Central Slovakia is one of the calmest parts of the country, far from the busy cities. It’s full of hills, forests, and quiet valleys, perfect for a summer break. Maltese travelers will enjoy the cool air, fewer crowds, and peaceful views.
The region has two national parks, the Low Tatras and Muránska Planina, known for their fresh mountain air and untouched nature. In winter, places like Donovaly and Jasná are busy ski spots. But in summer, they turn into relaxing places for drives, hikes, and lakeside stops. By renting a car in Slovakia, you can explore forest roads, mountain villages, and nature trails at your own pace.
The best time to plan a forest road trip in central Slovakia is between June and September. These summer months bring long days and mild temperatures, perfect for outdoor exploring. The forests stay comfortably cool even during the warmest weeks of July and August, offering a refreshing break from the heat. In summer, roads are clear of snow, so all the mountain passes and park routes are open and easy to drive.
Attractions like caves, lake resorts, and cable cars operate at full schedule in the summertime. This season is also great for combining drives with hikes, swims, and picnics. You can drive to a trailhead for a morning hike, stop by a lake for an afternoon swim, and continue your journey on a sunny day. For Maltese travelers in Slovakia, the period from late spring to early autumn provides the most comfortable weather and fully open access to all sites.
Nothing beats exploring central Slovakia by car, where each bend in the road can reveal a new vista or a hidden gem. Here are some of the most beautiful forest drives in Slovakia:
The drive from Harmanec to Donovaly takes you through some of the greenest parts of central Slovakia. It begins in Harmanec, a small village near Banská Bystrica, and follows Route 59 north into the Low Tatras. The first stop is the Harmanec Cave (Harmanecká jaskyňa). It is located about 2.5 km off the main road and requires a short hike uphill. Inside, you’ll find massive stalactites, underground halls, and extraordinary chambers. Tours are available in English and Slovak, and the cave stays around 6°C year-round, so bring a jacket.
Back on Route 59, enjoy winding turns with frequent forest clearings. Look for pull-off points that offer panoramic views of the Starohorské vrchy mountains and tree-covered valleys. Before reaching Donovaly, the forest gives way to open alpine meadows and grazing pastures. In clear weather, you’ll see the surrounding Tatras peaks in the distance.
In Donovaly, park near the town square and explore its many summer activities. Ride the Nová hoľa chairlift for sweeping mountain views or visit Habakuky, a fairytale-themed attraction with wooden huts perfect for families with kids. The Harmanec to Donovaly route is excellent for a half-day escape into nature. It is ideal for Maltese travelers in Slovakia seeking cooler air and scenic roads. The drive is smooth, but due to mountain curves, it’s best taken during daylight.
This forest drive winds through the Štiavnické vrchy, a region of old volcanic hills in central Slovakia. It’s perfect for summer forest drives with lakes, history, and peaceful nature. Start your loop in Banská Štiavnica, a hillside town known for its mining heritage, cobbled alleys, and hilltop churches. From the town center, follow Route 524 heading southwest toward the forests and lake region.
One of the first scenic spots is Počúvadlo Lake at the foot of Sitno Hill. The lake is ideal for swimming, walking, or relaxing beside the water. You can hike to Sitno’s summit in about an hour and enjoy a broad panoramic view across central Slovakia. Continue your drive through Štiavnické Bane, a quiet village surrounded by man-made lakes once used for mining. The village has a peaceful charm, with wooden cottages and winding roads near forest edges. Stop here for a short break and a closer look at historical mining infrastructure.
Next, make your way to Richňava Lake and Klinger Lake, which are smaller but equally scenic. These spots are perfect for short strolls, especially in the summer when flowers line the roads and the air smells of pine. Follow the local roads from Klinger Lake that gradually loop you back north. As you climb back toward Banská Štiavnica, you’ll pass through more forested slopes and open clearings. In total, the loop forms a circle that starts and ends in Banská Štiavnica, which is easy to navigate without backtracking.
