Nová Ľubovňa: Mineral Springs, Forest Park and Goral Culture

Nová Ľubovňa combines Goral culture and local history with Ľubovnianske Kúpele, a resort and spa settlement. When planning your trip, it is worth considering the area’s different highlights: the settlement is known for its mineral springs and historic forest park, while its folklore and chapels offer further cultural points of interest.

Mineral Springs and Historic Forest Park

Ľubovnianske Kúpele lies in the Spišsko-šarišské medzihorie region, in the valley of the Ľubovnianka stream. The settlement belongs to the municipalities of Nová Ľubovňa and Chmeľnica. Its distinctive features include freely accessible mineral springs. The mineral water is bottled and sold under the name Ľubovnianka.

The historic forest park also offers a distinctive connection with nature. It is home to the only four specimens of the Pyrenean pine documented in Slovakia; one of them has eleven trunks.

The educational trail has six stops and passes through part of the historic forest park.

Cycling and Winter Sports

A cycling route runs from Nová Ľubovňa to Ľubovnianske Kúpele and through the natural landscape of the Levoča Hills. The educational trail passes through part of the historic forest park; the cycling route, by contrast, runs between Nová Ľubovňa and Ľubovnianske Kúpele through the Levoča Hills.

Behind the settlement, which belongs to the municipalities of Nová Ľubovňa and Chmeľnica, there is a ski area with three ski lifts. Since operating times vary by season, check whether the area is open during your stay before planning a winter sports trip.

Goral Culture in Song and Performance

The FSk Taľar folklore group represents and preserves the traditional costume of Nová Ľubovňa through its performances and activities. The local song tradition also has a clearly defined foundation: Nová Ľubovňa has four original basic melodies to which most humorous, wedding and occasional songs in the Goral tradition are sung.

Pastrnoci preserves a living archive of Goral songs and dances. The group performs at various cultural events in the municipality and at social and family occasions in the wider area. Its performance venues therefore extend beyond local cultural events.

The municipality’s oldest folk music group was formed in the 1920s as the Valigurský family band. Several musicians from this band later performed with the Pastrnik folklore group and the Pastrnoci folk music ensemble.

Chapels and Building History

The chapel of “Sedembolestnej Panny Márie” was built in 1846 and is the oldest chapel in Nová Ľubovňa. It stands at the upper edge of the village, on the road to Jakubany. There are three chapels within the built-up area of the municipality.

The church in Nová Ľubovňa also has a long building history: it was modified in 1615, 1823, 1857, 1934 and 1987.

Use the area’s local highlights to guide your search for a destination.

Discover more destinations: Mníšek Nad Popradom, Kamienka, Maly Lipnik, Altlublau, Plavnica, Šambron, Hajtovka, Vysne Ruzbachy.

For the broader travel overview: Stará Ľubovňa.