Where to go on a trip Stará Huta

The Folklórne slávnosti pod Poľanou v Detve festival represents one of the most significant and authentic festivals of folk culture in Slovakia, which annually brings to life the distinctive traditions of the Podpoľanie region.

The event takes place every year during the second weekend of July in the town of Detva, in the district of Detva, in the Banskobystrický kraj region. The venue is the Prírodný amfiteáter v Detve, which is known for its unique wooden architecture and location at the foot of the extinct volcano Poľana. The festival is famous for its effort to preserve original forms of folk expression, dominated by intricate dances (cifrované tance), playing the fujara (listed by UNESCO), and rich Detva folk costumes with the typical short shirt. The festival program includes large stage performances as well as intimate shows in courtyards and on small stages that bring the everyday life and customs of ancestors closer to visitors. An important part consists of accompanying events such as a folk craft fair, dance school, or presentations of folk musical instrument makers. During these days, Detva becomes a living museum where visitors naturally find themselves at the center of the action, surrounded by the sound of button accordions (heligónky) and the taste of traditional Podpoľanie specialties. Thanks to its strong focus on authenticity, the festival maintains a high professional standard and is considered the peak of the season for every lover of genuine folk culture.

What can you find here?

On the amphitheater grounds, you will find the main stage for large folklore ensembles, craft courtyards with manufacturing demonstrations, and sales stalls with folk products. Gastronomic zones offering halušky, pirohy, and homemade bread are available, as well as exhibitions of period photographs and folk costumes. The program also includes a traditional Sunday parade through the town and the Krajanský dvor, which presents the culture of Slovaks living abroad.

Who is the place suitable for?

The festival is ideal for lovers of folklore, history, and ethnography, as well as for families with children looking for an authentic cultural experience in nature. It is also sought after by foreign tourists who want to experience Slovak traditions in their purest form. Given the summer weather and the outdoor nature of the area, headwear, sturdy shoes, and plenty of fluids are recommended during a full-day stay in the sun.

What can you visit in the surroundings?

Located directly in the town is the Podpolianske múzeum with exhibitions on the town's history and the crafting of fujaras. Within easy reach is the Poľana protected landscape area (Chránená krajinná oblasť Poľana) with the unique Vodopád Bystré waterfall or a lookout tower. For lovers of sacred art, the distinctive village of Hriňová is within accessible distance, featuring numerous carved wooden crosses scattered across the surrounding scattered settlements (lazy).

He was profoundly convinced that everything he created belonged to Slovakia, and through his work, he tirelessly proved how beautiful and rich it is. Ján Kulich is one of the most prominent representatives of 20th-century Slovak art. It is precisely to his life's work that Galéria Jána Kulicha, situated in the heart of the village of Zvolenská Slatina in the Zvolen district, is dedicated. The gallery building with a large adjacent garden is located between the school and the Evangelical church. Here, you can admire the artist's work in all its diversity. Wooden statuettes from his childhood, drawings, and sketches, as well as monumental sculptures, have been preserved. You will not easily forget this artistic experience.

The modern gallery has its home in a simple linear building. The structure is oriented toward the north, where an old vicarage stood in the past. It was right here that historical figures once gathered, and it was also the birthplace of Terézia Vansová. Part of the gallery grounds is a restored fragment of one wall of the original vicarage with artistic embellishment. Before entering the gallery building, an engaging frontal sculpture will welcome you. It will look familiar if you have ever visited the village of Terchová in the past. It is a scaled-down version of the monumental statue of Juraj Jánošík that guards the entrance to Vrátna dolina. Its author is none other than the artist Ján Kulich.

The main mission of the gallery is to preserve and present the work of Ján Kulich to the public. Right here, you have the opportunity to get acquainted with the broad range and content scope of the great national artist's creation. The gallery's collection consists of almost 3,700 original works. You can admire wooden statuettes from the author's childhood creation, drawings, sketches, and paintings, as well as medals, reliefs, sculptures, and portraits. All presented works are assembled into several thematic circles of the artist's lifelong key themes. The exhibition is updated annually.

