Thanks to its location, this largest city, Spiš, has gained the adjective gateway to the High Tatras, so it is not strange that in 2016 it was on the list of 10 top European cities that are worth visiting during the winter, according to the British daily The Guardian .
Since Christmas is approaching us with incredible speed, we cannot forget about the Christmas decoration that this city has in connection with the city of Poprad , I would like to say one of the most beautiful, if not the most beautiful of all Slovak cities. The city even publishes a map of Christmas decorations , which shows exactly where all the main Christmas decorations are located and how we can get to them. Probably the most famous is the Christmas angel 12 meters high and weighing 700 kg, which traditionally literally arrives in the middle of a roundabout. You also can't leave without a photo at the Christmas ball or from the street under the Starry Sky . A walk under this sky is like the most beautiful Christmas fairy tale.
Of course, this city has its charm and has something to offer outside this time of year. The most beautiful and most popular place for many Poprad citizens and not only Poprad citizens is Námestie sv. Egídia . This square is bordered by the development of burgher houses of Baroque and Classicist style. The square is dominated by the Church of St. Egidia from the 13th century, which gives it its unique atmosphere. Next to the church you will also find a Renaissance bell tower from 1658. Right next to the church of St. Egídia is the Evangelical Church of the Holy Trinity .
The city of Poprad gained its uniqueness also thanks to its gem, which is the historical center of Spišská Sobota . It is located in the northeastern part of the city above the river Poprad. The center of Spišská Sobota consists of a newly reconstructed square together with the bell tower, the Marian Column and the late Romanesque Roman Catholic parish church of St. George from 1273, which in 2011 won the Cultural Monument of the Year award. In the church there is a carved organ from 1662, which is up to 780 cm wide and has 814 pipes. You will also find up to 6 altars, the main one being the one from Master Paul of Levoča from 1516. At the opposite end of the funnel-shaped square is the Classicist Evangelical Church from 1777. Between the Renaissance houses, a narrow street leads from the church to the ancient cemetery.
Poprad, however, is especially in winter an ideal place to stay. Visitors to this city have many larger but also smaller ski resorts within reach, from which they will be provided with a truly magnificent view of the majestic High Tatras. A bonus is the opportunity to discover the beauty of the icy gorges of the Slovak Paradise, which is only a short walk from Poprad. Directly in Poprad there is also the famous aqua park AquaCity Poprad, where people will find rest and entertainment all year round. This water world is one of the largest Slovak water parks and offers a wide range of water and wellness adventures. The pools are filled with thermal water from a nearby geothermal well.
As we mentioned, there are a large number of top ski resorts in the vicinity of Poprad, where you can not only ski well but also enjoy great fun with your children. And so that you don't have to kill time in front of the monitor, but use it actively and especially fun, we have prepared a list of the nearest ski resorts, which are really around the corner from Poprad. However, the most difficult task will remain for you and that is to choose;)
We will imagine Lopušná dolina as the first place for skiing, as we will find up to two ski resorts here. There is a ski resort Skitatry , which is also known as Ski Tatrasvit or Nová Lopušná dolina . This is perhaps the nearest ski resort located at the foot of the High Tatras only 11 km from Poprad. The 1,100 m long slope is one of the best slalom slopes in the High Tatras, which is suitable mainly for more experienced skiers, but even beginner skiers will find their route here. Snow cover is provided by technical snowmaking and the slopes are served by two lifts. After overcoming the height difference of 240 m at the top station, skiers will have an unforgettable view of the beautiful scenery of the High Tatras. The resort has the possibility of providing a ski instructor and the possibility of free parking. Gastronomic services are represented by fast food and a restaurant. Last but not least, it should be mentioned that evening skiing with high-quality lighting is also in operation.
The big advantage is that this resort is connected to another resort and together you will find up to 14 lifts.
The slopes of the Lopušná dolina ski resort are again situated to the north-east on grassy terrain and, due to their unpretentiousness, are especially suitable for beginners and moderately advanced skiers. The quality of the pistes in the ski resort is also ensured by technical snowmaking, including regular mechanical maintenance of the slopes. Of course there is a parking lot located in front of the entrance to the ski area. The resort also offers ski service, rental and a children’s corner. There is night skiing and cross-country skiers can enjoy 5 km of groomed cross-country trails.
Another, also very close ski resort is Vernár – Studničky . It is located only 18 km south of the town of Poprad, about 500 m from the village Vernár, on the border of the Low Tatras and the Slovak Paradise. The resort offers a great family skiing for advanced skiers and beginners. Ski slopes of easy and medium difficulty are located at an altitude of 800 to 1000 m. Their total length reaches 1400 m. There are 3 ski lifts in the resort and also a snowmaking system. The slopes are regularly maintained by tracked vehicles. The advantage is the free parking lot located just below the lifts and at the same time an indisputable advantage for parents with children is definitely a children's lift. Visitors can also use the services of a ski school, ski equipment rental, simple ski service, storage room and buffet. In the case of a sufficient amount of natural snow, a cross-country track with a total length of about 5 km is also regularly maintained.
The last resort we will imagine is SKI PARK Liptovská Teplička . It is located in the Low Tatras, on the northern side of Kráľova hole, while the slopes are situated to the northeast. Access to the resort is from Poprad about 20 km through Spišské Bystré. The resort is located at an altitude of 880 m to 990 m above sea level. SKI PARK resort has 3 lifts, including one school and one children's. The quality of the downhill runs is ensured by regular adjustment of the slopes. The resort has a parking lot located directly at the lifts. Although the resort is one of the smaller ones, it does not change its high quality of service. In the area you will find several buffets with excellent food, ski rental and you can also use a ski instructor. Last but not least, parents will certainly enjoy the children's corner.
All these ski resorts are a short walk from Poprad, so this part of the article will please especially skiers who will be accommodated in Poprad or nearby. However, in order to attract another group of people, a group that is looking for more swimwear than skis, we will move directly to Poprad, to the AquaCity Poprad water park . In this unique water world, which is built above the place of a geothermal spring, you will experience extraordinary moments full of fun among the snowy Tatras. Aquapark AquaCity Poprad offers 13 outdoor and indoor pools, water slides, 350 water attractions, the largest wellness and spa center in Slovakia, children's corners, playgrounds, entertainment animation programs for children and an exceptional 3D Laser show. So the entertainment here is taken care of really luxuriously. You can learn more about the aquapark on our website .
Winter wellness holidays in hotels AquaCity Poprad can also look like this:
We hope that we mainly approached you - active people looking for sports and entertainment, and shuffled your cards a bit over the planning of your winter vacation. But we are also convinced that Poprad has something to offer to every visitor, especially in this beautiful winter season.
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