Where to go on a trip Čičmany

Many skiers enjoy constantly discovering new ski resorts, new slopes, and challenges. Large and famous resorts are no longer what appeals to them. If you are of a similar nature, head somewhere other than just Vysoké Tatry or Nízke Tatry. Give it a try at Fačkovské sedlo.

The ski resort is located on the border of the Malá Fatra and Strážovské vrchy mountain ranges. You will find it near the village of Kľačno. Transport is not a problem; you can get here from Žilina via Rajec, and it can also be reached from the direction of Martin or Prievidza.

Although the resort does not belong among the largest, it can satisfy every skier. It offers 4 ski lifts, 3 of which are for less demanding skiers. These serve blue-marked slopes, which are the easiest ones. They are suitable for children or beginners. The longest lift covers the slopes for more experienced skiers. The longest slope is approximately one kilometer in length, and all slopes combined measure 6 km. The most popular is the slope with the simple name "Zjazdovka". It is of medium difficulty, and the vast majority of skiers will find something to enjoy here.

Fačkovské sedlo also offers something for connoisseurs, truly advanced skiers. Almost 40% of the slopes in the resort are black, meaning the most demanding ones. However, this section lacks artificial snowmaking and thus depends on natural snowfall. But when there is enough snow, you will enjoy a ride through virgin powder like out of a movie.

Fačkovské sedlo features artificial lighting, so you can head out onto the skis even after dark. A matter of course are snack bars or a ski and snowboard school. You will have the entire resort in the palm of your hand from the highest peak, Homôľka, with an altitude of 1,063 meters above sea level.

If you happen to get tired of skiing, Fačkovské sedlo offers plenty of other activities. For example, snowmobiles, cross-country skiing trails, sledding, or ski touring trips. Sports-minded people will certainly find their niche and forget about boredom.

Tourists will surely appreciate the location along the hiking trail Cesta hrdinov SNP. The nearby monument is also dedicated to the Slovak National Uprising. In case of a multi-day skiing trip, you will need some nice accommodation. You can fully soak up the mountain atmosphere in local mountain huts or at a sheep farm (salaš). If you are looking for comfort, close to the resort is a pleasant hotel or numerous private accommodations in the adjacent villages, for example in Kľačno.

Although Fačkovské sedlo does not rank among the most modern or famous resorts, you will lose nothing by visiting it, and we guarantee you will be pleasantly surprised.

Some ski resorts are located in rather unconventional places. You might not expect that you could go for quality and affordable skiing to the Horná Nitra region, in the vicinity of the town of Prievidza. Right here lies the small village of Kľačno. You will find it north of Prievidza, a few kilometers below the boundary of the Národný park Malá Fatra. The slopes are just a short distance from the village, which is only 500 meters away. You will find the parking lot in the immediate vicinity of the ski lifts, so you do not have to worry about a long walk to the slope.

The Ski Kľačno ski resort is situated at an altitude of 450 – 650 meters above sea level. That is not much, but there is still plenty of snow here for more than two months. The guarantee of snow is the northern orientation of the slopes. Interestingly, the resort does not have an artificial snowmaking system. It is thus suitable for those who want to try skiing on guaranteed natural snow.

There are two ski lifts at Ski Kľačno. The first one, shorter with a length of 300 meters, serves a blue slope for beginner skiers. On this slope, they will learn all the necessary basics of movement on skis. The second lift is 550 meters long and serves two slopes. One of them is also blue, suitable for beginners, but there is also one red slope for intermediate skiers. Thanks to this distribution of slopes, the resort is suitable for affordable family skiing where you can teach your children to ski while enjoying great skiing on the more demanding red slope.

The total length of the slopes in the resort is 1.1 km. A snow groomer ensures the quality of the slopes, making all slopes perfectly prepared from the morning. Despite the small size of the resort, you will find night lighting here, allowing you to enjoy night skiing. The Ski Kľačno ski resort also caters to cross-country skiing enthusiasts. Long kilometers of cross-country trails are prepared for them. They start directly in the ski resort, which is why all skiers, both downhill skiers and cross-country runners, gather here. Refreshment options are a matter of course in the resort. You will find a snack bar with favorable prices and an added cherry on top: a fireplace where you can even roast sausages or bacon.

A homely atmosphere, individual approach, and budget-friendly prices, making you feel at home every step of the way. All this is offered by the Kľačno ski resort. A friendly approach emanates from accommodation providers as well. Right next to the slopes, you will find mountain chalets and wooden cottages. You can also choose simpler accommodation in a nature school or more luxurious accommodation in apartments or private rooms. And believe us, you will feel comfortable here and will gladly return.

