Located at the junction of the Vah and Revuca rivers, Ružomberok is an attractive town in the Liptov region of northern Slovakia. Its name derives from the German colonial settlement of Rosenberg (whose name was inspired by the area’s wild roses) and is now home to the biggest cotton mill in the country.
Things to do in Ružomberok
At the heart of Ružomberok is Andrej Hlinka Square, which is watched over by a Neo-Baroque Town Hall and the Roman Catholic Church of St. Andrew. Originally established in 1318, the church exhibits a Renaissance-Baroque appearance and is topped by a four-storey tower. Step inside to admire the 16th-century stone baptistry and the stained-glass windows crafted by Ludovit Fulla, as well as the bell cast in 1506.
For a dose of local history, visit the Liptov Museum, which was established in 1912 and has grown to include more than 180,000 objects. See archaeological findings from some of the area’s earliest settlements and learn about the history of paper manufacturing in Slovakia, as well as the life and legacy of the prominent local nationalist Andrej Hlinka.
A short drive south of Ružomberok is the mountain village of Vlkolinec, which has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its centuries-old folk architecture. It is particularly renowned for its traditional log houses, several of which exhibit artefacts from daily life. Be sure to admire Vlkolinec’s 18th-century wooden bell tower and its school adorned with murals.
Getting around Ružomberok
Ružomberok is around a one-hour drive from Banska Bystrica and two hours from Košice. Bratislava Airport is just under three hours away and has seasonal flights to destinations across Europe. Regular trains connect to the Ružomberok railway station and the town is small enough to explore on foot.