Likavka: Likava Castle, Watermill and Hiking Trails

Likava Castle is a royal guard castle dating from the first third of the 14th century and was first mentioned in writing in 1341. It is one of the largest castle complexes in central Slovakia. In 1707, the castle was demolished on the orders of Prince František II Rákóczi. It is closed due to ongoing reconstruction work. The Hunyady Tower houses an exhibition on the history of Likava Castle, featuring pictorial and material exhibits. Following extensive reconstruction work, the tower was opened to the public in 2004.

Culture and History

The watermill in Likavka also reaches far back into the history of the village. It was probably built in 1435 under Ján Hunyadi, at the same time as the bakery of Likava Castle. It operated approximately from 1640 to 1950. Today, it is the only surviving mill in the region; since 2016, it has been listed in the central register of Slovakia’s monuments.

Another monument in Likavka commemorates eleven rebels and partisans who were murdered there on January 26, 1945. The monument is located in a wooded natural setting and can be reached via stone steps. Likavka thus brings together different historical periods: the medieval castle, the working history of the mill and the remembrance of the events of 1945.

Hiking

The “Na Likavu” circular trail begins in Likavka, is 2.5 kilometers long and takes approximately one hour. It is marked in red and has an elevation gain of 115 meters. Near Likavka, the circular trail connects to the red-marked hiking trail from Ružomberok to Likava Castle and continues to the Sedlo Spuštiak saddle.

A longer hiking route from Likavka to Lúčky leads via Likava Castle, Predný Choč, Spuštiak, Stredná poľana and Veľký Choč. This route is considered comparatively demanding, has an elevation gain of 1,114 meters and takes 6 hours and 45 minutes. Near the summit, it reaches a high-alpine landscape.

Practical Information

Parking for the “Na Likavu” circular trail is available on E77 at “Pod hradom” Street. The “Likavka,,hrad” bus stop is approximately 200 meters from the starting point of the route. The circular trail is not suitable for visitors with reduced mobility or for prams. On the northern side, an old castle road leads to the walls of Likava Castle.

Landscape

The lower castle courtyard of Likava Castle offers a partial view of Likavka and Ružomberok. The trails around Likavka therefore range from a short, red-marked circular trail to a long route passing several named terrain features and Veľký Choč.

You can access further destinations via Lisková, Liptovske Sliace, Liptovske Revuce, Liptovska Osada and Liptovská Štiavnica.

To the higher-level travel overview: Okres Ružomberok.