Svidník new member of OOCR "ŠARIŠ" - Bardejov

This year the town of Svidník became a new member of the Regional Tourism Organization (OOCR) "ŠARIŠ" - Bardejov. The scope of the organization has thus been significantly expanded territorially, which has increased the number of attractions and interesting tourist sites. The joint presentation should bring new impulses, especially from the war history and make the promotion of the north-eastern Slovakia even more attractive.

"In connection with the fact that this year we have accepted the town of Svidník as a new member of the OOCR, we will also inform visitors about the war monuments and cemeteries in the vicinity of Svidník and Dukla. This military history will broaden the offer and should attract especially domestic and Czech tourists. We will continue various activities to promote and develop the region," said Radomír Jančošek, director of OOCR Šariš - Bardejov

Newest member of OOCR ,,Šariš"- Bardejov, town WITNESS, lies in the northern part of Šariš, in the Low Beskydy Mountains, at the confluence of the Ondava and Ladomírka rivers. It is the centre of the Podduklian region, which is closely connected with the culture and history of Rusyns and Ukrainians in Slovakia.

WHAT YOU MUST SEE IN SVIDNÍK AND ITS SURROUNDINGS:

1. Statue of Army General Ludvík Svoboda in the city centre, the only one in Central Europe.

2. Military Museum, which documents the course of heavy fighting that took place in the north-east of Slovakia in the First and Second World War. It is housed in a building whose shape resembles an anti-tank mine. In the museum you can see authentic photographs from the battles, personal relics, various types of weapons and finds from the battlefields of the Dukla Pass.

3. In the park near the museum there is an external exposition of heavy military equipment.

Photo: Military Historical Institute (VHÚ)

4. In the neighbourhood of the exposition stands since 1954 Soviet Army Memorialwhere more than 9 000 soldiers killed in the autumn of 1944 are buried.

5. Dukla: Czechoslovak Army Memorial at Dukla - national cultural monument. The area is one of the most visited places in the region. It is a reminder of the Carpatho-Dukla military operation, which took place in the autumn of 1944. Over 60 thousand Soviet and Czechoslovak soldiers were killed during the fighting. The 28 m high memorial was erected in 1949. It is embedded in the military cemetery, which is crossed by a colonnade with bronze plaques. Surrounding the memorial and the cemetery is a large open-air military museum. The former battlefield can be seen from a perspective that provides visitors observation tower.

6. In the area of the natural museum as well as around the road to Svidník there are 55 pieces of various heavy combat equipment from World War II. In the surrounding forests you can still hide in the preserved bunkers. The museum also includes Death Valley in the vicinity of Kapišová, where the heaviest battles with massive deployment of tanks took place.

7. In the town of Svidník there is also Slovak National Museum - Museum of Ukrainian Culture, a unique, specialized and the oldest ethnic museum in Slovakia. It includes an open-air museum of folk architecture with a rare wooden temple and the Dezider Milly Gallery.

8. Svidník and the surrounding villages are characterized by sacral, mainly wooden buildings. In the category of national cultural monuments is eleven wooden churches of the Eastern rite, i.e. mostly in eastern Slovakia.

9. Relax and have fun in the water in the water world Aquaruthenia with outdoor and indoor swimming pools and wellness facilities open all year round.

10. Attractive events attract tourists in summer Celebration of the Culture of Rusyn-Ukrainians of Slovakia (they are the oldest folklore festival in Slovakia, mid-June) and Ruthenian Festival (May/June).

The surroundings of Svidník also provide opportunities for exploring folk customs and traditions, hiking on marked trails, camping and cycling.

Discover Svidník and its surroundings already 22 July during entertainment and cognitive race Cyklopátranie Svidník. The race is for all ages. During the race cyclists get to know interesting places of Svidník and its surroundings. We look forward to seeing you! More information: TU