Lovers' Bench on Kikula (Trojak) above Zwardoń

On the summit of Kikula (845 m), right on the Polish–Slovak border above Zwardoń and the Slovak village of Skalité, stands a bench that makes any adult look like a child: it is 5.3 m long and 3 m high. The Slovaks call it Lavička lásky a rodiny – the Bench of Love and Family – and the media also call it the Lovers' Bench. It is one of the easiest ways to walk "abroad" from the Beskids: no passport stamp, just a view.

The bench and its inscription

The bench sits on the summit close to a road and a car park, which is why it quickly became a popular photo spot. Carved into the bench is the Slovak motto "Pravá láska trvá večne" – "True love lasts forever". On the Skalité side of the trail there is also a shelter with benches and a fire pit.

Kikula, Kykula or Trojak?

The hill has several names. In Polish the correct name of both the mountain and its summit is Kikula; Slovaks call the mountain Kykula and its top Trojak. That name comes from the historical tripoint of the borders of Poland, Bohemia and Hungary – an old boundary post still stands on the hill. To add to the confusion, Polish maps also give the name "Trojaki" (820 m) to an indistinct top on the ridge between Kikula and Sołowy Wierch. The summit lies in the Jablunkov–Koniaków upland, between the Silesian and Żywiec Beskids.

Trails to the top

The easiest approach from the Polish side is from Zwardoń-Myto – about 1 hour up and 45 minutes down. From Skalité the climb takes about 2 hours. Slovak trails also lead to Kikula: a green one from Návsí and a yellow one from Oščadnica.

Tripto tip

Pick a clear day – in fog you will not see the surrounding ridges, and the bench itself fades into the grey. The bench stands right on the border, and within the Schengen area you cross the border on the trail without formalities; it is still wise to carry ID. If you stay for sunset, bring a head torch for the way down.