Zbojnícka lúka – Nižné Ružbachy, Church
Trail map
Route, springs and shelters: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL) · elevation: Copernicus DEM © DLR e.V., © Airbus DS · Data & licences
About the trail
Route Zbojnícka lúka – Nižné Ružbachy, Church. Has red marking (national route №0903, KST). Waymarking data: OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL).
Officially marked national tourist route No. 0903. Marking is red, sign — horizontal stripe on a white background. Marked and maintained by: KST. Length of the route — 39.5 km. Location: mountain range — Spišská Magura, Slovakia.
At a glance
A route of 39.5 km with 779 m of ascent from Zbojnícka lúka to Nižné Ružbachy, Church. Estimated walking time: about 11 h, not counting stops — a very long day, so it is easier split into 2 days. Difficulty: hard. Waymarking: red.
Route stages
- 0–10 kmGentle ups and downs at 850–1,070 m, past Gehuľa
- 10–14 kmClimb of 250 m (up to 1,196 m)
- 14–26 kmGentle ups and downs at 1,080–1,200 m
- 26–35 kmDescent of 540 m (down to 654 m)
- 35–39 kmGentle ups and downs at 550–660 m
Steepest kilometre: km 34–35, a descent of 120 m (≈12%).
Water and overnight stays
Springs near the trail: at km 5, 8, 9, 12, 15, 25 and 37. There are no springs between km 25 and 37 — carry at least 2 l of water.
A possible split into days:
- Day 1: km 0–19, ≈5.5 h — overnight: no shelter nearby on the map, bring a tent
- Day 2: km 19–39, ≈5.5 h — finish
When to go
Best time: May to October. In winter deep snow is possible, so experience and winter gear are needed.
Getting there
Start: Zbojnícka lúka. This is a one-way route: the finish is 25 km from the start in a straight line, so plan your way back in advance.
FAQ
- How long does the route take?
- Estimated walking time: about 11 h, not counting stops — a very long day, so it is easier split into 2 days.
- Is there water on the route?
- Springs near the trail: at km 5, 8, 9, 12, 15, 25 and 37. There are no springs between km 25 and 37 — carry at least 2 l of water.
Water and shelter on the route
- Spring below Krížový vrch (south-west slope)km 4.9 from the start · Not verified · 1 027 m
- Spring below Gehuľakm 7.9 from the start · 60 m off the path · Not verified · 1 030 m
- Spring below Vysoký vrch (south slope), 1 002 mkm 9.3 from the start · Not verified · 1 002 m
- Spring below Vysoký vrch (north-east slope), 1 051 mkm 11.5 from the start · Not verified · 1 051 m
- Spring below Tokkm 15.1 from the start · 130 m off the path · Not verified · 1 187 m
- Spring "Pod Ihlou"km 25.5 from the start · Not verified · 1 161 m
- Spring below Kasovka (west slope)km 37.1 from the start · 50 m off the path · Not verified · 598 m
- Spring below Kasovka (north-west slope)km 37.5 from the start · Not verified · 598 m
Comments
Trails nearby
All trails
ModerateTwo-dayMarkedZbojnícka lúka Vydrník, stationElevation profile550–936 m18.6 kmascent 548 m≈ 5.5 h walking
ModerateOne-dayMarkedLevoča Zbojnícka lúkaElevation profile529–936 m12.3 kmascent 491 m≈ 4 h walking
HardMulti-dayMarkedPieninská cestaElevation profile428–1 085 m33 kmascent 1 002 m≈ 10.5 h walkingCraft nearby
All craft places
Water parks & thermal poolsThermal Park Vrbov10 km from the trailThermal Park Vrbov is one of the best-known thermal baths in the Spiš region, on the southern edge of the village of Vrbov, about 6 km (as the crow flies) from...
Koliby & Hutsul cuisineSpišský salaš below Spiš Castle: Spiš cooking since 196414 km from the trailBetween Spiš Castle and Spišská Kapitula, at the edge of the plain below the travertine mound of Sivá brada, stands the wooden Spišský salaš.
Horse ridingRanč u Trapera, Podlesok: Horse Rides in the Slovak Paradise17 km from the trailA little away from the main tourist bustle, below the forest, stands the family-run Ranč u Trapera, run by the Salaj family.
Water parks & thermal poolsAquaCity Poprad water park18 km from the trailAquaCity Poprad is a large year-round water park and wellness complex in the town of Poprad, a few minutes from the centre; according to the complex, the High Tatras...
Craft beer & breweriesMinipivovar TATRAS, Poprad19 km from the trailMinipivovar TATRAS is a brewpub on Poprad’s main square, Námestie sv. Egídia, housed in a building with a long brewing history.
Water parks & thermal poolsVyšné Ružbachy Spa: Izabela Mountain Pools and Indoor Thermal Pool28 km from the trailVyšné Ružbachy is one of Slovakia’s oldest spas. It lies on the south-eastern slope of the Spišská Magura at about 617 m, surrounded by coniferous forest that merges...