On this Camino de Santiago walking tour in Slovakia, you’ll follow the ancient pilgrim walking route known as the Way of St. James across the spectacular Carpathian Mountains. From Kosice, the European capital of culture in 2013, you’ll walk the 100km route to the UNESCO medieval town of Levoca. Your precise starting point will be St Elizabeth’s Cathedral, the easternmost Gothic cathedral in Europe, and you´ll trek across eastern Slovakia to reach the basilica of St James, home to the biggest wooden altar in the world. This route is a tremendous combination of natural treasures, cultural highlights, and pilgrimage sites in gothic Slovakia. It’s officially connected with the international routes of St. James, Europe´s most popular pilgrim walking route, which stretches across Europe all the way to the Spanish cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, home to the tomb of the apostle of St James.
Welcome to Kosice, a unique European metropolis and European capital of culture 2013. Kosice has many claims to fame – it’s home to the oldest marathon in Europe, the longest promenade in Slovakia, and the easternmost Gothic cathedral in Europe to name a few. But most importantly it’s home to the starting point of the official Slovakian Camino de Santiago route, known as the Way of St. James.
When you arrive, you’ll be briefed about the programme for the week. Depending on your arrival time there might be time for a stroll in Kosice´s old town to visit some of the biggest attractions, including the cathedral of St Elizabeth.
Accommodation: Penzion Hradbova (or similar)
Those that want to participate in the morning mass at St Elizabeth cathedral can do so either at 6am or 7am today. Whether you are a believer or not, participation in the morning Holy Mass, while listening to the local master playing the organ, is a great starting point for your Camino walking adventure.
After breakfast, the walking starts with a hike to Kosice´s calvary. On the way you’ll pass a wooden church built in 1741, and walk up the holy stairs in the church of the Virgin Mary of the Seven Sorrows.
Our route then continues to the recreation centre of Jahodna, from where you’ll follow the route through beautiful Kosice’s forests all the way to Volovske hills and the Kojsovska Hola (1,246 m) viewpoint. This offers spectacular panoramic views of the area and on the High and Low Tatra mountains.
Walking: 7hrs, 14km/8,7mi, 689m up, 115m down.
Accommodation: Chata Erika
Meals included: breakfast, packed lunch
This morning you’ll head to the hidden jewel of Eastern Slovakia, the mining town of Gelnica. It dates back to the 13th century and was one of the most important mining towns in the Hungarian monarchy, mining copper ore, gold, silver, quicksilver, and iron core.
Today´s route will offer you stunning views on villages below you, including a breathtaking view over the town of Gelnica from the viewpoint known as Gloriet.
When you arrive at Gelnica we recommend visiting the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the mining museum. If you prefer more adventurous activities, you could visit one of the accessible minim tunnels.
Walking: 5hrs, 13km/8mi, 110m up, 899m down.
Accommodation: Penzion Pod Hradom (or similar)
Meals included: breakfast, packed lunch
Heading west, today´s route will lead you through the area known as Turzov. Here you’ll find the Chapel of the Holy Cross and two picturesque lakes, then slowly enter a coniferous forest with an enchanting fragrance. This is where the popular “oxygen path” can be found.
After approximately 4km of gradual ascent we’ll reach the highest point of today´s walk, after which you’ll head to the popular ski centre of Plejsy. This final part is simply magical as you walk out of the forest with spectacular views on the ski centre below you. It’s the perfect spot for a break with views of Spissky castle and the High Tatras mountains in the distance.
Walking: 6hrs, 13km/8mi, 604m up, 576m down.
Accommodation: Penzion Plejsy (or similar)
Meals included: breakfast, packed lunch
This morning the route will lead you through quiet villages, gradually reaching the highest point of today´s walk. The scenery is simply spectacular as you walk through the meadows, home to local shepherds and their flocks of sheep.
The path then continues west as the scenery opens up to the majestic High Tatras and Spissky castle in front of you. You’ll then continue to the village of Zehra with its dominant sight, the wooden church of Holy Spirit, which is on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list. Your route then continues through the protected are of Drevenik all the way to Spissky castle, the biggest castle in central-eastern Europe. From here you’ll descend to the Spisske Podhradie, your home for the night.
Walking: 7hrs, 19,5km/11mi, 536m up, 483m down.
Accommodation: Pension St Martin (or similar)
Meals included: breakfast, packed lunch
After breakfast you’ll head to Levoca. This long but rewarding walk is full of world-class monuments. With its Marianska Hora (the hill of Virgin Mary), Levoca is the biggest pilgrim site in Slovakia.
Today is very rich in cultural, natural and spiritual sites that would be tricky to find anywhere else in Europe. The first one on today´s list is the fortified seat of Spisska Kapitula, with its most valuable gothic cathedral of St Martin. After that it’s Spissky Jerusalem, which recalls ancient Jerusalem in one-to-one scale.
