Passing through the motorway between Trenčín and Považská Bystrica you are definitely looking at an interesting rock formation. Experts of nature know that the surrounding hills near the Moravian border are another of the treasures of Slovakia. The unusual name of Vršatec is enough inspiration for another of the "hits" of our tourist police. And that's just the name ...

Oh, those rocks!

Vršatské bral is located in the northeastern part of the White Carpathian Mountains. The highest peak and at the same time the second highest point of the White Carpathians is Chmeľová (925 m asl). The dominant position in the Middle Ages was destined for the construction of the Vršatský Castle, from which until now only ruins have been preserved. Its origins date back to the middle of the 13th century, when they built a watchtower at the highest point to protect the north-western border of Hungary.

The Castle Hill was completely unavailable from the three sides, separating the various parts of the castle from significant elevations. The impressive height difference provided the castle complex with natural protection. It was among the rich and comfortable castles with its own bakery, brewery and extensive wine cellars. He has served as the highest placed castle on limestone beams in Slovakia. At the end of the 17th century, however, he burned twice, and in 1708 he turned it to a ruin on an imperial order by the explosion of fire powder. The Vrsata Castle has a beautiful panoramic view. Strážovské vrchy, Kľak or Považské podolie can be seen from here on the palm.

Tourist circuit

Červený Kameň - Chmeľová, saddle - Chmeľová - Vršatec, castle - Vršatské Podhradie - saddle Chotuč - Červený Kameň (obojsmerná). It is possible to get to Vršatka by car on a crumbling asphalt road from Prussia. But we start a tour of the nearby village of Červený Kameň. Parking is available at the church, not far from the hiking trail. Non-motorized tourists, of course, can use bus services from Ilava and the surrounding area. The area is also an interesting choice for cycling enthusiasts. The steep climbs here regularly rotate the legs of the "sagan".

We choose the yellow markings and once more gentle, we climb once more shimmeringly into the Chmeľová saddle. Right from the beginning of the route, we strongly recommend tracking tourist signs, many of which are unfortunately located along the way. If you do not want to crawl up a couple of altitude meters, you'll be alert. First fruit orchard, a meadow with an impressive view of Červenokamenská was taken and we are part of the reconstructed educational walk "Around Vršatca". Through 10 tables you can learn interesting information about the surrounding fauna, flora and local conditions.

Detention, which is worth it

Through the forest path we slowly reach the Chmeľová saddle. Unfortunately, it is not marked. You will know him, however, according to the significant rock and the fact that the route at this point stops rising. If you want to enjoy the view, we recommend turning to Chmeľová Hill. You have to look for a forest walk over the rock leading up. After 15 minutes, we are waiting for a splendid view. We sit here for a while, let's see where we can find it, then go back to the saddle. The climb is already behind us, we continue down the path to Vršatský Podhradie.

Lunch time

As there is lunch time, the dining options of the surrounding area are considered. Thawing thirst in the local pub, but with hunger it's even worse. Visitors save the hotel Vršatec in this case. A simple, beautifully situated hotel overlooking the ruins of the castle provides a good service. We joined several groups of guests on the terrace. The javot, coming out of the hotel's gut, revealed that there was a children's camp here, and that his attendees also had a lunch break. The terrace with views is a good haven to take on other forces to explore the surrounding area. A classic, mostly meat, menu would require refreshment, but with a darkened eye, a taste of food and a good service, the hotel stayed with us.

According to the information from the waitress, guests are especially visitors from Moravia. Her words are also confirmed by Mrs. Iveta, who came here to relax with her family. "We have been here for the second time and I will come again. The kids love it here, "she tells us. We take a breath of relief to the ruins of the castle. Along the way, we still miss the empty wellness hotel Karpatia. He opened the opening in 2018, but at the time of our visit he did not see any signs of life. At the information board below the castle we meet an older couple from Banska Bystrica. "We'll get to know each other well, we regularly go to Red Stone for our wife. Today it is very hot on us, but it is beautiful in every season, "says the head of the family.

Butterfly track

From local biologist Marián Filípka from nearby Prussia we learn about the specificity of the locality in terms of the occurrence of a rare butterfly species. "Red-eyed Jasmine is one of the largest butterflies with daily activity in Slovakia. At the same time, he is one of the most precious, but he is threatened with extinction. Historically, it was found in most of Slovakia's mountainous areas. However, as a result of habitat changes and systematic harvesting by collectors, it has disappeared from many sites. The area of ​​Vršatecka is one of the most important in our territory because of the fact that the population is relatively large and, most probably, the largest. The biotope is relatively good for the clearing and measures that reduce the risk of its extinction have been made in the long term. It occurs mainly above the village of Vršatské Podhradie and also on the Červenokamenský brale, "informs Mr. Filípek.

Time to teeth

We will walk a bit up the path and we will find ourselves at the ruins of the castle. Even though there was not much leftover from the original structure, history is breathing. Magical views of the subterranean hill underneath or the remote Strazovské Hills are again worth seeing. We are just a few minutes away and we feed the village through a blue tourist sign. It is a pity that in 1962 the village burned down and the typical wooden architecture disappeared in the fire.

Beside the cottages, we go to the end of the village. Still a few views of the impressive Vrchatec and the asphalt road descend across the fields and forests back to the car. The whole circuit with a turn to Chmeľová hill and a ruin on the castle ruins you can do without a longer break within 4 hours. Think about it, but fruit trees, often old sorts, preserved by local conservationists, will make the route soaked at the right annual season. The circuit can also be traced from Vršatský Podhradia and combined with various branches. It is worth mentioning the possibility to continue along the blue mark to the Lednica village to the ruins of the castle or to the opposite side of Vršatca through the White Hill to Krivoklát and its exteriors. An alternative is more than enough.

Red

Our trip, however, is not over yet. Waiting for us already mentioned Červenokamenské was waiting for us. It is also typical for the village that it has reached not only her coat of arms but also her name. Bralo, a landscaped limestone monolith of reddish color with a height of 45 meters, sunlight in the sunset in red. We can not forget about the educational walk around the village and choose the village for its beginning. On the route there are information boards, healing well, beautiful views of the entire valley and the impressive Vršaty bral.

Below the Red Rock is the Chapel of Our Lady, where the pilgrimage takes place. This is a low-budget route, also suitable for families with children, untrained tourists or retirees. If you come to Červený Kameň on a working day, certainly do not miss the excellent products of dairy Agrofarma a bit behind the village. You can still remember the original tastes of this region in the form of excellent cheeses or cinnamon.

Still on the highway jump, but with a feeling like you were somewhere in Rozpravka. The peaceful atmosphere of the village under the rocks, the beautiful nature and the impressive views from above give the atmosphere that the time has stopped here. Summer is slowly sloping into the autumn, the most fruitful part of the year is coming. Stable weather with pleasant temperatures and colorful nature will be waiting in this little forgotten region with open arms. On a car, bike or hiking boots during a trip around Vršatca you can do something good for your body and spirit.

text: baf

photo by Peter Savko