SK, Spišské Bystré – A Bike Trip up Prostredny Hill

Getting here is quite simple. It is only 8 km from Poprad and there are regular bus lines to the village. Free parking is available behind the municipal office building. Until 1948 the village was named Kubachy, so do not be surprised if you come across this name again.

From the sights you can visit the dominant Roman Catholic church. Michael, several chapels and crosses or so-called memorial to the "fušuš" - water wheel used to felting cloth, located in close proximity to the church.

If you are fans of tourism, you will certainly enjoy two nature trails. The first one will guide you through the history of the village, which began in 1294. From the beginning, the village was focused on agriculture and livestock breeding, to which later added the production of cloth on the above-mentioned follies. Despite several changes of owners, several fires and traps of war, it still retains its charm to this day. Further information about natural wealth in the immediate surroundings of the village follows. The nature trail begins in the village center and goes to the Kubašok Ski Resort and has a total of 11 stops.

Another historical-nature trail The Traces of History will guide you through mining and Slovak National Uprising around the village, offers a panorama of Goat's Backs and learn more facts from history. Although the trail has only 6 stops, it is partly decorated with art sculptures or artifacts.

We brought our bikes with us. After seeing everything essential, we set out on a fairly undemanding cycle route. We connected from the village center to the blue-marked hiking trail. We drove through the Bystra valley, which offers wooded areas, gurgling creek of the same name and a few building elements (Vinné, Vlčí chata). At the end of the approximately 12,5-kilometer valley, there was an "almost" undemanding climb to Prostredný Hill (1442 meters above sea level). After reaching the summit we could enjoy the view of the majestic High Tatras as well as the breathtaking Kráľova Hoľa. At the top you will find a hut and there is a small chapel.

Not far from here is Smrečinské Klippe, which is an important signpost for hikes to Čertovica, Přední Hoĺa and Kráľová Hoĺa. There are also borders of two national parks - the Low Tatras and the Slovak Paradise national parks. However, we went down the beautiful meadows and headed back to the valley, where we in a pleasant shade of the forest reached the bike to the village.

Tired, but in a pleasant way, and enriched by experience we packed the wheels into the car and headed for another beautiful cruise destination - Kláštorisko. But we will talk about that in a week.

GPS: 48°59'32.8"N 20°14'35.1"E (Spišské Bystré)

Text: Oskár Mažgút

Photos: HIK, o.z.