An interesting part of the gallery's activity is the implementation of educational programs targeted not only at children and youth. Cultural projects, creative workshops, and cultural-social events in the garden are organized here. Children love participating in fun trivia competitions and activities, playing detectives, searching for treasure, or taking part in drawing mini-workshops. The gallery also offers its unique premises for rent. If its grounds charm you, you can organize, for example, a family celebration, wedding, or wedding photoshoot here.

After a beautiful artistic experience in Zvolenská Slatina, we also recommend a trip to the nearby Vígľašský zámok castle, recreation in Športový areál Orlík in Zvolen, and a tour of the majestic Zvolenský hrad. A trip to Pustý hrad and a tour of the picturesque wooden articular church in Hronsek are also unique experiences. There are many more tourist attractions and sights in this region. Come and see for yourself. Book accommodation near Galéria Jána Kulicha and combine relaxation with discovering cultural and historical wealth. You can choose from the accommodation offer in Zvolenská Slatina and adjacent areas, or you can opt for accommodation in Zvolen. On our portal, you will certainly find facilities that meet your requirements.

In the district of Kráľová, approximately 11 km from the town of Zvolen, lies a ski resort ideal for recreational skiers. Situated at an altitude of 650–800 m above sea level, absolute beginners as well as more experienced skiers will find something to enjoy. Technically snowed slopes will not disappoint any visitor. So come and enjoy a skiing trip with your friends or family.

In the area of the ski resort Kráľová pri Zvolene, up to 5 ski lifts await skiers. The longest ones are 730 m and 590 m in length. The medium lift is 360 m long. For beginners and children, 2 lifts with a length of 120 m are available. The interconnected lifts will take you to slopes ranging from easy to medium difficulty. The slopes reach a total length of approximately 2 km.

If you do not manage to ski during the day or have other plans, thanks to artificial lighting you can enjoy great regular night skiing. The comfort of the resort is enhanced by a restaurant and a sports equipment rental, where you will find not only skis or snowboards, but also sleds and bobsleds.

If you have skied to your heart's content during the day, we have a great tip for you to finish off. Visit Holidaypark Kováčová after skiing and warm up your body. In the outdoor and indoor pools, you can unwind and treat your body and mind to relaxation. Water attractions will keep your children entertained. The year-round accessible aquapark is always the right choice.

Do you prefer something smaller, or do you just want to take a peaceful swim? Then Krytá plaváreň Zvolen is here for you. Open every day in the afternoon and evening hours, it offers you a 25 m long swimming pool, and for the little ones, a children's pool with a depth of 0.6 m. Do not hesitate and book your accommodation in the vicinity of Kráľová pri Zvolene. Choose one of the cosy cottages or book an apartment in the wider area and enjoy a winter holiday in central Slovakia.

Above the confluence of the Hron and Slatina rivers, at an altitude of 475–571 m above sea level in the cadastral area of the city of Zvolen, rises Pustý hrad. It is a complex of two parts, Dolný hrad and Horný hrad, spanning a total area of 7.6 hectares. Between these parts lies an almost 400 m long connecting corridor, which at Dolný hrad is formed by a wall with a length of 206 m. Despite being a ruin, it is rightfully spoken of as one of the largest castles in the world built on a hill. Since 2009, archaeological research sponsored by the Slovak Academy of Sciences in Nitra has been conducted here.

During extensive archaeological research at Horný hrad, the existence of a prehistoric rampart on which the castle stood was proven. In addition, pottery shard material from the Late Bronze Age was found, along with finds from the Lusatian, Piliny, and Baden cultures, shards of the Kyjatice culture, and ceramics from the La Tène period. Research at Dolný hrad revealed the existence of a slightly older prehistoric rampart. Various finds were made here as well, specifically from the Younger and Late Bronze Age.

