Zniev

Zniev Hill is an easily accessible hill, also suitable for families with children, but in some sections the climb is steeper. You need to prepare for it in advance, especially in the winter months. The route leads around the ruins of Zniev Castle, which is definitely worth a visit. From the very top, you will have beautiful views of the surroundings.

Zniev Castle is one of the highest ruins in Slovakia. It is located on the Zniev Hill at an altitude of 985 m n. above the village of Kláštor pod Znievom. The road to the castle starts at the local cemetery, where there is enough space to park your car. You will walk straight past the cemetery to the meadow and there you will continue to the right along the green hiking trail, which will lead you to the top. The ascent time is approximately 90 minutes.

From the cemetery, you will see the tip of the Calvary sticking out of the forest. At the end of the meadow there is also a marked educational trail to Calvary. You can go see there first and then you will continue to Zniev. The Calvary is therefore not located directly on the marked path to the ruins. The Calvary was built by the Jesuits in the years 1728 – 1729. The Way of the Cross was consecrated on August 15, 1935. In 2008, three new crosses were added. These three crosses are located in front of the chapel . They complete the beautiful whole environment and when you stop there, you will definitely feel peace and quiet. You will certainly not regret a stop at the Calvary.

Continuing to Zniev Hill, you will almost always be through the forest. The whole hike will go up a gentler hill, which will alternate with steeper sections, but it is not very difficult. The first viewpoint is after about 2km and you will have a view of Dolný Turiec. A little further you can relax at the Chapel of St. Margaret of Hungary, which was renovated in 2010.

From the chapel it is about 30 minutes to the top. Probably the most difficult section of the road awaits you. You will pass by steep rocks. Here, especially in the winter months, ropes that you can hold on to will help you. We also recommend packing cats in winter. As a reward, when you pass this section, another beautiful viewpoint will be waiting for you at its top. You will see the Kriváň Malá Fatra, the hills of the Veľká Fatra, the village of Kláštor pod Znievom. Next, you will pass by a small cave and you will already be under the ruins of the castle.

However, only a torso remains of the ruins of Zniev Castle. The first mention of the castle is from 1243 – then it was called Turčiansky. From the middle of the 13th century, it briefly became a county castle.

In the 1st half of the 14th century, the seat of the county was transferred to Sklabiňa Castle, and since then the castle has been renamed Znievsky. At the beginning of the 16th century, the castle was repaired and expanded on the south side of the old castle. Zniev Castle often changed owners, until it finally came into the power of the Zniev propository and became the seat of the so-called Zniev state. In 1705, the castle and the entire estate were taken over by the Rakóczi family. Then he slowly declined. The last mention of it is from 1713.

From the castle, be sure to go to the top, which is only about 5 minutes away. The views from there are definitely worth it. Kľak in particular will stand out in the view. Enjoy the views, recharge your batteries, relax and go back the same way.

This hiking is also suitable for families with children, it is not one of the demanding ones. In the winter months, however, ice and snow must also be taken into account in the steeper sections and properly prepared. I believe that you will enjoy hiking to Zniev Hill together.

You can see the exact route here.

Text: Bc. Veronika Šimková

Photo: archive of S-NPVF