Hiking and biking trails Stredné Slovensko

Are you a passionate nature lover who likes to explore interesting places? In that case, we recommend visiting the picturesque village of Malachov located in the Banská Bystrica region. Right here, you can discover the interesting Malachovské náučnú chodníky.

Malachovské náučnú chodníky is the name for several hiking and thematically oriented trails that lead from the village of the same name. They were opened to the public in the spring of 2012. The trails start at a recreational meadow designated as Pod Skalkou. This meadow is located roughly 1 km above the village and an asphalt forest road will lead you to it. You can rest on benches with nearby fire pits even before setting off on a hike. That is also one of the reasons to motivate children to complete the chosen trail faster. After all, who wouldn't treat themselves to roasted bacon or sausage after a hike?

There is also a nice wooden signpost on the meadow, and just above it, a parking lot where you can comfortably park your cars. An orientation map of the valley with a description of the individual routes is not missing either. It is up to you whether you choose the easy red route "into history," which is accessible by bicycle and stroller along the asphalt road. Or perhaps you will be intrigued by the mining trail (black route), or the one dedicated to nature and its beauty (green route). Entrance to the trails is free, and together with your children, you can observe springs, a romantic pond, streams and brooks, a beautiful waterfall, breathtaking mining monuments, or spot local inhabitants like frogs and lizards.

You can learn more about the history of mining on the Banícky chodník. Its route leads through Cipkove jamy, where silver and iron ore were mainly mined. However, you will also reach a scenic meadow located on the slopes of Nemecký vrch. The Historický chodník will direct you through the ski resort Medvedica to the forested hill Hrádok. Long ago, a medieval hillfort stood here. The trail continues to the village of Malachov, which is typical for its narrow streets and houses of original folk architecture. On the route, you will also encounter the historical Teremový mlyn as well as a gunpowder production facility referred to as the “stará pracháreň na Stupách.”

Not only lovers of natural phenomena will appreciate the Prírodovedné chodníky, where you will encounter a peculiar "gray" grass. It is an anomaly caused in the past by the mining and processing of mercury. Also interesting is the mountain stream Malachovský potok, which creates a deep gorge in some places. The deepest point of this stream is called Malachovský vodopád. Naturally, you will also be able to walk around ice lakes or Ortútske jazierko with wetland plants and animals. You will also be captured by Horná roveň and Malachovské skalky, which are classified as protected natural areas.

If you would like to explore other interesting attractions in Malachov, you can easily let your own feet lead you to the Skalná vyhliadka Trávny Ždiar. Together with the little ones, you can visit the Pony farma Suchý Vrch. In case of bad weather, the amusement park Bounce park 17 will also delight you. On hot summer days, you can refresh yourself after a hike in Aqualand - Plážové kúpalisko Banská Bystrica. In the evening, you can simply rest physically and uplift your artistic spirit at Divadlo u Greškov.

Is one day not going to be enough for all of this? Then do not hesitate to book accommodation near Malachovské náučnú chodníky. In this village, cozy wooden cottages are mostly popular, but romantic apartments may also appeal to you. We will gladly help you make the right choice of accommodation where you will feel comfortable during your stay.

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.

If you enjoy putting on your hiking boots, set out to discover the beauties of nature in Muránska planina. In the village of Tisovec, which is a well-known birthplace of Slovak painters, politicians, and artists, you will have the opportunity to spend a day in this national park. This is also possible thanks to the Náučný chodník zbojníka Jakuba Surovca educational trail in Čertova tiesňava.

The educational trail begins in the village of Tisovec. From the local sheep farm (salaš), where you can treat yourself to a tasty bite to eat, set off directly towards adventure. Crossing this trail is at your own risk. The trail is one-way, has a length of 4.7 km, and an elevation gain of 268 m. The hike will take approximately 3 hours of your time. The difficulty of the loop trail is medium, so it is good to have very good footwear. During the winter months, in spring, and also during heavy rains, the terrain is dangerous and visiting is not recommended. However, as a group of 4 or more people, you can arrange a guide who will enrich your walk along the route with an engaging commentary.

Just as the highwayman Juraj Jánošík is well known in Slovakia, the highwayman Jakub Surovec is known in the Malohont region. He was the leader of a group of highwaymen who robbed wealthy people not only in Slovakia but also in parts of Poland. That is also why the trail leading through the untouched nature of Čertova dolina, through which he escaped from the gendarmes long ago, is named after him. The most beautiful spots on this trail are attractive gorges, which you can conquer here using wooden ladders.

