Poprad is a popular resort town located at the foot of the High Tatras. Architecturally average, the town has a very well-developed accommodation base. The Bogumin–Košice railway line runs through the town, and the Poprad-Tatry station is the starting point of the Tatra Electric Railways. Trains run daily between Poprad and Stará Ľubovňa, and on weekends during the summer and winter seasons to Muszyna on the Polish side of the border. This makes it easy to organize a day trip by train from Poprad.
In this article, I included places that can be reached from Poprad within two hours by regional and express trains, and in some cases also by international trains. The list is not exhaustive; I encourage you to search for interesting places on your own.
Direction: Žilina
The railway line from Poprad to Žilina is one of the most scenic routes in Slovakia. From the train windows, you can admire beautiful views of the mountains and the Liptovská Mara reservoir.
Štrba – a village that serves as a base for mountain hikes and a transfer station. Here you can switch to a cog railway running from Štrba to Štrbské Pleso. Highly recommended.
Liptovský Hrádok (optional) – a town of 8,000 inhabitants. Its main attraction is a castle converted into a hotel and restaurant, which can be visited on specific days (check the official website for dates). You can also visit the Ethnographic Museum of Liptov, the arboretum, or hike up the small Skalka hill for a panoramic view of the town.
hradliptovskyhradok.sk – official website
Liptovský Mikuláš – a city of 30,000 worth visiting for its charming center, Tatralandia water park, and the nearby Liptovská Mara reservoir (also known as the “Liptov Sea”), clearly visible from the train. It’s a great base for exploring the region. Nearby, visit the Museum of the Liptov Village in Pribylina, which showcases houses from villages submerged during the reservoir’s construction. Also recommended: Thermal Park Bešeňová.
Ružomberok – a pleasant town with a nice center, main square, and pedestrian zone. Key attractions include the Evangelical Church and St. Andrew’s Church. The biggest highlight is the Vlkolínec open-air museum (UNESCO-listed), accessible by suburban buses. Many hiking trails are nearby. The ruins of Likava Castle are a few kilometers away in the village of Likavka.
Strečno Castle – well-preserved ruins perched on a steep rock on the left bank of the Váh River. Once considered the hardest fortress to conquer in the Považie region. Guided tours last about an hour and offer stunning views. Entrance is relatively expensive. It takes 50–60 minutes to walk from the Nezbudská Lúčka Strečno train station.
Žilina – the fifth-largest city in Slovakia with a small but pleasant town center near the train station. Don’t miss the beautiful stained glass windows in the station depicting local history and traditions. A relaxed walk through the center takes about an hour. Žilina features Slovakia’s longest pedestrian zone and two main squares. Key sights include the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity and the Church of the Conversion of St. Paul the Apostle with a Capuchin monastery. Outside the center, visit Budatín Castle, which houses a unique exhibition of traditional wirecraft.
Direction: Košice
Spišská Nová Ves – a district town of nearly 40,000 residents. Worth spending a few hours here. The city boasts one of the most beautiful main squares in Slovakia, several religious monuments, and many lovely buildings. The top attraction is the Parish Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. Its 87-meter tower is the tallest church tower in Slovakia and is open to tourists. The town also has a small zoo. The historic center is near the train station. Affordable accommodation makes it a good base for regional train trips.
From Spišská Nová Ves, take a bus to Levoča – a beautiful town with many historical buildings and a well-preserved old town surrounded by defensive walls. The town’s symbol is the market square, with a beautiful town hall connected to a tower and a pillory next to it. Though the railway station is no longer operational, special trains occasionally visit. Buses take 25–30 minutes (faster via Harichovce). Direct buses from Levoča to Poprad take 10 minutes longer.
Košice – the second-largest city in Slovakia. Most landmarks are in the Old Town, just under 10 minutes’ walk from the train station. Main attractions include St. Elisabeth Cathedral, Urban’s Tower, and St. Michael’s Chapel. The historic building of the State Theatre is also on the Main Square. Other attractions: Museum of Victims of Communism, East Slovak Museum, Slovak Technical Museum, and the Aviation Museum on the outskirts. A narrow-gauge railway operates in season. Families can also visit the zoo. The Old Town features many cafes and eateries.
Direction: Stará Ľubovňa (– Muszyna)
Trains from Poprad to Stará Ľubovňa run daily. In the winter and summer seasons, weekend trains run from Poprad to Muszyna, allowing for day trips to popular Polish spa towns like Muszyna or Krynica-Zdrój, or to enjoy the scenic Krynica-Zdrój – Tarnów railway.
Kežmarok – one of Slovakia’s most beautiful towns. Highlights include a 15th-century castle (Regional Museum), a charming main square with a historic town hall, a tank monument, an 18th-century church, and the Church of the Holy Cross with a Renaissance bell tower. The Kežmarok train station is considered one of the prettiest in Slovakia.
Stará Ľubovňa – about 3 km from the train station is a partially preserved and restored castle that housed Polish crown jewels between 1655 and 1661. Next to it is a folk architecture open-air museum. In the town center, visit the 13th-century Church of St. Nicholas with Baroque interiors and a square with historical townhouses. About 3.5 km west of the station, you can tour a distillery in the town of Hniezdne.
Plaveč (optional) – ruins of a castle dating back to the second half of the 13th century, destroyed by fire in 1856.
Muszyna – a small town recently popular among Polish and Slovak tourists. Attractions include a restored castle above the town, a mineral water pavilion, Sensory Gardens, Biblical Gardens, and relaxation at pools operated by the Zapopradzie Recreation and Sports Center.
Krynica-Zdrój – a popular spa town in southeastern Poland. Attractions include a beautiful spa park, historic wooden villas, a funicular railway, and a treetop walk. The area has many sightseeing options, hiking trails, and tourist attractions.
Direction: High Tatras
I must admit I am not very familiar with the mountains and attractions in the Tatras, so this list contains only brief descriptions of key places.
Starý Smokovec – a ski resort with downhill and cross-country trails, mainly for beginners and intermediates. Other attractions: Tatra Cinema Museum, Smokovecká Kyselka mineral spring, a Calvary, and the Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary (1888). You can reach the Hrebienok summit by Slovakia’s only funicular railway.
Tatranská Lomnica – a well-known ski resort with many cross-country and downhill trails near Lomnické sedlo. Chairlifts, cable cars, hiking trails, and a beautiful train station. In the center, visit the Tatra National Park Museum and the private Skiing Museum.
Štrbské Pleso – the highest Tatra village, also a ski resort. Near the station lies the beautiful Štrbské Lake with walking paths around it. A ski jump is located nearby. A cog railway connects Štrbské Pleso with Štrba.
Related articles:
Train travel in Slovakia – a comprehensive guide
Tatra Electric Railways – a passenger’s guide
Poprad-Tatry train station
