Slovakia - Bratislava - Banska Stiavnica
Slovakia is an ideal country for cycling. It has a dense network of paved backroads while still being largely undiscovered by cyclists. This route contains a well-balanced mix of Slovakia's breath-taking, natural beauty and immense cultural heritage. You will cycle first in a farmland plain, following the river Vah, and then in the forested Lower Tatras. On the way, visit the most famous spa town in Slovakia - Piestany plus the country's most romantic chateau in Bojnice. In Trencin, the imposing castle towers over the historical town square. Stay in Kremnica and Banska Stiavnica, two mining towns in the hills. Banska Stiavnica has a wealth of renaissance palaces, 16th century churches, elegant squares and castles.
Itinerary
Click on a day to see that days itinerary.
DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4 DAY 5 DAY 6 DAY 7 DAY 8
Day 1 | Bratislava
Arrival Bratislava, sightseeing tour in the capital of the Slovakia includes the Castle, St. Martin's Cathedral, Coronations, The Old Town Hall, The Primate's Palace, Grassalkovich Palace. Overnight in Bratislava.
Day 2 | Bratislava - Trnava (55 km / 35 miles)
The first day on the cycling route is fairly easy in terms of elevation and leads straight to the town of Trnava, the oldest royal town in Slovakia. Its past wealth is reflected in its fortifications and rich assortment of monuments - 8 churches, 2 synagogues and many old town houses. A superb view can be seen from the town tower, used as a watch tower before the Turkish invasion. Overnight in Trnava.
Day 3 | Trnava - Piestany (41 km / 26 miles)
Today's route begins on level terrain which turns into rolling hillsides around the most famous Slovakian spa town of Piestany. The quiet spa resort town of Piestany was founded in 1889 in the picturesque valley of the river Vah. The spa is renowned for successful treatment of arthritis. Many treatment methods are based on the extraordinary therapeutic effects of the thermal springs and curative mud. Piestany offers beautiful parks, sport facilities, a summer music festival, year-round live entertainment and shopping. Overnight in Piestany.
Day 4 | Piestany - Trencin (45 km / 28 miles)
Today you will be going to Beckov with its towering castle ruin of the same name a from here along the river Vah to Trencin. The majestic castle above the city creates natural picturesque scenery. Overnight in Trencin.
Day 5 | Trencin - Bojnice (65 km / 40 miles)
This is the most demanding day in terms of uphill cycling with a climb up Homolka (1600 m). However the terrain after this is easier with just one hill before arriving at the town of Bojnice. Less enthusiastic cyclists can be transferred by car to the top of Homolka from Trencin. Bojnice has what is probably one of the most romantic chateau in Central Europe. Overnight in Bojnice.
Day 6 | Bojnice - Kremnica (49 km / 31 miles)
This stage of the trail brings you from Bojnice to the town Kremnica, a mining town in the Middle Ages. The gold and silver production is presented in a local museum. The sloping regular square with the Holy Trinity Plaque Column affords a nice view of the imposing castle. The view from the castle is really impressive. History lovers may visit several attractive museums, they will go to the Franciscan church to admire its interior. Overnight in Kremnica.
Day 7 | Kremnica - Banska Stiavnica (45 km/ 28 km)
On the last day there is no rest for the cyclist in you with two more demanding ascents - one just after Kremnica and the other just before Banska Stiavnica. The reward is Banska Stiavnica, one of the most valuable historical towns in Slovakia. The visit to the Middle Age silver mine is a very interesting indeed. Its history, atmosphere and situation earned Banska Stiavnica a UNESCO World Heritage Site designation. Overnight in Banska Stiavnica.
Day 8 | Banska Stiavnica
Sightseeing tour of Banska Stiavnica, with a possible visit of the spa of Sklene Teplice with a bath in thermal cave. Departure. Note: The most demanding day in terms of ascents and uphill cycling (day 6) can be cut out with a car transfer, with an additional day spent in Banska Stiavnica:
Virtual Tour
See more of this region by clicking below for the virtual tour
Accommodation: 7 nights in charming 2/3 star guest houses and small charming hotels. A number of dining options exist in or within short walk of each property. All accommodations include private bathroom and a variety of other amenities. Websites and links available, please contact us.
Bike: [Click for image] Included; Trek 7300 FX hybrid; Bikes come equipped with handlebar bag, lock, water bottle, gps navigation (1 per couple or group), tire repair kit, computer, panniers. Moderate terrain with some rolling hills and easy to moderate distances. Tandem and child trailers also available - please inquire. Helmet included.
Maps
Images From this Tour:
Cycling Slovakia (from Bratislava - 300km)
Duration: 8 days/ 7 nights
Dates: April through October; this is a self-guided and supported tour. You can go any date subject to hotel availability. We can also organize guided trips for group sizes from 4 persons and up; please inquire.
Price
1190 euros per person, double occupancy. Single Supplement: 350 euros when 2 or more. Solo travelers add 15% supplement as well.
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Trip includes: all lodging, breakfast daily, luggage transfers, local emergency support, cell phone rental (for local calls only), transportation as in program, orientation, riding routes with maps and cue sheets, suggestions for visitation and dining, bike delivery, pickup, fitting, and fully equipped rental for the duration with GPS (1/group or couple).
A guided tour can be arranged along this same itinerary with a minimum of 4 persons. The price is higher per person at 1790 euros, based on double occupancy and includes all the same items plus guide, support van, and some guided visites at selected sites.
Level - Level 2
A Moderate tour that starts out easy and adds some hilly days and rolling terrain which adds challenge;
300 km in 6 days riding. Note: The most demanding day in terms of ascents and uphill cycling (day 6) can be cut
out with a car transfer, with an additional day spent in Banska Stiavnica. Ask us for info on this modification.
Self guided cycling tour - see link to know more!
Bike Rental Info
Included Trek hybrids, see specs at left.
Options
Extra nights before or after possible. Suggested arrival city is Bratislava direct, or nearby Vienna with train to Bratislava. Return to Vienna or Budapest. We can help with return train info and onward journeys.
Other tour options: Budapest to Krakow through Slovakia - contact us for info
Weather: The best time for cycling tours is between April and October. In the summer months it can get hot. It will be cooler on the mountain tours at this time. May, June, and September are generally good months to take advantage of the cooler, but still warm weather.
Pure Adventures Tours