In the foothills of the Javornik from the Slovak side the border under the main ridge, in the spring area of ​​the Papradnianka creek, lies Papradno. The very name of the hamlet indicates the close connection with nature. Even though the papers do not find much here, the greenery is enough and the eye laughs far-farther. Of course, hiking is of course also at the beginning of spring. And for our own sake, we were convinced that we were targeting this tourist police work correctly.

For the geography of geography

The Javorniky are situated in the north-western part of Slovakia, forming a part of the state border between the Slovak and the Czech Republic. It belongs to the area of ​​the Slovak-Moravian Carpathians, and part of the territory is part of the protection of nature in the Protected Landscape Area of ​​Kysuce. In winter they provide the right conditions for skiers and cross-country enthusiasts. In the summer time, they are again a paradise for tourism lovers. A number of well-prepared and marked hiking trails through forests and ridges will bring visitors to truly amazing places.

On the northeastern edge of the mountain range, about fifteen kilometers from Považská Bystrica, you will see the village of Papradno. The area is known especially for mushroom fun, coniferous forests provide the right conditions for wildlife. A stream flows across the village, a popular trout fishing area attracting fishermen from across the county.

Walk on a bicycle

The ideal hiking in this locality is the mountain hotel Podjavorník in the same village on a jump from Papradna. A bus from Považská Bystrica can be reached even before its entrance. The cozy, renovated hotel offers accommodation, restaurant services and in the winter season there is also a ski resort. The homely atmosphere, along with the warm hospitality and the hotel wellness, attract a long stay. This time, however, we resist. Right next to the hotel begins the yellow marked hiking trail leading to the Javornik ridge. We choose our footsteps and climb about an hour on a rather steep forest path.

The most demanding part of the route awaits tourists right after the start. Upon reaching the ridge, the path is only culminated in a finely waved terrain with beautiful views of the Slovak and Czech sides - as a reward. On the ridge, it is important to decide whether to go down the red mark on the left towards Malý Javorník (1 021 m above sea level or further to the mountain hotel Portáš or Kohútka) or on the right, to the highest point of the Veľký Javorník mountain range (1071.5 m asl). Both options are very impressive and are the "most visible" tourist routes in the region. I can manage their children and adults in average condition. Hrebeňovka and the surrounding area are also a great choice for cycling lovers, as there is a dense network of cycling trails.

Crosses, lookout and views

We point to the right, the red tourist sign to the highest peak. A few steps away we find the place of a good stop, the Stratenec wooden lookout. It is the highest situated viewing tower of Javornik. As we read, it was built as part of the "Javorník Tourist Route" project, by the Papradno and Karolinka municipalities on the Czech side. Next to it, a memorial in the form of three concrete crosses dedicated to the memory of the three fallen soldiers, who during the Second World War participated in the liberation of Velké Karlovice.

Here we can clearly hear that we are sharing both peoples together on the Slovak-Czech borderland and the beauty of the surrounding nature. Groups of tourists are enjoying views, discussing and packing refreshments from their backpacks. The entire route is equipped with besiedky and stone fireplaces, where it can be relieved by tired legs. You can also find information boards, as the ridge is part of the educational walkway. If you are here in the right season, the excursions will also make you happy with the beetles and other forest fruits.

We pass through the Gežov saddle and the wooden double crossing near indicates that we are gradually reaching the highest point of Javornik. We'll catch up with this location, settle down on the grass, and for a while we can ride the beauty of the surroundings. Everyone around us wakes up experiences, a couple of shots we click and we energize to get on the way back.

We are returning to Gežov saddle, where the directional table leads us to the weighbridge, the forest to our starting point - Hotel Podjavorník. The whole circle with a 538-meter elevation will also take up some three and a half hours with small pads. Before returning to the car, there is a "compulsory" stop in the Javorinka Buffet right next to the hotel. Classic refreshments associated with the mixed goods store have a distinctive charm. The range of shops, refreshments on the terrace and the lovely home ladies really impressed us, we recommend!

Something under the tooth

Papradna is proud of the Barana and the village remained faithful to Wallachian tradition until today. A nice example is Koliba Papradno. The production of sheep's milk, dairy products, delicious lamb dishes, or traditional bryndza halouks is well-known. It was at the time of our visit that the ceremonial opening of the Salamanca season took place here, the sixth edition of the event named "Bačova cesta". Folk nudity was won throughout the area, people were busy and tasted local goodies. As Anna Beníková, the owner of the kolyba, said, people learned to walk around. "They will come to lunch and stay until dinner, they will find twice and still thank us for feeling very good here. It gives us strength and starts us into another robot. It's my heart. "

The current trend of return to tradition and domestic production is driven by such family projects. Thankfully! This is where real quality is hidden and people can appreciate it today. Where the heart is inserted, the result will come. What does the customer want most? "We taught them lamb. We do it in a variety of ways - strawberries, spinach and hazelnut sauce. As you wish, we will do it, "adds Anna. We can confirm that the lamb was excellent. Here's the honest bryndza halušky and as a dessert of classic home cones. Verily, it was hard to get away ...

The farm offers accommodation and agritouristic stays with the opportunity to try out on their own skin sheep milk or cheese production. Horse riding lessons are available, and ponies are available for younger children. Pouring home-made products with the farm we swear, and we hope to feed the sheep once and for all.

What to add?

The charming mosaic of this region is worth a visit. There is a piece of history, traditions, customs, nice people, and the beautiful nature that is worthwhile to discover. A "full-day" day trip or extended weekend for agritourism can be recommended. The legs may hide after hiking, but the taste buds will also smile broadly.

text: baf

photo by Jozef Braninec