A fortified Gothic manor house, an extensive collection and a 57-hectare English park are among the highlights to discover in Betliar. The manor house grew out of a residence that originally served as an outlying fortification of Krásna Hôrka Castle. If you are planning a stay here, you can combine cultural history and walks through the park with excursions into the surrounding countryside.
Manor House, Museum and Collections
The manor house’s original furnishings survived the Second World War. Today, they form part of an exhibition on the domestic culture of the nobility in the 18th and 19th centuries. The central library is also noteworthy: it preserves more than 14,000 volumes from the 15th to the 19th century in six languages.
The renewed Egyptology exhibition is divided into three themes: the Andrássy family as collectors and travellers, Ancient Egypt, and the rediscovery of Egyptian art in the so-called “Egypt revivalâ€. Objects on display include the mummy of a priest and that of a child, as well as grave finds such as amulets and fragments dating from the 7th century BC to the 1st century AD. Another exhibition of exotic trophies presents specimens from Africa and Asia in the winter garden of the manor house.
The churches of Betliar also offer a glimpse into different periods of construction and styles. The Roman Catholic Church of St Elizabeth of Hungary dates from the first half of the 14th century; its features include notable vaults and an interesting interior. The Evangelical church was built in 1786. Its late Baroque vaults are complemented by a columned altar dating from 1838.
Park Landscape and Trails
A 57-hectare historic English park, listed in the Register of Historic Gardens of the World, stretches around the manor house. Its distinctive structures and features include a Freemasons’ pavilion, a Chinese pavilion, a Japanese bridge, the Hermes Fountain and a lily pond. An artificial water system channels water from the Betliar Stream into three lakes, three fountains and the so-called Great Waterfall. The grounds and park features offer several places to stop along a walk, without having to plan any of the longer hiking trails.
The “Sights of the Municipality of Betliar†educational trail has 18 stops and is described as an easy route. Among other places, it leads to the homes of notable figures, a park in the village centre, a war memorial in the local cemetery, the Evangelical rectory and the fire station. It therefore takes you not only to individual sights but also through different parts of the village.
For a longer hike, there are two other marked routes; their details should be kept distinct. Yellow-marked hiking trail No. 8749 passes through Betliar, starts at the former Betliar railway station, leads over the Volovec Saddle and connects with hiking trail No. 2827. Another yellow-marked route from Betliar to Skalisko is about 8 kilometres long; the stated walking time is approximately 3.5 hours. In good weather, the ascent offers views of the High Tatras panorama and other well-known peaks of the Slovak Ore Mountains. Allow for the approximate walking time and check trail conditions before setting out.
Nature and Getting Around
At the Betliar game reserve, visitors can observe herds of game grazing freely in forest meadows. The reserve was established in 1967 within the municipality’s cadastral area and now covers 1,696 hectares. It is used mainly for breeding fallow deer, mouflon and red deer within the cadastral area of Betliar. A visit therefore combines the chance to observe wildlife in the landscape with a glimpse of local game management.
For travel and route planning, Road I/67 is an important landmark: it runs through Betliar’s cadastral area between Rožňava and Dobšiná and forms part of a tourist transit route connecting Poland, Poprad, Vernár, Dobšiná, Rožňava, Kráľ and Hungary. Bus services run along I/67. Stops are located in the southern part of the village centre and at the junction with the road to Nižná Maša. From the bus stop in Betliar, you can reach the manor house grounds on foot in about 15 to 20 minutes by walking northeast along the Krivý Potok; check timetables and local route conditions before travelling.
Hubertova jazda is also part of Betliar’s cultural life: this important event takes place almost every year and is dedicated to the patron saint of hunters and riders. If you would like to plan your trip around it, check the event dates in advance.
Discover more destinations: Rožňava, Dedinky, Drnava, ÄŒierna Lehota, Jovice, BrzotÃn, Stratená, DobÅ¡iná
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