which is used for drinking thera- Liptovský Ján pies, and a cascade travertine wa- Phone no.: +421/44/520 81 00 terfall can be found in the village. www.sorea.sk/maj tickets: morning - adults 3 €, children 2.30 €, afternoon adults 5 €, children 3.80 €, Lúčky high season: daily except Phone no.: +421/44/437 55 66 Tuesdays: 8:00-11:00, 13:00-20:00, tickets: adults 9.50 €/3 hrs., low season: for opening times, children 3 – 14 years 7 €/3 hrs., please call: +421/44/520 81 00 children under 3 years free of charge, family tickets, discounts, free car parks, LRC October-April: daily 12:00-21:00, May-September: daily 9:00-21:00
Aqua-Vital Park Lúčky
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MONUMENTS AND MUSEUMS
Vlkolínec (UNESCO) [33 km]
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Entering Vlkolínec is like entering a fairytale. At the foot of the hill Sidorovo, there is a picturesque village of small houses with small windows, shingle roofs and colourful walls. One can find a church of bricks, a wooden bell tower, a well and a burbling brook there as well. The inhabitants used to work in the field, raised sheep and cattle, man would work as shepherds and lumberjacks, some of them were skilful woodcarvers and renowned carpenters who built wooden houses. There are still people living there but you can have a look at an original Farmer´s House with an exposition, a Gallery of Folk Art with various works of art and hunting trophies exhibited or a newly opened Gallery inside the reconstructed building of a former granary. Vlkolínec Phone no.: +421/918 596 432 www.vlkolinec.sk, admission: adults 2 €, children 1 €, LRC expositions: 16/10/14 – 15/4/15: Tue-Fri: 10:00-15:00, Sat-Sun: 10:00-16:00, 16/4/15 – 15/6/15: Tue-Fri: 9:00-15:00, Sat-Sun: 9:00-16:00
Museum of Liptov Village in Pribylina 6 [22 km] At the foot of the majestic Western Tatras, there is a picturesque village of the Liptov region. It was built of the most precious buildings and monuments from villages that were flooded by waters of the Liptovská Mara dam 40 years ago. You can visit houses of ordinary farmers and craftsmen there, the reeve´s house, a school or one of the oldest preserved aristocratic houses in the region of Liptov – a manor house from the village of Parížovce. There is original furniture, equipment and tools inside all of them. The Church of Virgin Mary from the village of Liptovská Mara towers on a knoll. Inside the church, there is an Early Gothic altar and a pulpit, the walls are decorated with precious paintings, the oldest ones date back to the period around 1320. The museum has attracted various film makers so far. E.g. several scenes of the famous “Bathory” film were shot here. Pribylina Phone no.: +421/44/529 31 63 +421/918 680 297 www.liptovskemuzeum.sk admission: adults 3 €, children 1.50 € 1/11/14 – 30/4/15: daily 9:00-16:00, 1/5/15 – 30/6/15: daily 9:00-17:30 (last entry one hour before the end of operation at the latest)
Articular Church in Svätý Kríž [11 km] 7 Only five articular churches were preserved in Slovakia. The biggest of them, which is also the biggest in Central Europe, is located behind the village of Svätý Kríž. It has a capacity of 6,000 people and was built by Master Lang. He didn´t use any designer projects as he could neither read nor write so he relied on his professional experiences. The church has a cross-shaped ground floor plan, there is original furniture, a Baroque altar and pulpit, a chandelier of Venetian glass and beautiful wall paintings. Originally, it used to be located in the village of Paludza, which was flooded when the dam of Liptovská Mara was being built. In order to prevent it from being destroyed along with the village, this precious wooden church was dismantled and built again in the village of Svätý Kríž within a few years.
Svätý Kríž phone no.: +421/44/559 26 22 www.drevenykostol.sk voluntary admission: 1 €, 1/10/14 - 31/5/15: daily 9:00-14:45, 1/6/15 - 30/9/15: daily 9:00-17:00 (church service every Sunday 9:00-10:00)
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ACTIVITies
Skiing
The region of Liptov offers great moments on more than 70 km of ski slopes, 72 cable cars and ski lifts, and more than 100 km of cross-country skiing tracks, which depend on natural snow, though. Lovers of ski touring will be really happy in the Low and Western Tatras – especially in the valley of Žiarska dolina, where an international ski touring race is held every year.
