The Spiš Castle (Spišský hrad) is a true gem of the region and one of the largest castle complexes in Europe, listed by UNESCO. This monumental structure, towering over the village of Žehra, impresses not only with its impressive architecture, but also with its fascinating history dating back to the 12th century.

Construction of the castle began in the 12th century, but underwent significant expansion in the 13th and 14th centuries, which had to do with defense against Tartar invasions. The castle covers an area of more than 4 hectares and consists of three main parts: the upper castle, the middle castle and the lower castle, making it an ideal place for a family to discover history step by step.

Children will enjoy exploring the numerous nooks, towers and ramparts. Of particular interest is the tower of the upper castle, which offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding area. Little explorers can feel like real knights, wandering through the chambers and courtyards where medieval court life once took place.

The castle hides fascinating archaeological exhibits that document the history of the region from the Stone Age to the Middle Ages. In the 15th century, under Štefan Zápoľský, the castle underwent a Gothic renovation, adding elements of prestigious court life, as can be seen in the surviving architectural fragments.

It is interesting to note that in 1412, under the Treaty of Lyubovel, 16 Spiš towns, two castles and several villages were pledged to Poland by Sigismund of Luxembourg to finance his wars with the Republic of Venice. This historical curiosity shows how complicated the fate of this border region was.

For families with children, the castle offers special attractions, including demonstrations of knightly battles, medieval crafts workshops and interactive exhibits that introduce history in an accessible way. It's worth planning a visit for at least 2-3 hours to explore the entire complex in peace and enjoy the atmosphere of this unique place.

Spiš Castle attracts more than 170,000 visitors annually, making it one of the most visited tourist attractions in Slovakia. Price-wise, the attraction is moderately expensive, but it's worth investing in a family ticket, which offers a more favorable option for larger groups.

After visiting the castle, head to the nearby village of Spišské Podhradie, where you can relax in one of the local restaurants serving traditional Spiš cuisine. The region is famous for its unique dishes, which are a mix of Slovak, Polish, Hungarian and German influences, providing an additional culinary attraction for the whole family.

The Slovak Paradise National Park (Slovenský raj) is a true natural treasure of the Spiš region, offering families unforgettable adventures among picturesque gorges, waterfalls and caves. Located in the northeastern part of Slovakia, this unique protected area is an ideal destination for families seeking an active vacation surrounded by breathtaking scenery.

Its history as a protected area dates back to 1964, when a nature reserve was established here, and in 1988 the area was given the status of a national park. However, the geological history of the place is much longer and fascinating - gorges and caves were formed over millions of years as a result of water erosion in limestone rocks, creating the remarkable formations we can admire today.

One of the park's biggest attractions are the spectacular gorges with wooden footbridges, ladders and bridges that allow you to safely explore these unusual rock formations. The Sucha Bela Gorge is the most popular trail in the park, also accessible to families with children (recommended for children over 6 years old). The trail leads along a stream, through numerous cascades and waterfalls, and traversing metal ladders and bridges makes for an exciting adventure for young explorers.

For families with younger children, an excellent alternative is the Hornád Gorge, where the walk along the river is along comfortable paths and protected footbridges. A special attraction here is the Hornád Gorge, with its system of metal steps, handrails and bridges called 'ferratas' that allow you to safely traverse hard-to-reach areas.

The park also offers gentler trails, such as the path to Tomášovský výhľad, a lookout point that offers panoramic views of the Hornád River valley and surrounding mountains. This is an ideal place for a family picnic and a rest after a hike.

A remarkable attraction of the park is Dobšinská Ľadová Jaskyňa, a UNESCO-listed ice cave. The temperature inside stays below freezing all year round, and the ice formations create fantastic shapes that spark the imagination of children and adults alike. It's worth remembering to dress warmly even on summer days!

The Slovak Paradise region is closely linked to the history of settlement in the Spiš region. Archaeological finds confirm the presence of humans in the area as early as the Neolithic period (about 5500-4000 BC), and in the Late Stone Age the area was densely populated by representatives of the Baden culture.

The Slovak Paradise National Park offers infrastructure tailored to families - marked trails of varying difficulty, rest areas and information points where you can get up-to-date information about conditions on the trails. Price-wise, the attraction is inexpensive, as admission to the park involves only a small fee to enter some trails.

It is advisable to plan a visit to the park for a full day, taking with you provisions, water and suitable hiking shoes. For families with children, the best time to visit the park is summer and early autumn, when the trails are dry and safe. In spring, it is worth remembering that some trails may be temporarily closed due to high water levels in the streams.

SPIDER PARK in Ždiar is a modern attraction that perfectly complements the historical and natural values of the Spiš region, offering families a dose of adrenaline and active fun. Situated in the picturesque scenery of the Slovak mountains, this rope park is the perfect place for families looking for a challenge and a shared adventure.

The park was designed with different age groups in mind, making it a great place for entire families. The youngest can try their hand at low trails with simple obstacles, while older children and adults can enjoy more challenging trails suspended high above the ground. Each route consists of a variety of elements, such as rope bridges, tyrolean descents, climbing nets and swings, guaranteeing a variety of challenges and experiences.

Safety at SPIDER PARK stands at the highest level - all routes are equipped with modern belay systems, and before entering the route, each participant undergoes detailed training on safety rules and equipment operation. Professional instructors watch over the safety of guests, providing assistance and advice when needed.

The park offers several levels of difficulty of the trails, color-coded just like ski slopes - from green (easiest) through blue and red, to black (most difficult). This allows each member of the family to find a route that suits his or her skills and courage level. Overcoming obstacle after obstacle is not only great fun, but also an excellent way to build confidence in children and overcome their own limitations.

SPIDER PARK is not only a rope park - there is also a relaxation zone with resting places, where you can recuperate after active effort. During the summer season, there is also a small food court, where you can buy drinks and snacks.

The park's location in Ždiar, a picturesque village in the foothills of the Belian Tatras, allows you to combine a visit to the rope park with other attractions in the region. After an active day at SPIDER PARK, take a walk in the countryside to admire the traditional highland architecture typical of the region.

Ždiar is a village with a rich history and culture, where local traditions are still cultivated today. The region was inhabited by the Gorals - a mountain community with a unique culture, a mixture of Polish and Slovak influences. Note the distinctive wooden houses with richly decorated facades, a testament to local craftsmanship and building traditions.

Price-wise, SPIDER PARK is a moderately priced attraction, offering individual and family tickets. It is worth taking advantage of the latter, as it provides a more favorable option for families. Time spent in the park is usually 2-3 hours, depending on the number of trails you decide to take.

The park is open seasonally, mainly from late spring to early autumn, depending on weather conditions. Before visiting, it is a good idea to check the current opening hours on the website or by calling.

SPIDER PARK is an excellent complement to the Spiš region's more traditional attractions, such as Spiš Castle and Slovak Paradise National Park. While the latter offer contact with history and nature, the rope park provides a dose of adrenaline and active fun, creating a complete offer for families looking for a variety of experiences during a vacation in the Polish-Slovakian border region.