Ždiar

TL;DR: Ždiar is a charming mountain village in northern Slovakia’s Belianske Tatras, sitting at 896 meters elevation with about 1,340 residents. It’s the perfect base for year-round outdoor adventures, offering everything from world-class skiing and hiking to traditional Goral culture and cozy mountain hospitality.

Why Ždiar Should Be on Your Travel Radar

Picture this: a picturesque village where traditionally designed buildings grace the mountain landscape, surrounded by glorious hiking and biking trails, as well as caves you can visit nearby. That’s Ždiar for you – Slovakia’s best-kept secret that’s slowly becoming a must-visit destination for savvy travelers.

This small village with a population of less than 1500 people punches above its weight thanks to the popularity of epic hiking in the surrounding High Tatras mountains. Whether you’re a backpacker seeking adventure, a family looking for outdoor fun, or someone who just wants to disconnect and breathe in that crisp mountain air, Ždiar delivers.

Getting There: Your Journey to the Mountains

Coordinates: 49.27°N 20.27°E

From Major Cities

From Krakow (Poland): Take a train to Zakopane station, then catch minibuses to Lysa Polana (Polish-Slovak border), cross the bridge on foot into Slovakia, and catch the onward bus to Ždiar.

From Poprad: Ždiar is easily accessible by bus on the Poprad to Łysa Polana bus line. This is your most straightforward route if you’re already in Slovakia.

From Budapest: The journey involves fewer changes than coming from Krakow, though you’ll still need to connect through Poprad.

Getting Around the Village

Here’s something unique about Ždiar – it’s a small village in terms of population, but it’s a few kilometers long, so the ideal way to get around is by bicycle. For families or those who prefer not to walk, there’s a little tourist train called MAGURÁČIK – the Ždiar Express, which operates during summer tourist season and makes touring the village and its surroundings more colorful.

Winter Wonderland: Skiing and Snow Sports

Bachledka Ski & Sun Resort

The crown jewel of Ždiar’s winter scene is Bachledka Ski & Sun, featuring 12 ski slopes with 11.5 km of total length across all difficulty levels, plus 19 km of cross-country trails. What makes this place special:

• Modern Infrastructure: A 10-seater Bachledka cable car takes you to the 1,116-meter-high summit in just 6 minutes – comfortably, safely, dry and without wind
• Family-Friendly: The fenced Bachledka Children’s World offers the largest ski school in the area – Gorgy’s Ski School, with 3 conveyor ski belts and fun methodical aids
• Three Valleys: More experienced skiers can use 5 other ski lifts, which guarantee skiing in three interconnected valleys

Additional Winter Activities

Winter in Ždiar isn’t just about downhill skiing. The resort offers activities for non-skiers too – a 2.5 km long toboggan run, illuminated ice rink in Jezersko, and 20 km of cross-country trails. There’s also a marked skialp route from Bachledova dolina to the top of Spišská Magura for ski mountaineering enthusiasts.

Summer Adventures: Hiking and Beyond

Treetop Walk Experience

One of Ždiar’s most Instagram-worthy attractions is the Treetops Walk, open all year round with wonderful views of the snow-capped Belianske Tatras panorama. Don’t miss its 67-meter-long slide!

Outdoor Activities Galore

Summer transforms Ždiar into an adventure playground:

• Mountain Biking: 5 downhill trails for bikers at Bachledka
• Hiking: Trails for all levels start right from the village
• Cycling: Spišská Magura is full of mountain bike trails and asphalt trails for recreational athletes
• Family Fun: Mini zoo with ponies and sheep, trampolines, falconers, and various family-friendly attractions

Nature and Culture

You can visit the nearby Belianska Cave, museums in Spišská Belá, or see the unique folk architecture of Ždiar and Osturno, as well as historical monuments in Kežmarok (UNESCO).

Where to Stay: From Backpacker Hostels to Cozy Pensions

The Legendary Ginger Monkey Hostel

If you’re a backpacker, there’s really only one choice that matters. The Ginger Monkey Hostel has been established by a couple of backpackers and feels like a home away from home. It’s cozy, friendly, quite small and so quite sociable, with various dorms and a large shared kitchen and common room.

The reviews speak for themselves: “This is one of the best hostels, period. The vibe is immaculate, there’s nothing like it, it’s a backpackers haven for nature, mountains, ski and socializing” and “Best Hostel I’ve ever been to. The staff are incredible, and it attracts the right people”.

