Photo: Jozef Pitoňák
Ždiar and the surrounding area
Walk to Monkova dolina or head up into the Spišská Magura hills. Bachledka, Belianska Cave and the Polish border are all a short drive away. Here are our suggestions for walks, cycle rides and day trips within easy reach of the house.
Walking and hiking in Ždiar
Ždiar is a wonderful base for anyone who loves mountains, nature and walking. The striking peaks of the Belianske Tatras rise directly above the village, with the High Tatras beyond. On the other side lie the green meadows and forests of the Spišská Magura hills.
Whether you are looking for a challenging mountain hike, a quiet woodland walk or a family outing, there is plenty to choose from. Many trails start right by our accommodation, so you can leave the car behind.
- Monkova dolina: a 700 m walk to the trail information board
- Magura ridge, with views of the Tatras and Pieniny
- Zelené pleso via Kopské sedlo
- drying room for boots and jackets in the house
1. Walks from the doorstep
At U Maťka a Kubka, your walk begins at the doorstep. Follow marked trails onto the Spišská Magura ridge, explore Ždiar’s traditional timber houses or simply enjoy the views of the Belianske Tatras.

Via Magurka to Bachledka
A marked walking trail leads straight from our house to Magurka. From there, continue through Blaščácka dolina and Antošovský vrch, the oldest parts of Ždiar, where traditional Goral architecture has survived. The trail takes you all the way to the popular Treetop Walk at Bachledka.

Circular walk via Magurka, Strednica and Monkova dolina
Head the other way from Magurka, past Strachan and on to the reservoirs at Strednica. From there, a pleasant, wide track through Monkova dolina brings you back to our house. This circular walk combines mountain meadows, woodland paths and lovely views of the Belianske Tatras.

A walk to the Giant Bench
Take a leisurely walk from our house to Ždiar’s Giant Bench. Enjoy the views of the Belianske Tatras and an unusual spot for a holiday photo together.
Whether you choose a short stroll or a longer outing, you will enjoy fresh mountain air and peaceful surroundings along the way.
All the walks listed below start at U Maťka a Kubka, Ždiar 281.
| Route | Time |
|---|---|
| Short loop around ŽdiarA short walk through the village | 45 min |
| Ždiar – Hotel MaguraA walk to the mountain meadows and back | 45 min |
| Long loop: Magurka – Strachan – Strednica – Monkova dolina | approx. 3–4 hours |
| Ždiar – Magurka – Bachledka (Treetop Walk) | approx. 2–2½ hours each way |
| Ždiar – Giant Bench and back | approx. 1–1½ hours |
2. Mountain hikes and outings
Explore the Belianske and High Tatras, with their towering peaks, mountain valleys, glacial lakes and far-reaching views. Ždiar is an ideal starting point for everything from gentle walks in nature to demanding full-day hikes.
Walk straight from our house through Monkova dolina towards Široké sedlo and Kopské sedlo, continue to Zelené pleso, or explore the woodland paths and viewpoints of the Spišská Magura hills.
Whether you love high mountain trails or simply want to enjoy the quiet and fresh air, you will find a route to suit you in Ždiar.


Monkova dolina – Široké sedlo – Kopské sedlo
A memorable high mountain hike with views of the rocky peaks of the Belianske and High Tatras. The trail starts close to our accommodation.

Zelené pleso lake
A turquoise mountain lake surrounded by towering peaks. Reach it via Kopské sedlo, or choose an alternative approach from Biela voda.

Plesnivec mountain hut
A charming mountain hut tucked away in Dolina Siedmich prameňov. The uphill walk from Tatranská Kotlina takes around 1 hour 20 minutes.

Zadné Meďodoly
A beautiful valley on the boundary between the Belianske and High Tatras. A good option for guests keen to explore less familiar trails.

Bielovodská dolina
As well as demanding high mountain routes, this valley offers a pleasant walk with little climbing, suitable for leisure walkers.

