Discover Lipany: Holiday apartments between Čergov and Šarišská vrchovina

Lipany lies between the Šarišská vrchovina upland and the Čergov mountain range, on the upper reaches of the Torysa River. Landscapes, historic buildings, animal experiences, thermal water and public events are all found close together in this diverse urban setting.

Landscape and trails

Balažka is part of the Hromovec Mountains and features a geological microfold. The Balažka observation tower stands there at an altitude of 598 metres. The tower is 13.69 metres high, made of spruce wood and was opened to the public in 2019. It offers views of the Čergov Mountains, the Levočské vrchy and, in good visibility, the Slanské vrchy.

A green hiking trail leads from the old cemetery in Lipany to the Balažka observation tower. This route is listed as 3.4 kilometres long and taking around one hour.

History and culture

The Church of St Martin of Tours in Lipany was built around the turn of the 13th and 14th centuries in the late Romanesque style. Its tower served as an observation post for Kamenický hrad Castle. A Chapel of the Holy Cross in the Baroque-Rococo style was added to the north wall and served as the crypt of the Dežöfiovci/Dessewffyovci family.

The Chapel of the Transfiguration of the Lord is located in the old cemetery in the centre of Lipany. Its construction was commissioned in 1837 by the local resident Andrej Leško. The tradition of celebrating the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord at the old municipal cemetery on 6 August continues to this day.

The construction of the Baroque Church of St Mary Magdalene was commissioned in 1758. Another cultural tradition is Lipianska hudobná jar, a traditional public concert event in Lipany.

Nature and leisure

The Hradisko Archeopark combines a Slavic hillfort site, a historical archery range, an animal enclosure and a small amphitheatre. It is located about five minutes from Lipany city centre, in the immediate vicinity of three large ponds and directly on the EuroVelo cycle route.

At Zverinec Lipany, visitors can feed the animals and take part in guided tours of the animal enclosure. Zverinec can be reached by car, bicycle or on foot; from the car park at Hradisko, it is about a two-minute walk along a paved path.

Motýlia záhrada provides butterflies, bees and other important pollinators with a place of refuge. It is considered a place of relaxation and discovery for visitors.

Thermal water and events

The thermal water at Lipany Thermal Park comes from a depth of more than 3,400 metres. The facilities include 13 slides and a 1.4-hectare green area.

The 12th Hornotoryský Demiankou mountain race was scheduled for 27 September 2026. It starts in Krásna Lúka and runs via Kňazová, Demianka and Putnov to Lipany. The mountain race also includes the “Beh za zdravie” activity.

The KORENE Festival, an international festival of Slavic culture, was scheduled for 11 and 12 September 2026 at the Hradisko Archeopark in Lipany. Dni mesta Lipany 2026 is a multifaceted event for residents and visitors featuring music, dance, sport and traditional accompanying events. These include a market for folk crafts and a traditional fair; folk artisans are also scheduled to demonstrate their work.

Kocúrkovo was announced as its tenth edition. The festival includes stage theatre, a military camp, bouncy castles and pony rides.

City life and further destinations

Lipany City Library is a general public library for Lipany and the surrounding area. It provides access to information, internet access, as well as library and educational events.

For further exploration, you can also open the pages on Sabinov and Drienica.

For the higher-level travel overview: Okres Sabinov.