Lipany – Nature, Culture and Hotels between Čergov and Šarišská vrchovina

Lipany lies along the upper reaches of the Torysa River, between the Šarišská vrchovina highlands and the Čergov mountain range. In and around the town, sacred buildings, viewpoints, animal and nature attractions, water activities and a diverse events calendar come together.

Culture and History

The Church of St. Martin of Tours in Lipany was built around the turn of the 13th and 14th centuries in the late Romanesque style. Its tower served as an observation post for Kamenický hrad Castle. A Chapel of the Holy Cross in the Baroque-Rococo style was added to the north wall and served as the crypt of the Dežöfiovci/Dessewffyovci family.

The Chapel of the Transfiguration of the Lord is located in the old cemetery in the centre of Lipany. The tradition of celebrating the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord there on 6 August continues to this day. The chapel was commissioned in 1837 by local resident Andrej Leško. The Baroque Church of St. Mary Magdalene, whose construction was commissioned in 1758, is also part of the town’s sacred history.

Nature and Activities

Balažka is part of the Hromovec mountain range and features a geological microfold. At an elevation of 598 metres stands a 13.69-metre-high observation tower made of spruce wood, which was opened to the public in 2019. Its platform offers views of the Čergov mountain range and the Levočské vrchy; in good visibility, the view also extends to the Slanské vrchy.

A green hiking trail leads from the old cemetery in Lipany to the Balažka observation tower. The route is listed as 3.4 kilometres and approximately one hour. The Hradisko Archaeopark combines a Slavic hillfort site, a historical archery range, an animal enclosure and a small amphitheatre. It is located about five minutes from the centre of Lipany, in the immediate vicinity of three large ponds and directly on the EuroVelo cycling route.

Wildlife and Water

At Zverinec Lipany, visitors can feed the animals and take part in guided tours of the enclosure. The site can be reached by car, bicycle or on foot; from the car park at Hradisko, it is about a two-minute walk along a paved path. Motýlia záhrada provides butterflies, bees and other important pollinators with a refuge and serves as a place of relaxation and discovery for visitors.

The thermal water at Thermalpark Lipany comes from a depth of more than 3,400 metres. The facilities include 13 slides and a 1.4-hectare green area.

Events

The 12th Hornotoryský Demiankou mountain run was scheduled for 27 September 2026. The race starts in Krásna Lúka and runs via Kňazová, Demianka and Putnov to Lipany. It also includes the “Beh za zdravie” activity.

The international festival of Slavic culture KORENE was scheduled for 11 and 12 September 2026 at the Hradisko Archaeopark in Lipany. Dni mesta Lipany 2026 is a multi-part event for residents and visitors featuring music, dance, sport and traditional accompanying events. These include a market for folk handicrafts and a traditional fair; demonstrations of folk artisans at work are also planned.

Lipianska hudobná jar is a traditional public concert event in Lipany. Kocúrkovo was announced as its tenth edition. The festival includes theatre performances, a military camp, inflatable castles and pony rides.

Public Facilities

The Lipany Town Library is a general public library for Lipany and the surrounding area. It provides access to information, internet access, as well as library and educational events.

More Destinations

More destinations: Sabinov, Drienica

To the higher-level travel overview: Sabinov District.