Tyrnau: Hiking, Landscapes and Culture

The Trnava Region lies in southwestern Slovakia and borders the Czech Republic and Hungary. Its natural and cultural destinations include the Little Carpathians, the Molpír archaeological site and historic buildings. Around Smolenice, trails pass through gorges and climb to a summit with views across the mountains; in Trnava, preserved Renaissance rooms await. This makes it possible to discover Tyrnau with a variety of interests in mind.

Hiking between gorge and summit

The Smolenický kras educational trail leads through the Hlboča gorge to a nine-metre waterfall, the only waterfall in the Little Carpathians, and to the Molpír archaeological site. The waterfall’s visibility depends on the season. The 7.5-kilometre educational trail is a family-friendly recreational route with nine information stations. Check local route conditions and signage before setting out.

The circular route from Smolenice to the summit of Záruby is approximately 10 kilometres long, of moderate difficulty and marked in yellow and blue; it is also suitable for younger children. Shorter and classified as easy, the 5.5-kilometre Majdan educational trail focuses mainly on forestry and natural history. It can be walked in summer and winter, including on cross-country skis in winter; winter conditions may vary. The routes therefore differ in both length and difficulty, as well as in character: from easy Majdan and family-friendly Smolenický kras to the moderately difficult climb towards Záruby.

Nature and getting around

The summit of Záruby is 767 metres high and offers views across the entire Little Carpathians region. The region’s natural attractions also include Driny Cave and the Smolenice karst area. In Trnava District, the Malé Karpaty Protected Landscape Area includes the Hlboča and Záruby National Nature Reserves, as well as Driny Cave National Natural Monument.

The Štrky recreational area offers another way to spend time outdoors. It has a body of water, an educational trail, nesting boxes for birds and bats, and a shelter with a barbecue area. A continuous cycle path connects the area with the centre of Trnava. Smolenice lies on the edge of the Little Carpathians and is connected to Trnava by rail and regular regional bus services. The town is a gateway to numerous hiking and cycling routes. Check timetables before travelling.

Castles and the Renaissance

Smolenický Castle was originally a guard castle built in the 14th century and was later converted into a romantic residence. Another historic stop is Dolná Krupá Castle, home to the Ludwig van Beethoven Memorial exhibition. The castle and exhibition are open during their respective opening hours; the park is open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Check current visiting hours before your trip.

In Trnava, the Archbishop’s Palace has authentically preserved rooms with Renaissance vaults and portals, which together form a cohesive Renaissance ensemble. The West Slovak Museum is housed in a 13th-century Poor Clare monastery building. Its collections include natural sciences, history and ethnology, as well as a historical library. These places also show the varied ways in which the region’s architecture and history can be explored.

Wine, honey and regional experiences

For cyclists, the wine-growing circular route through the Trnava Region connects the city of Trnava with wine-growing communities below the Little Carpathians. The marked cycle routes cover almost 100 kilometres and are divided into three circular routes of different lengths. Check trail conditions and markings before setting off.

The Včelovina site includes a honey café and an educational herb and beekeeping garden. Experiential educational tours for school groups introduce children to flower species, the work of beekeepers and life in the hive. At the Včelco cider house below Smolenický Castle, the focus is on mead products and a tasting room, where visitors can learn about the production process and special recipes. Before your visit, check the café’s current programme, tour schedule and tasting options.

Beyond these excursion destinations, the region offers a range of other themes: Piešťany is a spa town in the Trnava Region, and there are numerous water mills along the Malý Dunaj River. These destinations complement the hiking and cultural themes with spa history and industrial heritage, without presupposing any particular visit or current offer.

Discover more destinations: Trnava, Trstín, Veľká Paka, Skalica, Trnava, Topoľníky, Galanta, Vlčkovce, Špačince, Vieska, Váhovce, Veľká Mača, Vinohrady Nad Váhom, Trakovice, Veľké Orvište, Veselé, Štefanov, Trnovec, Veľké Kostoľany, Piešťany District, Hlohovec District, Dunajská Streda District, Senica.

For the main travel overview: Slovakia.