Most tourists exploring Slovakia have heard of the High Tatras or Slovak Paradise. But Zadná Polana? Not likely. This volcanic mountain zone in central Slovakia stays off the radar. Located far from the usual tourist paths, Zadná Polana offers raw nature, peaceful hiking trails, and deep green forests. However, you need to rent a car in Slovakia to get there. Our Zadna Polana travel guide will help you discover why this natural preserve should be your next nature escape.
There are no direct buses or trains to Zadná Poľana. That makes car rental not just helpful, but necessary. Public transport stops in Detva or Hriňová, still many kilometers away from the mountain itself. From there, your only options are a long, steep walk or an expensive taxi ride through remote backroads.
By driving, you skip the hassle and gain the freedom to explore on your own terms. The 220-kilometer journey from Bratislava takes about 3 to 3.5 hours. The route is simple: R1 expressway to Zvolen, then Route 526 through gentle mountain roads. The roads are paved, well-marked, and lightly trafficked, so it will be an easy drive. More importantly, this is the only way to enjoy the area’s beauty. Along the way, you’ll pass rolling hills, historic towns, and panoramic valley views.
Driving from Bratislava to Zadná Poľana offers more than a scenic route. It’s a shift from urban energy to mountain calm. Starting in Bratislava, Slovakia’s capital, you’ll have access to many reputable car rental options, so it’s a convenient launch point for road trips. The city’s well-connected road network helps you get on the highway quickly and easily start your journey eastward.
As you leave the capital, the landscape changes fast. Vineyards and lakes give way to rolling hills, medieval towns like Trnava, and later Zvolen, where red rooftops and castles appear between forested hills.As you approach Zadná Poľana, the road narrows, and forests grow denser. By car, you control the pace. Stop for photos, explore local villages, or simply enjoy the silence of nature as you climb into the mountains.
Driving from Bratislava to Zadná Poľana is a journey from western to central Slovakia. Here are the best road trip stops along the way:
Banská Štiavnica is one of the most rewarding places to stop, which is around 76 kilometers from Zadná Poľana. You must take the R1 expressway toward Žiar nad Hronom, then follow local roads via Route 51 and 524.
Once you arrive, you'll find a town full of charm and history. Thanks to its well-preserved mining architecture and historical significance, Banská Štiavnica is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Landmarks include the Old Castle, New Castle, and Holy Trinity Square. Visitors can stroll through cobbled streets with colorful buildings, museums, and cozy cafés. Several small lakes, also known as Tajchy, are nearby, which are great for walking and resting.
Parking in the town center is limited, especially during weekends or in summer. Most visitors leave their cars in the designated paid lots near Dolná Roveň or Kammerhof and explore the center on foot. Streets are one-way in several parts of town, so use GPS.
Zvolen Castle is an easy stop directly along the R1 expressway. It takes less than five minutes from the highway to reach the town center. The castle dates back to the 14th century and is notable for its square layout and Renaissance interiors. Originally built as a hunting lodge for Hungarian kings, Zvolen Castle now houses a regional gallery with a rotating art collection. The surrounding grounds are open to the public, including shaded benches and a quiet courtyard perfect for relaxing.
In the 18th century, the castle underwent a major reconstruction that added Baroque features, including the coffered ceiling in the Royal Hall. This ceiling, with 78 portraits of Roman and German emperors, has been preserved to this day. Entry is affordable, and the experience is far less crowded than well-known Slovak castles like Bojnice or Spiš. Depending on the season, you’ll find clean facilities and guided tours in multiple languages.
Detva is a small but culturally rich town 25 kilometers from Zadná Poľana. It lies along Route 16, which connects easily from the R1 expressway through Zvolen. It’s the last proper town before you enter the remote Poľana Protected Landscape Area, so it’s a good place to stop for fuel, local food, or supplies before heading into more mountainous terrain.
The town is best known for its deep folk traditions. Visitors will see wooden crosses, traditional house carvings, and local craft shops for hand-embroidered garments. Today, it’s known for iconic wooden crosses placed on ridgelines and cemeteries and houses with painted eaves and carved beams.
Detva hosts one of Slovakia’s largest folk festivals each July, drawing over 1,500 performers. The event features parades in full costume, live music, dance competitions, and a bustling artisan market. Even if you're not visiting during the festival, the local culture is visible year-round in chapel decorations and roadside shrines.
Located 31 km from Detva, the Hrochoť Ridge Viewpoint offers one of the best panoramic stops on the way to Zadná Poľana. It is situated along a narrow local road branching off Route 16. What makes this viewpoint special is the open visibility over the entire Poľana volcanic range. On clear days, you can see layered forest ridges stretching toward the horizon, with scattered farms and winding roads below. It’s a perfect place to pause before entering the more rugged sections near Zadná Poľana.