The history of the castle dates back to the 12th century, from which the tower of the Zvolen royal county (comitatus) originates. This was followed by the construction of a large fortification in the years 1241–1255. At the southernmost tip of its fortification, Horný hrad had a monumental passage tower gate built, the remains of which are a symbol of the entire site. The keep (donjon), a residential tower of Dolný hrad, is the most significant architectural feature of Pustý hrad.

After a Gothic castle was built in the city, which became the new seat of the royal county, the castle lost its importance. Over time, it became accommodation for military units until it was destroyed by fire in 1452. Since then, it has been a ruin.

Like most castles, Pustý hrad also has its legends. The most famous one is about the cursed Barát. He is a monk with a horse's hoof instead of one foot who guards local treasures. He can appear to visitors in the form of a hermit or an animal and usually scares them to death.

There are several ways to reach Pustý hrad, but definitely the most interesting of them is the route along the Náučný chodník Pustý hrad educational trail. Another route begins near Zvolenský zámok, across the Slatina river, continuing along the main road. When you arrive at the parking lot at the end of Zvolen, at the signpost you can choose a route along the blue or green hiking mark. From the castle, a view of Zvolenská kotlina together with the surrounding mountain ranges will then open up to you.

Find pleasant accommodation near Pustý hrad, follow in the footsteps of our ancestors, and visit places where people lived as early as the Younger Bronze Age. In addition to Pustý hrad, which is sometimes also called Zvolenský hrad or Starý Zvolen, you will also find other attractions in Zvolen and its surroundings waiting for you to visit them. Allow at least a long weekend to explore the area. Also visit the page accommodation in Zvolen, where you will surely find the right choice for you and plan a great trip.

Jazdenie na koňoch Ružiná is a family-style rural agritourism facility. It is located in the small village of Ružiná, in the Lučenec district. A peaceful and quiet environment, the presence of animals, and an interesting range of equestrian activities make this place a popular excursion destination for horse lovers, families with children, tourists, and active vacationers. Do you also feel like exploring the Novohrad region from the saddle? Be sure to plan a stop at this hospitable family farm.

Majestic horses are undoubtedly the biggest attraction of the farmyard in Ružiná. Its owners will gladly initiate you into the secrets of riding, as well as horse care and even training. Your little ones will enjoy a safe ride in the saddle under the supervision of an experienced instructor. Seasoned horse lovers can take advantage of the offer of trail rides into the surrounding nature. They say the world is most beautiful from horseback. Come see for yourself with your own eyes.

Horses, however, are not the only animal residents of the family farm. Along with them, you will also be greeted by dogs, several chickens, or quails. You can get to know them, learn more about farm work, and enjoy the peace and quiet of the countryside environment. If you have your own dog, the owners will gladly advise you on its training. The surrounding nature offers a pleasant setting for a walk or a family picnic. We recommend leaving your mobile phone at home.

Accept the invitation to experience the beauty and tranquility of the Novohrad countryside. Combine horseback riding with recreation at the Ružiná water reservoir and a tour of the magnificent Haličský zámok. In the surrounding area, you can also go on a trip to Divín castle or go check out Zichyho kaštieľ manor house. Excursion options here are truly diverse. If you feel like spending an extended weekend in this region, search on our portal for accommodation near the Jazdenie na koňoch Ružiná attraction. You can choose from the accommodation offer in Ružiná or opt for nearby accommodation in Lučenec. In any case, you can look forward to plenty of interesting experiences.

Ružiná is an artificially built reservoir in the Lučenec district. It extends into the cadastral territory of two villages, Ružiná and Divín. Thanks to its location at an altitude of 385 m above sea level, it is among the warmest water reservoirs in our country, with an average water temperature of 23°C. It is set in the enchanting nature of the Lučenská kotlina basin, surrounded by its forests and greenery.

It was built on the Budinský potok stream between 1969 and 1973, with its area ranging from a minimum of 45 ha to a maximum of 170 ha. Its original purpose was flood protection and industrial use, balancing the flows of the Budinský potok and Krivánsky potok streams. However, ever since its construction, it has also been a popular sports and recreational location with a wide range of activities. Naturally, you can go swimming or surfing here, or rent boats and paddleboats. You can play various sports, as volleyball courts and tennis courts are available. It also offers opportunities for camping, fishing, and active relaxation. This can include increasingly popular cycling, as a cycle path is even built around the dam.

