Liptovský Mikuláš

Introduction

This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. Please help to improve this article by introducing more precise citations. (June 2012) (Learn how and when to remove this message) You can help expand this article with text translated from the corresponding article in Slovak.  (February 2024) Click [show] for important translation instructions. Machine translation, like DeepL or Google Translate, is a useful starting point for translations, but translators must follow the LLM translation guideline, revise errors as necessary and confirm that the translation is accurate, rather than simply copy-pasting machine-translated text into the English Wikipedia. Do not translate text that appears unreliable or low-quality. If possible, verify the text with references provided in the foreign-language article. You must provide copyright attribution in the edit summary accompanying your translation by providing an interlanguage link to the source of your translation. A model attribution edit summary is Content in this edit is translated from the existing Slovak Wikipedia article at [[:sk:Liptovský Mikuláš]]; see its history for attribution. You may also add the template {{Translated|sk|Liptovský Mikuláš}} to the talk page. For more guidance, see Wikipedia:Translation. Municipality in Žilina Region, SlovakiaLiptovský MikulášMunicipalityPictures from the top clockwise: - Pedestrian zone and the market square - Gothic church of St. Nicolaus - Sunset by the Liptovská Mara lake - Synagogue in Liptovský Mikuláš - Town hall in the city center FlagCoat of armsEtymology: St. Nicholas (church) in LiptovLiptovský MikulášLocation of Liptovský Mikuláš in the Žilina RegionShow map of Žilina RegionLiptovský MikulášLocation of Liptovský Mikuláš in SlovakiaShow map of SlovakiaCoordinates: 49°05′N 19°36′E / 49.08°N 19.60°E / 49.08; 19.60Country SlovakiaRegion Žilina RegionDistrictLiptovský Mikuláš DistrictFirst mentioned1286Government • MayorJán BlcháčArea • Total69.97 km2 (27.02 sq mi)Elevation607 m (1,991 ft)Population (2025) • Total29,710Time zoneUTC+1 (CET) • Summer (DST)UTC+2 (CEST)Postal code031 01Area code+421 44Vehicle registration plate (until 2022)LMWebsitewww.mikulas.sk Town center of Liptovský Mikuláš Liptovský Mikuláš (Slovak pronunciation: [ˈliptɔwskiː ˈmikulaːʂ] ⓘ; until 1952 Liptovský Svätý Mikuláš, German: Liptau-Sankt-Nikolaus; Hungarian: Liptószentmiklós) is a town in northern Slovakia, on the Váh River, about 285 kilometers (177 mi) from Bratislava. It lies in the Liptov region, in Liptov Basin near the Low Tatra and Tatra mountains. The town, known as Liptovský Svätý Mikuláš (or Liptovský Saint Nicholas) before communist times, is also renowned as a town of guilds and culture.

Geography

[edit] The municipality lies at an altitude of 607 metres (1,991 ft) and covers an area of 69.97 km2 (27.02 sq mi) (2025).

History

[edit] From the second half of the 10th century until 1918, it was part of the Kingdom of Hungary. The town of Mikuláš (Liptau-Sankt-Nikolaus) was first mentioned in the royal deed of King Ladislaus IV in 1286. The first written record mentioning the Church of Saint Nicolaus which was to become the founding element of a larger settlement dates back to 1299. The Church of Saint Nicolaus is the oldest building in the town of Liptovský Mikuláš. Mikuláš was one of the foremost important centers of crafts in the Liptov region. The craftsmen formed guilds; the oldest guild was the shoemaker's guild mentioned in 1508. There were also other guilds: the guild of smiths, furriers, tailors, hatters and butchers. In 1677, Liptovský Mikuláš (Liptau-Sankt-Nikolaus) became the seat of the local district, as well as Comitatus Liptoviensis. The legendary Slovak "Robin Hood" Juraj Jánošík was sentenced and executed here in 1713 by being hung by the ribcage on a hook. Liptovský Mikuláš played an important role for Slovaks in the 19th century during the period of magyarization. It was one of the centers of Slovak national movement. The first Slovak theater, "The theater of G. F. Belopotocký" was founded there in 1830. Liptovský Mikuláš was a home to an important Slovak romantic poet and national activist, Janko Kráľ, who was fighting for the right of self-determination of Slovak nation in the Hungarian Empire. Also another national revivalist Michal Miloslav Hodža lived there. The leader of Slovak national revival, Ľudovít Štúr, publicly revealed a document called "The demands of Slovak nation" in 1848 in Liptovský Mikuláš as an official appeal to the leaders of Austrian-Hungarian empire to help solve the present existentional problems of Slovak people (unsuccessful). Before the establishment of independent Czechoslovakia in 1918, Liptovský Mikuláš was part of Liptó County within the Kingdom of Hungary. From 1939 to 1945, it was part of the Slovak Republic. In the 20th century, many once independent villages were annexed to Liptovský Mikuláš. Thus, what was once the bucolic farmers' hamlet of Vrbica is now simply a street in the middle of the town.