Vígľaš Castle is about 31 kilometers from Zadná Poľana. The castle sits just off Route 16. You can access it via a paved driveway that leads directly to its main entrance. Vígľaš Castle was built in the 14th century and later restored. Now, it functions as a luxury hotel and a conference center.
Even if you’re not staying overnight, you can explore the castle’s exterior grounds, which are surrounded by dense forest. Inside, there is a café and restaurant serving coffee and light meals. The castle chapel in the east wing features a rib-vaulted ceiling and a polygonal chancel. You can relax in the courtyard or take photos from the small tower overlooking the valley.
Zadná Poľana is a nature reserve in central Slovakia's Poľana Protected Landscape Area. It lies on the remnants of a stratovolcano and features a rugged terrain of forested slopes, lava domes, and volcanic craters. Here are five rewarding ways to spend your time in the area:
Zadná Poľana is home to a large extinct volcano in Central Europe. The volcanic massif rises to 1,458 meters above sea level, and the old crater, now covered in dense forest, gives this area its unique shape.
Hiking here isn’t just scenic, it’s geological. Trails like the Poľana Nature Trail loop around the rim and offer insight into volcanic rock formations. The crater’s rim gives you views into the surrounding valleys and forests, especially from points like Katruška Viewpoint. Since the area is remote, it’s quiet even in high season. Be sure to wear sturdy hiking shoes, bring water, and start early to catch the morning mist rising from the ancient volcanic basin.
Kyslinky Valley lies deep inside the Poľana Biosphere Reserve, about 12 kilometers from Hriňová. The valley follows the Kyslinka stream, which flows through dense beech and spruce forests. A narrow, paved forest road leads you in. Most visitors park near the Kyslinky forestry house, a former logging station, and continue on foot. The trails here are mostly flat.
In autumn, the colors are stunning as leaves turn gold and red. During spring, wildflowers cover the forest floor. Since there are no shops or facilities, bring snacks and water. Kyslinky Valley is also a good starting point for hikes to higher elevations like Bykovo or Poľana’s southern slopes.
Zadná Poľana is one of Slovakia’s richest areas for wildlife. The dense forests and quiet valleys are home to many protected species. You might spot red deer, wild boar, or even Eurasian lynx if you're lucky. Brown bears also live here, though sightings are uncommon and usually happen at dawn or dusk.
For birdwatchers, this region is a dream. You can see black storks, golden eagles, and owls, especially in the early morning. Bring binoculars and tread quietly. The best spots for wildlife watching are along forest edges and near water sources like the Kyslinka stream. In summer, butterflies and insects thrive. You won’t find fences or feeding stations here. It’s a perfect destination for those who want to see animals in their natural habitat.
The Poľana Loop Road is a scenic route encircling the Poľana volcanic massif in central Slovakia. This loop, approximately 120 kilometers long, provides access to various trailheads, viewpoints, and traditional villages. Starting from towns like Hriňová or Detva, the road winds through dense forests and open meadows.
Along the route, you’ll pass quiet villages like Kyslinky and reach places like the Kyslinky forestry house, old logging paths, and wooden crosses that mark traditional shepherd areas. You can stop at Pod Hrbom or Dolný Jasenok for picnic breaks or short walks into the forest. Mobile signal can be weak in parts, so download offline maps before you go.
Partizánska Ľupča is a charming village in northern Slovakia in the Liptov region. One notable location is the Magura Golden Educational Trail, an 8 km circular path that begins near the cottage Magurka. This trail offers panoramic views and educates visitors about the region's mining history and natural environment.
Another point of interest is the Church of Saint Matthew, a historical Roman-Catholic church in Partizánska Ľupča. This church, built in the 13th century, shows the village's rich history. For those seeking a more immersive experience, the Magurka area provides a peaceful setting with its lush forests and mountainous terrain. It's an ideal spot for hikers and nature enthusiasts who want to explore the Liptov region.
Slovakia is full of surprises for those willing to leave the main roads, and Zadná Poľana is one of its best-kept secrets. This road trip for British tourists in Slovakia is a refreshing escape from crowded cities and over-touristed nature parks. There are no buses heading this way, but driving opens up a side of Slovakia that most travelers miss.
If you're ready to book a car, you're in the right place. At Finalrentals, we make it easy to explore Slovakia on your terms. Our fleet is reliable, our booking process is simple, and you can pick up your rental near major cities like Bratislava.
