SK, Malachov – A Place Ideal for Tourism II

Pod Skalou relax meadow is a popular place in the Malachova region not far from Banska Bystrica. You can chill out by mountain spring, make use of local fire place, a shed or a meadow which is sort of a playground. However, in case you are an active tourist, there are several nature trails to choose from. And they all start here.

You can get to Pod Skalou recreation meadow by car from Banska Bystrica. Park it right next to the meadow which is not far from the village. Should you travel by bus, the line 51 (601451) links Malachov and Banska Bystrica. When on bus terminus, you follow the main road and go about 1 kilometer from the village. In 15 minutes you get the recreation meadow or you may set out on some local nature trail.

The mine nature trail consists of steep forest pathways. They make Maly and Velky Mine Circuits. The trail follows places of former cinnabar mines, iron ore, and brown coal. Pure mercury was extracted from cinnabar and then exported worldwide. It was precious metal. The locality is the oldest and one of the largest in Europe. It peaked in the 15th century. The first settlers came here because of rich deposits of raw materials here.

In wild forest, there are many remains of shafts, mining pathways, or heaps. Also, you may see there preserved exits from old medieval mines, remains of surface mines, or some modern mines. There are many remains of mining activity. Without information panels along the nature trail, a tourist would hardly notice these. For instance, there is an entrance to medieval mine above Krvava Welll, therei s an entrance to medieval mine which is partially cleared out.

A small miner's circuit is doable in about half an hour. It takes you across Nemecky Vrch and Cipkove Jamy localities. The larger miner's circuit is doable in about two hours. It takes you through Grofuv Obed spring and U Jezera mining locality, the richest mining zone in the area. Also, the trail takes you to a historically more recent area of Velka Studna, mercury was mined there as recently as in the 1980s.

Another nature trail will unveil to you the beauties and interesting locales in local nature. An information board near the stream on Pod Skalkou meadow invites you to discover the small Kamenne More (Sea of Stones). You maycontinue through pine-beech forest across Malachovska gorge or along the asphalt road to locality's greatest attraction. Narrow 15-meter Malachovsky waterfall is easy to spot from the trail.

From Ortuty cabin the trail goes along steep forest terrain.  You will reach a huge stone cone which emerged when rocks from Dolni Skala klippe fell down. When you walk in forest below the klippe, you will feel a sudden change when warm air becomes cold. Temperature is always bit lower here then around for this area is a of microclimatic anomaly, it is called Ledove Diry (Ice Holes). This is unique because you may spot there ice and icicles even in the end of May. Cold air gathers in the area of collapsed klippe. It makes ice from water in the underground area. Spring summer rays hardly get through tree tops to these holes below ground. It results in sort of natural fridge.

Then the trail goes to Grofuv Obed spring and continues through forests to Ortutske Lake at 900 meters. This considerably large lake hidden in forests is mentioned in medieval mining records. locals cold it Hornicke Oko or Morske Oko.

A wharf and wooden bridges were added during the trail's construction. Also, it features several places to sit. However, it almost happened so that nothing would be there. The lake was filled with earth. Now it is considered a precious locality critical for some marshland species to survive.

An intersting fact about this trail is that Horni Skala primaveal forest was discovered here only several years ago. For its remote location the forest has remained practically untouched. This area even more untouched than Budinsky forest situated nearby.

The main nature trail branches to other, shorter circuits focused on nature history. For instance, you can make a short detour Skalka klippe. Less able tourists can take on easier, more comfortable trail which goes across Malachovsky Chotar, a reacreational trail across the valley. Bikers love this trail especially, for it goes along forest asphalt road. So, you can even hike there with a stroller. The trail takes you along mountain stream, cabin park, landscaped streams with benches. In winter, there are maintained cross-country ski trails which run to  Kraliky, Kremnica, Horni Prsany.

Many nature trails around Malachov are rather easy walks for family trips. Trails, which mostly go paralelly, feature many informative tables with many pictures. Good weather here allows you enjoy beautiful nature.

GPS: 48°42'31.8"N 19°03'32.5"E (Malachovsky waterfall)

Text and photos: Anna Nociarová
Edited by: Staff