The name of the village of Mojtín leads to the idea of ​​a proud, majestic old mansion, but do not be deceived.

It is only a small village among Strazovské hills. Its original population has been protected since the danger of the surrounding world since 1363. Mojtín is one of the highest settlements of Považia, 636 meters above sea level, known for its caves, in the past past the mining of bauxite, the modest ski center and the eternal soldier of Gábriš. The tourist police are searching for the surroundings of Mojtín this time and revealing what treasures here hid in front of the world.

First: Tourist targets

From Beluša village you can easily reach Mojtín by car or bus. Not even cyclists are short, the asphalt road in the thick forests is an experience in itself. As tourists, ready to go to the field, we run through the village and evaporate a little behind the church, near the junction of hiking trails. The variety of colors suggests it is something to choose from. There are blue (Zliechov - Riedka), yellow (Ladce - Košecké Rovné) and green tourist signs (Slopná - Mojtín). However, our goal is already clear, we move to the top of Malena Maleva (909 m asl). We follow the green route, according to a map with a duration of more than three hours in two directions.

It's a cold Sunday morning, at the end of September tighter than we would expect. We are not worried, a few layers of clothing and height meters are warming up. The trail begins to light, alongside the new wooden tower overlooking the entire village and the ski resort opposite. A pleasant walk along the hills and meadows. On the one hand, the sheep are grazing, on the other slowly flowing poniklece. Unique look right at the beginning.

Going through the meadow, we lose the markings in the last warming part. After a moment of blurring, we are smarter, higher at the edge of the forest, the green markings reappear. Here begins the first climb below the summit of Rakytník, furthermore the path is again milder slope. The walkway leads through the deciduous forests along the leafy rock formations, as if they were randomly scattered around.

For a short break - due to the view of Kľak and Strážov, then a slight climb to the forested peak with the romantic name of the Girl. Surprisingly, it follows a steep downhill down into the saddle and up again. Let us feel in our feet that we have "wandered", we are glad. Malenica signpost tells you just fifteen minutes to the destination. We roam the rocky ridge to the top. The wooden cross is limited in view of surrounding vegetation, but this can be a plus for hiking in the upcoming winter season. The most beautiful is the view of the rocky ridge Podskalskeho Roháča and Manínske bradlo, which extends over the valleys of Váh, Kľak, Strážov and Považská Bystrica. Somewhat rejuvenate and slowly return to the saddle on the marked walkway. The trip can also be stopped in the neighboring village of Slopná, but we are going to the same route back to Mojtin. We have confirmed that the route is not very frequent, hoc in this case perhaps also favored the gloomy weather. On the way we meet only a couple of runners, local huts from Trenčín, with a four-legged friend. The good running terrain had lured them from under the pillow early in the morning.

Second: Potulky village

Despite the fact that Mojtín is only a small village, you will find several interesting hikes that are worth a visit. Start right next to the general office of a small but loving Park of St. John the Baptist. Vincent de Paul. Since 2001 there has been a calvary consisting of 15 stops and a chapel, with its own genius loci. The terrain is not strenuous, the stops are just nearby, making it accessible for both younger and older. The majestic Roman Catholic Church of St. Cyril and Method. Explained in 1863, it has an impressive decoration inside it. His areal guarded wooden coffins of two, for our history of significant vierozvestcov.

They walk through the road and wait for another rarity that they did not miss. The unique personality of Ladislav Škultéty-Gábriš, the native of Mojtín and the oldest soldier of the world, rests in the room. "In an unsettled world of armed conflicts, he worked for 81 years in an imperial soldier uniform, fought 22 fronts on the front, and survived 256 battles," he says, standing on a memorial plaque with his bronze scent on horseback. The eternal soldier dedicated Mojtina to his lifetime savings, which he earned during his 81-year military career. His last wish was to build a church and a native school for them so that they would not have to go to the world as illiterate as he had gone. The church is still standing, but the school has already been abolished in the march of history.

Klokatá path through the village turns to the ski area. Ski center Mojtín is situated on the northern slopes of Javorina, Veľký and Malý Grúň. Seven kilometers of slopes, however, have been snaking in the last few years. Plans to revive them are, however, more than actual and if they are already implemented during the upcoming winter season. We hold our fingers!

For rejuvenation, it is necessary to measure the way to the pension Barborka, about two hundred meters from the ski area. It is the only facility where you can refresh yourself in the village and surroundings. Regular opening hours, especially outside of the main season, are absent, so we recommend the packing unit for the trip to Mojtín to pack for sure. Accommodation in the village offers private weekend houses, cottages or the already mentioned guesthouse.

Third: A unique stop

What does not miss in Mojtín? Nevertheless, Mojtínská cave! The route leads along the blue tourist sign to the village of Riedek. The Way Towers the Turn to the Pond of Love - a project of local enthusiasts who built a mini lake with such a distinctive name of the village. Short walk - why not? We continue along the blue mark, the route leads to the turning to the cave. A few minutes by the forest walkway and suddenly we stand in a place that is more than just a hole in the rock. His story is related to the personality of the parish priest Štefan Závodník, on the initiative of which the cave was used as a natural church in the years 1855-1860. This is an exceptional phenomenon in the Church history of Slovakia. Bohabojní Mojtínčania were thus not dependent only on the church in the village of Pružina. During the Second World War, the cave was also used as a shelter for dozens of local families. Today, after years of forgetfulness, it resurrects. At the entrance there is an information board, inside you will see, besides the modest karst decoration, the statue of St. Joseph in life-size. In the cave, which, according to its patron, is also called St. John's Cave. Jozef, occasionally worship again. A married couple from Považská Bystrica, who we met along the way, did not resist the tempting bell before her entrance. His ringing spills out far.

Fourth: Košecké Podhradie

Less than half an hour drive from Mojtín and we are under the castle hill in Košecký Podhradí. Even though the original building is now just a few stones left, the short lift is only a small offer of nice views of Strážovské vrchy, Košecké Podhradie and surroundings. The story of the castle is associated with the name of the Count Smaragdus, leader of the Order of Templar Knights. The first written mention dates back to 1272 and its end dates back to 1670 when the castle occupied the imperial army, which eventually deliberately destroyed it. Since then, the ruin has rapidly collapsed and the result is today. Get here from the village to the green tourist sign, or several unmarked forest paths. There is also a tourist route from Mojtín, yellow, then green, about four hours away. For the tourists, there is no big dick.

Since we did not succeed in Mojtín, we choose for refreshment in Košecký Podhradie. In Hostinci under the ore, near the castle hill, it attracts a cozy home atmosphere. Mierime, however, for the village, to the leisure complex Sv. Hubert. The project, which has only recently grown, offers more - a restaurant with an outdoor terrace and an atrium, a snack bar, a pond, fish feed, and boat and lodging. At the moment, however, we are mainly interested in gastronomic services.

A more modest choice of what's on the subject, but thematically from each cup a little bit. Roasted trout with grilled vegetables in our case has won and proved to be a good choice. Sweet cherry blossom in the form of palaciniek has definitely added to all our consumed energy. Careful operation along with a pleasant atmosphere confirmed that the device should be recommended.

Mojtín surprised. Not just the offer of services, but the exceptional places and beautiful nature is here "habadej". A number of forest paths, marked hiking trails and biking trails make it an ideal hiding place in front of the reality of the rampant world. And all year round, even though the colors of the autumn give Mojtín a special mark.

photo: FB Obec Mojtín