Happy TravellerWelcome to Púchov, a charming industrial town located in the heart of Slovakia. With a population of close to 18,000, Púchov is situated on the main train line between Bratislava and Košice, making it easily accessible for travelers. The town is also conveniently located halfway between Trenčín and Žilina, two major Slovak cities, and is approximately 30 minutes by train from both cities.
Geographically, Púchov is crossed by the Váh river, and there is a small dam open to the public for crossing. The health resort Nimnica, which was until 1990 part of Púchov, is situated in the vicinity and is a starting point for tours to Javorníky and White Carpathians mountains.
Púchov has a rich history dating back to 1243 when Béla IV, King of Hungary, signed his gift certificate to Vychlap Bechend. The town’s name is of Indo-European origin and can be translated as a former land of Puch. There is another version that the origin of the town’s name originates from the word Pochov, which denotes a place where many deceased from the whole vicinities were buried in the past.
According to the 2001 census, the town had 18,833 inhabitants, with 97.4% of inhabitants being Slovaks, 1.3% Czechs, and 0.2% Roma. The religious make-up was 71.4% Roman Catholics, 13.8% Lutherans, and 11.3% people with no religious affiliation.
Púchov is home to Matador and Continental Tire plants, producers of pneumatic tires, and Makyta, a producer of fashion clothes. Matador is a 20-minute walk from the train station in Púchov, while the city center is a 10-minute walk in the other direction.
Sports are an essential part of Púchov’s culture, with football being the number one sport in the town. The local team FK Matador Púchov had several successful seasons in the Slovak highest league, but currently, it is only in the Slovak second league. Among other sports, there has been a long tradition of swimming, and several of the best swimmers made it to the European championship. Some other sport clubs worth mentioning are volleyball and handball. The local ice hockey team is actually the Slovak National Ice Hockey Team under 20. The team named Slovakia 20 is a permanent member of the highest Ice Hockey league. Cyclists, Peter and Martin Velits, come from Púchov as well. Slovak Bandy Association has organized rink bandy practice in Púchov.
The town has several high schools and a branch of the Slovak University of Technology.
In conclusion, Púchov is a hidden gem that is often overlooked in favor of its more famous neighbors. However, this charming industrial town boasts a rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and mouthwatering local cuisine. Whether you are a history buff, a sports enthusiast, or a foodie, Púchov has something to offer everyone. Come and discover the many treasures of Púchov for yourself!