Tourism

[edit] Liptovska Mara dam The town is one of the most famous tourist centers in Slovakia because of its rich cultural life and also because it is a perfect starting point for tourists, from where it is easy to reach the Low Tatras (Demänová valley) with well-known caves such as the Demänová Ice Cave or Demänová Cave of Freedom, or to the Western Tatras. Folk architecture can also be seen nearby in Vlkolínec near Ružomberok, or Pribylina, a few kilometers west of the town, and for recreation, the lake called Liptovská Mara is available. Since 2004 a new aquapark called Aquapark Tatralandia has been open. The area is also well-known due to its location close to the biggest ski resort in Slovakia, Jasná. Many modern lifts and recent additions made to its infrastructure have meant it has become a popular ski center for many western tourists over the last few years.

Population

[edit] Historical populationYearPop.±%197020,038—    198024,520+22.4%199131,725+29.4%200133,007+4.0%201131,921−3.3%202130,522−4.4%Source: Censuses Population statistic (10 years)Year1995200520152025Count33,59732,88431,53429,710Difference −2.12% −4.10% −5.78% Population statisticYear20242025Count29,86029,710Difference−0.50% It has a population of 29,710 people (31 December 2025). According to the Hungarian census of 1910, the population make up was 50% Slovak, 30% Hungarian 20% German. After World War II, the ethnic minorities were expelled leaving a majority Slovak population. Ethnicity[edit] Census 2021 (1+ %)EthnicityNumberFractionSlovak27,84791.23%Not found out21607.07%Czech5551.81%Romani4151.35%Total30,522In year 2021 was 30,522 people by ethnicity 27,847 as Slovak, 2160 as Not found out, 555 as Czech, 415 as Romani, 110 as Hungarian, 98 as Other, 67 as Rusyn, 63 as Russian, 41 as Polish, 35 as German, 24 as Moravian, 22 as Ukrainian, 14 as Greek, 13 as English, 9 as Vietnamese, 9 as Canadian, 8 as Turkish, 8 as Italian, 8 as Austrian, 7 as Jewish, 7 as Serbian, 6 as Chinese, 5 as French, 3 as Silesian, 2 as Irish, 2 as Albanian, 1 as Croatian and 1 as Bulgarian. Note on population: The difference values of population numbers in the table "Population statistic" and in the sections "Ethnicity" & "Religion" is caused by the use of various statistical methods. Religion[edit] Census 2021 (1+ %)ReligionNumberFractionNone12,92842.36%Roman Catholic Church824327.01%Evangelical Church579318.98%Not found out22897.5%Total30,522In year 2021 was 30,522 people by religion 12,928 from None, 8243 from Roman Catholic Church, 5793 from Evangelical Church, 2289 from Not found out, 259 from Jehovah's Witnesses, 256 from Greek Catholic Church, 125 from Ad hoc movements, 109 from Other, 100 from Other and not ascertained christian church, 80 from Baptists Church, 67 from Eastern Orthodox Church, 52 from Buddhism, 49 from Christian Congregations in Slovakia, 41 from Paganism and natural spirituality, 41 from United Methodist Church, 16 from Seventh-day Adventist Church, 12 from Calvinist Church, 12 from Islam, 12 from Church of the Brethren, 11 from Jewish community, 8 from Old Catholic Church, 8 from Czechoslovak Hussite Church, 6 from Hinduism and 5 from Apostolic Church.

