Bratislava has a beautiful observatory
Waddling through the city forest of Bratislava – The Little Carpathians which are a low, about 100 km long, mountain range, part of the Carpathian Mountains. As a active hiker it is sometimes hard to find a new place to enjoy, but sometimes, something new grow up in the middle of a forest. Which is also the case of this new observatory called Vydrica.
Our waddle:
- Waddle duration: 2 hours 38 minutes
- Distance: 10.428 km (6.40 miles)
- Route: Green&Yellow&Blue&Red
- Map: link
- Things to see: panorama view of Little Carpathians, Vydrica Observatory
Apart form the highlight of the overall hike – Vydrica, of course the forest offers so much more. From swings to panorama views and great place for relax. Although it was December there was no snow yet.
The overall hike is easy and I also recommend it for families with children of families with pets.
Accesability
Arriving by can there is not a real issue with the parking as the beginning of the route is at Rača which is a borough of Bratislava. Also the starting place is a common one to start your hike, going a little up around the Amphitheater Rača and then parking at the designated place. And it is free.
Pro tip: as I mention all the time, come early in the morning. Later it might be you won’t find a good parking place. There were times where we saw people parking down near the Amphitheater Rača.
There are also others way to go to Vydrica, but we choose the route from Rača.
The Waddle
With the close proximity to the capital it is a perfect waddle for an afternoon waddle with the whole family, or a morning one as we prefer. Not much experience needed for this particular waddle and it is a nice relaxed one. Elevation is modest so even kids and pets can make it.
Vydrica is located between Rača and Marianka, and is a newly built observatory which is set in the unique environment of the Little Carpathians. Coming from Rača, one can enjoy a nice piece of nature before coming to Vydrica.
But, let’s talk more about Vydrica, the reason we went here. It is a minimalist wooden building, 13 square meters and can accommodate a small number of people as well as a few penguins. It’s interesting to mention that it is constructed from the local spruce wood coming from another part of the city forest park.
The small picturesque “house” will allow you a pleasant escape from reality or even great as a hiding place when sudden rain or snow catches you. It is set perfectly in the beautiful forest park, so that visitors have the opportunity to enjoy the view in peace and watch the local animals, if you sit down and stay there for a while. However, beware – as it is quite a popular spot, or rather hot spot, it is not easy to find a time when nobody is there, so be prepared to share.
Find more hiking adventures: Hiking near Pezinok
Not to mention, if you really want to see the animals (foxes, deers, wild boars and more) be sure to wake up early. The animals do not sleep in and to see them the earlier you come the better.
Later when the forest is filled with other people is when the animals are hiding.
The observatory got its name from the Vydrica watercourse, which springs in this area.
In case you want to see other places, some well-known recreational places close by are Pánova lúka, Studnička Zbojníčka and Malý Slavín. All are within walking distance.
Note, the exact location of the new Vydrica observatory is still unknown as the charm of the also lies in her search.
And of course what would our waddles be without the regular coffee breaks. This one we had at the close meadow right next to Vydrica (won’t tell you the name, not to give away the location of Vydrica, the magic is indeed in the search.)
Hope you enjoy your waddle and find Vydrica as magical as we did.