Donovaly is surrounded by various interesting places, national cultural monuments and natural phenomena. We understand that not everyone is a keen fan of hiking, so we have prepared some tips for a trip where you can get there with an easy walk or comfortably by car. We bring you ideas for trips in the area, discover the beauty of Slovak monuments, unique Slovak villages that breathe history.

ŠPANIA DOLINA

We will start with the Špania Dolina, which can be reached by a leisurely walk from Donovaly along a nature trail, accompanied by information boards that reveal more about mining and its components. This picturesque village offers rich mining traditions, headed by a unique astronomical clock, seasonal entertainments, access to the lace-making industry itself. If you want to enjoy it to the fullest, we recommend going up to the Maximilián heap, which is made of tailings (a gravel embankment from historical mining activity) and enjoy a wonderful romantic view of the entire Špania Dolina.

VLKOLÍNEC

A unique conservation area near Donovaly, which many of us remember from our high school days. This settlement is a living open-air museum of Slovak folk history, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a trip that we recommend for families with children. The original architecture and structure of the mountain settlement of "Željiarov" has been preserved here, which has its own atmosphere in every season.

KALIŠTE

If you would like to follow in the footsteps of the Slovak National Uprising, this national cultural monument is an important point in the history of Slovakia that is worth seeing with your own eyes. Kalište is an extinct village located in the area of the Low Tatras National Park. There are 2 reconstructed houses, a small bell tower and the foundations of houses that were burnt down, as well as a cemetery, a chapel and the graves of fallen partisans. Kaliste lies about 5 km south of Donovaly and is associated with an easy hike that takes about two hours. Just follow the yellow trail through the settlements of Buly and Pri javore and you will find yourself in Kaliste in one or two minutes.

KORYTNICA

Korytnica, which has earned its name as a spa area and a source of mineral water, also offers an easy and short walk in the vicinity of Donovaly. The local baths are said to have been used by Emperor Franz Joseph in the past and, although their fame has passed, you can still taste the healthy water with its healing effects here and take a supply with you today. To get here, head from Donovaly along the yellow road through the village of Mišúty until you reach the crossroads and later the Korytnice spa.