Likavka: Castle History, Hiking Trails and Hotels

Likavka combines the history of Likava Castle with marked trails through the landscape. The defining themes of the town include a royal guard castle, a historic water mill and hikes ranging from a short circular trail to the challenging route to Lúčky.

Culture and History

Likava Castle is one of the largest castle complexes in central Slovakia. It is a royal guard castle dating from the first third of the 14th century and was first mentioned in writing in 1341. In 1707, the castle was demolished on the orders of Prince František II Rákóczi. For visitors, it is important to note that Likava Castle is closed due to ongoing reconstruction work. The Hunyady Tower houses an exhibition on the history of Likava Castle with pictorial and material exhibits. The tower was opened to the public in 2004 after extensive reconstruction work.

On the north side, an old castle road leads to the walls of Likava Castle. From the lower castle courtyard, there is a partial view of Likavka and Ružomberok. Another historical landmark is the water mill in Likavka: it was probably built in 1435 under Ján Hunyadi, at the same time as the bakery of Likava Castle. The water mill is the only preserved mill in the region and has been listed in the central register of Slovak monuments since 2016. It operated approximately from 1640 to 1950.

A monument in Likavka also commemorates the history of the town. It remembers eleven insurgents and partisans who were murdered there on 26 January 1945. The monument is located in a naturally wooded setting and can be reached via stone steps.

Hiking and Landscape

The “Na Likavu” circular trail from Likavka is 2.5 kilometres long, takes approximately one hour, is marked in red and has an elevation gain of 115 metres. Near Likavka, it connects to the red-marked hiking trail from Ružomberok to Likava Castle and continues to the Sedlo Spuštiak saddle.

A hiking route from Likavka to Lúčky runs via Likava Castle, Predný Choč, Spuštiak, Stredná poľana and Veľký Choč. This route is considered comparatively challenging, has an elevation gain of 1,114 metres and takes 6 hours and 45 minutes. Near the summit, the route from Likavka to Veľký Choč reaches a high-alpine landscape.

For the “Na Likavu” circular trail, parking is available on E77, on “Pod hradom” Street. The “Likavka,,hrad” bus stop is approximately 200 metres from the starting point of the route. The “Na Likavu” circular trail is not suitable for visitors with reduced mobility or for pushchairs.

Other destinations to choose from are Ľubochňa, Bešeňová, Valaská Dubová, Ludrová, Liptovská Teplá, Ružomberok, Liptovska Osada and Lúčky.

For the broader travel overview: Ružomberok District.