The “Rajecké Teplice – Porúbka” thematic hiking trail meanders through the picturesque Rajecká Valley, past the Poluvsianska column rock formation into the Slnečné skaly nature reserve and all the way to the Turská skala natural monument. The 15-metre tall Poluvsianska column rock was formed by separation from the Slnečné rocks massif caused by erosion processes such as frost and water. Because of the abundance of tall, vertical tower-shaped and column-shaped fragments, this is a popular location among rock climbers and beginner-level mountaineers. The Turská rock is a model example of a feature created in the “loops” of a river, as it was formed by separation from the Slnečné rocks by the meandering of the Rajčanky river. Did you know? There are protected species of flora growing in the Slnečné rocks nature reserve, such as Gentiana clusii, Pulsatilla slavica, Hippocrepis comosa, and Goodyera repens. Rock crevices are a natural home for bats, such as the parti-coloured bat.
The 5.6-km hiking trail ascends 300 metres and starts in Rajecké Teplice at the car park across from the Laura swimming pool. At a measured pace, the easy to moderate hike takes 3–4 hours. The thematic hiking trail is marked with a green marker.
The “Mace” rock is a unique rock formation in the shape of a clenched fist with a height of around 12 m. It is an amazing geological and geomorphological natural phenomenon. Scientifically speaking, this is a rock fragment formed by the weathering action of frost and water. Get there by following the thematic hiking trail, paying attention to the information boards that give a detailed description of the surrounding natural environment and tell an interesting legend. The story goes that a giant tree called “Thunder Oak” once grew where the “Mace” stands today. One day, a giant was walking past and decided to make a mace from it. He became tired and took a nap, and while he was sleeping the locals smeared his legs with the tree sap they always collected for their provisions. When the giant realised he couldn’t move, he got very angry and rammed the mace into the ground with all his might and put a curse on it, turning it into the rock that stands there today.
Did you know?
This natural formation is ranked among the top 7 sites of natural beauty in Slovakia. Follow the 7-km green marker thematic hiking trail with an ascent of 450 m to the “Mace” directly from Rajecké Teplice. At a slow and leisurely walking pace, you’ll reach your destination in around 2 hours.
