Located just a stone’s throw from Slovakia’s border with Poland, Ždiar is a picturesque village in the Prešov Region. It was first mentioned in the early 15th century and developed as an agricultural area and hub for the production of charcoal. In the late 19th century, Ždiar began attracting tourists to its ski slopes.
In the heart of the village is the Múzeum - Ždiarsky Dom, which exhibits a diverse collection of ethnographic artefacts that include traditional costumes, antique tools and vintage toys. It occupies a 1970s-built residence inspired by the wooden houses that dominated Ždiar in the early 20th century. Nearby is the soaring spire of Ždiar’s 19th-century church.
In the winter months, you can hit the skiing and snowboarding runs of the Strednica Ski Resort, which is particularly popular with families due to its easy slopes. Once the snow melts, Ždiar serves as the departure point for scenic hiking trails that lead into the High Tatras Mountains.
Getting there
Ždiar is around 35 minutes’ drive from Poprad and just over 1.5 hours from Košice International Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe. Buses connect to Ždiar and the village is small enough to explore on foot.