Discover Lechnica: singletrack trails, landscape and village history

Landscape and village character

Lechnica offers several specific reasons to visit: a mountain biking trail network, renovated hiking trails, winter cross-country ski trails and a church with a long history. The village lies in the valley of the Havka stream at the foot of the Spišská Magura; the Dunajec runs along the edge of Lechnica. The valley, mountain foothills and riverbank represent distinct geographical features. As a former farming village, Lechnica also retains elements of folk architecture. These architectural traces reflect the village’s former character and give its history a distinct focus alongside its activities. When planning your trip, both the landscape and the surviving elements of the village’s architecture are worth considering.

Mountain biking on the singletrack trails

The Lechnica singletrack trails form a 15-kilometre mountain biking network in the heart of Pieniny National Park. The total length of the network differs from the stated lengths of individual trails: GRIFTOF is nine kilometres long and a route for families. GVIZD is 1.3 kilometres long, challenging and intended for experienced downhill riders. Both length and intended use therefore matter when comparing them. GRIFTOF is the longer family route, while GVIZD is the considerably shorter downhill trail for experienced riders. The network’s total distance and the lengths of its individual routes answer different questions: the first describes the extent of what is on offer, while the others help you compare specific trails. The GRIFTOF and ŠPICA routes pass through coniferous forest and meadows. Trail conditions can change; check the latest conditions before setting out.

Hiking and winter

The visitor attractions in Lechnica also include renovated hiking trails. In winter, there are several groomed cross-country ski trails; check their availability before your trip. Hiking and cross-country skiing offer different activities, and the seasonal aspect is especially important for the ski trails. Cross-country skiing is associated with winter, while the renovated hiking trails offer another option when planning your trip. When choosing when to visit, you can take into account which of these activities will be a priority during your stay.

Church of St. Jodok

The Church of St. Jodok brings together an older dedication and a later church building. Its dedication has been documented since 1419 and is, to date, the only historically documented dedication to this saint in Slovakia. The present church building was erected in 1830 after the previous church burned down in 1825. A church dedication refers to the saint to whom a church is dedicated; the dedication date and the construction year of the present building therefore relate to two different historical questions. The five years between the fire in 1825 and the construction of the present church in 1830 are also part of the village’s history.

National park and wild boar enclosure

Parts of Lechnica lie within Pieniny National Park. There is also a wild boar enclosure in Lechnica. It is another local destination for visitors interested in nature and wildlife observation. Access information can change; check it before visiting the enclosure.

Discover more destinations: Mlynceky, Reľov, Spišská Belá, Malý Slavkov, Majere, Lendak, Busovce, Stara Lesna

Return to the wider travel overview: Okres Kežmarok.