Hurvínek back on track (source: Archive of KŽM)
The old Hurvínek railcar swayed gently as it left Vrútky station in central Slovakia last weekend, its diesel purr winding into the hills. On board: a full house of railway romantics, bicycles strapped in, and rucksacks filled with picnic fare. The destination – Zápalkáreň near Ružomberok – was less a dot on the map than a springboard into the Liptov countryside.
Since 2019, the Vrútky Railway Modellers’ Club has been running nostalgic excursions, and demand has steadily grown. This year, they added an extra carriage to avoid last year’s crowding, but even so, bike spaces vanished quickly, according to My Turiec.
At Zápalkáreň, the old siding buzzed with life. Cyclists pedalled off towards the Cyklokorytnička trail, a forgiving 53-kilometre ride that threads past refreshment huts and mountain views. Those staying behind gathered near the fire pits, smoke curling skywards as sausages sizzled and children chased each other in the grass. Firewood was stacked neatly nearby, roasting sticks shared among strangers-turned-friends.
From here, the UNESCO village of Vlkolínec and the Brankovský waterfall beckoned. Some wandered, some simply sat and listened to the stillness.
And as summer nears, more journeys await: a trip to Trstená, from where a 38-kilometre cycling route leads all the way to Nowy Targ in Poland, a visit to Harmanecká Cave, a return to Kremnica for Slovakia’s festival of satire, and a trip to a hydroelectric power station in Liptovský Mikuláš.
The Hurvínek, it seems, has stories yet to tell. Hop on Facebook to catch the next departure.
Spectacular Slovakia travel guides
A helping hand in the heart of Europe thanks to our Slovakia travel guide, with more than 1,000 photos and hundreds of tourist spots.
Our detailed travel guide to the Tatras introduces you to the whole region around the Tatra mountains, including attractions on the Polish side.
Lost in Bratislava? That's impossible with our City Guide!
See some selected travel articles, podcasts, traveller info as well as other guides dedicated to Nitra, Trenčín Region, Trnava Region and Žilina Region.