The dam reaches a maximum depth of 7 m, and its bed is home to a large population of freshwater bivalves, specifically duck mussels and painter's mussels. In addition, various protected species of waterfowl nest here. Not far from the dam are the nature reserves Príbrežie Ružinej and Ružinské jelšiny.

A beautiful view of the dam and its surroundings opens up to you from the hill where the ruins of Hrad Divín lie. Apart from the ruins, this small village hides other sights worth seeing. Specifically, these are the Renaissance manor house Zichyho kaštieľ, the Kostol Všetkých Svätých church, the Kaplnka sv. Anny chapel, and the rectory building, which features the oldest sundial in Novohrad.

Spending the summer at Ružiná is a great idea. You will get a wonderful rest, recharge your energy, and have a fantastic time. All that remains is to find suitable accommodation near the Ružiná reservoir. Take a look at the accommodation Divín or accommodation in Lučenec dostrict page, and you will surely find options that suit you.

There is no doubt that Slovakia is a country of castles. Historians estimate that over 180 of them were built during the Middle Ages. However, only 17 of them have been preserved to this day. Among the castles that were not so lucky is Hrad Dobrá Niva. You can find the ruins of the Gothic fortified residence on a hill above the village of Podzámčok, just 4 km from the village of Dobrá Niva.

In the past, Dobronivský hrad played a very important role. It protected the old trade route leading south of Zvolen through Liptov and Orava all the way to Poland. This important postal and trade route was once called Via Magna. The first written mention of the fortress comes from 1305, where it is referenced as Castrum de Dobronya. In 1306, Matúš Čák Trenčiansky became its owner, taking it from Demeter Zólyomi. After his death, it passed through many owners. The Eszterházy family owned it the longest, from 1614 until 1804.

Not only good people always lived at the castle. One of the cruel rulers was Štefan Verböci, who entered history with the infamous Tripartitum code of laws. It cast many inhabitants of former Hungary into serfdom.

It is not known when the castle fell into ruin. In 1805, it was purchased by the Royal Court Chamber for the needs of the Mining Chamber, and from then on, the fortress began to decay. Local villagers also contributed to its present state by using it as building material for their dwellings.

The fortified residence once consisted of a two-story Gothic palace with a cellar, a tower, and stone ramparts. A ring of a moat and rampart fortifications wound around the hill. The entrance was protected by two gates, a bastion, and strong fortifications.

To this day, the restored corner of the palace with window openings and two stone consoles that originally supported a bay window have been preserved. In 1996, the ruin underwent reconstruction and conservation works.

A path starting near the church in Podzámčok will lead you to Dobronivský hrad. The entire ascent will take you approximately 20 minutes at a slow walk, and even your little ones can handle it. On the castle hill, a well-maintained area awaits you with restored stairs, benches, and a fireplace where you can roast delicious sausages.

If you still feel like having another adventure, head to Zvolen, where the modern complex Športový areál Orlík awaits you. In Zvolen, you will also find a replica of the Pancierový vlak Hurban armored train, which participated in fighting during the Slovak National Uprising. A very nice excursion will be a trip to Zvolenský hrad castle and to the ruins of Pustý hrad.

One day will certainly not be enough for you to discover the beauties of the region, so book accommodation near Hrad Dobrá Niva and plan trips around the surrounding area. You can choose whether you succumb to the charm of wooden cottages and chalets or prefer a guesthouse with a restaurant. You can find the entire offer on our subpage accommodation Podzámčok.

Despite the fact that Poľana is not among the highest peaks of our country, it is certainly one of the best-known. It owes this not only to folk songs that even small children know, but also to the fact that it is the most famous extinct volcano in Slovakia. And perhaps it is right in its immediate surroundings that you will experience the best skiing.

