Havaj: Nature, Cycling Route and History

Havaj is located in the Low Beskids, in the valley of the Poliansky potok. When planning your trip, nature, cycling and history are distinct themes to consider: Havaj is one of the cadastral areas of the Laborecká vrchovina Protected Area, the “Bicyklom na Havaj” cycling route leads to Havaj, and the area’s settlement and church history goes back a long way.

Landscape and Birdlife

Among the main conservation targets of the Laborecká vrchovina are the lesser spotted eagle (Aquila pomarina), red kite (Milvus milvus), black woodpecker (Dryocopus martius), grey-headed woodpecker (Picus canus) and common kingfisher (Alcedo atthis). The species range from birds of prey to two woodpecker species and the kingfisher. The protected area includes deciduous forests and adjoining agricultural landscapes with a mosaic of shrubland. This mosaic provides favourable conditions for a diverse group of protected bird species. For nature enthusiasts, Havaj therefore offers a connection to a protected area, specific birdlife and varied habitats.

Cycling Route to Havaj

The “Bicyklom na Havaj” cycling route is 25 kilometres long and passes through the wooded landscape from Malá Poľana to Havaj, the route’s main destination. The distance indicates the route’s length, while Havaj is named as its main destination. Check the route conditions before setting off. The areas of interest differ: the protected area focuses on nature and birds, while the cycling route describes a specific route to Havaj.

Settlement and Church History

The settlement of Havaj dates back to the 14th century. Before 1430, Havaj was acquired by nobles from Perín; in the 17th century, the village was part of the Stropkov estate. These milestones place the settlement’s origins, its acquisition and its association with the estate in chronological context.

In May 1741, news spread throughout the Stropkov estate of a weeping icon in Havaj, in Zemplín County. This religious reference point comes after the settlement and estate periods mentioned above and adds another theme to the area’s history. More than eight decades separate the news of 1741 from the furnishings dating to around 1824, placing a reported religious event and later-dated elements of the church interior side by side as distinct historical reference points.

The Greek Catholic Church of Saint Nicholas in Havaj is a Baroque-Classical, single-nave building with an integrated tower. Its interior furnishings include an iconostasis, a high altar and a side altar; these date from around 1824. “Single-nave” describes the church’s architectural form. The integrated tower is another architectural feature, while the iconostasis and altars are part of the interior furnishings.

Photo Spot

There is a selfie spot in Havaj where you can take photos. Check whether it is available for use when you arrive.

Discover more destinations: Bžany, Stropkov.

Go to the main travel overview: Okres Stropkov.