In the Greater Fatra mountains (Veľká Fatra) near the village of Blatnica, you’ll find a quiet forest drive that circles two striking limestone peaks, Tlstá and Ostrá. Begin the loop in Blatnica, a small village surrounded by green pastures. Drive into Gader Valley (Gaderská dolina), a narrow, paved road stretching about 5 km into the forest. The valley is lined with beech and fir trees, a clear mountain stream, and grassy meadows that often bloom with wildflowers in summer.
Along this road, you may spot roe deer or forest birds. There are several trailheads here, where you can park and take a short walk toward either Tlstá or Ostrá. Continue driving through the valley and exit toward the village of Mošovce. This area is known for Mošovce Park, a historic green space with fishponds, walking paths, and wide lawns. Nearby, you can also take a short walk to the ruins of Blatnica Castle, located in a wooded area on a low hill above the valley.
To complete the loop, follow the forested roads to Turčianske Teplice, a small spa town known for its thermal baths and healing waters. Near the spa complex, there’s a public park perfect for relaxing after a day of light walking and forest driving. The loop ends here, and you can either return to Blatnica or continue exploring the Turiec region. This route is perfect for Maltese tourists looking for gentle forest scenery, nature stops, and quiet roads between Slovakia’s mountains.
Muránska Planina National Park is one of the most untouched areas in central Slovakia. The route takes you across narrow mountain roads, quiet meadows, and deep forest valleys. Start the loop in the village of Tisovec, then take the road heading southeast toward Muráň. The drive quickly enters forested terrain, with trees arching over the road and occasional openings showing off views of surrounding peaks.
The first major stop is the village of Muráň, located on the edge of the national park. From the village center, you can walk to the Muráň Castle ruins, perched on a high limestone cliff. The trail to the castle takes about 45 minutes. This medieval fortress is one of the highest in Slovakia.
After exploring Muráň, continue driving through the park’s interior roads, heading toward Závadka nad Hronom. The forest here is dense, and the streets feel remote, with occasional open meadows where you might spot wild horses. During summer, wildflowers bloom along the edges of the forest. If you're lucky, you may even catch sight of red deer or birds of prey soaring overhead. Near the end of the drive, pass through Červená Skala, a small railway village surrounded by forested hills. From here, loop back to Tisovec, passing through quiet rural roads lined with wooden fences, fields, and pine groves.
This route traces a scenic valley along the southern edge of the Low Tatras. Begin your journey in the town of Brezno, nestled by the Hron River. As you leave town, the road heads north along Route 66, slowly climbing through mixed forests, open meadows, and sleepy hamlets. The drive offers a smooth rhythm. There are no sharp turns or narrow ledges, just easy curves and peaceful scenery. You’ll pass the village of Bystrá, where you can visit the Bystrianska Cave. This limestone cave is known for its dripstone formations, cool air, and guided underground tours.
From Bystrá, continue toward Mýto pod Ďumbierom, a quiet village resting at the foot of Mount Ďumbier, which is the tallest peak in the Low Tatras. The village is a good base for walks, forest strolls, or just enjoying the fresh air. Just a few kilometers ahead lies the Tále resort area, where you can stretch your legs along a lakeside walking trail and enjoy alpine scenery.
For a mountain adventure without the hike, drive to the Srdiečko cable car station and take the lift to Chopok. The cable car climbs above the tree line, ending with panoramic views of the Tatras. On clear days, you can see as far as the High Tatras to the northeast. To end your journey, continue to Skipark Jasná Nízke Tatry, Slovakia’s largest mountain resort. In summer, the area turns into a hub for hiking, cable cars, biking, and local food stalls. There are easy trails, chairlifts, and places to sit with mountain views all around.
Renting a car is the best way to see central Slovakia’s forests and mountains. Here are some practical tips to keep in mind for a smooth road trip:
Central Slovakia is full of calm summer forest drives, with lush greenery, cool lakes, and mountain views around every corner. Renting a car with Finalrentals makes it easy to explore these places at your own pace. You can book online in a few steps, pick up your car in Bratislava, and enjoy affordable prices.
