31/08/2026
Cycling in Spiš, Slovakia: over 280 km of trails right from the cabin
24/08/2026
The bikes are at your door, the valley ahead of you, and the whole day yours alone.
No loading the car, no hunting for where to start. From Chalet Martuška in the Levoča Valley you get on a bike straight from the yard and you're on the trail within minutes. And the Spiš region isn't the Tatras - which is exactly its advantage. The trails aren't crowded, the villages keep a calm rhythm, and you choose by mood: an easy path with the children, a full-day loop through the valley, or a ridge that truly tests your legs. This is cycling in Spiš, Slovakia, at its best - some of the finest bike trails near the High Tatras start practically at the gate.
Over 280 km of marked trails across the Spiš region begin right behind the cabin.
The whole valley to yourselves and trails where you never queue behind other tourists.
Bikes are waiting right at the cabin
Four bikes wait for you at the cabin, two trekking and two electric. You set off straight from the yard, with no carrying and no rental to track down. The e-bikes are ideal for families and for anyone who wants to cover more without aching legs. The motor climbs the Levoča Hills for you.
For families and the first kilometres with children
If you're bringing children, or you just want an easy ride with no climbing, start low and close.
The cycle path to Levoča
The most popular and gentlest route follows the cycle path from the Levoča Valley all the way to Levoča. Six kilometres on a firm surface, mostly in shade and free of cars. Even children manage it. In Levoča you can have a coffee on Master Paul's Square, see the Basilica of St. James, and return the same way.
When to go: year-round in dry weather, morning or late afternoon.
Duration: one to two hours, depending on stops in town.
Who for: families with children, beginners.
Watch out: you share the last stretch into town with pedestrians, so slow down.
The new trail to Marian Hill
You can now ride from the valley all the way up to Mariánska hora (Marian Hill) without ever joining the main road. The Prešov Region has finished more than six kilometres of new cycle trail here, running through the forest on a natural surface. You can rest along the way under a new shelter, and at the top a view over the whole of Levoča rewards you. It climbs a little, so take an e-bike from the yard and leave the pedalling to the motor.
When to go: in dry weather, outside the midday heat.
Duration: half a day with the view at the top.
Who for: families on an e-bike, the moderately fit.
Watch out: the natural surface can be slippery after rain.
The Dunajec in the Pieniny (a trip by car)
When you want guaranteed flat ground, the Pieniny are worth the drive. The cycle trail along the Dunajec from Červený Kláštor (Red Monastery) is almost level and stays beside the river the whole way. A river raft in the morning, bikes in the afternoon - one of the loveliest family days around. Červený Kláštor is about an hour away by car.
When to go: May to September.
Duration: a full day with the rafting.
Who for: families with small children, easy-going riders.
Watch out: the trail gets busy in season, so set off early.
For the moderately fit: a full day in the saddle
The Levoča Valley loop
Stronger riders join the loop through the Levoča Valley, about 27 km long. It runs through forest and along firm tracks, and from up high you see Levoča laid out below you. On an e-bike it's a pleasant half-day; on an ordinary bike, an honest workout.
When to go: April to October.
Duration: three to four hours.
Who for: the mildly to moderately fit, families on e-bikes.
Watch out: the signal weakens in the valley, so download the map offline.
Out to Spiš Castle (UNESCO)
One of the largest castle complexes in Central Europe lies about 21 km from the valley, one way. On the way you stop in Spiš Chapter (Spišská Kapitula), a tiny fortified ecclesiastical town. You return with the feeling that in one day you've ridden through a piece of history too.
When to go: early morning, before it turns hot.
Duration: a full day (there and back).
Who for: the moderately fit; families too on an e-bike.
Watch out: the castle is undergoing major restoration, so check access and admission in advance.
For the demanding: ridges and Slovak Paradise
The ridge trails of the Levoča Hills
The hills above the valley hide long forest and ridge trails with serious climbing. They're part of the network of over 280 km of marked trails, which link up into full-day rides. Quiet, forest, and almost no one about.
When to go: in dry weather, spring to autumn.
Duration: half a day to a full day.
Who for: fit cyclists, on mountain and trekking bikes.
Watch out: long stretches with no refreshments, so bring water and food.
Slovak Paradise by bike
Anyone who wants more heads for Slovak Paradise, about 30 km from the cabin. Its cycle trails stay surprisingly empty. The loops around Čingov and across the plateaus are more demanding, with long climbs and a reward of views over the valleys and the reservoir.
When to go: May to October.
Duration: a full day.
Who for: experienced cyclists.
Watch out: some stretches are shared with walkers, so respect those on foot.
Why an e-bike pays off in Spiš
The climbs of the Levoča Hills gain a few hundred metres - the motor turns them into a pleasure rather than a slog. The loops are long, and an e-bike stretches your active time without the fatigue. The family keeps the same pace and no one falls behind. And even those who haven't been in the saddle for years will manage.
Two of the bikes at the cabin are electric. Just charge them well before a longer route.
When to set off
April - May: nature wakes up and the trails are empty. A pleasant 18 to 22 degrees by day.
June - August: high season; set off early in the morning, before it turns hot.
September - October: the finest cycling season. Colourful forests, settled weather and hardly anyone about.
Winter: the Levoča Hills get snow and some tracks turn into cross-country ski trails.
The whole valley and 280 km of trails, just for you
Chalet Martuška is a whole wooden cabin rented to a single group at a time - no reception, no neighbours through the wall. A sauna, a fireplace, bikes at the door, and the whole valley to yourselves. Levoča is 6 km away, the High Tatras a 45-minute drive, and four UNESCO sites are day trips you come home from each evening.
A whole log cabin with a sauna starts at 32 euros per person per night; the minimum stay is three nights. When you book directly with us, you get the best price and the entire place to yourself.
Frequently asked questions
Are there bike trails near the Levoča Valley suitable for children?
Yes. The cycle path to Levoča (6 km on a firm surface, in shade and free of cars) and the flat trail along the Dunajec in the Pieniny both suit families with children.
Do I have to bring my own bike?
No. There are four adult bikes at the cabin, two trekking and two electric. You set off straight from the yard.
Is an e-bike worth it in Spiš?
Yes. The climbs of the Levoča Hills gain a few hundred metres. On an e-bike you cover more without tiring, and the whole family keeps the same pace.
How long are the routes you can ride from the cabin?
From the six-kilometre path to Levoča, through the valley loop (around 27 km), to full-day ridge rides across the Levoča Hills. In total the Spiš region has over 280 km of marked trails.
How far are Spiš Castle and Slovak Paradise?
Spiš Castle is about 21 km, Slovak Paradise about 30 km. Both pair well with a bike. At the castle, though, check access - major restoration is under way.
When is the best time for cycling in Spiš, Slovakia?
Late spring to early autumn. The towns and castles are open year-round, but Dobšiná Ice Cave opens only from about May to September, so plan around it if the cave is on your list.
Where is the best place to stay for cycling in Spiš?
Right in the Levoča Valley - for example in the whole Chalet Martuška cabin for 11 guests, from where you set off on the trails straight from the yard.
