Road Route, Stage 3: Travel Guide Myjava Region - Trenčín
Your journey begins. The first stage of your mountain bike adventure starts in Bratislava and follows picturesque forested landscape of the Little Carpathian Mountains.
Start your journey under the iconic Red Bridge in Bratislava at a recreational locality Železná Studienka (“Iron Well”). It became a popular free time area since 19th century. This is the gate to the Little Carpathians, a mountain ridge that stretches from Bratislava almost 100 kilometres to the north.
First, follow the paved road 8.7 km until you reach a pub U Slivu. From now on, the unpaved route starts. Gradual ascent will take you to Biely kríž, a mountain hut with a meadow and a popular place to get a beer or food. Behind that, it is a great bike trail, sometimes almost a singletrack, across the forest.
Another option to refresh is at Pezinská Baba, a mountain pass popular by drivers and motobikers as well as by skiers during the winter. The last part from here to your goal (Modra Piesok) is again up and down along a dirt road with some great views and downhills. Enjoy!
Čachtice / 6 km
There are several restaurants and cafés in Čachtice, a village that gave the name to Čachtice Castle, well known for the bloody countess Bathory.
Zelená Voda Lake / 21 km
The option to swim in the lake today. There should be some bar / restautant to refill beverages and calories, too. A small 2 km detour in total.
Lanius Brewery, Trenčín
Local craft brewery and restaurant only a few minutes walk from your accommodation, located at picturesque central square in Trenčín.
Penzión Pod Hradom
Cosy guesthouse in perfect central location under the elegant Trenčín Castle.
Contact information
Matúšova 23, Trenčín
Tel: +421 032 748 17 01
Čachtice Castle
One of the most mysterious castle ruins in Slovakia, famous for its bloody countess Bathory. Great views. Entrance 3€, open 10am – 6pm.
Beckov Castle / 26 km
It is not directly on the route, but if you are a castle freak, make a 9 km detour from Zelená Voda lake to this castle ruin. Entrance 5€, open 9am – 6pm.
Veľká Homoľa / 40 km
Nice spot surrounded by the Carpathian forests. They have Pilsen draft beer, kofola and make healthy but also powerful food. Cool!
Šuhaj Servis
Small but flexible and friendly shop in Bratislava city centre. They repair bikes for local bike messenger so you should be in good hands!
Velocity
Last bike repair shop before you set off your journey, located just at your starting point at Železná Studienka, at the gate to Bratislava city forests.
Trax Modra
If you have technical issues at the end of the Day 1, you need to get 8 km down to Modra town. Guys at Trax bike repair shop will help you.
Things to do in Modra Piesok
Piesok is a forest recreational area located about 450 metres above sea level in the eastern slopes of the Little Carpathian mountains. 8 kilometres down the tarmac road, you would find a picturesque town Modra, famous for its wine and surrounded by vineyards.
The centre of the area is Zochova chata with its small ski resort, luxurious hotel and several restaurants. There is also a small natural pool where you can swim, free of charge.
If you have too much energy and feel like walking, there is a nice marked hiking trail from Zochova chata along Tisove skaly rock formations up to the Veľká Homoľa observation tower and to abandoned medieval ruins of Zámčisko. Views from both places are stunning. Allow yourself 3 hours to enjoy this 8-kilometre long walk.
If you plan to stay an extra day here, there are plenty of options for day trips. One of them can be a hiking or cycling trip to the Červený Kameň (“Red Stone”) Castle, 5+ kilometres away. There are guided tours of the castle, too.