Discover Horné Hámre

Landscape and local history

Horné Hámre lies at the transition between the Pohronský Inovec and Vtáčnik mountain ranges, in the valley of the Kľakovský potok. These mountain areas and the valley give the destination a distinct landscape. At the same time, nature trails, the history of working with wood and ore, and a memorial site are among the specific local themes. If you are looking for a destination where nature and local history go hand in hand, you can explore Horné Hámre through these different aspects.

The local population initially consisted of loggers and charcoal burners, followed later by miners and people who processed ore from local and other mines. The sequence over time runs from forestry to mining and ore processing. Processing was not limited to ore from local mines; ore from other mines was also processed. Both the shift in occupations and the origin of the ore being processed are therefore relevant to understanding the town’s history.

Nature trails and activities

The “Spoznávaj les s Hámrošom” nature trail starts at the Pekný les bicycle rest area near the Horné Hámre Calvary. It runs in one direction, is 350 metres long and has an elevation gain of 65 metres. The trail includes seven educational stops with QR codes. The Calvary itself has 14 stations. These figures refer to two different features: seven stops on the nature trail and 14 at the Calvary. The distance and elevation gain also describe different characteristics of the route.

An easy cycling route leads from Žarnovica via Žarnovická Huta to Pekný les. It follows the route of the former forest railway. The easy rating applies to this cycling route and not automatically to the nature trail near the Calvary. Check local conditions before setting off. The “Po stopách lesnej železnice Kľakovskou dolinou” nature trail passes through Horné Hámre; check current trail conditions before setting out on this route as well. Horse rides are also available at the Pekný les grounds.

Commemoration in Horné Hámre

The SNP Memorial on Brode commemorates the fighting that took place in the vicinity of Horné Hámre on 26 and 27 September 1944. It also commemorates the fallen soldiers of the Trnava garrison who died during the liberation of Horné Hámre and the surrounding area. The memorial is at the end of Horné Hámre, above the built-up area, on the road towards Veľké Pole. The turn-off for Ostrý Grúň also serves as a landmark. The memorial is freely accessible; check local conditions before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Hronský Beňadik, Veľké Pole, Rudno Nad Hronom, Brehy, Orovnica, Nová Baňa, Žarnovica, Voznica.

Back to the main travel overview: Scharnowitz.