After starting your journey from the sheep farm, heading upstream along the creek, you will enjoy bird song in the canyon-like valley, the soothing sounds of falling water from the waterfall, and the rustle of the forest, dominated by fir, spruce, beech, and valuable broadleaf trees on limestone bedrock with karst relief. At the beginning, you will be surprised by a legend about a local monk, which you can read on the 1st of the 7 panels. The route continues to the cave in Remeta. Do not miss Rizňa either, a wooden chute used for sending timber down. You can also stop by a miraculous spring, but we do not recommend drinking water from it. There are 2 information panels placed in Makové koryto. One concerns hunting and the other forestry. Following Masarykova cesta, continue to Čertov viadukt, where an information panel with information about the rack railway line Pohronská Polhora – Tisovec awaits you. You can refresh yourself and enjoy a moment of rest at Vyvieračka, a modified spring. Continuing into Čertova dolina, where Zbojnícky vodopád, the narrow pass Surovcov stisk, Malý vodopád, dams, the narrow pass Posledná barikáda, and a cave are located, you will enjoy beautiful views of the surroundings. At Pacherka, a panel will introduce you to information about sheep farming and highwaymen. At Galička, a true Carpathian sheep farm with a shepherd (bača), farmhands (vlasi), and sheep is located.

This longer hike will give you a workout, but it is well worth completing. Perhaps you will still have enough strength to step into a carriage of the steam rack railway Parná zubačka Tisovec. In the winter season, it is great to enjoy the slopes of the ski resort Tisovec - Rejkovo and Tisovec - Bánovo. From another perspective, the lookout tower Rozhľadňa Zbojská offers views of the world. Are you warm and feel like cooling off not only from the inside? Then visit the pools of the swimming pool Klenovec. Rest assured that you will not be bored in this region.

For a longer stay, we recommend booking accommodation near Náučný chodník zbojníka Jakuba Surovca. The cheapest solution during the summer is to set up a tent. This option does not suit everyone, so it is good to choose from the range of cottages and chalets in Tisovec or treat yourself to comfort in a room at Hotel Tisovec. We will gladly help you with your choice.

If you feel like exploring typical, distinctive villages dominated by traditional folk elements, we definitely recommend visiting the Banská Bystrica region. In the western part of the Veľký Krtíš district lies the fascinating village of Hrušov. Its locals will welcome you with joy and enthusiasm, showing you not only breathtaking views from the observation tower on Prašný vrch, but also something you won't find anywhere else in Slovakia: the extraordinary, abandoned Pivnice v Hrušove cellars.

The Pivnice v Hrušove cellars are famous mainly because, long ago, local residents hid in them during Ottoman raids on our territory. They carved these cellars directly into soft volcanic rock, also known as tuff. When the danger and fear of war passed, they decided to repurpose them primarily for storing wine. This comes as no surprise, as the village of Hrušov is renowned for its winemaking tradition, dating all the way back to 1135. The wine cellars are hidden in beautiful, dense forests. While walking to them, you can stop by an information board. The cellars are part of an educational tourist trail that begins right at the village of Hrušov, with a total length of 6 km.

So, what does a cellar in Hrušov look like? In most cases, it was a single room used to store wine. For wealthier owners, it consisted of two parts. In the first part, owners stored vegetables or potatoes. The second part was particularly interesting because of its contents, the wine itself. Upon entering this room, besides the prepared glass of wine, you will surely notice the black mold on its walls. This mold is completely natural for these cellars and even highly desirable. We definitely recommend experiencing the unique atmosphere of these cellars firsthand.

The Hont region is rich in other intriguing attractions for you to discover and enjoy to the fullest. The aforementioned view of the village and its surroundings is provided by the observation tower on Prašný vrch. You can also relax perfectly in the famous Kúpele Dudince spa. Tourists often choose several beautiful, mostly ruined or abandoned castles as their destinations; the subtle remnants of Hrad Cerovo or Hrad Čabraď are among them. You don't even need to be a history buff to visit Hontianske múzeum in the town of Šahy. It offers up to 6 different exhibitions, giving you plenty to choose from. To end your day on the best possible note, you might enjoy another wine tasting in the historic cave cellar in Hontianske Moravce.

Reinvigorated by a sip of fine wine, we recommend staying here for a bit longer. In the morning, waking up at your accommodation near the cellars in Hrušov will make your eventual return home much sweeter. You can wake up in a beautiful, cozy room at Apartmen Hrušov or choose private accommodation in the form of cottage Hrušov as your temporary home. We will gladly help you select the absolute best accommodation for your stay.