Látky: Nature, Winter Sports and Cultural Heritage

Látky lies on a plateau in the Slovak Ore Mountains. Protected nature, winter sports, cycling, horseback riding and historic landmarks are among the themes to explore on a trip here. If you are looking for a hotel, you can first consider which of these interests will shape your stay. The places and activities below offer practical guidance—from cross-country ski trails and ski lifts to chapels and local produce.

Nature and Landscape

The Habáňovo Nature Reserve lies northeast of Látky, near the Mláky recreational area. Habáňovo protects peat meadows and hillside springs and is part of the Natura 2000 network. The nature reserve and the recreational area are distinct features of the landscape: Habáňovo lies northeast of the village, while Mláky is described as a nearby recreational area. Together with its plateau setting in the Slovak Ore Mountains, they provide the geographic context for exploring nature around Látky.

Winter Sports and Cross-Country Ski Trails

The Látky–Kočanda ski area has two drag lifts, each about 500 metres long. It is directly accessible from main road II/526, with access 10 to 50 metres from the road. Free parking is available, with about 100 spaces. As seasonal facilities, access and parking arrangements may change, check the operator’s latest information before travelling.

About 10 kilometres of cross-country ski trails are available in the Látky–Mláky area. They are five minutes from the village and suitable for beginners; trail grooming is seasonal. Check whether the trails have been groomed before making plans. A 2024 municipal report also mentions a ski slope in Látky for summer skiing on synthetic ski mats. Availability may depend on the operator and the season.

Cycling and Getting There

Two cycling routes are listed. The green cycling route “Okruh okolo Poľany” runs through Látky between Detvianska Huta and Lom nad Rimavicou. The yellow cycling route “Prameň Ipľa” passes through Prameň Ipľa, Vrch Ipľa, Bány, Mlakárske, Do Bánov, Prašivá Saddle, Mláky, Vrchy and Vrch Jazero.

SAD bus services run through Látky on the Zvolen–Detva–Látky–Kokava nad Rimavicou route. As timetables may change, check the latest schedule before setting off. Horseback riding is available at Ranč pod Bukmi in Látky. Confirm availability with the operator before travelling.

Culture and Local Produce

The brick bell tower in Látky dates from 1804; its bells date from 1806 and 1903. Mláky is home to two other historic landmarks: the Chapel of Saint Anthony of Padua dates from 1856, and the Chapel of Our Lady of the Rosary from 1930. Folk culture objects have also been preserved in the scattered settlements of Látky. The bell tower, chapels and folk culture objects therefore offer different points of interest for anyone interested in local history.

A farm shop at the RD Látky tourist accommodation sells organic dairy products made from cow’s and sheep’s milk, including cheese, bryndza and žinčica. Availability may vary. If you would like to include these products in your plans, check what is on offer in advance.

Discover more destinations: Detva, Vígľaš, Hriňová, Horný Tisovník, Klokoč, Kriváň, Dúbravy, Stožok.

See the broader travel overview: Detva District.