Renaissance mansion in Markušovce (source: TASR)
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The district of Spišská Nová Ves may be small, but it boasts two of Slovakia's most cherished tourist attractions: Slovak Paradise National Park and Spiš Castle. These landmarks draw substantial crowds annually, not just from Slovakia but also from neighbouring Poland and Hungary.
For those who prefer to diversify their holiday beyond hiking in the forest or exploring historic ruins, Spiš offers alternative attractions, including distinctive gastronomic experiences.
Restaurant Nostalgie in the centre of Spišská Nová Ves offers international cuisine. (source: SME-Jozef Ryník)
Pleasant atmosphere
Dana Říhová studied hotel management in Kežmarok. After completing her studies, she began working as a receptionist at the Čingov Hotel in Slovak Paradise. This was in the early 1990s, a turbulent period for businesses due to a decline in tourism. After seven months, she decided to gain more experience abroad. She moved to the Austrian Alps, where she worked as both a waitress and a receptionist.
"I also wanted to save money for a flat, so what was supposed to be a one-year stay turned into seven years," Říhová recalls.
During her time there, she met her now ex-husband, who was working as a cook. After several years, they both felt they had gained enough experience to open their own restaurant.
They chose Spišská Nová Ves, Říhová’s hometown and a gateway to the popular Slovak Paradise, as the location for their venture.
"We bought a house intending to open a restaurant, but the authorities imposed unreasonable parking requirements on us. As a result, we sold the property before opening and decided to rent a space in the city centre instead," she explains.
In 2000, the couple opened a restaurant named Nostalgie (Nostalgias) in a historic building in the city centre.
"We wanted to create a place where guests could reminisce about the good old days of cinema and music—a time before the internet—and take a moment to slow down. Since memories are so abundant, we chose a plural name," she elaborates.
The restaurant’s interior is adorned with photos from old black-and-white films, as well as historical artefacts and furniture, most of which come from the owner’s personal collection.
Dana Říhová owns Nostalgie restaurant in Spišská Nová Ves (source: SME - Jozef Ryník)
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Gastronomy is a sacrifice, and a mission
They have established an international cuisine, drawing on their experience in Austria. During The Slovak Spectator's visit, the menu featured French dishes, including onion soup and ratatouille, both of which were delightful. The pleasant interior perfectly complements the high-quality international fare. Nostalgie also offers a seasonal menu, with asparagus in the spring and goose and duck in the autumn.
However, providing delicious food is not enough for the restaurant owner. A few years ago, she began organising wine tastings for enthusiasts and those interested in experiential gastronomy. "We hosted over 50 people at the event, and everyone left satisfied," says Říhová, reflecting on its success. She relishes the challenge of creating new experiences.
"This profession demands total commitment; there is little time left for family life. It’s both a mission and a sacrifice," she adds. Her daughter, currently studying marketing, is already helping with social media, bringing fresh ideas to the business.
The restaurant employs approximately 20 people during the off-season. In summer, it hires an additional 25 part-time staff to cater to guests on its large outdoor terrace.
The owner has observed a growing number of visitors over the years, not just from the Czech Republic and Poland, who traditionally visit Slovak Paradise, but also from cyclists and motorcyclists exploring the region. During the off-season, the restaurant focuses on attracting locals and business clients, despite Nostalgie not offering a daily special lunch menu.
Říhová believes that tourism development requires reduced government bureaucracy and greater collaboration between accommodation providers and restaurateurs.
"We should be recommending each other's establishments," she emphasises.
A manor house in Spišský Štiavnik needs renovation. (source: SME - Jozef Ryník)
Hidden places in Spiš
In addition to Slovak Paradise, tourists are drawn to Spiš for iconic attractions such as Spiš Castle. However, the region also boasts lesser-known, intriguing spots known mainly only to locals.
Ladislav Novotný, the deputy mayor of Hrabušice, reveals that restoration efforts are underway for Zelená Hora, also known as Hrabušice Castle, a now-defunct fortress once used by friars near the Hornád Gorge. Historically, from Zelená Hora, the Bratrics launched attacks on the Carthusian monastery situated on the Rock of Refuge in Kláštorisko, within Slovak Paradise.
In recent years, the Forestry Association has restored an apiary in Slovak Paradise, now incorporated into the experience-educational area known as Včely Raja (Bees of Paradise).
Another ongoing project involves revitalising the small water reservoir at Blajzloch, which has become a popular destination for families seeking walking trails in Slovak Paradise. This picturesque area, highly photogenic, is accessible by bike or car via the mountain road connecting Hrabušice to Kopanec.
Remains of a church in the abandoned village of Miloj near Špišský Hrušov. (source: SME-Jozef Ryník)
Mysterious church in the field
For those who have explored Slovak Paradise and the historic town—known for its many monuments and boasting the tallest church tower in Slovakia—the Spiš countryside offers a new adventure. Often referred to by hoteliers as the "Tuscany of the East," Spiš is celebrated for its stunning, undulating landscape.
A particularly intriguing destination is the mysterious church tower in the abandoned village of Miloj, near Spišský Hrušov. Legend has it that the village sank into the ground as divine punishment for its inhabitants' sins. More likely, however, the village naturally disappeared during the Middle Ages. Today, only the ruins of the church tower remain, standing alone amidst the fields as a silent witness to history.
The tower, though isolated and enigmatic, exudes a striking presence. Unfortunately, the access road is nothing more than a dirt track, and no signs on the main road hint at the fascinating landmark off to the side.
Belvéder in Markušovce mansion. (source: SME-Jozef Ryník)
Group of mansions
From the abandoned village, the road leads to Markušovce, home to the stunning mansion and summer house of the noble Mariássy family, known as the Dardanelles. The area boasts a large park and well-marked cycling paths around the mansion.
Spiš is dotted with manor houses, almost one in every village. Along the route, you can visit the baroque-classicist Csáky family mansion in Hodkovce. This manor offers opportunities for social tourism; employees with mental disabilities help maintain and enhance the grounds while crafting souvenirs for visitors. However, the manor clearly suffers from a lack of funding for full restoration. Despite this, the expansive French park nearby is well worth exploring.
Hodkovce is located near the village of Žehra, home to the Church of the Holy Spirit. Renowned for its mediaeval wall paintings, the church is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What else is worth seeing in Spiš
Zoo, Spišská Nová Ves: A family-friendly destination featuring a variety of animals in an engaging setting.
Laboratory, Spišská Nová Ves: An experimental gallery for children, showcasing large models of insects and reptiles.
Open-Air Mining Museum, Hnilčík: Dive into Spiš’s mining history with both outdoor and underground tours; guided tours available.
Small Via Ferrata, Hlinisko nad Hnilčíkom: A family-friendly trail offering easy hiking and via ferrata experiences.
Spiš Museum, Spišská Nová Ves: Discover the rich history of the Spiš region through its extensive exhibits.
Schulerloch: An abandoned military bunker paired with a lookout tower for history enthusiasts.
Forest Sports Area Grajnár: Perfect for hiking in warmer months and cross-country skiing in winter.
Palcmanská Maša: A versatile water reservoir for swimming, skiing, or hiking, located in the southern Slovak Paradise.
Poráč Park: A recreation centre offering skiing and hiking opportunities amidst stunning landscapes.
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