Slovenský betlehem is a masterpiece by the woodcarver Jozef Pekar. You can admire it in the Žilina district, in Rajecká Lesná, more precisely in the House of God's Mercy (sometimes referred to as the House of the Nativity of Christ). Its name is not accidental; in addition to the commonly depicted birth of Christ, it also portrays the history of the Slovak nation. Besides the best-known sceneries that are inextricably linked with Slovakia, master Pekar also captured the everyday life of Slovaks in the past.

What is fascinating is that the betlehem is not static, but the figures move, thereby adding to the overall authenticity of the masterpiece. This also enables people who do not like reading about history and customs to absorb this interesting part of our history. Because just as children stand in awe and with open mouths in front of Slovenský betlehem, adults often stand there with bated breath as well.

Jozef Pekar began working on this woodcarving masterpiece after his retirement in 1980. It took him a long 15 years to complete it. The work was ceremonially opened to the public on November 26, 1995, back then still without the Eastern Slovak and Western Slovak regions. However, those were carved and added to the work in subsequent years. Every Slovak location is blessed. The dimensions of the betlehem are 8.5 m in length, 2.5 m in width, and 3 m in height. Altogether, there are about 300 figures on the area, of which approximately half are static and the other half move. Some are working, others are having fun. If you look closely, you will even see a bear running by.

Rajecký betlehem, as locals sometimes call it, is a rarity towards which people from all over our country head daily. However, the work is so well known that it is nothing unusual to hear another national language around it. It ranks among the largest wooden carved betlehems in all of Europe. The building where Slovenský betlehem is located also exhibits woodcarvings by other Rajecká Dolina woodcarvers, be sure to check those out as well. They are located on the first floor.

If the wooden betlehem has caught your interest, we recommend planning a multi-day trip right away and combining it with a visit to other attractions. You can easily find accommodation near Slovenský betlehem on our portal. The accommodation in Rajecká Lesná subpage has a truly diverse offer, and everyone is sure to find something. Finally, we will give you a small tip: visit the Frivaldská kalvária, beneath which a healing spring flows.

Zoologická záhrada Bojnice as the first zoological garden in Slovakia has been welcoming its guests since 1955. It is among the most popular attractions in Bojnice, along with Bojnický zámok. The advantage is easy accessibility. A short walk takes you from the center of Bojnice to the zoo in a few minutes, while from Prievidza it is a longer 40-minute walk. If you are going by car, you can use designated parking spaces or simply park in Bojnice in a municipal or private parking lot for a small fee. The zoological garden is open every day of the year.

Over an area of 41 hectares, you will find more than 430 species of animals, totaling more than 3,500 specimens. Among the most significant are antelopes, gibbons, kangaroos, leopards, lions, elephants, and zebras. You will also see the cute panda or popular flamingos. And those who are not afraid of snakes are invited to the terrariums, where you will find various species of reptiles, brightly colored poison dart frogs, and spooky-looking toads. Your little ones will have the greatest joy visiting ZOO Bojnice. In addition to families with children, you will also frequently meet couples in love or seniors among the visitors. One thing is certain, you certainly won't be bored here.

However, ZOO Bojnice does not only offer the opportunity to get to know various animal species. The goal is to build a positive relationship with animals in children, educate them about life, and last but not least, help them. Animals that have been injured in the wild and need care often find their way to the zoo. If returning to nature is not possible after treatment, the animals are cared for until the end of their lives. If you are also an animal lover, you can help, for example, by adopting a selected animal through a one-time contribution.

Can you guess how many visitors have already passed through the zoo gates? Imagine that as early as 2008, they welcomed their 20-millionth visitor here. In addition to standard tours, Národná ZOO Bojnice also offers other experiential programs. For one day, you can become a zookeeper, gardener, or chef for the animals. They also have a zoo school for educating children and adults. Today, special programs for schools and other groups are available.

In Bojnice, it is also worth visiting other attractions. Families with children will have fun at Múzeum praveku and Dino park Bojnice. You must not miss Bojnický zámok and the experiential attraction Sokoliari Aquila. After an active day, we invite you to Kúpele Bojnice or Termálne kúpalisko Vodný svet - Bojnice, where you can recharge your energy.

To manage everything nice and important, we recommend spending at least a few days in Bojnice. Get inspired on our portal and find the right accommodation near ZOO Bojnice for yourself. Truly everyone can choose with us.

