Stunning views, forest railways, and the quiet charm of remote mountain hamlets. That is Vychylovka, Demanová Saddle, Beskyd, and Brýzgalky. Beautiful Slovakia, Explore Kysuce on MTB.
A Perfect Spring Day for a Ride
It’s a beautiful April day. The sun is shining, the air smells like spring – the perfect time to hop on a bike. We set off from Žilina, heading out past the Žilina Dam and climbing over Lutiška saddle toward the Kysuce region. The early hills warm us up nicely, and the reward is a long descent into the valleys below.
Today’s plan is clear: Vychylovka, Beskyd saddle, and a return loop through Brýzgalky.
To Beskyd Saddle: Solitude, Silence, and Scenic Views
The ride goes smoothly. We breeze through Vychylovka – it’s crowded today, so we don’t stop. Just past the village, we take a cycling trail heading up toward Demänová saddle. Suddenly everything shifts: it’s quiet, peaceful, just us, the forest, and the climbing road.
At the Beskyd saddle near the lookout tower, we meet only one family. The tourist train that runs from both the Kysuce and Orava sides (from Tanečník station) has probably already left.
The tower itself is just a short walk from the tracks. The views are breathtaking – you can see the Orava Beskydy, the Malá Fatra mountains, and the iconic Veľký Rozsutec standing proud across the valley. Nature’s still waking up from winter, but in a month it’ll be even more spectacular. We take a break, enjoy the view, have a snack – and keep moving.
The Kysuce Open-Air Museum: A Step Back in Time
On the way back, we stop at the Kysuce Village Museum – an open-air folk museum in Vychylovka. It’s a permanent outdoor exhibition that transports you into the region’s past. There are 34 traditional buildings scattered among the trees, and the historic switchback railway still operates. It’s a great experience – and not just for kids.
We love it here, but we’re sticking to the plan – time to climb again.
Brýzgalky: Quiet, History, and Nature
Next stop: Brýzgalky, a mountain hamlet high above Nová Bystrica. It feels like another world. The views of the Malá Fatra are incredible. This place has a rich and fascinating history and was once even under surveillance because of some of the notable people who lived here.
Today, it’s quiet and calm. Weekend homeowners help preserve it in its original character. There’s no traffic, no noise – just birdsong, forest scents, and the rustling of leaves. It’s hard to leave.
But we must. The route home awaits. From Brýzgalky, we descend through Veľký Potok into Nová Bystrica, and from there follow a familiar bike path through known terrain.
Final Stop: A Beer in Kysucké Nové Mesto
One last well-earned break: a cold beer in Kysucké Nové Mesto hits the spot. Our legs are starting to feel the distance, but the satisfaction is greater than the fatigue. The last few kilometers back to Žilina are cruisy and relaxed.
MTB Ride Summary
- Route: Žilina – Lutiška – Vychylovka – Beskyd Saddle – Brýzgalky – Nová Bystrica – KNM – Žilina
- Distance: approx. 130 km
- Elevation gain: ~1500 m
- Surface: mix of asphalt, cycling trails, and mountain roads
- Difficulty: moderate to high – recommended for trained cyclists
- Highlights: Beskyd lookout tower, historic switchback railway, Vychylovka open-air museum, the secluded hamlet of Brýzgalky
- Time: 6–9 hours including breaks