Sport

[edit] Ice hockey club HK 1932 Liptovský Mikuláš represents the city in Tipos extraliga. The Ondrej Cibak Whitewater Slalom Course on the nearby Váh river is the oldest whitewater slalom course in Slovakia. The 2008 Olympic champion in canoe slalom, C-1, Michal Martikán was born and lives here. Also Elena Kaliská, another Olympic winner, is a member of the town sports club. Petra Vlhová, born and raised in the city, won the alpine skiing slalom gold medal at the 2022 Winter Olympics. As a child she attended many training at a ski center at Podbreziny hill of the city. Martina Dubovská also trained at the center in her childhood. The ski center at Podbreziny was established in 1993 and was discontinued gradually in early 2010s. In 2022, it was restored and re-entered into usage. The tracks combine to a total length of 550 meters at peak altitude of 700 meters. Liptovský Mikuláš hosted the 2012 FAI World Championship for Space Models, taking place from 31 August to 9 September.

Transport

[edit] Liptovský Mikuláš is located near the main Slovak D1 motorway, as well as being on the main railroad from Bratislava to Košice. The closest international airport is in Poprad. The town also has its own public transport network with 13 lines operating.

Twin towns – sister cities

[edit] See also: List of twin towns and sister cities in Slovakia Liptovský Mikuláš is twinned with: Annecy, France Bačka Palanka, Serbia Galanta, Slovakia Kalamaria, Greece Kemi, Finland Kiskőrös, Hungary Michalovce, Slovakia Opava, Czech Republic Terchová, Slovakia Żywiec, Poland Anzio, Italy Cluj-Napoca, Romania

Climate

[edit] Liptovský Mikuláš has a humid continental climate (Köppen: Dfb). Climate data for Liptovský Mikuláš Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year Mean daily maximum °C (°F) −1.7(28.9) 0.6(33.1) 5.1(41.2) 11.4(52.5) 15.9(60.6) 19.6(67.3) 21.3(70.3) 21.4(70.5) 16.3(61.3) 11.1(52.0) 5.1(41.2) −0.3(31.5) 10.5(50.9) Daily mean °C (°F) −4.6(23.7) −2.7(27.1) 1.0(33.8) 6.5(43.7) 11.1(52.0) 14.9(58.8) 16.5(61.7) 16.3(61.3) 11.5(52.7) 6.7(44.1) 2.1(35.8) −2.9(26.8) 6.4(43.5) Mean daily minimum °C (°F) −7.6(18.3) −6.2(20.8) −3.2(26.2) 1.4(34.5) 5.9(42.6) 9.7(49.5) 11.3(52.3) 11.3(52.3) 7.2(45.0) 3.1(37.6) −0.7(30.7) −5.7(21.7) 2.2(36.0) Average precipitation mm (inches) 63.4(2.50) 61.9(2.44) 60.1(2.37) 63.5(2.50) 106.4(4.19) 107.0(4.21) 118.4(4.66) 101.0(3.98) 82.8(3.26) 64.2(2.53) 59.8(2.35) 60.5(2.38) 949(37.37) Source: Weather.Directory

People

[edit] See also: Category:People from Liptovský Mikuláš Jozef Božetech Klemens (1817), painter Janko Kráľ (1822), poet Samuel Nemessányi (1837), Hungarian luthier, a maker of stringed instruments Ján Levoslav Bella (1843), composer Aurel Stodola (1859), physicist Samuel Fischer (1859), publisher Slavoljub Eduard Penkala (1871), engineer, inventor Ivan Stodola (1888), poet, dramatist, doctor Martin Rázus (1888, Vrbica), priest, author, politician Janko Alexy (1894), painter Koloman Sokol (1902), painter Pavol Strauss (1912), doctor, writer, essayist, translator Pavel Cheben (born 1967), engineer and physicist Michal Martikán (born 1979), slalom canoeist Tomáš Mráz (born 1980), slalom canoeist Simon Naschér (1841–1901), rabbi, writer Peter Sejna (1979), AHL/NHL player Martin Cibák (1980), 2004 Stanley cup winner with Tampa Bay Lightning Milan Jurčina (1983), NHL player Peter Veselovský (1964–2025), ice hockey player Petra Vlhová (1995), ski racer Klaudia Medlová (1993), professional snowboarder / Olympian Simona Petrík (born 1982), politician, MP (2016-2020; 2023-) Simon Nemec (born 2004), NHL player for New Jersey Devils

Images

[edit] Fountain Town center Janko Kráľ's monument. Saint Nicholas' Church Synagogue