The castle in the beautiful spa town of Bojnice is among the most beautiful and significant monuments in Slovakia. It is located in Trenčiansky kraj, on the western edge of the town of Bojnice, in the district of Prievidza. It is one of the most popular attractions in Slovakia, not only thanks to its breathtaking appearance and varied history, but also its surroundings.

How a wooden castle became a romantic château

The first mention of the existence of a castle with a settlement below it dates back to 1113, when it was still wooden. Later, in the 13th century, it was gradually rebuilt into a stone structure on an elevation, a travertine hill with a deep crater containing a mineral spring in its center. This spring was later converted into a 27-meter-deep well located inside a deep circular cave. The cave has a diameter of more than 20 meters, is 6 meters high, and has been open to the public since 1967. Small lakes up to 9 meters deep surround the cave.

In the 13th century, the core of the castle was surrounded by a wide fortification. Until then, the castle was property of the Poznan family, but toward the end of the century it was seized by Matúš Čák, who owned it until 1321. The subsequent owner was his illegitimate son Ján Korvín; after the death of King Matthias, the castle was occupied by troops of the Zápoľský family. In 1527, Alexander Turzo received the castle as a gift from King Francis, and the Turzo family rebuilt the core of the castle. As the massive fortification that had been built gradually since the end of the 15th century was sufficient for defense, emphasis shifted toward representation and residential comfort. Thus, the originally Gothic castle transformed into a Renaissance château. After the extinction of the Turzo family in 1636, the castle reverted to the Crown, and a year later Emperor Francis III pledged it to Pavol Pálfi.

In 1643, the Pálfi family (sometimes written Pálffy) received hereditary ownership of the castle, rebuilding began once again, and at the end of the 17th century it ultimately gained a Baroque appearance. Its appearance did not change significantly in the subsequent period. In 1852, after a long period of stagnation and decline, the estate was acquired by its last noble owner, Count Ján František Pálfi. Inspired by various French and Tyrolean Gothic castles, the Papal Palace in Avignon, and early Italian Renaissance architecture, he rebuilt the castle into a romantic château. Although the reconstruction had its own architect, Jozef Hubert, the Count himself designed, drew, and directed all the work of the grand Neo-Gothic reconstruction, which lasted a long 22 years. The Count acquired antiques at various European auctions to decorate the interior. Particularly striking is the Serbia-sourced 17th-century wall paneling of the Turkish Hall. In the chapel, he installed an Italian Gothic altar from the second third of the 14th century. A portrait of the owner is even featured in the cartouche of the carved ceiling in the Golden Hall. Unfortunately, he did not live to see the completed work; he died in 1908, two years before the reconstruction was finished.

Following Pálfi's death, disputes over the inheritance broke out. After an amicable agreement between the Count's heirs and the Czechoslovak state, specific collections were set aside to remain preserved, while the rest were auctioned off between 1924 and 1926. In 1939, the Baťa company bought the château and land, but after the war and the issuance of the Beneš decrees, the property fell to the state.

Since 1950, a museum has been located in the château as part of the Slovenské národné múzeum. Ján František Pálfi had already considered this idea; in his 1907 testament, he expressed the wish that Bojnický zámok along with its artworks be made accessible to the public. For some time, this was indeed the case. However, everything changed on May 9, 1950, when a major fire broke out, destroying all the château's towers, after which interior tours were prohibited. Following the subsequent restoration of the destroyed parts, the château's gates gradually began opening to the public once again. Finally, after structural reorganization and inclusion under the Ministry of Culture of the SSR in 1970, Bojnický zámok became a national cultural monument.

Present day of Bojnický zámok and its surroundings

Visitors continue to be fascinated by the view of the surrounding natural environment. The adjacent castle park, which includes a castle lake with a romantic gazebo, features many magnificent mature tree specimens. Among them is the healing Ginkgo biloba tree with the so-called Matejova lipa. Matejova lipa, also known as Lipa kráľa Mateja, was according to legend planted by Matúš Čák Trenčiansky in 1301. King Matthias Corvinus enjoyed hosting banquets beneath it, and it was named after him. As time passed, it began to deteriorate, making ongoing care necessary. In 1969, it was declared a protected natural creation.

Various events are regularly organized at the château, drawing thousands of visitors. Special Valentine's tours, the theater festival Rozprávkový zámok, or night tours. At the château, you can also meet ghosts, Svetlonos, or even St. Nicholas.

Right next to the château is Národná zoologická záhrada Bojnice. It prides itself on being the oldest and most visited zoo in Slovakia. A tour of the château is most frequently combined by visitors with a visit to the zoo. The exposition at the neighboring Dino Adventure Park will amaze not only children. Giant dinosaur sculptures in some cases even move and make sounds. A tour of Múzeum praveku is also interesting and should not be missed.

