The route description Zvolen - Hronsek
| Lenght | Climb | Descent | Max inclination+ | Max inclination- | Highest point | Lowest point |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17,0 km | 329 m | -317 m | 24,6 % | -22,2 % | 461 m | 286 m |
From the center of Zvolen, cross the square towards the Europa Shopping Mall, continue towards the Hron River via a roundabout, and take the bridge across. At that point, you travel on the family trail that goes up to Sliač, on the right bank of the Hron River. In Sliač, turn right from the family trail onto the bridge and follow the main road through the town, up to the Sliač spa area. You can refresh yourself at the spring, possibly in a cafe, and then continue along the spa promenade. Once on the asphalt road, follow it for about 800 m. Turn left and walk along the chalets to the meadow, then cross the meadow on a small dirt road, and walk along the ridge. The path takes you through the forest and along the fields. Pass the sheep farm on the left. Keep walking on dirt roads until you come to Sampor. From the hill, you can see the monastery complex below. Entrance to the monastery is from the village side.
At the intersection below Sampor, turn left and go down the road towards “Veľká Lúka“. After 800 meters, turn right onto a dirt road below the ridge. It leads you past the cemetery on your right, and up the Castle way to Hronsek. Cross the railway line, pass on the left side of the moated castle and continue to the junction with the main road where you turn right. Local signs lead you to the wooden church.
From Sampor, the bike path continues on state road Nr. 2450 to the crossroad in the Veľká Lúka village where you turn right on state road Nr. 2413. This road takes you to Hronsek, a village famous for its Evangelical church made out of wood without any nails.
Stops on the route
The City of Sliač
The City of Sliač is located north of Zvolen. The city originated from the “Hájniky“ and “Rybáre“ settlements, so named after the rangers and fishermen of the Zvolen Castle. Since the 17th century, the city’s history has been strongly tied to the spa. Water from the spring comes out at a constant temperature, and its curing effects have been known for over 760 years. The oldest architectural monument in Sliac is the early Gothic, Roman Catholic St. Nicholas Church from the 13th century. It contains precious works of art. The wall paintings are by the famous Slovak painter Jozef Hanul. The old belfry in front of the church has historical significance. It has three bells, one of which is the Nicholas bell, the oldest and largest in Slovakia. Cast in 1512, it weighs 5.1 tons.
Sampor Monastery
Sampor is the new home of a monastic community which is striving to restore a monastic way of life in Slovakia. The Monastery of the Transfiguration in Sampor is an independent priory and a full member of the Benedictine Congregation of the Annunciation (since 2012). Benedictines are the successors of the ancient monastic movement of the Catholic Church, whose roots go back to the first centuries of Christianity. The “Sancti Benedicti Regula“, written at the end of the 6th century, remains today the primary Rule book of each Benedictine monastery.
Accommodation on the route
Click on the “larger map” in the top left corner to see a more detailed overview of the accommodation
Click on the “larger map” in the top left corner to see a more detailed overview of the accommodation
Click on the “larger map” in the top left corner to see a more detailed overview of the accommodation
We recommend the following accommodation and catering establishments.