Kľak: Nature and Places of Remembrance

Kľak lies in the Vtáčnik Mountains on a plateau between the valleys of the Kľak and Kláštorský streams. Nature, regional history and a clearly described educational trail shape the area. For planning your trip, you will find information here on nature, places of remembrance and accommodation.

Natural Landscape and the Ostrovica Rock Formation

The Vtáčnik state nature reserve in Kľak has been in existence since 1966 and covers 193.97 hectares. The protected natural monument of Ostrovica is also located near Kľak. It consists of three distinctive rock towers that rise above their surroundings, with vertical walls about 30 to 40 metres high. The two natural features have different points of emphasis: the nature reserve is notable for its protected status and area, while Ostrovica stands out for its distinctive rock formations and height.

Educational Trail with Nature and History Themes

The Kľakovský educational trail starts in the village centre, is 6.3 kilometres long and opened in 2015. The stated walking time is 1.5 hours and depends on conditions. The trail presents the history of the Slovak National Uprising in the area around Kľak, the events of Bloody Sunday on 21 January 1945, the history of the forest railway and the formation of the Ostrovica rock formation. It therefore combines historical themes with the formation of a landscape feature.

The trail can be walked in either direction, is accessible year-round and is easy to complete. As trail conditions can change, check them before setting out. Treat the stated walking time as a guide, not as a fixed duration for every hike.

Routes and Their Destinations

One route leads from Kľak through Partizánska dolina, via Ivanov salaš and Škurátka, to Vtáčnik. Another route connects Kľak with the waterfall on Pokutský potok via Ivanov salaš and Škurátka. A third route leads from Kľak via Škurátka, Vtáčnik, Homôlka and Gronštolne to Prochot. The destinations distinguish these routes: Vtáčnik, the waterfall on Pokutský potok and Prochot are each the endpoint of a separate route.

Church and Building History

The Roman Catholic church in Kľak is a single-nave building in the late Baroque style, dating from 1753. It is dedicated to Saint Teresa of Ávila. Its floor plan, style and year of construction define its architectural character; its dedication adds a religious dimension. Those interested in local history will find a specific connection here to Kľak’s ecclesiastical architectural heritage.

Places of Remembrance in Kľak

A monument created by J. Hučko in 1959 commemorates citizens and partisans who were tortured by fascists. A monument in Kľak stands above the communal grave of those murdered. At the SNP monument, erected in 1963, residents commemorate the tragic events each year by laying a wreath. A memorial room in Kľak contains materials recalling the burning of the village in 1945. These places and forms of remembrance relate to different aspects of local history; no current dates for the wreath-laying ceremony are provided here.

Accommodation in Kľak

The accommodation in Kľak has sanitary facilities, a kitchen and a seating area with a television. It has five rooms and 14 beds. If you plan to stay here on your trip, confirm the arrangements before arrival.

Discover more destinations: Nová Baňa, Orovnica, Veľké Pole, Hronský Beňadik, Žarnovica, Ostrý Grúň, Župkov, Hodruša-Hámre.

For the broader travel overview: Žarnovica.