Jasná – Low Tatras [15 km]
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SKI & AQUA BUS SKI & AQUA buses are available free of charge for holders of the discount Liptov Region Card and valid ski passes. For the latest bus timetable, please visit www.visitliptov.sk or pick up a printed version in the Information Centre of the town Liptovský Mikuláš. There are the following lines to choose from:
Podbreziny – Liptovský Mikuláš
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The resort is situated in the part of Liptovský Mikuláš called Podbreziny. There is 1 ski lift and a 550-metre-long lit slope with man-made snow, a ski service and a ski rental.
Line A: Jasná Low Tatras – TatraLiptovský Mikuláš landia and back – Podbreziny, Line B: Jasná Low Tatras – Jánska Phone no.: +421/44/552 21 53 dolina and back daily 9.00-20.00 Line C: Jasná Low Tatras – Bešeňová – Lúčky and back Line D: Hrabovo, Malinô Brdo – Bešeňová – Lúčky and back Jasná SKI BUS: Jasná – Demänová – Jasná
Iľanovo Košútovo
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SKI BUS Ružomberok: RužombeThe ski centre with 1 ski lift and a rok – Hrabovo, Malinô Brdo 350-metre-long lit slope with manLet us introduce the ski resorts that made snow and a medium difficulty are located within a 15 km radius level is located only 4 km from the from Liptovský Mikuláš. As for the centre of Liptovský Mikuláš. town area of Liptovský Mikuláš itself, you can ski in the resorts of Podbreziny and Iľanovo. The opening times of all resorts depend on snow and weather conditions.
Liptovský Mikuláš – Iľanovo Phone no.: +421/903 862 043 daily 9:00-15:00, night skiing Fri-Sat: 16:00-20:00
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The biggest ski resort in Slovakia, which got 5 quality awards in the prestigious international Skiareatest, offers 46 km of slopes with various difficulty levels in the winter season of 2014/15 and a modern snow-making system guarantees skiing for 5 months per year. There are 30 cable cars and ski lifts with the total capacity of more than 30,000 people/hour, night skiing, a ski school, 12 freeride zones, 2 cross-country skiing tracks, a FUN ZONE with snow obstacles and a trendy snow park.
Demänovská Dolina Phone no: +421/907 886 644 www.jasna.sk, LRC until 31/1/15: daily 8:30-15:30, from 1/2/15: daily 8:30-16:00, night skiing daily 18:00-21:00
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Ski Centrum Ski Žiarce – Pavčina Lehota Javorovica Liptovský Ján [9 km] 11 [11 km]
Žiarska dolina is popular by fans of cross-country skiing, there is about 20 km of tracks in total.
12 The ski resort is located at the entrance to Demänovská dolina (valley). It offers 3 slopes with man-made snow and the total length of 1130 m, 2 ski lifts, a ski kindergarten, night skiing, a ski rental and 2 cross-country skiing tracks with the total length of 7 km.
Pavčina Lehota Phone no.: +421/903 567 680 www.ziarce.sk, LRC daily 9:00-16:00, night skiing daily 17:30-21:00
The resort, which is located in the valley of Jánska dolina, offers 4 ski lifts and 5 slopes of various difficulty levels with artificial snow, a ski school and kindergarten, a ski rental, a ski service, night skiing and a mountain rescue service. There is a cross-country skiing track that leads through the valley but is not groomed.
Liptovský Ján Phone no.: +421/905 654 675 www.skijavorovica.sk daily 9:00-16:00, night skiing Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat: 18:00-21:00
Žiar – Dolinky [11 km]
Žiar Phone no.: +421/905 923 211 www.dolinky.szm.com daily 9:00-16:00, night skiing Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat: 18:00-21:00
Opalisko Závažná Poruba [6 km] 14 The family-type resort can be found behind the village of Závažná Poruba. 3 easy and 2 medium-difficult slopes with the total length of 3.2 km are covered with man-made snow. There are 4 ski lifts and 1 chairlift, a ski school and kindergarten, a ski rental, a ski service and a cross-country skiing area with 4 tracks, whose total length is 10 km.
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The small ski resort is located in the Western Tatras and sought after mainly by beginners and families with children. There are 2 ski lifts and 2 slopes with the total length of 650 m (1 slope is covered with man-made snow). Night skiing is available as well. The resort offers services of a ski school, a ski service and a ski rental. The valley of
Závažná Poruba Phone no.: +421/917 728 190, www.opalisko.sk, LRC daily 9:00-16:00
Winter Hiking Hiking around the winter countryside is really attractive and recharging. Plan every of your trips carefully, take your skills, weather and snow conditions into account and follow the latest information on the website of the Mountain Rescue Service (www.hzs.sk). We recommend taking out mountain insurance which will cover the costs of a rescue or searching operation of the Mountain Rescue Service if needed. The insurance can be arranged in the Information Centre of the town Liptovský Mikuláš as well. Many hiking trails are closed in winter so please respect the season closure. More details are available on tourist maps and information boards in the mountains. We have prepared a few suggestions for easy winter hiking. For more information and other tips, please see specific tourist maps.
