Marmon Hill Near Chmeľnica: Easy Hike to a WWII Aircraft Crash Site

Marmon is a hill near the village of Chmeľnica with a WWII story behind it. In September 1944, an aircraft crashed here, and since then, the place has become a known stop for locals and visitors. Today, Marmon is mostly a spot where people go to walk, sit, and spend time outside. You’ll find places to rest and barbecue, and the route up is easy and suitable for families. There are several ways to get here, so you can adjust the walk to how much time or energy you have. It’s an easy waddle with a bit of history mixed in, so continue reading to learn what to expect and how to prepare.

How to Get to Chmeľnica

Chmeľnica is in eastern Slovakia, not far from the High Tatras area. The most convenient option is by car. Regional roads well connect Chmeľnica, and you can comfortably drive here from nearby towns like Kežmarok or Poprad. Parking in Chmeľnica is possible, but it’s not straightforward. There is no official dedicated parking area in the village, so you’ll need to park along the road in suitable spots and be mindful not to block access for locals. It works fine if you’re careful, but it’s something to keep in mind in advance. Also, some of the regional roads leading to the village are not in the best condition everywhere, so take it slow and expect a slightly bumpier drive in places.

If you prefer public transport, getting to Chmeľnica is a bit more challenging. Only regional buses run directly into the village, and they are not very frequent, so planning is essential. Connections are possible from nearby towns, but you’ll need to check schedules carefully to avoid long waits. Once you’re in the village, though, you can start the hike right away, making Chmeľnica a practical base if you don’t mind a bit of extra planning.

More than one route leads to the top of Marmon, so you can choose the one that best fits your plans. One way is to follow the red-marked trail starting near Stará Ľubovňa Castle, while the other option is to hike up directly from the village of Chmeľnica.

If you choose the castle route, keep in mind that parking below the castle is paid. Parking is free in Chmeľnica, but there is no official lot, so you’ll need to find a suitable spot along the road. Both routes are manageable and clearly marked, so the choice mostly comes down to where you’re coming from and whether you want to combine the hike with a castle visit or keep things simple and local.

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Our Waddle to Marmon

The waddle up to Marmon is an easy one overall, with the most challenging part coming right at the start if you’re heading up from Chmeľnica. The trail begins with a steep climb, but once you get past that initial uphill, the walk quickly settles into a relaxed, enjoyable pace.

Coming from this side, the scenery really delivers. The forest opens and closes around you, and at times it genuinely feels like you’ve stepped into a Princess Mononoke–style forest, quiet, slightly mysterious, and very green. After the first push uphill, it turns into a pleasant waddle where you can enjoy the surroundings and keep going without much effort. 

Marmon rises to 756 metres above sea level and gets its name from the red rock that was once mined in the area. Traces of this marble-like stone can still be seen here today, and it’s interesting to know that tiles made from the same material were used at Wawel Royal Castle in Kraków.

What Marmon is best known for, though, is a tragic event from World War II. In 1944, a heavy bomber of the Soviet Army crashed here, and even today, the story feels very much alive. Ask any local villager, and they’ll tell you about it as if it happened yesterday, the details passed down from generation to generation. Near the site, you can still find remnants of the aircraft that were never taken away. At the time, materials were scarce, and villagers salvaged what they could, mainly aluminium and other light metals.

The aircraft was piloted by Eugen Ivanovič Archipov, with crew members Leonid Ževčuk and Ivan Ivanov also on board. Standing here today, it’s easy to feel how deeply this place is woven into local memory, where landscape and history quietly meet.

The area around Marmon offers a comfortable place to slow down and spend time outdoors. There is a designated barbecue area, with space to make a fire, and even a covered table where you can sit, eat, or hide from sun or light rain while still enjoying the day.

It’s a setup that naturally invites you to stay longer. Kids have space to move around, adults can relax, and everything feels easy and informal. All of this makes Marmon an excellent spot for a family trip, whether you come just for a short waddle or plan to spend a few relaxed hours combining a walk with food and rest in nature.

Waddling to Sharp Rock in Chmeľnica: Hidden Views and Local Legends

Marmon isn’t just a nice spot for hiking; it also works really well if you feel like coming by bike. The routes leading up are manageable, and once you reach the hilltop, you can stop, rest, and enjoy the place before heading back the same way.

If you’re in the mood to keep going, Marmon also fits nicely into a longer loop. From the top, you can continue on and turn the walk or ride into a round trip, eventually heading toward the village of Hajtovka. That flexibility is part of what makes Marmon such an easy-going destination. You can keep it short and relaxed or stretch it into a longer adventure, depending on your energy and time.

If the weather permits, you can even spot the High Tatras in the distance, a view that doesn’t happen every day and definitely makes you stop for a moment. It’s one of those surprises that reminds you how much the landscape opens up from here.

We couldn’t linger too long, though, as we were only halfway back and still had some waddling ahead of us. That said, this is the kind of route where frequent breaks make sense. There’s a lot to look at, and taking your time to enjoy the views is very much part of the experience.

Hajtovka 

Our next stop after enjoying the views of the High Tatras was Hajtovka, a tiny village in the Stará Ľubovňa District, tucked away in northern Slovakia. Sitting at an altitude of 525 metres, it covers just 3.047 km² and has a population of around 90 people, maybe even fewer, which gives you an idea of how small and quiet it is. Despite its size, Hajtovka carries a surprising amount of history.

The oldest written record of the village dates back to 1472, but what makes Hajtovka especially intriguing is its mysterious past. For reasons that are still unknown, the village was abandoned at the end of the 15th century and the beginning of the 16th century. Only later, towards the end of the 16th and start of the 17th century, did people return and resettle the area. Why everyone left and what brought them back remains unclear, adding a slightly eerie and fascinating layer to this otherwise peaceful little place.

Devil’s Rock (Skalná ihla) Near Chmeľnica

After leaving Hajtovka, our next short stop was Skalná ihla, also known locally as “Čertova skala” (Devil’s Rock). This 12-metre-tall stone formation stands out in the flat land near Poprad and has been protected as a natural monument since 1989 due to its unique geology and long history.

The rock was formed by selective erosion of Jurassic limestone, sculpted over thousands of years as the river carved its way through the landscape. It’s a striking landmark that seems almost out of place, which is partly why it has attracted folk legends and local stories, including tales tied to the construction of nearby Ľubovňa Castle.

What Else to See and Do Around Chmeľnica and Marmon

• • Stará Ľubovňa Castle. One of the most impressive castles in northern Slovakia, with exhibitions, views, and a skanzen nearby. Easy to combine with the Marmon hike.
  • Marmon. A relaxed hiking and biking destination with WWII history, picnic spots, and barbecue facilities.
  • Skalná ihla. Also known as Devil’s Rock, a unique limestone formation and a short, interesting stop.
  • Hajtovka. A tiny village with a mysterious past, perfect for inclusion in a loop walk or bike ride.
  • Stará Ľubovňa. A good place for food, coffee, or supplies after hiking, with a relaxed small-town feel.
  • Pieniny National Park. Slightly further away, but great for extending your trip with river rafting, hikes, and views.
  • Spišská Magura. Ideal if you want quieter hikes and countryside scenery away from busy trails.
  • Victoria’s Gardens. A large garden maze near Stará Ľubovňa, designed for playful wandering rather than quiet strolling.

This whole area turned out to be a great mix of easy hiking, history, and small local surprises. From Marmon and its WWII story to tiny villages, rock formations, and even a maze nearby, there’s plenty to see without rushing or overplanning. It’s the kind of trip where you can slow down, explore at your own pace, and still feel like you’ve discovered something new.

Pack your bags and waddle on!

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