In the Hnilec Valley near Nalepkovo, the mountain slopes often reach down to the riverbanks; the valley is comparatively narrow here. At the same time, the Hnilecká cycling route runs through the village between Dedinky and Margecany. This brings together two distinct themes: the distinctive shape of the river valley and a cycling route that makes Nalepkovo part of a longer journey.

The Valley and the Cycling Route

The Hnilecká cycling route is 69.3 kilometres long in total. This is the length of the route between Dedinky and Margecany, not of a single section in the village. It follows class II and III roads, local roads and, briefly, a forest road. The types of road therefore vary along the route. For a specific trip, it is worth checking the route and signposting in advance, as route management and signage may change.

The landscape gives the village a different scale from the cycling route as a whole: in the comparatively narrow valley, the mountain slopes often reach down to the banks of the Hnilec. If you choose Nalepkovo as your destination, you can therefore separate two questions: are you mainly interested in the route between the places mentioned, or is the shape of the valley the main focus?

Two Churches, Different Architectural Styles

The Roman Catholic Church of St. Stephen is a single-nave Neoclassical building dating from 1770 to 1781. Its presbytery has a segmental end, and a tower structure stands in front of the building. The Evangelical church is markedly different: it is also single-nave and has a presbytery with a segmental end, but it is Late Baroque, dates from 1785 and has no tower. Comparing these features gives culture enthusiasts a tangible way to explore Nalepkovo’s architectural history: similar basic forms meet different styles and a different design of the tower.

The furnishings also have their own distinctive features. In the Catholic church, the Late Baroque high altar dates from the period when the building was constructed; the pulpit and organ are also from the late 18th century. The Evangelical church has a brick Neoclassical altar from the early 19th century and Empire-style pews from the same period. This comparison extends beyond the years in which the churches were built: the furnishings of each church can be understood as part of its own history, while keeping the differences between the buildings clear.

Another Historical Detail

A monument dating from 1929 stands in Nalepkovo’s central square. It complements the churches as another fixed point of reference for exploring the village’s cultural history.

You can separate these interests when deciding on your trip. If cycling is the main draw, follow the Hnilecká cycling route and check the current signposting. If you are more interested in architecture, compare the two churches by their design, towers and furnishings; the monument adds another theme to this walk around the village. When looking for a holiday apartment in Nalepkovo, it helps to first decide which of these reasons for visiting is most important to you.

Discover more destinations: Margecany, Gelnica, Kluknava.

Return to the overview of the region: Gelnica District.