Whether you need a health-restoring treatment or simply want to indulge in relaxation, Kúpele Bojnice is perfect for that. If traveling with children, visit the beach swimming pool or the highly popular and sought-after Termálne kúpalisko Bojnice, from whose pools you will look directly at the château's towers. A perfect view also awaits you from Vyhliadková veža Bojnice, giving you a bird's-eye view of the entire surrounding area.

As is evident, exploring the attractions in Bojnice simply cannot be done in one day. The solution in this case is to take a multi-day trip. Book accommodation near Bojnický zámok and set off for the adventure that awaits you here.

In a dense pine forest above the town of Bojnice, you will find Vyhliadková veža Bojnice. This tower is also known as Čajka v oblakoch. It offers you unique views of Bojnický zámok castle and the entire panorama of the town. At the same time, you can also see Prievidza, the Vtáčnik mountain range, and the Kremnické vrchy mountains. The 30-meter-high lookout is also enhanced by a water slide. When booking accommodation in Bojnice, definitely do not miss out on visiting this unique lookout point.

Right after Bojnický zámok and the Zoologická záhrada Bojnice, Vyhliadková veža Bojnice - Čajka v oblakoch ranks among the most sought-after attractions in Bojnice. It is located at an altitude of 415 meters above sea level at the foot of Malá Magura. Its shape is intended to remind visitors of a flying seagull.

The lookout tower in Bojnice is sought after not only by families with children. Wheelchair users and mothers with strollers will also be pleased, as access to the tower is suitable for them as well. At the top, a rope mesh sleeve awaits children, which they can climb through. If you do not feel like walking back down the tower, slide down the water slide.

If you decide to reach Čajka v oblakoch on foot, expect approximately a 45-minute walk along the yellow hiking trail. However, most people choose to arrive by car. Parking is provided in a parking lot, from which the path to the tower takes an easy 5 to 10-minute walk. The lookout tower has its opening hours and ticket prices published directly on the attraction's Facebook page.

If you are afraid of heights, keep your feet on the ground. You can transport yourself to a fairytale world in Šmolková dedina below the lookout. It consists of various houses from the Smurfs fairytale. This village is freely accessible throughout the year. In addition, restrooms are available to visitors, as well as refreshment stands during the summer.

We believe you will not miss out on a great experience visiting this interesting lookout tower with its unmissable steel structure, which offers truly beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding nature. And to make sure you have time during your trip to see the other attractions of Bojnice and the immediate surroundings, be sure to book one of the local apartments. You can also choose from a rich offer of guesthouses, private accommodations, or stylish cabins with plenty of privacy. Extend your stay here for a few days. Bojnice definitely has plenty to offer you.

In case of excellent snow conditions, when a continuous snow cover falls on the southern part of the Strážovských vrchov, you can pack your skis and enjoy skiing in the Ski Park Závada pod Čiernym vrchom. The resort is located near the picturesque village of Kšinná, 20 km north of the district town of Bánovce nad Bebravou.

Getting to this relatively small ski resort is possible by turning off past the center of the village according to the directional sign towards the local sheep farm. Within two kilometers of it, the ski resort is built in the middle of a unique natural scenery. We recommend using snow chains so that you and your car do not end up in a piled-up heap of snow.

The area lies at an altitude of 560 – 760 m a. s. l., and its dominant feature is Čierny vrch. After unpacking your skis and putting on your ski boots, you will be able to enjoy great skiing on the blue ski slope, to which a longer ski lift will take you. The mentioned ski slope is used primarily by more advanced skiers because it has a downhill run 1.3 km long with an elevation gain of 145 m. Thanks to the short ski lift, which is intended rather for beginners, families with children also seek out the resort. It is nice to learn to stand on skis in a resort that is not crowded with skiers.

The resort is smaller, so do not expect any premium services here like in other ski resorts in Slovakia. You can fill your bellies by consuming food or drinks in the local buffet. Since the snow in the resort is only natural, skiing or sledding is possible only in case of good weather. The resort is mostly in operation from December to March, and snowcats take care of trail maintenance. An interesting feature is that the cross-country skiing crossing "Memoriál Jána Kušniera" is regularly organized here.

In the surroundings of the Ski Park Závada pod Čiernym vrchom, you will also be able to look around for interesting attractions. Nearby, you can go up to the ruin of the Uhrovec castle. On the way to it, you can also stop in the village of Uhrovec, which is the birthplace of A. Dubčeka and Ľ. Štúra. After a hearty day of skiing, you can regenerate in the nearby pools of the Termálneho kúpaliska Malé Bielice. Do not miss the glass-making open-air museum Sklársky skanzen Sklenný sen in Valaskej Belej, where you will discover the secrets associated with glass production.

