Gerlachov in the High Tatras: Cross-Country Skiing, Trails and History
Accommodation in Gerlachov
Gerlachov on the southern slope of the High Tatras
Gerlachov is located in the Poprad Basin on the southern slope of the High Tatras. Gerlachovský štít, the highest peak of the Carpathians, was named after Gerlachov. The term “southern slope” describes the location on the southern side of the mountain range; the Poprad Basin identifies the geographical setting of the village.
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Photo: Ing.Mgr.Jozef Kotulič via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Trail through the foothills
The almost 10-kilometre educational and hiking trail between Batizovce, Gerlachov, Mengusovce and Štôla leads through the foothills of the High Tatras and offers panoramic views of the Tatra peaks. For day planning, the route is therefore relevant as a longer hike. The foothills are the landscape area extending in front of the main mountain range. A panoramic view is a wide vista that can encompass several peaks.
Cross-country skiing and sporting events
Tatraheim operates a 20-kilometre network of cross-country ski trails. In addition, a tourist cross-country ski trail leads from Gerlachov to the Tatraheim area. A cross-country ski trail is a route intended for cross-country skiing; cross-country skiing is practised on narrow skis. The annual Horský kros Gerlach race leads from Gerlachov to Sliezsky dom.
Buildings and preserved traces
The stone bridge was built no later than 1865. In the lower part of Gerlachov, the stone bridge was declared a national cultural monument on 15 December 2008. The church in Gerlachov is dated to approximately 1800 and is the only preserved church in the municipality. The church in Gerlachov remains fully functional. The preserved church bell was cast in 1525. A national cultural monument is an official heritage-protection designation.
Older church and remembrance
Of the old stone church in Gerlachov, which dates from the 13th century, the tower as well as remains of the nave and foundations have been preserved. A nave is the central, elongated space of a church. The monument in the centre of Gerlachov was erected at the end of the Second World War in honour of the inhabitants of Gerlachov who fell in the war. In September 1944, an aircraft accident occurred involving a plane carrying 24 members of the Czechoslovak Brigade.
Crafts and local history
Historically, Gerlachov was associated with the production of Tatra oil, known as turpentine. Gerlachov was historically known for bleaching linen, which reached a very high quality. In Gerlachov, you can try weaving on traditional looms. You can also watch typical Gerlachov Easter eggs being decorated using the scratch technique. With the scratch technique, patterns are made visible by incising or scraping the surface.
Other leisure activities
Cycling is considered a leisure activity in Gerlachov. The traditional “Memorial of 24 Killed Heroes” tournament takes place every year in Gerlachov.
Other destinations: Mengusovce, Batizovce, Poprad, Sunava, Vernár, Strba, Zdiar, Velký Slavkov
To the higher-level travel overview: Okres Poprad.
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