Letanovce: Discover nature and history

Letanovce brings together themes of nature and cultural history. The Prielom Hornádu National Nature Reserve also extends into the cadastral area of Letanovce. Prielom Hornádu is an almost 12-kilometre-long, canyon-like gorge along the upper reaches of the Hornád River. When planning, you can consider the landscape and individual activities separately: for a specific outing, factors such as distance, walking time and access conditions are important.

Hiking and experiencing the landscape

The Ferrata HZS Kyseľ circular hike from Letanovce is 14 kilometres long, with an official walking time of 6 hours and 5 minutes. Weather, seasonal restrictions and trail conditions can affect the actual duration. A special via ferrata set is required to access the Ferrata HZS Kyseľ. You can rent one from several rental outlets. The ferrata is open from 15 June to 31 October and can only be traversed in one direction, from bottom to top. Check the national park’s latest information before your trip. This allows you to factor the time required, equipment and access period into your plans.

Another summer activity is possible on the water: when conditions are favourable and the water level is high enough, you can travel through Prielom Hornádu by kayak, canoe, inflatable boat or paddleboard. The season alone is not enough; water levels and conditions also matter. Check local conditions before setting out. Unlike the ferrata, which has a defined access period and direction, this activity depends specifically on the prevailing conditions on the water.

The nearest access route to Letanovský mlyn from Letanovce follows a paved road through fields. This is another specific detail to consider when planning: the ferrata is described as a circular hike with a stated distance and walking time, while access to Letanovský mlyn is characterised by the road surface and surrounding landscape.

Kláštorisko and traces of cultural history

A Carthusian monastery was founded at Kláštorisko in 1299. Archaeological investigations have also revealed traces of a fortified settlement there dating from the Late Bronze Age. This means the site brings together evidence from very different periods: the medieval foundation of the monastery and much older traces of a fortified settlement. Visitors interested in history can consider these as two separate chapters in the site’s history rather than assigning them to a single era.

The Roman Catholic Church of All Saints in Letanovce also offers a tangible connection to the history of the village. Its oldest parts date from the second half of the 13th century. An original Romanesque portal is located above the Holy Sepulchre. When planning a visit, bear in mind that the church is generally open only during services.

The area around Letanovce is also home to the Symbolic Cemetery, an open-air gallery featuring wooden artworks by young artists from the Spiš region. Together with the archaeological traces at Kláštorisko and the church’s architectural details, it offers another perspective on the area’s cultural heritage.

Plan your stay in Letanovce

If you are looking for hotels in Letanovce, it helps to have a clear focus when planning your trip: for the ferrata, you need to consider its access period, the required set and the walking time; for a trip through Prielom Hornádu, summer, favourable conditions and a sufficiently high water level are important. For a church visit, the usual opening hours during services are the key factor. These differences can help you organise activities according to their respective conditions and plan your stay accordingly.

Discover more destinations: Arnutovce, Odorín, Hrabušice, Teplička, Spišská Nová Ves, Hnilec, Krompachy, Betlanovce.

Return to the main travel overview: Okres Spišská Nová Ves.