Poprad, Host City of the 2025 U20 ISBHF World Championships

A Rich History

The story of Poprad begins in 1256, with its first written records marking the start of a remarkable journey. Flourishing as a vital trading hub, the city reached its golden age during the 1800s as the beating heart of Europe’s lucrative salt trade. Today, that legacy of prosperity reveals itself in the rainbow of pastel-colored burgher houses sprawling from the city center with distinctive tiled roofs.

Exploring Poprad’s City Center

One of the city’s oldest monuments that has stood the test of time is the Medieval Gothic Church of St. Egidius. Built in the second half of the 13th century, this church is a gateway to the past. Fans are transported through time as they pass the 15th-century murals adorning the walls, while the tower’s ancient bell, cast in 1592, still rings out.

After visiting the Church of St. Egidius, fans can see the Tatra Art Gallery, just a twenty-minute walk away. Located in a 19th-century neo-renaissance villa, the Tatra Gallery is a work of architectural beauty as inspiring and beautiful as the paintings inside. Highlights of the gallery include dramatic landscape paintings that capture the beauty and essence of the Tatra Mountains, 15th-century wood carvings depicting shepherds at work, and contemporary paintings of regional folklore.

Visitors can also visit the local museum to learn more about the history of the High Tatras and Slovak culture. One of the oldest museums in Slovakia, the Museum Below the Mountains, was established in 1876. This museum’s exhibits span over twelve thousand years, from the Neanderthals who lived below the mountains twelve thousand years ago to the prosperous Salt trade of Propad’s Medieval past.

Gateway to the High Tatras

Fans looking to escape the city center can walk to the nearby train station and board the High Tatras Electric Railway. This iconic train line takes you from the arena to alpine adventures in just 25 minutes and for only a few euros. Hop off at Starý Smokovec for hikes ranging from brisk 3km loops to challenging 15km climbs, showcasing stunning wildlife and mountain backdrops. Continue to Štrbské Pleso terminal for Slovakia’s iconic glacial lake, where a picturesque boardwalk loop makes the perfect photo op before returning to the rink.

After long hikes or intense ball hockey games, players and fans can unwind at AquaCity Poprad, Slovakia’s largest wellness and thermal spa complex. The facility harnesses mineral-rich water from 1,300 meters underground, feeding its 13 thermal pools, water slides, and hydrotherapy attractions. Visitors can also enjoy saunas, an ice cave, and massage therapies, making it an ideal retreat for relaxation after exploring the city or competing on the rink.

Poprad promises unforgettable adventures for players and fans during this month’s championships. Whether you’re an avid hiker seeking alpine thrills in the High Tatras or a history lover captivated by Gothic murals and burgher houses, discoveries await around every corner. This Slovakian gem offers the perfect blend of competition and culture.

Below are some links to help fans gather more information about Propad.

• Museum Below the Mountains – https://slovakia.travel/en/podtatranske-museum-poprad
• Church of St. Egidius – https://www.severovychod.sk/en/trip/church-of-st-egidia-poprad/
• High Tatras Railway – https://www.high-tatras.travel/information/useful-information/transport-in-high-tatras/
• High Tatras Railway – https://www.tatry.sk/en/transport-and-infrastructure/tatra-electric-railways-cog-railway/
• Poprad Aret Gallery – https://artsandculture.google.com/partner/tatranská-galéria
• AquaCity Poprad – https://aquacity.sk/en/
• Hiking the High Tatras – https://www.earthtrekkers.com/hike-high-tatras-of-slovakia-how-to-plan-your-vi