The ski resort Poľana nad Detvou will surely surprise you with the quality of skiing that you will be able to experience here. The resort itself lies on the southern slopes of the well-known Poľana, in a protected landscape area. This fact alone hints that something exceptional awaits you here. Beautiful nature and piles of snow in winter. What more could one wish for?

You can get to this ski resort from Hriňová, which is famous for its healing stays or water reservoir. From there, you will continue along a mountain road for about another 12 km. The Poľana nad Detvou resort can also be reached from Detva, which is famous for its folklore. If you choose this option and do not go via Hriňová, you will discover typical Detva scatter-site settlements.

You will certainly be surprised by the breathtaking view into the valley. You probably do not expect the ski resort to be spread out at a high altitude. However, the opposite is true. The ski slopes start at an altitude of 1184 and end at 1320 meters above sea level. In the ski resort, you will find a trio of ski lifts that ensure comfortable and fast transport for all skiers. Poľana nad Detvou boasts a pair of ski slopes that will mainly appeal to less demanding skiers. The first ski slope is marked in blue and is intended for absolute beginners or children. More experienced skiers will certainly appreciate the red, moderately difficult ski slope. Once again, we must remind you of the breathtaking view that awaits you while traversing the snow-covered plains.

The total length of the ski slopes in the resort is 1.7 km. A ski kindergarten and a separate children's lift are intended for the youngest toddlers. Here they will learn the art of skiing either accompanied by their parents or through qualified ski instructors.

In addition to everything mentioned, the rich offer of additional services and the quality background of the ski resort will also please you. A free parking lot, a buffet, a quality restaurant, a ski equipment rental and storage, and a ski service await you here. The Poľana nad Detvou ski resort also thinks of cross-country skiing enthusiasts. Here they will find up to 7 km of maintained trails in the beautiful environment of the surrounding forests.

Considering that the resort is located deep in the mountains, you will have to count on the fact that accommodation will be somewhat further away. An exception is the mountain hotel directly on the slope. However, in the surrounding villages, there is a sufficient number of various cottages, private rooms, and apartments that will satisfy even the most demanding. You no longer need to think about it, just pack your bags and hit the road.

A hero who was almost forgotten. The railwaymen of Zvolen etched their names into the famous history of the Slovak National Uprising primarily through the express construction of three armored trains: Hurban, Štefánik, and Masaryk. Hurban was the second armored train in sequence to fight for our freedom. As it was severely damaged in battle, today in Zvolen you can view only its replica, which was produced in 1974 for a movie about the SNP.

The production of improvised armored trains was driven by the fact that the insurgent army faced an acute shortage of motorized artillery and tanks. The order for their construction was issued by the Command of the 1st Czechoslovak Army in Slovakia on September 4, 1944.

The train J. M. Hurban was manufactured at the beginning of October 1944, and work on it lasted only 11 days. Since it was the second in sequence, it was technically better constructed, even though in this case too, it was armored only with ordinary 7 mm boiler plate. However, its armament was stronger than that of its predecessor. Its weapons equipment consisted of a field howitzer 14/19 with a caliber of 100 mm in a gun wagon, 3 cannons with a caliber of 37 mm in tank wagons, and 10 heavy machine guns with a caliber of 7.92 mm.

Its command was entrusted to Capt. Martin Ďuriš-Rubanský and 1st Lt. Dominik Miartuš. The train was driven by a civilian locomotive driver, Pavol Maťaš. The crew consisted of 75–80 soldiers and civilians. Electrical lighting, a telephone line with field telephones, and a device for operating the steam whistle from every wagon were installed on the train.

The entire combat unit consisted of an armored locomotive, tank wagons, an ammunition and machine gun wagon, an accommodation and kitchen wagon, and a wagon with sandbags. It was deployed in battle on the lines Hronská Dúbrava – Žiar nad Hronom and Banská Bystrica – Brezno – Heľpa, where it operated from October 3 to October 25, 1944.