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Cableways on Mt. Chopok 15 [15 km] Demänovská dolina – Jasná is the top ski resort in Slovakia. It is located at the foot of Mt. Chopok (2,024 m), which is the second highest peak of the Low Tatras. Mt. Chopok is popular for beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. You can feast your eyes on them as well. Just use some of comfortable modern cable cars which connect the northern and southern side of Mt. Chopok. Take a 4-seater chairlift in Demänovská dolina (valley) at the lower station of Biela Púť, then change for a Twinliner funicular and finally take a 24-person Funitel cable car to get to the top of the peak. There is refreshment offered in the panoramic Rotunda restaurant. And if this is still not enough, you can travel to the southern side of Mt. Chopok as well. Cable car transport to the other side of the mountain and back is included in the price of 1 ticket. Demänovská Dolina Phone no.: +421/907 886 644 www.jasna.sk tickets: adults 18 €, juniors 15 €, children 13 € Biela Púť – Priehyba – Chopok – Kosodrevina – Srdiečko: until 31/1/15: daily 8:30-15:30, from 1/2/15: daily 8:30-16:00
Žiarska dolina (valley)
Oblazy – water mills
[13 km: Liptovský Mikuláš – mouth of Žiarska dolina]
in Kvačianska dolina (valley) [17 km: Liptovský Mikuláš – mouth of Kvačianska dolina]
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A walk through the valley of Žiar (Žiarska dolina) to the chalet Žiarska chata is one of the most popular hikes in the Western Tatras and can be completed within about 1.5 hour. In Žiarska chalet, which is located at the altitude of 1,325 metres, you can rest for a while and have some refreshment. Visit the Symbolic cemetery, which is close to the chalet, make a break and remember the victims of mountains in silence for a while. Go back to the mouth of the valley along the same trail and stop by a tourist attraction – a mine adit which is opened to the public.
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17 UNDERGROUND TREASURES OF THE LIPTOV REGION
Demänovská jaskyňa slobody (Demänovská Cave 18 of Liberty) [11 km]
Two old mills are hidden deep in the valley of Kvačianska dolina – in a location known as Oblazy, where three brooks come together under steep rock walls. The lower mill with a saw has been restored thanks to volunteers and looks like in old times: water still propels a wheel and a sophisticated system that grinds flour. There are tourist trails that lead to the mills from the villages of Kvačany, Veľké Borové and Huty. If you choose the one from Kvačany, you shouldn´t miss out on an observation spot at Malý Roháč. The views from there are truly beautiful. Kvačianska dolina www.oblazy.sk accessible daily 9:00-17:00, voluntary contributions to the operation and future renovations expected
The cave is part of the Cave system of Demänová, which is the biggest cave system in Slovakia, more than 35 km long. Its beautiful dripstone decoration, sinter lakes and the underground stream of the Demänovka river have been admired by the public since 1924. It is the flawless beauty that made it the most visited cave in Slovakia. You can see all the beauty yourself – during a traditional 1-hour tour with 1,150 metres to complete and 913 stairs to surmount, or an exclusive 100-minute tour with 2,150 metres and 1,118 stairs. If you don´t want to miss your entry, please keep in mind that the walk along an educational trail from the car park to the cave entrance takes about 10–15 minutes. Demänovská dolina Phone no.: +421/44/559 16 73 www.ssj.sk admission: traditional/exclusive tour adults 8 €/15 €, children 4 €/7.50 € (exclusive tour - min. 10 people) until 26/12/14 and on 1/1/15: closed 27/12/14 – 31/5/15: Tue-Sun tours at 9:30, 11:00, 12:30, 14:00 (exclusive tour at 13:00) Demänovská Cave of Liberty
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in 1720. Research work is still in 19 progress and you can explore it as a real speleologist too. Once you get a head lamp at the entrance, a professional instructor will show you around and tell you a lot of interest(Demänovská Ice Cave) ing stories, e.g. that bats like spending the winter in caves. So keep your eyes open, you might see one. Exploring the cave is a big challenThe cave is closed for conservation ge and fun for children as well. They reasons from 1st October to 14th are always welcome here. May every year.
