Bystricany – Hiking Trails, Nature and Culture

In Bystričany, you can combine hiking, cycling and climbing with a visit to the Chalmová Thermal Baths or an insight into the area’s architectural history. The trails vary in length and route, while historic churches and Chalmová Castle offer their own points of interest. This makes it easy to plan your stay around the activities that interest you most.

Hiking Trails, Viewpoints and Vtáčnik

The Bystričany Circular Trail is 17.5 kilometres long and can be completed on foot or by bike. It starts at the entrance to the Chalmová Thermal Baths and has six information boards. Another marked route is the blue Route 2604: it runs from Bystričany through the Bystričianska Valley to Vtáčnik, is 14.2 kilometres long and has been named the Peter Školna Trail (Chodník Petra Školnu) since 2003. The circular trail is therefore 3.3 kilometres longer; it also differs in that it can be completed by bike.

The summit of Vtáčnik can be reached from Bystričany via a blue-marked hiking trail. At the top, there is a stainless-steel cross and views over the Upper Nitra Basin and the surrounding mountain ranges. Every August, Bystričany organises an ascent associated with commemorations of the Slovak National Uprising. If you plan to attend, check the details for your year of travel.

Another option is to take the trail from the car park near the Chalmová Thermal Baths to the Malý Lubín viewpoint. The Chalmová Forest Nature Trail runs to the viewpoint, passing a wooden chapel dedicated to Saint Hubert along the way. There is a small tower at the viewpoint, with views over the Upper Nitra Basin and the Vtáčnik and Tribeč mountain ranges. This route and viewpoint offer a different focus from the longer trails to Vtáčnik.

Nature Reserve and Climbing Area

The Veľká skala National Nature Reserve lies within the cadastral area of Bystričany. It was established in 1984 over an area of 59.2 hectares and is subject to the fifth level of protection. The unstable andesite bedrock prevented quarrying within the reserve, allowing the forest to retain its original primeval character. The protected area is therefore a distinctive natural feature of the local landscape.

For climbers, the Hrádok area offers a different activity, with more than 80 routes of varying difficulty. Hrádok lies in the Ponitrie Protected Landscape Area and in a Natura 2000 protected area. The routes described range across different difficulty levels, as do the hiking trails; when planning a particular climb, check the difficulty rating of the individual route.

Thermal Baths and Activities at Farma pod Vtáčnikom

The Chalmová Thermal Baths have two outdoor pools. One is a swimming pool up to 25 metres long; the other has water attractions and a children’s paddling area. The spring water is classified as moderately mineralised and has a temperature of 24 to 40 degrees Celsius. As the pools operate seasonally and details of the facilities may change, check the current opening hours and offerings before your visit. If the technical details about the water are important to your plans, also check that the information is up to date.

Farma pod Vtáčnikom adds cheese products and activities to the range of options. Using freshly milked milk, it makes fresh and smoked sheep’s cheese, sheep’s bryndza, matured cheeses and cheese strings from cow’s milk. The farm also offers visitors draft beer and its own cheese products. Facilities and activities include a children’s playground, archery and various games, and special events take place throughout the year. So, alongside trails and swimming, there are also local food products and activities at the farm.

Churches and Chalmová Castle

The Romanesque Church of Saint Anne in Chalmová was built in the 12th century on a hill behind the village, within a cemetery. In 1730, a larger transept and a projecting tower were added. An annual pilgrimage to the church is held in Chalmová. It was revived in 1990 after a long interruption.

Chalmová Castle and its park are also listed as a national cultural monument. Originally built in the Renaissance style, the castle dates from the first half of the 17th century. It was later remodelled in the Classicist style and extended in the second third of the 19th century. The historic park features valuable trees, an entrance avenue and a pond. On 15 August 2026, after being closed for many years, the castle reopened to the public; the opening included guided tours, historical photographs and exhibitions. Check the current offerings before your visit for information on tours or exhibitions.

Discover more destinations: Nováky, Nitrica, Nitrianske Sučany, Nedožery-Brezany, Liešťany, Lehota Pod Vtáčnikom, Handlová, Šútovce

For the broader travel overview: Prievidza.