Rusinowa Polana
Rusinowa Polana offers beautiful Tatra views without a demanding climb. From Ždiar, drive via Lysá Poľana to Wierch Poroniec, just across the Polish border, then follow the pleasant walking trail to the clearing. You can try traditional oscypek sheep’s cheese here or visit the picturesque chapel.
| Route | Time | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Monkova dolina, Široké sedlo, Kopské sedlo, Zelené pleso | full day | experienced hikers; subject to seasonal and exceptional trail closures |
| Magura ridge, viewing tower and Treetop Walk at Bachledka | about 2 hours | half a day; also suitable for families with school-age children |
| Bachledka, nature trail to Jezerské jazero | about 1 hour | an easy woodland walk |
| Blaščácka dolina and Antošovský vrch, the oldest part of Ždiar | half a day | a walk through the village with mountain views |
| Reservoir below Strednica | 45 minutes | a short walk and time to relax by the water |
Times are approximate, based on a normal walking pace without long breaks. Before setting off, check the latest TANAP notices and park visitor regulations.
Cycling in Ždiar
The marked Cesta okolo Tatier cycle route leads from Ždiar to Tatranská Kotlina, joining the cycle path to Spišská Belá and Kežmarok. Four routes start right by the house, and we can store your bikes in a locked room. Bicycle and e-bike hire is available in the village and at Bachledka.
| Route | Distance | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Ždiar, Tatranská Kotlina, Spišská Belá, Kežmarok | 23 km | families; gravel and tarmac from Ždiar to Tatranská Kotlina, then tarmac |
| Ždiar, Príslop, Magura ridge, Treetop Walk and back | 14 km | mountain or trekking bike; uphill sections and forest tracks |
| Ždiar, Tatranská Javorina, Zadné Meďodoly | 28 km | trekking bike; forest tracks below the Belianske Tatras |
| Ždiar, Osturňa, Spišské Hanušovce | 40 km | a full-day ride through Zamagurie; road or trekking bike |
Family and leisure cycle rides

Ždiar – Strednica – reservoirs
- Easy to moderate
- tarmac
- families with children
A shorter ride on tarmac towards Strednica, rewarded by views of the Belianske Tatras and a rest by the reservoirs. Expect a climb on the outward journey, so this route is best for children who are already comfortable riding uphill.

Ždiar – quarry – Tatranská Kotlina
- Easy
- tarmac and around 2 km of gravel
- families
A ride towards Tatranská Kotlina along a route we know well from living here. Stop by the quarry and continue towards Belianska Cave. The final approach to the cave entrance is an uphill walk.

Ždiar – Tatranská Kotlina – Spišská Belá
- Leisure ride
- mostly tarmac
- trekking bike
Continue the previous ride along the Beliansky cycle path. The 9 km stretch between Tatranská Kotlina and Spišská Belá is surfaced with tarmac and has rest areas. In Spišská Belá, you can stop by Beliansky rybník pond.

Ždiar – Spišská Belá – Strážky
- Moderate due to the distance
- mostly tarmac
- a full-day family ride
A longer ride via Tatranská Kotlina and Spišská Belá to Strážky manor house, combining cycling, nature and history. Shorten the route to suit your children’s fitness.

Ždiar – Tatranská Kotlina – Spišská Belá – Kežmarok
- Moderate to challenging due to the distance
- mostly tarmac
A full-day ride to historic Kežmarok, where you can visit the castle, old town or wooden Protestant church. The return to Ždiar is more demanding because of the distance and climb.

Bachledka – Magura ridge – Strednica – Ždiar – Monkova dolina
One of the loveliest mountain bike rides around Ždiar. It follows mainly forest tracks and passes through the village, where you can admire traditional timber houses and Goral architecture. Combine the ride with a visit to Bachledka and the Treetop Walk.

Ždiar – Strednica – Osturňa
This scenic ride follows a tarmac cycle path from Ždiar via Strednica to the Goral village of Osturňa. Enjoy views of the Belianske Tatras, the countryside of the Spišská Magura hills and pleasant riding through woodland. In Osturňa, admire the traditional timber houses and distinctive Goral architecture.
Route distances are approximate, based on cycling maps. Within the national park, keep to permitted cycle routes and observe current closures.
Running in Ždiar
Whether you are a keen runner, training for a race or simply enjoy running to clear your head, Ždiar has plenty to offer. Head straight from our house onto meadow and mountain trails with views of the Belianske Tatras, or choose a gentler run on tarmac lanes. Fresh mountain air, quiet surroundings and beautiful scenery make it easy to recharge.
For more training options, there is a gym in a traditional Ždiar timber house right next door, and a well-equipped outdoor workout area just 250 metres away.
After a run or workout, unwind in the sauna and hot tub, or enjoy a quiet moment on the terrace overlooking the Tatras.
Combine running with time to unwind in nature. Our Run & Relax in Ždiar package includes gym access, a sauna session and time in the hot tub.
Family fun at the house and further afield
Children have plenty to do here, indoors and out. Beside the house are a playhouse, sandpit, slide and swings, while the meadow just below the terrace has plenty of space to play. Balls, badminton equipment, a flying disc, plastic hoops, ropes and equipment for making an obstacle course are all free to borrow.
On rainy days, children can use the play corner and table football. There is also a playground with an outdoor workout area just 250 metres from the house.
Animals and experiences on our farm
Our sheep and heifers graze in the nearby meadows. We also breed Samoyed dogs beside the house; by prior arrangement, you and your children can take them for a walk. If you would like to cook over an open fire on our farm, just arrange it with us in advance.
Where to go with children around Ždiar