Family-Friendly Options

For families or those seeking more comfort, guest houses in Ždiar cost on average US$90 per night and are often family-run with hosts providing local recommendations and optional meals. Popular choices include:

• Penzion Kamea: Offers family rooms with private bathrooms, balconies, mountain views, and a continental buffet breakfast with warm dishes, fresh pastries, cheese, fruits, and juice
• Belianska Chata: Situated in quiet surroundings with Belianske Tatras views, offering double and triple rooms with free WiFi

Local Culture and Traditions

Goral Heritage

Ždiar is a typical Goral community situated between the mountains of the Belianske Tatry and Spišská Magura, famous for its folk arts and traditions. Until recently, villagers used to put on their folk costumes on Sundays or feast days. Today they can be seen only at shows of the folk ensembles or along with other exhibits of folk art and trades in the exhibition of Ždiarska izba.

Historical Roots

The village of Ždiar was founded at the beginning of the 17th century and is one of the coldest villages in Slovakia. Most of the Ždiar population were farmers, shepherds, and miners who in the 19th century started to be interested in tourism too.

Dining and Nightlife: Mountain Style

Local Flavors

There’s a pizza place that makes good pizza and acts as the pub for the village. They do two sizes – normal and XXL (about 50 cm across). Every little centimeter of the walls is covered in old photographs and interesting objects. It’s a cozy little place with great atmosphere, and the beer, wine and spirit menu is extensive and very cheap.

Practical Info

Food is affordable in Ždiar, like in the rest of Slovakia, so it’s nothing to worry about if you are budget conscious. The supermarkets are pretty cheap for making your own meals (or buying a sneaky 2L bottle of beer for only a couple of euros).

When to Visit: Seasonal Considerations

Best Times

The best time to visit Ždiar for backpacking is during late spring (May to June) and early autumn (September to October), when temperatures are mild and conducive for outdoor activities, averaging around 15-20°C (59-68°F) in May and June, and 10-15°C (50-59°F) in September and October.

Seasonal Highlights

• Winter (December-March): Prime skiing season with reliable snow
• Spring (April-June): Vibrant landscape with blooming flowers
• Summer (July-August): Peak hiking season with warmest weather
• Autumn (September-October): Stunning foliage showcases

Budget Tips: Making Your Money Stretch

Accommodation Costs

Average daily cost ranges from €30 to €50, making it very budget-friendly compared to other European mountain destinations.

Money-Saving Hacks

• Stay at Ginger Monkey Hostel for the social experience and included breakfast
• Take advantage of free ski bus services to Bachledová Valley and discounts (20% for 3-5 day ski passes, 30% for 6-day passes)
• Cook your own meals using affordable local supermarkets
• Use the free Skibus service around the village during winter

Practical Information

Transportation Within the Region

Getting around the region is cheap and affordable, with buses coming fairly regularly. You can use Ždiar as a base to get around Eastern Slovakia, with buses frequently running to Poprad for connections to the rest of the country.

Parking

All parking lots within Ždiar operated by Bachledka Ski & Sun are subject to fees: 5 € for passenger cars, 10 € for buses, with VIP parking at 15 €.

Local Services

There’s a petrol station with a small shop, along with several provision stores for basic necessities.

Hidden Gems and Local Secrets

Off the Beaten Path

Visit the historic cemetery – it might sound morbid, but it offers insight into the village’s past through unique gravestones and monuments. It’s a quiet place that tells stories of the people who lived here.

Day Trip Options

Consider day trips to nearby attractions like the enchanting town of Poprad or the breathtaking Slovak Paradise National Park.

Nature Trail

Take the nature trail to lake Jezersko with a beaver dam for a peaceful nature experience.

Why Ždiar Works for Every Type of Traveler

For Adventure Seekers: World-class skiing, challenging hikes, mountain biking, and even skydiving options nearby.

For Families: Safe environment, family-friendly accommodations, kids’ ski schools, and plenty of gentle outdoor activities.

For Budget Travelers: Affordable accommodation, cheap local food, free activities like hiking, and excellent value for money.

For Culture Enthusiasts: Rich Goral traditions, folk architecture, local museums, and authentic mountain village life.

For Digital Nomads: Excellent internet connections even in this remote mountain setting.

The Bottom Line

Ždiar isn’t just another pretty mountain village – it’s a complete experience that combines stunning natural beauty, outdoor adventures, rich cultural heritage, and that increasingly rare commodity: authenticity. It’s a place that captures your heart and takes your breath away, offering a return to the good and simple life: good food, enjoying nature, and meeting fellow travelers.

Whether you’re planning a winter ski trip, a summer hiking adventure, or just looking for a place to slow down and reconnect with nature, Ždiar delivers an experience that’ll have you planning your return visit before you’ve even left. In a world of overtourism and Instagram-ready but soulless destinations, Ždiar remains refreshingly real – and that’s exactly why you need to visit.