Hiking the Little Carpathians

Today we woke up to a beautiful autumn day, and it was clear – it was waddle time. We live close to the Little Carpathians, so we have several trails we can choose to take.

The Little Carpathians are a low mountain range area, and they belong to the Carpathian Mountains in Western Slovakia, and lucky for us, they also cover an area in Bratislava. They have even been declared a protected area of 646.1 km2 (249.5 sq miles).
We decided to go from Rača to Záhorská Bystrica as it covers two castles or castle ruins.

Our waddle:

• Waddle duration: 4 hours and 36 minutes 
• Distance:  20,40 km (12,6 miles)
• Route: Green & Yellow & Blue
• Map: link

Even with all the leaves already down from the trees, we experienced great views on our way. Some parts of the waddle were challenging, especially for a penguin). The altitude was going up and down, up and down.

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Accessibility

We used a city tram to get to the start of our route. We went from Račianske Mýto by tram number three to the stop Hybešova. From there, we started waddling up toward the Little Carpathians. 

The Waddle

Even with all the leaves already down from the trees, we experienced great views on our way. Some parts of the waddle were challenging, especially for a penguin). The altitude was going up and down, up and down.

The whole time beautiful nature surrounded us. If we had come a few weeks earlier, the autumn colors would give us a different kind of show. Even though surrounded by naked trees, it was still marvelous.

This part is charming as it has a swing which I had to try, of course, and with the birds singing around, it was a very relaxing experience. Happiest penguin in the world.

Waddling on, we came to the spacious meadow, which had a place to do a fire, and I can imagine a nice grill part during summer.

Some of the hills were pretty steep as well.

There was also one surprise waiting for us. In the middle of the forest, out of nowhere, this beautiful alley of trees suddenly appeared in front of us. Nature knows what she is doing. It was a fantastic view.

Read also about the castle Červený Kameň

Dragon Castle Ruins

The first ruin we stopped at was the Dragon Castle (Dračí Hrádok). You will find only ruins left that are hidden within the trees of the dense forest. The ruin stands on the hill called Úboč, located about 2 km (1,2 miles) east of the Borinka village. 

The history of the castle goes back to the 13th century. The structure consisted of two parts, whereas the main one was a tower. The historians still need to find out whether it was a castle or whether it was a watchtower.
Well, we will never know. My thoughts are that they were breeding dragons there.

 

Pajštún Castle

The second castle ruin we stopped by was Pajštún Castle. This one also has a veil of mystery on it as the circumstances of its origin are not entirely known. It was first mentioned in a document from 1273. The earlier owners of the castle also ruled the surrounding areas and the town of Stupava as well. In the middle of the 18th century, the castle was destroyed by a fire. And whatever was not annihilated by the fire then was demolished in 1810 by Napoleon’s troops.

The castle consists of ruins, but the space is huge. And some parts are quite reserved. Many people visit it, as it offers an impressive panorama.

From the castle, we waddled back down to the village of Borinka and then to the village of Marianka. As we wanted to take the public transportation provided by Bratislava, we had to waddle a little bit more to the Záhorská Bystrica from where public transport is available.

It was hilarious cause the walk from one village to another is literally only a few steps, but still, you have to waddle there cause from Marianka, only regular buses are available. Not public transport. 

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