On October 4, 1944, it was deployed in battles near Banská Bystrica, which the Germans wanted to reach through Malý Šturec. The order was clear: stop the enemy's advance, push them out of their defensive position, destroy the position that the Germans had about 800 m northwest of the Čremošné station, and thus allow our own units to restore the original defensive position. The Germans were surprised by the unexpected attack of the insurgents, which was accompanied by effective fire from the train, and so they retreated.

The train was seriously damaged in combat, but within two days workers not only repaired it, but also improved it and reinforced the tank turrets with additional armor. After replenishing the crew, it moved to the Červená Skala area and later to the section Banská Bystrica – Brezno – Heľpa, where it covered the retreat of insurgent units. It engaged in battle for the last time on October 23 near Heľpa.

However, the Germans were approaching from all sides, so the commander received an order to move the train into a tunnel in Harmanec after rendering the weapons and machinery useless. Here they met with the third train, which suffered the same fate. The combat journey of the trains ended here, and their crews left to fight in the mountains alongside the partisans.

The Germans captured the train sets and towed them away. After the war, two locomotives were found in the territory of Austria and the former Yugoslavia. You can find the replica of the armored train J. M. Hurban in the Park Štefana Višňovského under Zvolenský zámok.

After viewing the combat train, stay in the area below the castle and take a tour of the aforementioned Zvolenský hrad. If you feel like discovering the beauties of Podpoľanie, book your accommodation near Pancierový vlak Hurban right now and start planning your trips. You will find a rich selection of accommodation on the page accommodation in Zvolen. During your stay, be sure to visit Športový areál Orlík and do not miss Arborétum Borová hora.

We invite you into the company of majestic steeds, where you will forget the worries of everyday life and enjoy views of the world from horseback. Come relax at Ranč Haferník, which is situated in the heart of the unique nature of the Slovenské rudohorie mountains.

You can find the picturesque village of Detvianska Huta in the Podpoľanie region, near the town of Hriňová. In addition to admiring traditional log houses, you can go horseback riding at the local ranch. This agritourism facility is located on the edge of the village, near the Čechánky locality. You can reach it comfortably by car, which you can park in the free parking lot.

Ranč Haferník offers horseback riding services for beginners as well as experienced riders. Those sitting on a horse for the very first time are attended to by a professional instructor from the beginning. Advanced riders can saddle up their four-legged friend and unwind in its saddle while wandering through the Podpoľanie countryside. However, when organizing these trail rides, it is necessary to form a group of at least 5 riders.

The youngest visitors have not been forgotten either. In the summer season, children's camps are organized for them. The rich offer also includes weekend stays in the saddle or the opportunity to visit this facility during a school trip. Children from kindergartens and primary schools gladly take part in it. If you do not directly long for equine company, you will be pleased by the opportunity to pet other farm animals here, such as sheep, goats, or cats.

Recharged for new days and with photos on your mobile phone, you do not have to rush back home. You can support the local ranch and treat yourself to a little refreshment in the form of a drink at a small family-run snack bar. Not only city children will be thrilled by the opportunity to roast food over an open fire in a fire pit. Has the offer to step away from modern civilization for a moment and enjoy everything this place has to offer caught your attention? If so, book accommodation near Ranč Haferník.

Since the ranch operates during the winter months as well, fathers and sports enthusiasts appreciate the proximity of Ski centrum Košútka. The groomed slopes offer excellent conditions for both skiing and snowboarding. An interesting family walk can be taken to Vodopád Bystré. Those who enjoy heights and beautiful views can head over to the lookout tower Rozhľadňa na Jasenine. Its observation deck offers a breathtaking view of the Juhoslovenská kotlina basin and Hungarian mountain ranges. During the summer season, relaxing in the pools of Kúpalisko Detva comes in very handy. Although it is among the smaller ones, it offers all basic services in its lineup.

We realize that all the above-mentioned activities cannot be managed in a single day. Accommodation providers who present their accommodation facilities on the MegaUbytovanie portal will gladly prepare everything necessary for your pleasant stay. It is entirely up to you whether you choose to sleep in a cottage in Detvianska Huta or decide on a wooden cabin in Detvianska Huta. We will gladly assist you with your choice.