Walking holidays
Nine walking trails
are described below, each with an Ordnance Survey map, Google Earth view,
trail photographs and directions for use by the visitors to our cottages.
We also arrange
guided group walking holidays
that are adapted to suit the ability of the walkers.
The peaks around the hamlet of Krize are higher than Snowdon or
Table Mountain and one can walk for miles above an altitude of 1,000m.
In summer at this height the weather is warm, the air clean
and scented with meadow flowers and forest resins.
To see the scenery follow the links below to the photographs taken along the nine trails.
Some walking trails are
short
(1-2 hours), some
medium
(half day) and some
long
(whole day).
There is also advice to walkers regarding weather, safety,
rescue insurance
etc.
Some of the walks are also suitable for mountain bikes.
Krize is in a special position for walking,
since it lies at the crossing of two long distance European walking trails
E3 and E8.
The trails around Krize were extensively used during the Second World War.
They were the main supply routes from Russia for the partisans preparing the Slovak national uprising.
At that time my father was based in Presov, a town on the southern tip of the Cergov forest range,
where he arranged hiding for partisans passing through.
A monument to the partisans stands on a hill overlooking Krize. |
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Slovakia countryside
Outdoor Photography magazine, July 2006 |
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Spis castle in the misty background
Outdoor Photography magazine, July 2006 |
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Walking trails around Krize.
There is a wide variety of walking trails from which to choose, for all ages and any fitness.
The walk up to the
monument at Krize
and back takes about 40 minutes.
To the
ski slopes
and back about an hour.
The walking paths to the neighbouring villages of
Hervartov
and
Livov
are about 2 - 3 hours long.
For a day's outing there are two circular walks along the long distance walking trails E3 and E8.
You can stop for lunch at the hiking hostel at
Cergov peak,
or go via
Priehyby saddle
in the centre of the Cergov Forest Range where wolves are regularly seen in winter
and in summer an occasional bear.
If you have someone to pick you up at the end of 5 - 8 hours walking or are prepared to get back by bus
or taxi then there is a walk to the nearest town,
Bardejov.
You could cut this walk a bit short at
hotel Bellevue
where you can have a relaxing swim in a nice indoor
swimming pool
overlooking Bardejov town, followed by dinner.
For young children and older people there are less demanding walks in and around
Bardejov Spa,
as well as facilities for
sport,
recreation
and
rest.
Alternatively, drive to the villages Hervartov, Lukov, Fricka or Kozany
for a gentle walk to see their ancient
wooden churches.
At the other extreme, you can drive to the villages Zborov, Plavec, Kapusany or Spiska Kapitula and
climb up to the ruins of their
medieval castles,
that may take an hour or so of vigorous climbing. |
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Long Distance European Walking Trails
Eleven Trails
E1-E11
are recognised by the European Ramblers' Association.
Walking trail E3 runs from Santiago de Compostela on the Atlantic Coast in Spain to the Black Sea in Bulgaria.
Walking trail E8 runs from the Atlantic Coast in Ireland to the Black Sea in Turkey.
The long distance walking trail
E3 and E8 details
were compiled from information published by the European Ramblers' Association,
Ramblers Association of the UK, Hiking Association of Slovakia and of other countries,
as well as walking maps for east Slovakia and my own experience of walking in the Cergov forest range.
I hope you will find it useful in planning your walking holidays in Slovakia.
More ...
Walking Trails Maps and Details
Advice for walkers around Krize |
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| Long distance European trails |
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