Holiday apartment in Bystricany: Nature, hiking trails and thermal baths

The Veľká skala National Nature Reserve is located in the cadastral area of Bystričany. It was established in 1984 on an area of 59.2 hectares and is subject to the fifth level of protection. An unstable andesite subsoil prevented extraction, allowing the forest to preserve its original primeval character.

Nature

At the Malý Lubín viewpoint stands a small observation tower offering views over the Upper Nitra Basin and the Vtáčnik and Tribeč mountain ranges. The Hrádok climbing area offers more than 80 routes of varying difficulty. It lies within the Ponitrie Protected Landscape Area and a Natura 2000 protected area.

Trails

The Chalmová forest educational trail leads from the car park near Chalmová Thermal Bath to the Malý Lubín viewpoint and passes a wooden chapel dedicated to Saint Hubert. The Bystričiansky circular route starts at the entrance to Chalmová Thermal Bath, is 17.5 kilometres long and can be completed on foot or by bicycle. It takes visitors along asphalt and dirt roads through Bystričany and its surroundings and features six information boards.

For continuing into the mountain landscape, the blue-marked Route 2604 is available. It leads from Bystričany through the Bystričianska Valley to Vtáčnik, is 14.2 kilometres long and has been named the Chodník Petra Školnu since 2003. The summit of Vtáčnik can be reached from Bystričany via a blue-marked hiking trail. A stainless-steel cross stands on the summit; from there, views extend over the Upper Nitra Basin and the surrounding mountain ranges. Every year in August, Bystričany organises an ascent of Vtáčnik, linked to commemorative events for the Slovak National Uprising.

Experiences

Chalmová Thermal Bath has two outdoor pools: a swimming pool up to 25 metres long and a second outdoor pool with water attractions and a children’s splash area. The spring water is considered moderately mineralised and has a temperature of 24 to 40 degrees Celsius. The facilities also include attractions for children and a volleyball court.

Farma pod Vtáčnikom produces fresh sheep’s cheese, smoked sheep’s cheese, sheep’s bryndza, matured cheeses and cow’s-milk cheese strings from freshly milked milk. Farma pod Vtáčnikom offers visitors beer from the barrel and farm-produced cheese products. There is also a children’s playground, archery and various games; throughout the year, the farm organises experiential events.

Culture

The Romanesque Church of Saint Anne in Chalmová was built in the 12th century on a hill behind the village, in the middle of a cemetery. In 1730, it was extended with a larger, transversely arranged nave and a projecting tower. The pilgrimage to the Church of Saint Anne resumed in 1990 after a lengthy interruption.

Chalmová Manor House and its park are listed as a national cultural monument. Originally built in the Renaissance style, the manor house was constructed in the first half of the 17th century, later remodelled and redesigned in the Classicist style, and extended in the second third of the 19th century. A historic park with valuable trees, an entrance avenue and a pond was created around the manor house. On 15 August 2026, the manor house reopened to the public after being closed for many years; the opening featured guided tours with commentary, historical photographs and exhibitions.

Bystričany is also home to the Church of the Most Holy Trinity. It began as a Classicist chapel, built in 1808, remodelled in 1841 and expanded into a church in the second half of the 19th century. The Bystričany Village Days are traditional celebrations of the village of Bystričany.

Sadenie mája is a traditional cultural event in Bystričany that took place in 2025. During Sadenie mája, volunteer firefighters plant the maypole; there is also a programme by children and local folk music.

Other places

Other places to choose from: Jalovec, Poruba, Šútovce, Radobica, Sebedražie, Opatovce Nad Nitrou, Prievidza, Tužina.

To the higher-level travel overview: Prievidza.