Adrenaline, fun and sport Budiš

Nadrozmerná lavička Gardeon in Kláštor pod Znievom represents one of the most popular photo spots in the Turiec region, attracting visitors with its unique views.

The attraction is located on a hill above the village of Kláštor pod Znievom, in the Martin district. The bench is situated on a meadow called Lazany, in close proximity to the well-known "Obria hojdačka". Access to it is relatively simple and leads directly from the center of the village along a marked path, with the easy climb taking approximately 20 minutes. Thanks to its dimensions, the bench is visible even from a distance, and after climbing onto it, a panoramic view of the entire Turčianska kotlina basin, the silhouette of Malá Fatra, and Martinské hole will open up before you. The site is designed as a relaxation zone where hikers can take a breather after the climb and enjoy the silence of mountain nature. The structure is accessible year-round, offering the most beautiful views on clear days or at sunset when the surrounding mountains turn golden. Thanks to its photogenic nature, it has become a social media hit and a must-see stop for anyone visiting this part of Central Slovakia.

What can you find here?

At the site, you will find a giant wooden bench that serves both as a viewing platform and a spot for relaxation. The surroundings consist of a vast meadow with short grass, ideal for a picnic in nature or a short rest during a hike. In the immediate vicinity, there is also another popular attraction – a large wooden swing, which allows you to visit two interesting points within one short walk.

Who is the place suitable for?

The location is ideal for families with children looking for an easy destination with high added value in the form of playful elements and a great view. It is also sought after by young people and influencers for unique photos, as well as seniors who appreciate an accessible route leading through a meadow environment. The place is also suitable for dog owners, as it offers plenty of open space for movement without demanding rocky barriers.

What can you visit in the surroundings?

From the Lazany meadow, you can continue with a more demanding climb to the ruins of Hrad Zniev, which is one of the highest-situated castles in Slovakia. In the village of Kláštor pod Znievom itself, the historical building of the first Slovak Catholic grammar school or the national cultural monument Kláštor premonštrátov is well worth a visit. In the wider surroundings, you can visit the spa town of Turčianske Teplice with its aquapark or the ski resort Snowland Valčianska dolina.

Yetiland in Valčianska dolina represents the largest family amusement park in the Turiec region, offering a multitude of open-air attractions surrounded by the picturesque nature of the Malá Fatra mountains.

The location is situated in the lower part of Valčianska dolina, in the village of Valča, in the Martin district. The park is designed as a multifunctional playground divided into several zones, dominated by a huge pirate ship and a system of inflatable bouncy castles. Visitors will find modern trampoline fields, rope obstacles for the little ones, and popular aquazorbing in a safe pool. The entire Yetiland area is sensitively integrated into the grassy slope of the resort, which allows children free movement in the fresh mountain air within a fenced and safe area. During the summer season, other activities are available, such as quad biking, archery, or a visit to a mini-zoo with farm animals, which complete the atmosphere of rural relaxation. The staff oversees the smooth operation of the attractions and safety, while the proximity of hotel facilities ensures a high standard of services, including gastronomy and relaxation zones. Thanks to its location, Yetiland has become a sought-after place not only for day trips but also as an important part of a summer holiday in the Turčianska záhradka region.

What can you find here?

In the area, you will find a children's pirate ship with slides, a system of professional trampolines, inflatable slides, and bouncy castles of various sizes. A pool for boats and aquazorbing, sandpits, acacia wood play sets, and a relaxation zone with sun loungers for adults are available. A fast-food buffet is part of the area, and restaurant facilities of the Snowland resort are located in the immediate vicinity.

Who is the place suitable for?

The place is intended primarily for families with children aged 2 to 12, who will find a wide range of activities adapted to their age and motor skills here. It is also sought after by school trips and camps as a safe place for collective games in nature. Given the mountain environment, sports clothing is recommended, and sun protection is advised during sunny days, as most of the attractions are located in open, unshaded areas.

What can you visit in the surroundings?

Directly in the Snowland resort, you can use cycle paths leading through the entire Valčianska dolina or play golf at the local Golf Park Rajec. You can visit the nearby manor house in Blatnica or go on a hike to the picturesque Gaderská dolina valley, which belongs to the most beautiful ones in Malá Fatra. The historic town of Martin with the Múzeum slovenskej dediny (open-air museum) or the spa town of Turčianske Teplice are also within a short driving distance.

The unique rest area Mlynčekovo, which is unique for its water mills of various types and sizes, is the work of pensioners from Blatnica. They constructed it quite a long time ago on Gaderský potok. The starting point of the easy hike that will lead you to it is Gaderská dolina, hidden in the Martin district. It is one of the most famous valleys of Veľká Fatra, lying in the village of Blatnica. Visit this picturesque piece of our country and explore its beauty.

Most of the year-round accessible route through Gaderská dolina leads along an asphalt road. The attractive location is therefore suitable for cyclists, inline skaters, seniors, or families with strollers. By car, you can comfortably reach the end of the village of Blatnica, where you can park in a large parking lot. From an altitude of approximately 496 m above sea level, you set off along the green hiking trail. On the way, you will come across the protruding ruins of Blatnický hrad, which is the dominant feature of the Plešovica ridge, separating Gaderská dolina and Turčianska kotlina. The castle once guarded the famous "magna via", an important road of Austria-Hungary. You will reach Mlynčekovo, located approximately 5 km away, in 1 hour.

If this walk was not enough for you, head further. Čertova brána, 733 m above sea level, awaits you. You can conquer a gentle climb with a length of 3.8 km in slightly more than an hour. A unique rocky portal is the gateway to paradise. Two massive crags, through which a narrow path leads and even a stream flows, are well known and sought after by tourists. Your experience will be more intense if you view this rocky uniqueness from a distance or after turning off the road. Let your imagination work and enjoy this unique view to the fullest. The beauty of the entire valley is complemented by rocky cliffs, walls, and caves.

Has this well-known location caught your interest? We have a few more tips for you. In Národný park Veľká Fatra, in the Tlstá massif, you will find hidden Jaskyňa Mažarná, which is a site of cave bear remnants. The 130 m long cave is a natural monument of the village of Blatnica. For the braver ones, Lanový park Blatnica is ready. You will experience a unique climbing adventure on a 180 m long rope course.

A holiday in the Turiec region should therefore not be missing from your list of destinations. Visit attractive Blatnica. Choose from our offer of various cottages or apartments and book accommodation near Mlynčekovo.