Destinations · Slovakia

Spiš — the Gothic kingdom and its UNESCO treasures

Beneath the High Tatras lies Slovakia’s Gothic kingdom. The Spiš region brings together five UNESCO World Heritage sites — Spiš Castle, the walled town of Levoča with Master Pavol’s 18-metre-high altar, Spišská Kapitula, the frescoed Church of the Holy Spirit in Žehra and the Dreveník travertine formations — all within a compact area.

Spiš also has a fascinating multicultural history. German settlers from Saxony arrived in the region in the 13th century, shaping its towns, mining traditions and architecture. Part of Spiš was later administered by Poland from 1412 to 1772, leaving another distinctive layer to the region’s history and culture.

Three national parks frame the region — Pieniny, Slovak Paradise and the High Tatras — making Spiš an exceptional combination of culture and nature. A programme can easily combine medieval towns and UNESCO heritage with rafting, hiking and spectacular gorge walks.

Read: the Spiš region guide
1 / 18

Highlights

What Spiš gives a programme

Spiš Castle, Spišská Kapitula, Levoča & Kežmarok

One of Central Europe's largest castle complexes, the historic Spišská Kapitula — known as the “Slovak Vatican” — the medieval town of Levoča, home to Master Pavol's 18-metre-high Gothic altar, and Kežmarok, with its historic centre, castle and remarkable wooden Articular Church.

Three national parks

Raft down the Dunajec River beneath the hills of Pieniny on a traditional wooden raft, known as a plť. Hike through the spectacular gorges of Slovak Paradise, using ladders and footbridges along the way, and explore the dramatic peaks and valleys of the High Tatras.

The perfect stop on an east–west programme

A natural stop between the High Tatras and Košice — adding Spiš's UNESCO heritage and national parks without backtracking.

A raftsman in traditional dress with a guest aboard a traditional wooden raft on the Dunajec River, the wooded hills of the Pieniny rising behind them.

Plan a Spiš programme

Send us your brief — we'll build the itinerary

Tell us your group size, dates and requirements. We'll combine hotels, guides, transport and experiences across Spiš into a tailored programme, quoted at net rates and operated by our own team on the ground.

Net / wholesale rates Guides in 15+ languages Operated locally since 1993