Treasures of Slovakian Spiš 2/2

Rodzaj nawierzchni:
asfaltowe ścieżki rowerowe

Rodzaj roweru:
SPD - trasy odpowiednie dla każdego rodzaju roweru, tzn. szosowego, crossowego i górskiego/MTB
TRK - trasy odpowiednie dla roweru crossowego i górskiego/MTB

Spiš - a land of seven cultures, countless landscapes, from the mountain peaks to idyllic secluded corners, the land of small towns and treasures. The second part of this two-day trip is running through various landscapes, from the mountainous ones to the ones resembling Tuscany, with mellow slopes and vast fields. The route will please those searching for a connection with nature and those looking to learn about the rich cultural heritage of Spiš.

Total length: 67.9 kmTotal ascent: 680 mRiding time (without breaks): 4 h 34 minRequired experience: LowNecessary physical fitness: ModerateStart and end: Kežmarok, Spišské VlachyAccess: train (Kežmarok, Spišské Vlachy), car
Profile, road surface, types of roads: click here
Notes:
the trail is a part of a two-day trip, or a one-day excursion if you take a train back to the starting pointHelmets required in Slovakia suitable for at least teenagers, not recommended for parents with childrenyou can check the train timetable at www.slovakrail.sk
Main attractions of the route:
Kežmarok: literally, a cheese market - that’s the origin of the name. To get to know the city and its old town monuments well, you need to spend half a day here. The minimum includes the area of the Castle, Town Hall, and two evangelical churches, including a unique wooden church.Route Kežmarok - Vrbov: unexpectedly, we find ourselves in a different land of meadows, space, and silence… difficult to believe it’s still Tatra Foothills.Vrbov: a village lost within the fields, a former town. A short walk around the cemetery teaches you about the history of this place, known as Menhardsdorf. Interestingly, the church’s column was founded by the former Polish landowner. Spišský Štvrtok: a village with over 800 years of history, in which you will find a unique monument - Kostol Sv. Ladislava - St. Ladislaus Church, with a chapel of the Zapolya house.Spišská Nová Ves: not new, and not even a village. The biggest city in this part of Spiš.Levoča: architectural beauty spot of Spiš. Popular mostly due to its impressive altar, carved by Master Pavol of Levoča. UNESCO listed.Spišská Kapitula: lost within the fields medieval ecclesiastical town, the religious centre of Spiš, Spiš bishop’s residence. In the centre, the 13th century St. Martin's Cathedral. UNESCO listed.Spišské Podhradie: not only a craft settlement but historically, a city independent from the castle with centuries of history and a few attractive monuments, including the old synagogue. UNESCO listed.Spiš Castle: former castle complex with an area of over 4 hectares, the symbol of Spiš. UNESCO listed.
Description:
After leaving Kežmarok, the Route around the Tatras will take us to another world - vast fields, mellow slopes, and wide panoramas. This landscape will accompany us for a considerable part of the trail.
We reach Vrbov, formerly known as Menhardsdorf. For over 350 years, it used to be part of the Kingdom of Poland, together with the other cities of the Spiš Pledge. After passing through Vrbov, we get to the ridge between the Popradská Kotlina and the Hornád river valley.
On a mild downhill road, we get to Spišský Štvrtok. It is worth mentioning the St. Ladislaus Church - Kostol Sv. Ladislava, with a chapel of the Zapolya house.
From Spišský Štvrtok, we get to Spišská Nová Ves, a city of around 45.000 inhabitants, with the longest old market in Slovakia. From here, on a long, but gentle road uphill, we ride to Levoča - a city, formerly as significant as Spišská Nová Ves nowadays, which owes its upgrade to the construction of the railway line from Bohumín to Košice. Levoča lost its significance, which resulted in its shape staying almost unchanged up to this day. We recommend taking a peek into the Bazilika svätého Jakuba - St. James Church, to get enchanted by the masterwork of Gothic art - the altar carved by Master Paul of Levoča. 
After visiting Levoča, we move further east, riding all the way to Spišská Kapitula, the residence of Spiš bishops, which was founded as the fortified ecclesiastical town.
From Spišská Kapitula, you can already clearly see the last attraction of the day, Spiš Castle.
Let’s not forget, however, about Spišské Podhradie, the town with a rich history and precious monuments, located at the feet of the majestic ruins. From Podhradie, we climb to the Castle. Due to its size, you need to plan around 3 hours for the full visit.
Leaving the castle, we are heading towards the destination, Spišské Vlachy, stopping by next to the church in Žehra, also UNESCO listed.
The trail ends in Spišské Vlachy, from where you can catch a train to Poprad, Štrbské Pleso, Tatranská Lomnica or Kežmarok.