(source: Marcela Ballová)
In a meadow surrounded by dense forests, far from the hustle and bustle of towns, and above crossroads where hiking trails and bike routes converge, a small paradise of cuckoo clocks has emerged.
It's two o'clock in the afternoon in the hills outside the village of Pohronská Polhora, central Slovakia, and the biggest cuckoo clock in Slovakia has just come to life. The upper window opens and the cuckoo announces the time.
Immediately after, the carillon chimes, and a charming animal parade emerges from the window beneath the clock face, concluding its brief journey at the second window. Saint Vendelín, who watches over shepherds and farmers and protects animals from diseases, and Saint Demeter, the guardian of the place, oversee times of work, rest, and prayer.
"The clock strikes every quarter hour: once at the first quarter, then twice at the second, and finally three times at the third. Every hour, the time is announced by the cuckoo with music in the background, while an animal procession is passing from window to window," explains Andrea Vlčeková from the popular restaurant Salaš Zbojská outside the village.
Soon, the animals will be replaced by moving wooden sculptures representing local folk creators. They will be accompanied by folk music, inextricably linked to this region.
Creative entrepreneur, owner of Salaš Zbojská, and farmer Igor Vlček has been turning his ideas, including the cuckoo clock, into reality for several years.
On foot, by bike or by bus-train
The Slovak rarity is situated in a rather isolated spot, at the Chlipavice saddle, where hikers will also find a farm called Gazdovský dvor.
This dvor can be reached on foot or by bicycle. The location is interwoven with hiking trails and cycling paths, leading to the well-known village of Čierny Balog, Pohronská Polhora, Zbojská (restaurant and saddle) or the village of Klenovec.
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Those who enjoy taking a ride on a unique means of transport, can get on the bus-train on weekends, running between Salaš Zbojská and Gazdovský dvor every hour. During working days, it must be ordered by phone.
Also interesting is a tourist dormitory, set in the roof section of a wooden house at Gazdovský dvor, standing opposite the cuckoo clock.
In a place where electricity is provided by batteries, there is no need to expect sockets or Wi-Fi. This place is mainly about relaxation in beautiful nature, where people live in harmony with animals.
©My Novohrad
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