Poprad: Churches, Kvetnica and Hotels

An exceptional way to access Poprad’s history is through 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.

Culture

The Scherfelov dom also combines history with vibrant culture. It was established in 2008 and its permanent exhibition presents the life, scientific work and extensive civic engagement of Viliam Scherfel. In addition, the house serves as a gallery and hosts various exhibitions.

The historic character is particularly cohesive in Spišská Sobota, a district of Poprad. The town has a uniquely preserved urban heritage conservation reserve. The square is lined with Renaissance and Gothic burgher houses. One of these burgher houses houses a branch of the Podtatranské Museum within the heritage conservation reserve; the burgher house itself is a national cultural monument. The Church of St. George also stands in Spišská Sobota. Dating from the mid-13th century, it has a Gothic interior and houses an altar from the workshop of Master Paul of Levoča.

In the centre of Poprad stands the early Gothic Church of St. Egidius, dating from the 13th century. Its interior is decorated with an exceptional ensemble of medieval paintings. During guided tours of the church, visitors can climb to a height of 26 metres and enjoy panoramic views from the tower gallery.

The Tatranská galéria offers another connection between architectural history and the present day. It was created by converting an old power station building, which is also an important technical monument. In this setting, the gallery offers chamber exhibitions and creative workshops.

Nature

The Kvetnica landscape is explored by an educational trail with nine stops presenting Slovakia’s forest vegetation zones, the historic archaeological site of Zámčisko and the Hranovnícka dubina national nature reserve. Kvetnica also has several marked hiking and circular trails, as well as a Stations of the Cross trail leading to the Chapel of the Resurrection near the 941-metre-high summit of Krížová.

From the Kvetnica educational trail, visitors can reach the 921-metre-high summit of Zámčisko and enjoy views of the surrounding landscape. The trail’s circular route is 13.6 km long, starts in Kvetnica Forest Park and takes approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes. In the north-western part of Kvetnica there is a 21-hectare game enclosure with mouflon and wild boar.

Water and Wellness

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.

Cultural Calendar

Popradské kultúrne leto takes place annually and has a tradition spanning more than 20 years. Popradské kultúrne leto 2024 featured Friday concerts and Saturday morning fairy-tale programmes for children.

Getting There

Poprad is served by Poprad-Tatry International Airport. The town also has road and rail connections via the international E50 road and the Košice–Bratislava main railway line, with connections to the Czech Republic and Ukraine.

Other places: Sunava, Vernár, Gánovce, Strba, Stola, Gerlachov, Spišská Teplica, Svit

To the overview of the wider travel area: Poprad District.