Veľká Franková lies in the Spišská Magura, in the valley of the Frankovský potok. Two cross-border routes give you a concrete way to plan days outdoors: a red-marked hiking trail runs through the municipality and connects Malá Franková with Kacwin in Poland via a tourist border crossing. From Veľká Franková, an asphalt cycle path also crosses the border into the neighbouring Polish municipality of Kacwin. This gives you a choice of a hiking route and a cycling connection with different destinations for planning your trip.

Hiking and Cycling Across the Border

The red-marked trail leads from the border through Malá Franková to the ridge of the Spišská Magura at Mount Magurka, at 1,193 m, and then continues to Ždiar. The route from the border area to the ridge and on to Ždiar gives the trail a clear direction. If you are planning this hike, check the trail conditions and markings before setting off; both can change.

The cycling route has a different focus: it leads from Veľká Franková across the border to Kacwin. The route is paved; the surface and access conditions can change, so check them before setting out. Along the cross-border cycle path, you can see two small waterfalls on the Ostrunianka, one on the Slovak side and one on the Polish side. Their visibility may vary. The destination is a concrete difference when choosing between the routes: the cycle path leads to Kacwin, while the red-marked hiking trail continues via Magurka to Ždiar.

Streams and Landscape

The river network also shows a connection beyond the village. Below Veľká Franková, the Frankovský potok and the Osturniansky potok join to form the Kacwinianka. In Poland, it flows into the Dunajec. The stream in the valley is therefore part of a waterway that continues into Poland as far as the Dunajec. The landscape can also be understood by following the course of its waterways.

History, Church and Crafts

Members of the Berzevici noble family from Veľká Lomnica probably founded Veľká Franková towards the end of the 13th century under German or šoltýs law. The first genuine original record of Franková’s existence dates from 1314. The probable founding period and the first original record are two different historical details. The inhabitants’ earlier occupations mainly included farming, livestock breeding and woodworking; these shaped the village’s historical livelihoods.

The Church of Saint Nicholas was built in 1784 in the Classicist style. Its main altar is late Baroque and features Rococo ornamentation. The church and altar therefore represent different stylistic influences; confirm that the church is in good condition before visiting. The church is in good condition and serves its religious purpose. If you are planning a visit, check the current conditions in advance.

The wooden bell tower dates from 1921. Its four bells were cast in 1921 and 1924 by a foundry in Chomutov. The watermill and sawmill also offer insight into Veľká Franková’s technological history: they preserve an original saw frame that is still functional today. Visits are possible only by prior arrangement.

Discover more destinations: Mlynceky, Slovenská Ves, Osturna, Malý Slavkov, Červený Kláštor, Reľov, Spišská Belá, Lendak

For the broader travel overview: Kežmarok District.