The Vtáčnik volcanic mountains with the peak of the same name is an extraordinarily nice place, which surprisingly was not hit by the crowds of tourists and lovers of various outdoor activities. And yet this mountain range really has something to offer.

Therefore, if you desire a proper ascent through the almost empty hiking trails, where the divine silence and spectacular views await you at the very top, choose Vtáčnik.

The ascent to Vtáčnik can be started in one of the villages nestled under this mountain range. From the Prievidza side it is mainly Podhradie, Kamenec pod Vtáčnikom, or Bystričany, where the educational trail begins. From the opposite side, from the town of Žarnovica, there is a popular starting point from the picturesque village of Kľak by green hiking trail.

Just from this village, you will be accompanied by a tourist trail to the very top of Vtačník and you will get to know various notable stops on your way. After a long climb, you will soon get to the first of these stops - Partizánska chata (Partisan Cottage).

However, you can also angle to a short forest trail, which will take you to the Partizánsky les (Partisan Forest), which is planted in the shape of a five-pointed star. In its center, there is a small memorial.

From the cottage, the ascending is a little steeper. After you pass the dense forest, which in the final meters turns into open rock cliffs, you get to the very top at a height of 1346 m above sea level which is dominated by a large cross.

In good weather, you can expect vast views of the surrounding towns - Žiar nad Hronom, Prievidza, Zemianske Kostoľany, Nováky, and if you focus properly, you will see the tower of Bojnice Castle leaping into the sun.

In summer, Vtáčnik is strewn with bushes that bend under large and tasty blueberries. In winter, this place is like being cursed by a chilling, never-ending but beautiful snow cover.