Žakýlsky Castle and Tarn: A Peaceful Hike from the Village of Podhorie

SEO Title: Trip to Žakýlsky Castle and Tarn: Route and Difficulty

SEO Description: Find out how to reach Žakýlsky Castle from the village of Podhorie. Learn about the route's difficulty, practical parking information, and what to see at Žakýlske Pleso.

Slug: zakylsky-hrad-pleso-vylet

A Trip to Žakýlsky Castle and Tarn

If you are wondering how to reach Žakýlsky Castle and the adjacent tarn, the village of Podhorie in the Štiavnické Vrchy mountains is the perfect starting point. From here, a moderately challenging educational trail leads you away from the main tourist hubs. The entire loop is just under 7 kilometers long and takes approximately three and a half hours, making it an excellent choice for an autumn or winter excursion.

During your walk, you will see the remains of a medieval watchtower fortress and the only natural lake of volcanic origin in the region. The route to Žakýlske Pleso and the castle walls is accessible even during the colder months. If you are looking for accommodation in Svätý Anton near the manor house and are planning trips into nature, you can add this location to your itinerary. For visitors interested in the wider surroundings who might be looking for accommodation in Banská Štiavnica, this is a peaceful and accessible alternative to busier locations.

Parking and Transport in Podhorie

The educational trail to Žakýlsky Castle starts in the center of Podhorie village, near the bus stop. The village does not have a designated parking lot; vehicles can be parked in public areas, for example, near the playground next to the bus stop. Regular suburban bus lines operate to the village. The first of the nine information boards of the educational trail is located at the bus stop.

Difficulty and Winter Hiking

The route follows the blue tourist markers and information panels. The terrain is forested and steep in places, so it is not suitable for strollers. The altitude exceeds 700 meters, which is why sturdy, waterproof footwear is necessary in cold weather. For more tips on interesting places in the region, visit the Discover the Surroundings section.

Žakýlsky Castle

The 13th-century castle ruins once served as a lookout point for trade routes transporting silver from Banská Štiavnica to Kremnica. Today, the site is reclaimed by the forest and consists only of relief remains.

While walking through the area, you can spot subtle remnants of stone walls, terraces, and moats. Architectural highlights include two mine shafts carved into the rock leading beneath the courtyard and a depression where a cistern once stood.

Žakýlske Pleso

Not far from the castle hill lies Žakýlske Pleso (the tarn). Unlike the artificial reservoirs of Štiavnica, this is the only natural lake of volcanic origin in the Štiavnické Vrchy, formed in the Tertiary period. Locals also refer to it as the "Eye of the Sea."

In the past, water from the tarn supplied Žakýlsky Castle and later powered a local mill. Since 1986, the site has been declared a natural monument with the highest level of protection due to the occurrence of rare habitats. Due to the lack of a strong inflow, the tarn is subject to natural silting.

Practical Information

The educational trail is two-way, starting in the village of Podhorie. The route leads through the forest without the possibility of resupplying, so it is essential to bring enough water and food. For more tips on trips in the region, we recommend checking out activities nearby. A peaceful base for your nature trips is offered by our accommodation in Svätý Anton.

Sources

• Žakýlsky Castle Educational Trail — confirms: route length, number of information boards, and trail path; verified 14/11/2026.

• Bus Schedules — confirms: accessibility by suburban transport; verified 14/11/2026.

• Educational Trails in Slovakia — confirms: route length, number of information panels, and starting point in Podhorie; verified 14/11/2026.

• Relaxos Blog — confirms: volcanic origin of Žakýlske Pleso and its declaration as a natural monument in 1986; verified 14/11/2026.