We choose the village of Stare Hory by chance. We wanted to make a trip to the surroundings of Banska Bystrica, because I wanted to visit the town where I lived for 6 years. This village immediately attracted us with its enchanting nature. Village is located in Starohorska Valley. It’s middle of Starohorske hills in the east and Velka Fatra in the west.
Majerova skala
There is also a protected natural landmark called Majerova skala ( Majer’s Reef), which protects a distinctive rock formation. You need to be prepared for the hike to Majerova skala. Apart from the beautiful view of the surrounding mountains and valleys, you have to be careful as it is located at an altitude of 1.283 meters above the sea. You can also get there by following the blue-marked forest trail, but be careful as the altitude increases, as it becomes a steep, narrow and difficult terrain. Due to the altitude it takes 3 hours to reach the top, but you can take your dog with you. Of course if he is used to going to the hikes with you or has no problems with difficult terrains.
Majerova skala is listed among the natural sanctuary of Slovakia thanks to its charming nature. You can also find here several protected species of the flora and fauna. Unfortunately we didn’t have time to visit this place, but we definitely will go there in the future.
Accommodation
We were in Stare hory in October 2022. It was cold, but not too much to keep us from walking in the local forests. Despite the extreme cold, we enjoyed this trip with our dog. Since I’m a lover of forests and quiet peaceful environments, we immediately went from our accommodation to the forest that was right behind our cabin.
The accommodation was perfect. The owners lived right next door so if we needed anything we had someone to call. the interior was furnished with old furniture that made me feel like a child again. We used to go to the holidays with my grandparents. We usually spend valuable time together in small cabin near Klenovec. It’s also at centre of Slovakia. The feeling of warmth kept coming back to me. Of course there was a fireplace and warm heavy blankets, as it is very cold in this area especially at this time of the year. But, if I had to choose a season to visit this place again, I would choose the same as the first time. It had its own charm. Waking up on a cold morning with the pleasant mountain air. The mountains shrouded in mist. Dew all around. Small details like this that will please many nature lovers.
The accommodation also has a small garden and gazebo, which is ideal for an evening get-together, whether with friends, family or partner. My partner and I used it to sit for a few moments before a walk with our dog.
There were also grocery stores and farm shops near our accommodation with farm products such as cheese, bryndza, etc. You know you are in central Slovakia when you see such shops. I would definitely recommend to stop at the farm shops or directly at the farm. These products are incomparable in quality to the products you buy in the grocery store. Of course they are more expensive, but sometimes it is worth not thinking about the price.
We are the kind of people who feel much more comfortable when everything is close by. Not completely cut off from the world, but not in the middle of it either. If you are looking for a quiet place, literally in the embrace of nature, this is the place for you. We didn’t have much time to explore the whole area, but even a short visit of a few days was enough to make us want to come back again.
Tips for hiking and skiing
Also, if you are a hiking enthusiast, there are many places nearby that are just for you. For example, to Veľká Fatra , Majerova skala, Kráľova studňa, Čierny Kamen along the nature trail to Donovaly, Kalištie, Baláže, Špania Dolina and Pohronie. Also skiers will find here their own, as the Old Mountains are close to the ski resort Donovaly.
