Klenovec: Folklore, Nature and History

Klenovec offers several distinct points of interest to consider when planning a trip: its location on the Klenovská Rimava, the Klenovský Vepor National Nature Reserve, and its folklore and craft traditions. The landscape, local history and outdoor activities give a stay different possible focuses. If you are looking for hotels in Klenovec, these themes can help you decide in advance what matters most to you on your trip.

Natural surroundings and trails

Klenovec stretches along both banks of the Klenovská Rimava. The Klenovský Vepor National Nature Reserve lies within the cadastral area. It protects preserved original mixed Carpathian forests with old-growth stands. This means that the river setting and a protected natural area are distinct geographical features. The important and well-known Rudná magistrála hiking trail runs across Klenovský Vepor. The mountain is therefore a point of interest for travellers who want to include nature and hiking in their plans, both for its forests and as the route of a named hiking trail.

Paragliding and courses

The landscape also offers suitable conditions for paragliding: extensive meadows in valleys and on mountain peaks, as well as wooded slopes reaching elevations of 1,300 m, create favourable conditions. Klenovec has a paragliding school licensed under an authorization from LAA SR, which offers several courses for beginners and advanced pilots throughout the year. If you are considering a course, check the latest operational information before making plans. In addition, a round of the Slovak Cup series or a Slovak paragliding championship is held in Klenovec each year.

Folklore, buildings and local history

Klenovská Rontouka was established in 1979. It includes traditional farmsteads with creative workshops for crafts, music, singing and dancing, as well as a traditional folk crafts fair. This brings several forms of folklore together at one festival: alongside music and dance, crafts and creative work are also central.

Local architectural history includes a Neoclassical Protestant church with a separate bell tower dating from 1787, and a 20th-century prayer house belonging to the Brotherhood of Baptists. The two buildings represent different religious affiliations and periods. The Jánošík tradition is also linked to a specific historical event: in 1713, Juraj Jánošík was captured in Klenovec by Liptov haiduks. This event is part of the local Jánošík tradition.

Crafts and a local speciality

In the 1970s and 1980s, 36 families in Klenovec were involved in the Guba weaving craft. This figure gives a concrete idea of how many families practised the craft at the time. The connection to textiles can also be found in the creative craft workshops at Klenovská Rontouka, albeit in a different setting. Another local hallmark is Klenovecký syrec: it is made from sheep’s milk and has a protected designation of origin.

Getting there and choosing a focus for your stay

Klenovec can be reached via state road II/526, which connects Hnúšťa and Kokava nad Rimavicou; there are also several bus services. When planning a hotel stay, it helps to choose a focus: folklore, architectural history and crafts on the one hand, or the nature reserve, hiking trail and paragliding on the other. If you are travelling for a festival, course or competition, check the latest dates in advance.

Discover more destinations: Hubovo, Lehota Nad Rimavicou, Blhovce, Bátka, Padarovce, Bottovo, Dubovec, Lenka.

See the overview of the wider area: Okres Rimavská Sobota.