Natural wonders in the Central Slovakia region that you will definitely want to visit!

The last snow traces are slowly melting, and from among them, the first snowdrops are blooming. The nights are getting shorter, the days are getting longer, and the sun rays warm our faces. Warm spring weather is coming, which is the most suitable and enjoyable for walks in nature. The Central Slovakia region offers you several natural wonders and magical places that are definitely worth visiting.

Skalný hríb Čertova skala

The photographic Skalný hríb above the village of Budča won’t escape the eye of any curious observer. If you seek unique natural wonders, this rock formation will undoubtedly captivate you. We are talking about an almost 17-ton rocky structure situated on a small stone pedestal. A nature trail leads to it along the green hiking trail. In tourist maps, you can find this place under the name „Budča Sietno.“ The route to the rock involves a steep uphill path, so we highly recommend wearing proper hiking footwear and bringing a water bottle. The view from the top is absolutely worth it, and if you happen to be traveling to Zvolen, we recommend making a stop here.

The tourist attraction that facilitates crossing the ridge of the Kremnica Mountains and shortens the journey from Banská Bystrica to Kremnica is the thirty-meter-long tunnel on the old gold mining route. This tunnel attracts tourists with its rich history, which you can read about on the information board. Currently, it is used as a passage for hikers, cyclists, and in winter, for cross-country skiers. From the Banská Bystrica side, it is marked with a yellow hiking trail from the parking lot near the chalets above Tajov and Králiky. On the Kremnica side, an easier walk will lead you to it from Skalka.

Tesárska ravine & Tesárske Dúpence

Hontianske Tesáre, hidden in their forests, hold a unique attraction. The canyon-like valley called Tesárska roklina was formed by the cutting of a watercourse through rocks of volcanic origin. The Slovak Grand Canyon entices tourists with its narrow passages, four waterfalls, and ancient hidden caves. Tesárske Dúpence, the ancient caves, were likely used as dwellings and shelters for people during Turkish invasions. Information boards in the area provide insights into the history of this place. Access to the gorge is from the village of Hontianske Tesáre via a red-marked hiking trail. This place is attractive in every season and aesthetically pleases any visitor.

Geographical center of Slovakia – Hrb

Did you know that hill Hrb (1256 m above sea level) is the geographic and geometric center of Slovakia? It is located in the village of Ľubietová and is part of the Ľubietovské Vepor mountain range. The hiking trail to the summit, marked with a red sign, offers beautiful views of picturesque meadows, deep forests, and mountain villages. During the ascent to the peak from various starting points, Cottage under Hrb serves as a central spot on the hike. You can enjoy a meal or stay overnight there throughout the year. The summit of hill Hrb offers stunning views that will captivate anyone.

Janošik’s Rock & Bata‚s Bouldern

Near the central Slovak village of Hrochoť, you can find the national natural monument – Jánošík’s Rock. It is a rocky cliff, which is a remnant of the volcanic Poľana mountain range, with a height of 30 meters and a length of 200 meters. From a distance, you can already see a cave in it, where, according to legend, the most famous Slovak outlaw, Jánošík, hid his stolen treasures. Another natural wonder in Hrochoť is the enormous 14-meter Baťa’s erratic boulder. Its size and position in the valley attract the interest of tourists seeking extraordinary natural phenomena. We recommend including this place in your cycling or hiking plans.

Bats Cave

Vrch Pánsky diel in Banská Bystrica is an interesting excursion spot that offers much more than breathtaking views. Among the most interesting freely accessible caves in Slovakia is the Bats Cave), which you will come across on your way to the summit. Its mysterious and narrow passages, spacious halls, and small lake add to the attractiveness of the place. During World War II, Partisans used to hide in this cave, which led to the naming of one of its halls as Partisan Hall. In addition to the Bats Cave, you will also find the Chapel Cave, which together form the complex of the Sásová Caves. The route to both caves is easy and leads to them from the Sásová neighborhood, following a trail marked with blue signs.