A calm surface of the Hron awaits you, occasionally sticking out its watery tongue. Adrenaline will rush through your veins and a satisfied smile will appear on your face.
At the beginning, between Slovenská Ľupča and Šalková, expect two rapids that you will navigate without problems. You will pass by the Šalková hydroelectric power plant. The weir is not navigated, so you do not have to worry about a difficult section ahead of you. “Crew disembark, carry the boats, and board again!“
After boarding, you arrive in Banská Bystrica. The second weir in order, Uhlisko, is passable for paddlers. Enjoy the calm current through the city in the regulated channel of the Hron, which in these urban areas is lined with high walls.
WARNING – getting ashore is not possible. Beyond Banská Bystrica, the most entertaining section through Vlkanová with many river hazards will test your paddling skills. You will continue on through the town of Sliač all the way to Zvolen.
Here, get your muscles ready. A 300-meter portage over the weir requires strong arms. Beyond Zvolen, the Hron continues in its relaxation mode. Enjoy the chirping of birds and beautiful views of the surrounding Štiavnica and Kremnica Mountains.
The middle section is usually paddled in 1 to 2 days. A popular place to start is Lodenica na Mlynčoku, and the trip can end in Iliaš (19 river km) or in Vlkanová (22 river km). In the case of a two-day trip, you can continue as far as Zvolen (32 river km) or even beneath Pustý hrad all the way to Budča (40 river km). There are many alternatives for the descent. For multi-day trips, we recommend starting higher up in Horehronie or continuing all the way to the Gron region.
The middle section is interesting for people who like history. During the trip, a little glimpse into history also awaits you. You will paddle through three former royal towns – Slovenská Ľupča, Banská Bystrica, Zvolen.
On the route, you will also find Ľupča Castle, which eagerly awaits curious visitors during the summer. In Hronsek, you will paddle past the Wooden Articular Church, which is listed as a UNESCO site. If you are interested in a visit, dock immediately after passing under the railway bridge on the left bank.
In Hronsek, a manor house and the Water Castle also await you. They are currently not open to the public, but they are still worth seeing. Farther along the way, the largest castle in Slovakia, Pustý hrad, peeks out at you. From the campsite at Červený medokýš, where a refreshing mineral spring rises, you can reach the castle by taking the back way on the left. If you continue farther, you will get to Zvolen. Besides the magnificent historic center, Zvolen Castle also awaits you, which is currently home to the Slovak National Gallery. End the historical revue at the little-known Peťuša Castle.
Trip tip:
Are you an active holidaymaker? Try the life of a paddler for one or two days.
Šalková – Budča
1 day / 25 river km
Nemecká – Zvolen
2 or more days / 45 river km
TIP for boat rental:
- Camp at Silent Fero’s in Iliaš
- Fort Geronimo in Vlková
- Rybárik Snack Bar in Sliač (cooperates with the Hastrman boat rental)
If you do not like any of these rental locations, that’s okay. The rental companies will gladly bring the full equipment anywhere.
The price list of fees varies, so it is good to get information in advance. Various types of craft are available – 2-seat canoes, 4- to 11-seat rafts.
How do you get there?
Book your experiences
Book your river rafting trip online, or choose from some of the other experiences we have prepared for you. And don't forget to get inspired by trip tips that will help you discover places still unknown.
HRON
Down the Hron from Nemecká to Mlynčok
Enjoy a rafting trip down the Hron from Nemecká all the way to Mlynčok.
HRON
Down the Hron from Nemecká to Šalková
A rafting trip made for the whole family, so hooray, let's hit the water!
IPEĽ
Rafting on the Ipeľ - Bušince
Rafting on the Ipeľ River will be an extraordinary paddling experience for you.
IPEĽ
Through the calm waters of the Ipeľ from Holiša to Kalonda
Set out to raft the Ipeľ River like a true paddler.
You might also be interested in
The sun is shining, the water beckons—so go explore the region Beyond the hills, beyond the dales along the rivers Hron, Ipeľ, or Muránka. Rest your feet, and after the trip you’ll have beautifully defined muscles on your arms. Rafting is becoming one of the most sought-after adventurous experiences for the whole family. Just pick one and woohoo—onto the water!
Hron
Rafting on the Hron
Rafting on the Hron is among the most beautiful kayaking experiences. It’s suitable for all age groups. In Central Europe, it is probably the last river that is navigable from its source all the way to its mouth.
Ipeľ
Rafting on the Ipeľ
Meanders await rowers, along with magnificent natural scenery, fairytale floodplain forests and meadows where only dancing fairies are still missing. Nature around the small river is diverse and full of rare fauna and flora.
Muránka
Rafting on the Muránka
Rafting on the Muránka is an ideal start for paddlers. Inexperienced kayakers or families with children who have at least some— or no—experience with rafting will surely appreciate the calm river surface.