The Most Beautiful Places of Central Slovakia Seen from a Bike

There are many interesting places in the region of Zvolen, such as mountains of volcanic origin, a number of castle ruins and beautiful nature reserves with well preserved fauna and flora. This part of Slovakia provides ideal conditions for active relaxation that includes biking. The bicycle routes are crossing diverse terrain that offers the unforgettable experience of long descents. This trip is suitable also for less advanced cyclists. We will visit interesting historical sites and unique natural monuments and reserves. We will stay in Kovacova, a spa that is attractive for tourists. In Kovacova, there is an open-air swimming pool where we can spend time relaxing.

• Itinerary
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Itinerary

Day 1:

Arrival to Slovakia, accommodation, informal reception.

Day 2:

We will make a trip to the ancient, former royal town of Banska Stiavnica (altitude 600 m) that is situated in the Stiavnica Hills. On bikes, we will cross the center of the town, and from there, forest trails will take us to clear, clean mining water reservoirs – ”tajchs”. We will get as far as Lake Pocuvadlo (the biggest in the area, altitude 740 m), and from there, we will go on a strenuous ride up to Sitno (altitude of 1000 m). There will be an extraordinary descent fom Sitno almost all the way to Banska Stiavnica.

Bicycle trail : 20 km long, gain in altitude – 400 metres.

Day 3:

We will make a short trip into Slovak history and visit Pusty hrad (Deserted Castle, altitude of 560 m) that was once the largest castle in the Central Europe, of which, however, only fragments have remained. The ruins of the castle tower above Zvolen, a cultural center of Central Slovakia.

Bicycle trail : 12 km long, gain in altitude – 270 metres.

Day 4:

The protected landscape area of Polana is a biosphere reserve that is under UNESCO protection. It is the largest volcano in Central Europe. Wild animals, such as bear, lynx and wolf, and many other precious animals and plants may be found in Polana. We will begin our trip in Detva, a cultural center of the Podpolanie region. We will go across Kalamarka – rock formations and towers that were created from lava remnants; also, a hill-fort built by the Luzica culture people in the 8th – 10th centuries is located here. Then, we will proceed to the Hotel pod Polanou (Hotel under Polana); on our way back, we will take a descent passing Melichova skala – a rock tower.

Bicycle trail : 20 km long, gain in altitude – 900 metres

Day 5:

We will take a look at Polana from the North, visit the village of Hrochot – a very typical type of village for this region. From Hrochot, we will take a ride to the small village of Kyslinka. We will proceed along a valley that is lined by untouched nature and typical mountain settlements.

Bicycle trail : 11 km long, gain in altitude – 630 metres.

Day 6:

We will ascend to Skalka (altitude of 1232 m), the highest peak in the Kremnica Hills. From Skalka, you will get a beautiful view of the surrounding hills and mountains. Also, there is a transmitting tower that is 310 m high located on the top. The trip will start in Kremnica, an ancient gold mining town. People started mining activities here as early as the year 1000; it used to be a free royal town. There is a 650 year old mint in the town that still operates; the mint is the oldest one in Europe. The center of the town is a monument reserve.

Bicycle trail : 11 km long + descent on the way back, gain in altitude – 900 metres.

Day 7:

We will cross the spa town of Sliac, then Lieskovec – suburb of Zvolen, and will get to the abandoned village of Slatinka. In couple of years, this village will be flooded by water of a new artificial lake. The nature of this picturesque part of the valley is unique, for example otter that is protected lives here. We will pass by the meanders of the Slatinka river and reach the Motova lake, which is used for recreation by people from Zvolen.

Bicycle trail : 20 km long, gain in altitude - 95 metres.

Day 8:

Farewell and departure from Slovakia.