In the heart of the Slovak Paradise, this 6th route is a round trip through and past some of Slovakia's beautiful National Parks. You will have the chance to visit 5 different nature reserves in one day; and enjoy the diverse vistas and views along the route.

Parts of this tour are also reflected in the 7th tour in this collection. You can therefore choose not to tour this day, but for example go hiking in the Slovak Paradise or visit the ice caves of Dobšiná. During the 30-minute walk you will visit ice caves with impressive names such as the White Dome, Ruffiny's Corridor and Hell (a special name for a cave where temperatures average around -4 degrees Celsius).

For those who drive the tour, a wonderfully relaxing day through forests and mountains awaits. The day starts quietly towards the West. After climbing a modest mountain pass (Besnik – about 1,000m) you will see the Chmarošský Viaduct on the right-hand side. This imposing 18 meter high train bridge was built in the 1930s as a connection between the villages of Telgárt and Vernár. Half hidden in the hills, the track houses a fine example of technology: to bridge the difference in height, the train climbs in a large circle straight through the mountain towards the bridge. You can follow the dirt path towards the bridge and take pictures here. Keep in mind that the track is still in use!

After this excursion, the ride continues towards Meandre Hrona. This nature reserve protects the floodplains and peat swamps of the Hron River. The area is home to several protected and rare plant species, making it closed to pedestrians. The best way to view the area is from the viewpoint along the main road.

Once on your motorbike, you will soon pass the next protected nature reserve: the national park “Muránska planina”. This park is part of the Carpathians. The karst mountains reach an altitude of about 1,000 meters and are home to various wildlife species, such as bears, lynx and wolves. Today you will probably see few here along the (sometimes busy) main road.

The route continues to follow the Hron River, until just before the town of Brezno. Here you turn towards the Low Tatras National Park. The little sister of the High Tatras has somewhat lower mountain peaks, but is certainly not inferior to its big brother. With an area of 728 km2, this national park is the largest in Slovakia. The only road through the park climbs via the Čerovica mountain pass to an altitude of around 2,000m. Take a break on top of the mountain as well. Directly along the road are two restaurants where you can enjoy all the greenery around you from the terrace.

Belly filled, the descent begins towards the valley, which is wedged between the mountains of the Low and High Tatras. In this valley lies the town of Liptovský Hrádok (“Little Castle of Liptov”), named after the castle of the same name, just on the north side of the city. This castle was built in 1341 to accommodate hunters and local forestry workers. In addition, the castle also protected travelers on the Via Magna trade route in the past. The castle is not always open to visitors, but you can always stop to take pictures of the outside.

Don't store your camera too far away, because - after leaving the city - you get a better view of the snowy peaks of the High Tatras National Park. The 2358 is a relatively quiet road, making it easy to stop to take in the mountains and take pictures.
It is the only mountain range in the Carpathians with an Alpine character. You will hardly notice this during your ride. The only road along the mountain range never climbs to the high peaks and continues to wind along the mountains. You drive through the endless forests at the feet of these imposing mountains. Every now and then the forests open up and you have a beautiful view of the valleys south of the Carpathians.

Along the way you can take a break in Štrbské Pleso. This resort is popular with hikers and winter sports enthusiasts. Regardless of the time of year, it is always busy here. The easiest way is to drive through the resort. After you have left the village, you can stop on the right side of the road at Restaurant Koliba. Here it is often quieter and you have a better view of the mountains of the Tatras. You can also relatively easily walk from here to the 90 meter and 120 meter high ski jumps a little further outside the village. In the 1980s, the FIS Ski Jumping World Championships were held here every year.

The last part of the route heads south again, towards the Slovak Paradise. But before you drive back into this area, you can take a trip to a fun tourist attraction. The Slovaks call it the unique potato cellars of Liptovskej Tepličke. If you don't know what to expect, it looks like you're looking at a village with Hobbit houses. The mound is covered with about 400 wooden doors, each of which is a small space that can hold an average of 30 sacks of potatoes. Above all, it is a fun place to stretch your legs and look around.

Before you climb the Vernár mountain pass, it is a good idea to take the detour to Poprad. Here you will find the last gas station on your route today (with 40km to go to the guest house in Dedinky). After the refueling stop, and possibly a coffee stop in Hranovnica, the climb over the Vernár begins. The road winds to a modest height of around 1,000m and puts some nice hairpin bends in front of your wheels, before arriving back at Penzión Pastierňa in Dedinky after a day of driving.