📆 Day 7 | 23 September

📍 Route: Smižany → Tatranská Lomnica

📏 Distance: 52 km / 776 m ↗ / 539 m ↘

🏰 Places visited: Wishing Bell in Spišská Nová Ves, Levoča - UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kežmarok

A Day Full of History, Rain, and Unforgettable Moments in Spiš and the High Tatras. 

We began our day beneath a grey, overcast sky, but our spirits remained high. There was a quiet kind of optimism in the air – the kind that only comes with the promise of adventure. 

Our first stop was the charming historic center of Spišská Nová Ves, a town rich in atmosphere and stories from centuries past. As we wandered through its streets, we came upon the Wishing Bell, where we each took a moment to ring it and silently share our hopes. A simple gesture, yet somehow deeply moving. 

From there, our journey led us to one of the true gems of eastern Slovakia – the town of Levoča, known not only for its beauty and cultural importance but also for being a proud UNESCO World Heritage Site. We were incredibly fortunate to step inside the stunning basilica where we stood in awe before the wooden Gothic altar carved by Master Paul of Levoča – the tallest of its kind in the world, and officially recognized by the Guinness Book of Records. The craftsmanship, detail, and sheer scale of the altar left a lasting impression on all of us. 

But our journey didn’t end there – far from it. We continued cycling through the scenic Levoča Hills, just as the weather took a dramatic turn. The skies opened, and a heavy rain began to pour, quickly turning the trails into a muddy challenge. Despite the soaked clothes and splashes of dirt, we pressed on, determined to take in every bit of the landscape around us. 

Our next destination was the picturesque town of Kežmarok, a place that seemed to emerge like a watercolor painting through the misty rain. Even with wet shoes and dripping jackets, the charm of the town and its peaceful atmosphere made it well worth the effort. 

The final stretch of our route took us along the Poprad River, on a scenic cycling path that felt almost surreal in the rain – quiet, empty, and surrounded by the natural beauty of eastern Slovakia. Every pedal stroke brought us closer to our final goal. Exhausted, muddy, and completely soaked – but filled with beautiful experiences – we finally arrived at our accommodation nestled beneath the majestic peaks of the High Tatras. 

It was a day of contrasts – sunshine in our hearts despite the rain on our backs, and a mix of cultural treasures, nature, and a little bit of adventure. 

The kind of day that stays with you long after the clouds have cleared.

Varga Gabor