An educational trail in central Slovakia blends playful installations, traditional design and the quiet rhythms of the Low Tatras. (source: Mária Maková)
The village of Polomka, in Slovakia’s Horehronie region, has brought new life to the Ždiarska Valley with the creation of an interactive educational trail designed for families. A newly built wooden pavilion by the reservoir makes the valley entrance more inviting and encourages longer visits.
The Ždiarskô trail runs for about three kilometres in a gentle loop: climbing a meadow path and returning along an asphalt road. It is clearly marked and links to the green tourist route towards the Homôlka saddle, which connects with the Heroes of the Slovak National Uprising Trail in the Low Tatras.
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Nine installations line the route, each highlighting local flora and fauna in a playful way. Visitors encounter a wooden xylophone made from tree trunks, a jumping pit, a mushroom memory game, animal carvings, a herb meadow and a natural spring. Local craftsmen and artists contributed, turning the project into a blend of nature, culture and community effort.
The pavilion and trail elements were designed by architect Matúš Antolík and his team after more than a year of planning. Inspired by regional traditions, the structure also resembles a forest mushroom when seen from afar. Custom furniture and information panels complement the trail.
Petra Ridzoňová Hlásniková, Director of the Horehronie Tourism Region, said the initiative reflects the ambition of the local administration and residents. Polomka, already known for its ski resort, lookout tower and hiking routes, now offers visitors another way to experience its landscape.
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