Going from Zilina to Muran, which route would be more scenic and anything to do alongside it on a day trip (perhaps 2 days)?
Going from Zilina to Muran, which route would be more scenic and anything to do alongside it on a day trip (perhaps 2 days)?
3 comments
The one you have highlighted is definitely the most scenic one, through small towns and forests – the top one is the highway. Not sure about what to do along the way, Banská Bystrica could have something for you. You could maybe check out the [Čierny Hron forestry railway](https://www.chz.sk/en/).
Go with the highlighted route.
Banská Bystrica has nice main square. Just past Banská Bystrica there is Slovenská Ľupča. Stop at the Mliečna farma Braunvieh ([Farma Hiadlovských](https://www.nafarmuhiadlovskych.sk/kontakt/)). They make the absolutely best cheese in the Slovak Republic, period. Served e.g. to former president Kiska and available at some restaurants across the country. Stop there and buy some, it’s a small family business and they work really hard to grow it into one of the nicest places in the region. I had my wedding there with great satisfaction. And the cheese, really…
Then there’s Brezno, with the forest railway and skanzen (outdoor museum) in nearby Čierny Balog. However, that’s a small detour.
Continue to Zbojská pass and stop there. You can have fresh halušky or some other traditional dish. The true gem of Zbojská is however [Krčmicka u Falťanov](https://www.legendarnebuchty.sk/o-nas/) where they serve “Legendary buchty” (Mrs Falťanová revived a local traditional pastry from Muráň but since she’s not from there she had to rename to Legendary buchty).
Then hike the Čertova dolina and Chodník Jakuba Surovca. It’s a nice circular hike around the Zbojská pass. Especially the Čertova dolina is nice, resembles Slovenský raj or Jánošíkove diery which are one of the most visited Slovak hiking places.
Bring an empty bottle or a whole set and refill at Tisovská Šťavica, just past Tisovec on your way to Muráň.
If you want scenic and dont mind longer route then I would suggest following:
From Zilina head northeast through Terchová (small brewery Vrsky, Janosik on a hill, there is a viewing platform & I would suggest visit of Vrátna dolina – its a quick 20 minute detour via pictoresque roads) and then go to Oravský Podzámok (one of the most beautiful castles in Slovakia) then return and head south and through Kraľovany and Sutovo (maybe a short visit on foot to Sutovo waterfall) back to your route via Turiec (Martin/Turcianske Teplice)
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[my recommendation](https://imgur.com/a/iJ1ZAPK)