Martin brings together Slovak literary and book history with folk culture, visual arts and theatre. The Martinské hole via ferrata offers another hiking option. If you are looking for accommodation in Martin, your first decision may therefore be whether to focus your stay mainly on cultural attractions or on the route towards Martinské hole.
Literature and museums in historic buildings
In the centre of Martin, the Literárne múzeum SNK is housed in the first historic building of Matica slovenská. This building was declared a National Cultural Monument in 1961. The museum is devoted to the history of Slovak literature and book culture, with a permanent exhibition, temporary exhibitions, and cultural and educational events. Access is important when planning your visit: as of 26 August 2026, the museum was closed to the public until further notice. Check its status before travelling. Guided tours of the Národný cintorín could still be booked through the museum; check booking options in advance for these too.
The Múzeum Andreja Kmeťa offers a different connection to the city’s history: it is housed in the first SNM building, constructed in 1908. The building was declared a National Cultural Monument on 16 August 1994. The museum’s permanent exhibitions include Kmetianum and Príroda Turca. Together, these two exhibitions make for a distinct museum visit alongside the Literárne múzeum SNK’s focus on literary and book history. Check the current exhibition details before your visit.
Folk culture in two different museums
The Museum of the Slovak Village is located in Jahodnícke háje, in the south-east of Martin. As Slovakia’s largest open-air ethnographic exhibition, it presents traditional folk architecture, housing and ways of life in the north-west of the country. Since 1991, the museum has organised events as part of the ethnographic year. These showcase examples of traditional folk production and crafts, as well as customs and folklore. The exhibition and events therefore have different emphases: one presents architecture and ways of life, while the other focuses on cultural practices. Check the current programme for specific event dates.
The Ethnography Museum SNM Martin is a separate institution. It holds temporary exhibitions on a range of topics throughout the year. The Museum of the Slovak Village and the Ethnography Museum SNM Martin are therefore two independent places to visit, with different exhibition formats. If you are interested in Slovak folk culture, this distinction can help you choose: an open-air exhibition and ethnographic events at one, rotating themed exhibitions at the other. Check the current exhibition programme before travelling.
Gallery and theatre
The Turčianska Gallery exhibits works by visual artists from the Turiec region and from different generations. Its exhibition programme includes solo, retrospective and group exhibitions. The repertoire of the Slovenské komorné divadlo Martin ranges from classical to experimental performances; its stage is in the historic Národný dom. The gallery and theatre thus offer two different ways to engage with art: visual art exhibitions and stage performances. If you are planning to see a specific show, check the current performance schedule.
The via ferrata towards Martinské hole
The Horskej záchrannej služby Martinské hole via ferrata runs from Martins Stráne along the Pivovarský potok towards Martinské hole. Its lower section is a nature trail with information boards and rest areas, leading to the via ferrata itself. The route is therefore divided into two sections: first the nature trail, then the via ferrata. The route can be reached via a red-marked hiking trail from the Martin Stráne, konečná MHD stop. This information helps distinguish the named starting point from the route access.
Current trail conditions and possible closures are part of planning for the via ferrata; check the relevant notices before travelling. Martin brings together very different things to see and do: museums and exhibitions, folk culture, theatre and a hiking route towards Martinské hole. Choose according to what you actually want to experience, and check specific dates for events with fixed schedules.
Discover more destinations: Bystrička, Košťany Nad Turcom, Lipovec, Laskár, Turany, Krpeľany, Sučany
Return to the broader travel overview: Okres Martin.
