The most beautiful views in the Central Slovakia region
Even though the weather during the winter season might not be ideal, there is still a lot to explore in the Cetral Slovakia region. Experience the most beautiful views of the surroundings by visiting observation towers and viewpoints. If you want to have the Kremnické vrchy, Veľká Fatra, Banská Bystrica, Krupina, Krížna, or the Nízke Tatry mountain range at your fingertips, be sure to visit these places.
If you have ever visited the Šachtičky ski resort, we are sure you couldn’t miss the observation tower located near the central parking area. From the bird’s perspective, you can admire the ridges of the Veľká Fatra and Low Tatras mountain ranges. During the week, the tower may be closed, but don’t let that discourage you. The hotel reception will gladly provide you with a key to open it.
The observation tower on Krahulský vrch offers a pleasant and easy hike with views of the Žiarska kotlina, the town of Kremnica, the Vtáčnik mountain range, and the Štiavnické and Kremnické vrchy. The architecture of this 13.5 m tower made of solid wood with a hexagonal floor plan will surely catch your eye. The observation tower is situated at an elevation of nearly 1000 m above sea level between Kremnica and the neighboring village of Krahule. The starting point is in the village of Krahule, near the church, from where the path continues along the local hiking trails. If you prefer longer and more challenging hikes, you can try the route directly from the center of Kremnica.
The 9-meter-high Pršian Observation Tower offers its visitors beautiful views of Banská Bystrica, Sliač, Zvolen, and the Low Tatras) mountain range, which will surely not escape the keen eye. Inside the observation tower, there is a topographic map that makes it easier to identify the surrounding peaks. You won’t lack for new knowledge even during the easy ascent. Along the marked trail, you’ll find several educational boards describing the historical and natural attractions of the village of Horné Pršany and providing tips for hiking in the Kremnica Mountains. The educational trail starts in Horné Pršany – an offshoot of the yellow hiking trail leading to Kremenia and ends below the peak of the hill called Lažtek, in the locality of Kopanice, where the observation tower is situated.
If you have a desire to experience a bit of adrenaline in a gorge on wooden ladders, you don’t have to go only to Slovenský raj. The Skalná viewpoint on Suchý hill offers an easy hike through a beautiful forest, a passage through a small gorge, a rocky hole, and 8 ladders. The starting point is at the parking lot on Suchý vrch, from where you need to continue a few meters uphill on an asphalt road to the tourist junction Suchý vrch, turn to the viewpoint. From there, following the blue trail, you’ll directly reach the top of the viewpoint, passing by the rustic Cottage on Suchý vrch. However, please note that the trail is one-way, so enjoy the descent path on the trail around the clearing, through meadows, back to the former Chata na Suchom vrchu. From there, you can return to the parking lot using the same path you came.
The Vartovka in Krupina, a 13-meter-high tower, was originally used as a guard tower to inform about potential dangers. Today, it serves as a lookout tower offering panoramic views of the surrounding Štiavnica Mountains and Krupina Plain. It dates back to the second half of the 16th century and is among the last remaining guard towers in Slovakia. What makes it even more interesting is that it is listed in the National cultural heritage list of the Slovak Republic. You can reach the Vartovka easily from the center of Krupina by taking a pleasant hour-long walk along the blue hiking trail.