Since skiing is a physically demanding sport, we realize that it is necessary to rest after this activity. Nearby, you will find facilities that will provide you with the best accommodation near the Ski Park Závada pod Čiernym vrchom. In our offer, we have fantastic cottages and chalets in Kšinnej or also private accommodation Kšinná. It all depends solely on your preferences.

You can find the indoor swimming pool in Považská Bystrica in the MŠK sports complex, right next to the winter stadium and the football pitch. Come for a swim and strengthen your cardiovascular system. Did you know that swimming strengthens the muscles of your entire body at the same time? In addition, swimming burns excess calories and gets you into excellent physical condition.

The indoor swimming pool is located on Športovcov street and is open all year round. In the pool hall, you can swim in a 25 m long and 1.3 – 1.8 m deep stainless steel swimming pool. The water temperature is around 26 °C. During weekends, bring your little ones along as well, and you can teach them how to swim in the small pool. The water in the children's pool is slightly warmer and has a pleasant 31 °C.

After swimming, treat yourself to some relaxation and head over to the wellness section called Swim club. Enjoy a session in the Finnish sauna and rid your body of excess waste products. Regular sauna use ensures good blood circulation and warming of the entire organism, which improves muscle and joint mobility. The steam sauna has beneficial effects on the respiratory tract and supports metabolism, thereby reducing excess weight. At the same time, it relieves stress and eliminates fatigue. In the infrared sauna, besides finding relief from joint and muscle pain, you will cleanse your skin. Thanks to increased blood circulation, body temperature also rises, making it possible to prevent many inflammatory processes. Furthermore, a session in the infrared sauna is also suitable for small children.

The Swim club also offers you the opportunity for entertainment in the form of bowling, electronic darts, and a dance hall. Take a short break and relax in the café with a cup of delicious coffee. Additional services of the wellness centre also include baby swimming, which is suitable for babies from 4 months of age.

On your way from the swimming pool, you can stop by MG Art Galéria or take a trip and visit Považský hrad. You can finish your day with a pleasant walk around Vodná nádrž Nosice, which is the oldest dam on the Váh river.

There are many great attractions around Považská Bystrica that are worth visiting. Do not wait and book your stay in the region of biele Karpaty today. You can find lovely accommodation near the indoor swimming pool in Považská Bystrica on our website accommodation in Považská Bystrica. You can choose from a variety of romantic cottages and cosy apartments.

The contact zoo ARAKOVO v Bojniciach offers visitors a fascinating look into the world of colorful exotic birds with which you can establish direct contact.

The attraction is located in the spa town of Bojnice, in the Prievidza district, right in the area below the castle on Zámok a okolie street. ARAKOVO specializes in breeding various species of parrots, especially imposing macaws, cockatoos, and African greys, which are hand-reared and accustomed to human company. Visitors have the opportunity not only to observe the parrots but also to feed them with prepared food, let them land on their shoulder or hand, and take pictures with them. The entire experience takes place in the presence of expert caretakers who provide interesting information about the lives, intelligence, and temperament of individual birds. The facility emphasizes education on the conservation of these endangered species and proper care for exotic birds. Since these are living creatures, operations are partly dependent on the season and weather, so it is advisable to check current availability before visiting.

What can you find here?

In the area, you will find spacious aviaries and contact zones where dozens of parrots of various sizes and colors move freely. Bird food mixtures intended for the birds and professional staff who will teach you how to handle the feathered animals correctly and safely are available for visitors. Information boards about individual species and the option to purchase bird-themed souvenirs are also part of the experience.

Who is the place suitable for?

The place is ideal for families with children looking for an educational yet emotional experience interacting with animals. It is also sought after by lovers of exotic nature, photographers, and tourists who want to enrich their stay in Bojnice with an unconventional attraction. Given the direct contact with birds, individuals with feather allergies or those who have a natural respect for larger exotic birds should be cautious.

What can you visit in the surroundings?

In close proximity is the majestic Bojnický zámok castle and the adjacent Národná zoologická záhrada Bojnice zoo. Just a few steps from the area, you can visit the Zrkadlové bludisko mirror maze or the Dom ilúzií house of illusions. For lovers of history and prehistory, the Múzeum praveku Slovenska – Prepoštská jaskyňa museum of prehistory is within walking distance, while the well-known Kúpele Bojnice spa serves for relaxation.