Demänovská ľadová jaskyňa [9 km]
Stanišovská jaskyňa (Cave)
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[13 km] One of the best-known caves in Slovakia was explored for the first time Distances mentioned with descriptions of individual journeys or tracks are distances between Liptovský Mikuláš and the respective tourist destination/ location.
Jánska dolina 185 Phone no.: +421/908 640 061 www.stanisovska.sk admission: adults 6 €, children 3.50 €, LRC, tours daily at 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00
Under the ground and towers [9 km]
Medvedia štôlňa (Bear´s adit) 21
Simple coins have been accompanying people for centuries. What must be done until we can hold them in our hands? You will learn every detail here. Your guide will tell you how difficult it was to mine and crush the ore, you will be shown the process of washing in special containers and forging in smithies. Finally the guide will mint a coin and you can become its proud owner. Liptovský Ján 150 Phone no.: +421/908 640 061 www.podvezami.sk admission: adults 4 €, children 2.50 €, LRC, tours daily at 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00
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[13 km]
Inside the only mine in the region of Liptov that is opened to the public, you will hear the story of miners who were trying to dig the biggest treasure from under the ground ever. They had to work hard, in darkness, cold and freezing silence. The faith in fair and protecting mining dwarfs helped them survive the struggling. Look around carefully, you might see them around. A professional guide will take you to a tour and flickering lights of head and miner´s lamps, which you can lend at the entrance, will show you the way. Do you want to know why it is called a Bear´s Adit? Some people say that bears like to spend the winter there. Come and find out yourself! Žiarska dolina Phone no.: +421/908 640 061 www.stolna.sk admission: adults 5 €, children 3 €, LRC 1/11/14 – 31/3/15: Sat-Sun, bank holidays, school holidays: 10:00-16:00 (tours every 30 minutes), 1/4/15 – 31/10/2015: daily: 10:00-16:00 (tours every 30 minutes)
Water Parks Sights Skiing and Winter Hiking Underground Treasures of the Liptov region
information centre of the town Liptovský Mikuláš Námestie mieru 1, 031 01 Liptovský Mikuláš, Slovakia Phone no.: +421/44/16 186, 552 24 18 Fax: +421/44/551 44 48 www.mikulas.travel www.mikulas.sk e-mail:
[email protected] facebook: Informačné centrum mesta GPS: N 49°05´8.70´´ E 19°36´42.47´´ 15.9.–30.6.: Mon–Fri: 9:00–17:00, Sat: 9:00–13:00, Sun: closed 1.7.–14.9.: Mon–Fri: 9:00–18:00, Sat: 9:00–17:00, Sun: 9:00–17:00 INFORMATION ABOUT THE TOWN AND REGION: - tourist information - accommodation packages - culture and sports events
SALE OF: - tourist maps, atlases, guide books, books - souvenirs LIPTOV REGION CARD ...more attractions for less money A key to the biggest outdoor arena and natural playground in Slovakia that guarantees discounts to 50 % on the biggest attractions and most popular travel destinations in the region of Liptov all year round. Available at the Information Centre of the town for 5 € only. www.liptovcard.sk
LRC – discounts with the Liptov Region Card wheelchair accessible PRICES AND OPENING TIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
Important telephone numbers: GUIDE SERVICES: • Emergency telephone number 112 - free guided town tours in July and • Mountain Rescue Service Low August every Friday at 4:00 p.m. Tatras +421/44/559 16 78, - guide services must be booked in +421/18 300 advance except July and August, • Mountain Rescue Service LRC Western Tatras +421/44/558 62 18, +421/18 300 OTHER SERVICES: • roadside assistance - accommodation arrangement +421/903 804 856 - exchange services - insurance for the mountains Published by: Information Centre of the town Liptovský Mikuláš, - sale of state fishing licences Town of Liptovský Mikuláš, - advertising and fax services OOCR REGION LIPTOV (regional - internet access, WIFI tourism organisation), 2014 TICKET SALE: - events held in Liptovský Mikuláš - via TICKETPORTAL, TICKETART and PREDPREDAJ.SK
Graphic layout: Eva Dudzíková Photos: archive of the Information Centre of the town, Museum of Janko Kráľ and OOCR REGION LIPTOV, Ján Svidran, Ing. Michal Rengevič
The project is financially supported by the Ministry of Transport, Construction and Regional Development of the Slovak Republic.