This is the second route in a series of 9 journeys through Slovakia. The rides are structured in such a way that, while riding them, you get a good picture of the diversity of the country. You drive through various nature parks, over impressive mountain peaks and beautiful plains. Thanks to the many sights along the way, you will learn more about the rich Slovak history and culture.

Hopefully your stay with Chata Hodruša has done you good. After a quiet night along the lake, between the mountains, another day full of stimuli begins.

The morning starts with a winding road through the Štiavnické mountains. A nice start to warm up the engine. You can also refuel in Banská Štiavnica.

From here you take a smaller road North, towards the Hron river. You avoid the crowds and have ample opportunity to practice your cornering technique, as this road does not seem to have a straight stretch. Once back down in the valley, the Rhon leads you to Ostrá Lúka. This small village in the hills offers an insight into the traditional way of life and culture of the Slovak people. The castle of the noble Ostrolúcky is not open for visits, but a short walk around the castle and through the village - after an hour - drive might be a nice option to stretch your legs.

The route continues towards the Gavurky nature reserve. On the way you will first see the ruin of the Dobrá Niva castle, just before the village of Podzámčok, on the left side of the hill. You will also pass through the town of Dobrá Niva. You can pause here at the local pizzeria or postpone your break until Gavurky's visit (and that's a must!). In Dobrá Niva you can do your shopping at the local supermarket and then enjoy a lovely picnic. The Gavurky nature reserve is known for its centuries-old oak trees. You can park relatively close to the forest and from there look for a nice place for your picnic. With a beautiful view, in the shelter of the old trees, you can relax before you set off again. Don't forget to bring your waste!

After this break, the route winds further East, this time with a wide arc around the military training area of Lešť. On the way you will see few warning signs for this area, but a military vehicle accidentally passing by will alert you to where you are. Hence the advice not to deviate from the route here.

After about 4 hours on the road you will arrive in Divín. At the top of the hill, in the center of the village, are the remains of Divín Castle (not to be confused with the ruins of Devin Castle, your starting point on route 1). Like many of the castles in Slovakia, this castle was built in the 13th century and served as a fortress against the rising Turks in the 16th century. You can walk up and visit the ruin. Keep in mind that the walk upwards takes about 15 minutes. In the village you can also take a break at a local snack bar. Alternatively, you can also stop at a restaurant in the next village c

Small winding roads through the woods are interspersed with more continuous (and better asphalted) roads towards the Poľana nature reserve. This area is home to a number of modest mountain peaks of which the highest (around 1500m) is an inactive stratovolcano. For now we only drive past it. Here and there you can stop to enjoy the views, such as a reservoir.

Keep in mind that the road surface is not always of the same good quality! As a result, your average speed will not always be the same; and it is probably also pleasant to recover from all the bumps and potholes at Koliba Studienka. This cozy wooden chalet offers a choice of snacks and drinks to energize the last leg of the route.

Soon after, a real climb over a mountain pass (Chorepa) starts with a few beautiful hairpin bends. These are the advance for what is to come next: a stretch with endless curves and hairpin bends. The road here is wide and well paved, so you can enjoy yourself.

At about 15 km before the end of the route it gets spicier: "the sting is always in the tail". You are diverted from the main road from route point 25. This narrow, sometimes poorly paved, road takes you to Revúca. along the way you sometimes encounter very tight corners, worth using all your technical skills to get through. The reward is certainly no less: it is a spectacular piece to drive and also offers some beautiful moments from beautiful perspective to photograph your fellow travelers.

Are you tired after a long day of driving and you don't want to be difficult anymore? Then it is best to deviate from the route at route point 25 and follow the main road to Revúcka Lehota. When you arrive at the T-junction, turn left. After about 500m you can turn left towards the lake and Penzion Flipper, the end of your route.