Today you drive the 5th route from a route collection through Slovakia, and the ride Westwards begins. This is (fortunately) not the fastest route to the West, but a route along a number of cultural attractions. And even better… the roads to it are also worth the effort.
You have spent the past few days in a guest house along the Veľká Domaša reservoir. With an area of 1,510 hectares, it is an impressive lake. Especially when you consider that the reservoir (small) at the end of your ride, at Palcmanská Maša, has a surface of “only” 65 hectares.

The morning starts quietly. Hopefully you were able to enjoy the view of the reservoir one last time, during a delicious breakfast on the terrace in front of the pension. After this, an easy winding road starts through the woods towards Hanušovce nad Topľou. If necessary, you can refuel here before continuing on the road towards the town of Bardejov.
You actually “cruise” towards this old city. The route alternates between main roads and smaller roads. Each village is followed by forest areas, after which the view opens again and you have a view of the rolling hills in this area.

After driving for more than an hour you arrive in the fortified town of Bardejov. You will undoubtedly notice that the medieval atmosphere has been well preserved. It is not for nothing that the city is included in the list of UNESCO world heritage sites. With 65 kilometers "in your legs" you may not have covered a great distance yet, but a walk through the old town and the Jewish quarter is a pleasant break. Also take a moment to pause somewhere on a terrace to take in the atmosphere.
Are you interested in beautiful architecture? Then the next stop, just after Bardejov, is worth it. In Eastern Europe – and especially in Slovakia – you often find beautiful wooden churches. A good example is the Roman Catholic Church of St. Francis of Assisi in the village of Hervartov. This church dates from the 15th century and is decorated inside with some beautiful painted panels.

With two stops close behind each other, it is nice to make kilometers and bridge a distance. The next 85 kilometers to your next break are a wonderful ride to take. In general it is fast kilometers on good asphalt, and your motorcycling skills will be little challenged… Until you reach the Branisko pass. Not an exciting pass in itself, but the previous kilometers could have slowly rocked you into an autopilot. Once awakened again, a perfect moment has come to shift attention to the castle of Spiš.

The castle ruins are one of the largest castle sites in Central Europe, dating back to the 12th century. Over the centuries, various Hungarian and Slovak noble families have left their mark on the castle's appearance. According to stories and drawings, it would have been a beautiful castle with an important role in local history. Unfortunately, the castle lost its glory in the 17th and 18th centuries. The last noble family left the castle, because it was no longer defensible by new war techniques. During the vacancy, a large fire ruined the castle. Today it is open to visitors and you can grab a bite to eat there.
From here the climb begins slowly. The route never rises above 1,000 meters, but occasionally offers beautiful views of the landscape. A number of hairpin bends will eventually take you back towards the valley and the town of Levoča.

Like Bardejov, Levoča has been able to preserve its old character, allowing tourists to find this city as well. If you haven't sniffed enough culture today, you can enjoy a stroll between the colorful old buildings. Do you just need a break? Also consider stopping here. Due to the wide avenues and spacious squares in the center, you can relax here on one of the many terraces. Take in the hustle and bustle of the crowds for a while, not much later you drive southwards on quiet roads towards your final destination.
In principle it is about 40 kilometers from Levoča to the hotel in Dedinky. In principle… Because of course the route takes a detour to the hotel. With an extra 50 kilometers loop through the forests south of the Slovak Paradise Natural Park, you can enjoy a number of modest mountain passes with beautiful names such as Sedlo Grajnár and Súľová.

The last kilometers before Dedinky you enter the Slovak Paradise and it is time to take in the view of the next reservoir: that of Palcmanská Maša. The hotel (Penzión Reštaurácia Pastierňa) is located on the other side of the lake, in a small cul-de-sac. The facilities are simple and fine, the food all the more delicious.
The cook makes delicious local specialties, which you can use to gain enough strength for a nice evening walk or a longer walk in Paradise the next day. The nature reserve is a hiking mecca because of its untouched nature. With over 250 kilometers of adventurous hiking trails along gorges, caves and waterfalls, you'll be spoiled for choice. Do you have time? Then choose to stay here for a day longer. Consult with the owner which walks are most suitable for you. If you are sure-footed, a climb along the cascading waterfalls is an absolute must. A visit to one of the spectacular ice caves in the park is also worthwhile.