Náučný chodník Kysihýbel
The Náučný chodník Kysihýbel educational trail guides you through the historical, forestry, and natural points of interest in the surroundings of Banská Štiavnica. The undemanding circular route starts approximately 1.5 km from the town, towards the adjacent village of Banský Studenec. The starting point is near the Kysihýbel arboretum, and the trail leads through the gorgeous environment of the Štiavnické vrchy. Do not forget a dose of courage and a flashlight, as we will also go underground.
The educational route has a length of 6 km with an elevation gain of 150 m. At a leisurely walking pace, you will complete it in 3.5 hours, while stopping at 14 interesting information boards. A picturesque part of the trail is the system of ponds, around which you will reach an underpass leading beneath the railway embankment. Among the most interesting parts is undoubtedly the Feistmanova záhrada. This is essentially an experimental forestry area with exotic tree species. In this small arboretum, you can admire 73 species of trees originating from various corners of the world.
You will continue towards the charming Červený kameňolomu, a rare site of red rhyolite extraction. It was opened during the construction of the Trať mládeže in the years 1947 – 1949. Today, it is being gradually reclaimed. An interesting fact is that it was precisely from this red rhyolite that the cladding of many valuable buildings and cultural monuments in Banská Štiavnica was made. In the next part of the educational trail, the Barlangy underground quarry, also nicknamed Diery, will be waiting for you. From the 14th to the end of the 19th century, andesite was mined here. Currently, you will find an underground space with a length of approximately 50 m here. For its tour, you will need a flashlight. The conclusion of the mysterious underground is formed by a small lake.
The educational route will further lead you between impressive andesite rock towers all the way back to the Kysihýbel forestry arboretum. The acclimatization facility spans an area of 7.78 ha and belongs among the oldest and most valuable arboretums of its kind. It was founded in 1900 by a professor of the Budapest University and focuses on the research and cultivation of exotic forest tree species. It is divided into four parts, within which the trees are planted in squares with an area of 15 x 15 m. The territory on which the arboretum extends is also known as the Jubilejný les kráľovnej Alžbety.
If you are lured by a walk through the charming points of interest of Banská Štiavnica, definitely do not miss a trip along this unique educational trail during your stay in this region. You can combine it with a walk around the gorgeous Klinger tajch or with a romantic visit to Banka lásky. Be sure not to miss the Banskoštiavnický betlehem, the largest wooden nativity scene in Slovakia, or the underground Glanzenberg adit either. Fascinated by the experiences, you will surely want to relax pleasantly and recharge new strengths for discovering further attractions of this region. Therefore, book accommodation near the Náučný chodník Kysihýbel. We recommend you a selection from the accommodation offer in Banská Štiavnica on our portal. Besides cabins and cottages, you will also find comfortable guesthouses and modern apartments here. Just choose.
