AUTHOR: Andrea Nepšinská

Where: Zbojská Pass – Jakub Surovec Nature Trail
District: Brezno/Rimavská Sobota
Time/Duration: Reserve at leastat least half a day

Zbojská Pass

The Zbojská Pass needs little introduction. It lies in a beautiful natural setting between between Brezno and Tisovec. Cand is increasingly becoming a destination especially for families with children, who love to enjoy Slovak specialties. What about But let’s walk a little? Hiking Trails From this point, the path leads quite a few. We chose educational Jakub Surovec Nature Trail — a famous local outlaw.

Zbojská Observation Tower

We parked the car by the main road and, full of enthusiasm, set off for the nearby Zbojská observation tower. From this 13-meter-tall tower, we were treated to a beautiful view, especially of the mountain hut across the way. For good luck, we rang the bell at the top and carefully made our way down the steep stairs. Fans of photo spots will surely enjoy the one shaped like a wooden frame featuring the Muránska lily—the symbol of the Muránska Planina National Park.

Wooden Statue of Jakub Surovec

Standing next to the tall wooden statue of Jakub Surovec, we set out along the trail where he and his band of outlaws roamed in the 18th century. His territory later expanded from Lučenec, through Orava, all the way to Nowy Targ. However, our second-most-famous outlaw, who hailed from Tisovec, was captured after just a few months of practicing this “trade.”

The Devil’s Viaduct

From the statue, we continued south and entered an enchanting forest. The nature trail was lined with informational signs. We passed by the Remetisko Cave and continued downhill, following a small, winding stream. We passed under the main I/72 road through an underpass. We then looked up at the monumental Devil’s Bridge—a viaduct nearly 20 meters high.

The Devil’s Cave

If you want to see the spot where the guards captured Jakub Surovec and his band, you’ll need to veer slightly off the main trail of the nature trail and climb a steeper slope. It is said that their gold treasure is still hidden in Čertova Cave to this day. Unfortunately, you won’t get a chance to explore it, since the entrance has been barred.

Devil’s Valley

After returning to the main trail, we continued on to Čertová Valley, which looked like a miniature Slovak Paradise. We were surrounded by rock walls on both sides. Thanks to a hundred steel rungs, a steel cable, and a small bridge, the gorge is much easier to traverse than it used to be. It’s a good idea to bring waterproof shoes.

At the same time, we recalled our visit to this place during the winter months, when we were enchanted by the beautiful icefalls covering both walls. However, this frosty beauty also prevented us from continuing our climb, as the final steps were covered in a thick layer of ice. For safety reasons, we turned back then. In the summer, we could have easily continued on 🙂

Peaceful meadows and some well-deserved relaxation

Once we reached the end of the gorge, we found ourselves surrounded by trees once again. This time, we had to put on our hiking boots and head uphill. We then walked through open meadows, where we could enjoy watching the sheep grazing.

When we arrived at Salaš Zbojská, we ordered a timeless classic—bryndzové halušky. While sipping cold drinks, we gave this trip top marks. We were very pleased by the small number of tourists, which allowed us to fully enjoy the entire four-kilometer loop with an elevation gain of 268 meters.

To help our bodies recover, we then visited the local wellness center—Zbojnícke Spa. It looked like a cave full of themed saunas. The icing on the cake was an outdoor wooden tub with a magnificent view of the sun-drenched surrounding greenery.

We got into the car full of positive energy, along with a paper bag full of freshly baked Legendary Buchty, which we enjoyed on the way home.

More Tips for Day Trips

During the summer months, be sure to take a ride on the Zubačka from Tisovec to the Zbojská Pass. It is the only railway line in Europe on which a standard-gauge cogwheel steam train operates. I’d also recommend visiting the Chlipavica Pass, home to the largest cuckoo clock in Slovakia. You can easily get there by a vehicle called the Zbojnícka strela. If you’re in the mood for hiking, you can set out from the Zbojská Pass to Fabova hoľa or to the source of the Rimava River. You’ll certainly be enchanted by the Burda Pass as well, where you’ll find a nature information center. Do you fancy a horseback ride? Set out along the Hucul Trail, which follows nearly 300 km of marked trails.

There are many options for day trips. If you want to fully enjoy this corner of Slovakia, be sure to set aside a few days.