The rain was pouring down this morning as we drove out of Krakow. It wasnt long before we hit the countryside and began our climb up through the foothills of the Tatras mountain range. This part of the country is home to ski resorts, spas and, if the many signs are to be believed, cosmetic surgery clinics!
After crossimg the border into Slovakia we pointed the TomTom to Spissky Hrad ( Spis Castle) a derelict ruin that sprawls across a hilltop above a small town in Eastern Slovakia amd is one of the largest castle complexes in Central Europe. You can see it from miles away!
Spissky Hrad from the motorway
From the parking lot we had a pretty steep climb up the hill to the entrance courtyard. When we arrived the skies were very threatening but we climbed up optimistically hoping the rain would hold off. We were a little too optimistic though , as when we reached the museum, almost at the top, rhe rain poured down. Subsequently we spent a lot longer in the museum than we normally would, closely examining the exhibits. I thought Neil,examined the torture chamber a little too closely! The castle was occupied from around 1210 to the 1700s but its a real ruin now.
Getting closer
Looking down from the higher level
In the museum
Finally the rain eased enough for us to make the final climb up through the walls of the tower to the bery top of the keep. As we emerged into the still threatening skies, we noticed the lightening rods and realised tgat standing up on top with an umbrella probably wasnt our wisest move. Grabbed a very quick photo before negotiting the stairs back down again. I only donged my head once on the climb, Im so short I dont expect to have to duck!
Neil cringing as he waits for the bolt to strike!
Heading back down again
Back down in the carpark we munched on the breadrolls Id made for us ( usimg the thoughtfully providec meats snd cheeses on the hotels breakfast buffet, I do love a European breakfast buffet!). Then we set of for the final climb up into the High Tatras to Strbske Pleso, our stop for the night. After cashing in some Hotels.com rewards, Id booked us into our really indulgent stay for the trip, the Grand Kempinsky Hotel High Tatras. The Kempinsky chain Is one of the premier luxury hotel chains in Europe and, boy, did they live up to their reputation. From the champagne on arrival, to the superb dinner, the service was absolutely top notch. Id have to say that, after Qualia on Hamilton Island, it was one of the most luxurious hotel stays we’ve ever had.
Hotel entrance
Dinner was wonderful
The location was hard to beat too, sitting on the edge of a glacial lake with the mountains rearing up beyond, it was amazing. There was plenty of cloud around but the sun peedked thfough periodically and we enjoyed stretching our legs walking right around the lake. After that we had a wonderful dinner, including a long chat to the sommelier who had visited Australia last year and was a big fan of Margaret River wines.
Room view
Looking up to the Ski jump
Looking back to the hotel from the lakeside
We really enjoyed the break from towns/cities today, nice to get a lungfull of fresh mountain air for a change.
Amazing room and location – lucky you!