From there, you’ll head to the hill of Virgin Mary with its Basilica of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. From here you’ll descend to the ancient town of Levoca. With its preserved city walls and the Basilica of St James representing the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, this is a magical end to your Slovakian Camino walking adventure.
Walking: 8hrs, 25km/0mi, 712m up, 566m down.
Accommodation: Hotel U Leva
Meals included: breakfast, packed lunch
Waking up in medieval Levoca surrounded by protected areas and national parkland provides an almost endless list of optional activities. After an optional morning Holy Mass in the Basilica of St James we recommend you visit the town’s hall. For the rest of the day other options include relaxing in hot thermal springs in nearby Vrbov, hiking in the national park of Slovak Paradise, or perhaps visiting some of the most attractive villages in the national park of the High Tatras. There are many options, and our experts will help you with anything you might need.
Accommodation: Hotel U Leva
Meals included: breakfast
As your tour comes to an end after breakfast, we would like to offer our assistance in organizing your transfer back to the airport or any other destination. Please do not hesitate to ask for our help at the time of booking. It would be our pleasure to assist you in any way we can.
Meals included: breakfast
Book this tour as a self-guided, guided or private group. Choose the one that suits you best, and we'll ensure you have a great experience.
Self-Guided: you'll experience this tour independently, following perfectly prepared maps and route descriptions.
Guided Group: Join a group of like-minded people accompanied by one of our friendly leaders who will guide you every step of the way and take care of anything you may need.
Private Group: Enjoy a personalized adventure exclusively for your family or friends, accompanied by one of our experienced tour leaders, on a date that suits you best.
| Dates | Status | Adult price | Child price |
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| Mon 01 May 23 - Tue 31 Oct 23 | Available |
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| Self-guided. Book any date between May to October. | Single room supplement + 110 Eur | ||
| Sat 15 Jul 23 - Sat 22 Jul 23 | Available |
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| Guided Group | Single room supplement + 110 Eur | ||
| Sat 19 Aug 23 - Sat 26 Aug 23 | Available |
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| Guided Group | Single room supplement + 110 Eur | ||
| Sat 16 Sep 23 - Sat 23 Sep 23 | Available |
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| Guided Group | Single room supplement + 110 Eur | ||
| Sat 07 Oct 23 - Sat 14 Oct 23 | Available |
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| Guided Group | Single room supplement + 110 Eur | ||
Please note that our official rates are in Euros. Other currencies are informative only.
Included
Not Included
What is the food like?
Food on the tour includes a mix of buffet and continental breakfasts, and packed lunches.
Packed lunches on walking days will typically include a sandwich or baguette, a piece of fruit, and a biscuit.
Dinners are available for an additional cost either at your accommodation or at nearby restaurants.
We are able to accommodate various dietary restrictions, including vegetarian and gluten-free diets.
We encourage you to bring a reusable water bottle, as water is drinkable from the tap, and we aim to avoid single-use plastic bottles.
What is the accommodation like?
Our tour includes accommodation at a range of hotels, pensions, and huts, each offering en-suite facilities and free Wi-Fi. These accommodations are designed to provide comfortable and convenient places to stay as you explore the area.
Kosice – Hotel Hradbova***
Kojsova Hola – Chata Erika Hut**
Gelnica – Penzion pod Hradom**
Krompachy – Penzion Plejsy**
Spišské Podhradie – Pension St Martin***
Levoca – Hotel U Leva***
To enhance flexibility our holidays do not include flights. This gives you the freedom to choose a local airport that works for you and shop for the best deal.
We have compiled a list of airports with their distances and transportation options to the starting hotel in Kosice, for your convenience. Please see below for details:
*Please note that the exact price for your transfer will be confirmed at the time of booking. The cost will depend on the size of your group.
We recommend you pack as light as possible, with suitcases or backpacks that are easy to lift and carry. A daypack for activities is also useful. Below you will find a recommended packing list. It is by no means exhaustive, so if you’re in any doubt, please contact us.
Our tours are typically designed for groups of 1 to 16 people, although larger groups are also welcome.
Feel free to contact us if you have any questions at all. Our knowledgeable and helpful team is here to help, and we look forward to welcoming you to our spectacular country soon!
Download the detailed trip notes for everything you could possibly want to know about this trip, including detailed itinerary and full kit list.
To download trip notes, please submit your email address down below.
This holiday is operated by our expert, in-country team at Slovakia Explorer. By booking with us, you’ll benefit from our unrivalled local knowledge, and have 24/7 support during your trip.
Our holidays offer unique experiences, which give you an unparalleled insight into Slovakia. During the planning and booking process, we pay attention to every detail of your holiday to ensure your trip is perfect.
Slovakia Explorer offers great value, high quality holidays.
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