Day 1: Červený Kameň, Budmerice, and relaxation at Zochová cottage
Red stone
A guarantee of a comfortable weekend in the Little Carpathians is accommodation at Zoch's cottage in the area of Modra - Piesok. An exceptional feeling of comfort comes from the feng shui-style rooms and their connection with the surrounding beech forest, which adds an even more cozy dimension to the accommodation. Be sure to look forward to the excellent restaurant and wellness. Zoch's cottage serves as an ideal starting point for several hikes and trips across the Lesser Carpathian forests and their landmarks. As an alternative, you can also choose Hotel under Lipa right in Modra, with a swimming pool and equally high-quality services.
Our path will immediately lead to the central point of the surroundings of Modra and the entire Lesser Carpathians - to the castle Red stone, 14 kilometers from the cottage, and the route is best done by bicycle along the cycle path. However, feel free to go on foot or comfortably by car.
Red stone has several ways to win you over. In its surroundings there is an enchanting forest park with several views of the Carpathian valleys, and its inseparable part are artistic objects, of which the rare sculptures of the local calvary clearly stand out.
The castle itself houses an extensive museum focused on the development of the housing culture of the nobility and middle class in Slovakia from the Renaissance to the Art Nouveau period. You can walk through it according to several small and large circuits, as the castle offers really luxurious spaces. But be careful with your time, because the place really offers countless paintings, installations and beautiful historical objects and attractions. Get ready for lavish and visually appealing salons, bedrooms, dining rooms and knightly halls. From them, you can move to the castle moats, cellars, four castle bastions breathing history, and you will also see the uniquely preserved defense system of the castle from the 16th century and get to know the overall history of the castle.
Budmerice Manor
Another historical landmark is in the nearby village of Budmerice. He is known by her Budmeric manor house. The magnificent, meticulously and sensitively renovated building in the romantic style is one of the most photogenic spots in the Lesser Carpathians and one of the most unique monuments in Slovakia. The interiors of the mansion will present you with a rich collection of furniture and art. The mansion is also surrounded by a large English park. So you probably already know where the best romantic outing, family relaxation and enjoying the surrounding beauty, which has survived for centuries, awaits you.
Day 2: Veľká Homoľa and Modra
Veľká Homoľa is simply the highlight
The second weekend day can be used in different ways. It depends on whether you feel like further hiking, or rather wander through Modran's alleys, pubs and cafes, or enjoy the service at the cottage or hotel of your choice. We will look at the first two ways.
The mountain will gladly take care of the tourist program for you Velka Homola. The experience of climbing the 709-meter-high peak is enhanced by the lookout tower built in honor of the local forest administrator and founder of the nearby Harmónia resort - Alexander Filípko. Undemanding hiking through the Little Carpathian forests is literally crowned with an amazing view not only of the Little Carpathians, but also of the White Carpathians, Považský Inovec, the Fatry Mountains, and with a little luck you can even see the Austrian Alps. That will be the photos! Veľká Homoľa is literally one of the highlights of visiting the Lesser Carpathians. And so that you don't have a lot to choose from, the surroundings of Modra can indeed boast numerous hiking trails. In addition to Veľká Homola, you can choose from Zochová Chata Bear Rock, Three Hills, Kukla Lookout and many other places.
Nooks and crannies of Modra are not covered with dust
And what about the environment of Blue itself? If you want to take a break from hiking, put your feet up, and enjoy quality wine, a good lunch, art, or if you would like to get to know something about the history of Modran, the town will be happy to treat you to absolutely everything.
According to your own taste, you can choose from a wide selection of great cafes Cuvée Modra, Pavúk caffe & enoteca, Cafe Modur, Staré Časy, About coffee or Hollerung in Modra-Harmónia. In addition to wine, Modra will treat you to delicious ice cream. For good food, go to the Starý dom, About coffee & food, Wild kitchen, Bistro cinema or the Bowling restaurant in Modra-Harmónia. And now, after the good food, it's time for some culture.
We definitely recommend local museums and galleries Ignác Bizmayer Gallery. It will introduce you to the history of the legendary Modran ceramics. The work of Bizmayer himself represents the pinnacle of ceramic art in Modra. You will especially be captivated by his ceramic sculptures, which capture the precise craftsmanship and traditions of the entire Modran region. It is a good sequel Ľudovít Štúr Museum, where you can get to know the figure of the national revivalist in a comprehensive way, but also with the context of the time in which he lived. The museums in Modra are an experiential transfer to ancient times in the region. Definitely don't miss it Zoya museum, where you can admire Slovak art after the second half of the 20th century, but also art from abroad. There is another amazing gallery concept in the center of Modra Blu: gallery – space for contemporary art.
And don't forget the Modran Majolica. Highlight Modry is the home of artisanal ceramics and you can participate in creative workshops here, where you can create your own, original piece and see an exhibition of contemporary and historical Slovak ceramics.
Evening in the Little Carpathians
You didn't know it and it's already evening? It doesn't matter. Life and experiences in Modra do not end with darkness. You can learn more interesting things from the history of Modra at the experience Lantern parade Modran cemetery. She can take care of a truly magical and relaxing end to the weekend program.
You know what's the best thing about it all? We have listed a lot of things, but this is still only a fraction of what can be experienced in the Lesser Carpathians. So, in conclusion, one more small piece of advice. Be sure to download it Little Karpaty app, in which you will find a lot of interesting tips for guided tours and getting to know the Lesser Carpathian region.
Malé Karpaty Travel guide on App Store a Google Play.