Strachankovo
A family park with a small Goral farm, animals, climbing frames and children’s attractions. Drive there or walk: a marked trail leads from our house up to the Magura ridge and on to Strachankovo.
Goral Ždiar: traditions, timber houses and folk architecture
Ždiar is a picturesque Goral village beneath the Belianske Tatras, where local traditions, dialect and folk culture are still very much alive. A protected folk architecture reserve, it is known for its traditional timber houses with decorated window frames and distinctive blue joints between the logs. A walk through the village reveals original Goral homes and the character of this mountain community.
Just 250 metres from U Maťka a Kubka, the Ždiarsky dom folk museum introduces the life of the Gorals, their traditional dress, customs and village history. For an extra charge, adults and children can try on authentic Goral costumes and have their photo taken — a lovely holiday keepsake.
In summer, the village comes alive during the Goral folklore festival, with traditional music, dancing, singing and local customs.
Day trips by car
Distances and driving times are from our house, based on map estimates without traffic (7 October 2026). Check each attraction’s website for opening times and admission prices.
| Destination | From our house | What to see and do |
|---|---|---|
| Bachledova dolina | 4.3 km, 9 min | gondola, Treetop Walk and skiing in winter |
| Belianska Cave, Tatranská Kotlina | 7.7 km, 11 min | the only cave in the Tatras open to the public; tour approx. 70 minutes, 874 steps, 5–6°C |
| Tatranská Javorina | 11 km, 12 min | Prince Hohenlohe’s hunting lodge and the wooden Church of St Anne |
| Biela voda, starting point for Zelené pleso | 12.7 km, 15 min | a gentle valley hike to the mountain hut |
| Lysá Poľana, Polish border | 14 km, 15 min | Morskie Oko, Zakopane |
| Osturňa | 15 km, 29 min | protected reserve of traditional Goral timber houses |
| Tatranská Lomnica | 17 km, 20 min | cable cars to Skalnaté pleso and Lomnický štít, TANAP Museum |
| Strážky manor house, Spišská Belá | 21 km, 24 min | Renaissance manor house with an art gallery and park |
| Kežmarok | 22 km, 30 min | castle, wooden Protestant church (UNESCO) and town square |
| Terma Bania and Termy Bukovina (Poland) | 23 km, 25 min | thermal pools, ideal for a rainy day |
| Starý Smokovec and Hrebienok | 23 km, 27 min | funicular railway and Studený potok waterfalls |
| AquaCity Poprad | 31 km, 35 min | pools and water slides; historic Spišská Sobota nearby |
| Vrbov thermal pools | 33 km, 40 min | outdoor thermal pools open all year |
| Zakopane | 37 km, 46 min | Krupówki, Gubałówka and the Polish Tatras |
| Štrbské Pleso | 39 km, 44 min | the lake, Popradské pleso and ski jumping hills |
| Ľubovňa Castle and open-air museum | 47 km, 54 min | a full-day outing |
| Červený Kláštor, Pieniny | 48 km, 58 min | traditional rafting on the Dunajec, monastery and Three Crowns peak |
| Levoča | 55 km, 50 min | historic centre (UNESCO) and the altar by Master Paul |
| Spiš Castle | 68 km, 60 min | one of Central Europe’s largest castles (UNESCO) |
Rainy days in Ždiar and the surrounding area
Rain need not spoil your holiday in Ždiar. The Belianske Tatras, the High Tatras area and nearby Poland offer plenty of family outings, interesting museums, attractions and thermal pools. And if you would rather stay in, there is plenty to enjoy here too.
Outings and entertainment
Belianska Cave, the TANAP Museum, trying on Goral costumes at Ždiarsky dom, Tricklandia, Pedal Planet and attractions in nearby Poland.
Thermal pools and spa time
Terma Bania, Bukovina, AquaCity, Vrbov and our own hot tub.
Time to unwind at the house
Table football, board games and a children’s play corner.
Accommodation in Ždiar: your base for exploring
Discover Ždiar, the Belianske Tatras and nearby Poland. Stay in our cosy rooms or apartments and enjoy hiking, family days out and a well-earned rest in the heart of Goral country.
We will be happy to help you choose outings and recommend places worth visiting.
Choose your room or apartment and plan your stay at U Maťka a Kubka.


















