The Outlaw's Baths at Salaš Zbojská. (source: Courtesy of Salaš Zbojská)
In the saddle of Zbojská, central Slovakia, there is no shortage of wooden cottages. These cottages seem straight out of a fairy tale when meadows around them bloom, where horses graze peacefully, a shepherd drives flocks of sheep through them, accompanied by mighty white dogs that lazily bask in the shade of trees near one of the most famous mountain chalets on the border between the Gemer and Horehronie regions.
And under one of these chalets, Salaš Zbojská, something is concealed that many tourists do not suspect. The underground Zbojnícke kúpele (Outlaw's Baths) can be found behind its doors.
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"The entire realisation of the traditional Slovak restaurant and chalet Salaš Zbojská, including the artificial cave with a pool and saunas, is the idea of my father Igor Vlček," said Andrea Vlčková.
The place in the embrace of the Muránska Planina mountains is no longer just about tasty food, but also about preserving shepherd traditions and introducing their charm to domestic and foreign visitors. The Outlaw's Baths emerged as a piece in the mosaic of attractions designed not only to attract visitors, but also to keep them engaged and fill their leisure time, especially during unfavourable weather.
"The surroundings of Salaš Zbojská offer opportunities for hiking and cycling trips," added Vlčková. "A wellness attraction was missing here."
Because the chalet is located in a region once raided by the Tisovec outlaw Jakub Surovec, after whom the local nature trail is named, the baths were given the name "zbojnícke".
Relaxing in outdoor wooden tubs
Initially, people coming to Salaš Zbojská relaxed in wooden tubs, which were eventually replaced by stainless steel ones embedded in the ground. Visitors, relaxing in warm water under the open sky, can admire views of green meadows, mountains, and grazing horses.
"Often the saunas underground are half-empty because everyone wants to go to the outdoor hot tub," said the daughter.
In the depths beneath the chalet, visitors relax not only in the hot tub, but also in the Shepherd's Hut, the Hot Cauldron, the Outlaw's Pipe, the Shepherd's Resting Place, and a sauna named Scent of Pasture. There is a pool, seemingly nestled amidst the roots of trees, and a tepidarium with a view of the impressive Fabova Hoľa hilltop.
"The capacity of the Outlaw's Baths is 30 people," Andrea noted, adding that plans also include a salt cave.
Tips on what to do near Salaš Zbojská
Tourists staying at Salaš Zbojská can also participate in cheese production and sheep grazing.
Moreover, Muránska planina has been declared a dark sky park, and star observations will soon take place at the salaš as well.
A highlight is the Zbojnícka strela (Outlaw's Shot) tourist train, which transports people around the area, horse riding, or an historic train with a stop directly at Zbojská.
One of the most beautiful places in Muránska planina is the scenic viewpoint Tisovská Voniaca (1113 m), located between the peaks of Šarkanica and Strelnica.
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