Explore Slovakia on bike. 190 km, 1690 meters of climbing, a few rain showers, epic views, and one massive bench. MTB Ride for VKT Peaks as a Challenge – On Our Own Terms
This year, I set out to complete the Vrchárska koruna Trenčianska (VKT) – a challenge featuring scenic peaks around Trenčín. Beautiful climbs, great views, unique spots – what’s not to like? And Trenčín isn’t all that far from Žilina.
At first, we tackled the peaks with Zuzka and our top guide Ivan. Later, I realized I had a riding partner right in Žilina – except he’s not into trains. That sparked an idea: why not ride to the VKT peaks directly from Žilina?
Some might call it overcomplicating things, but for us, it was the perfect challenge.
Through Bytča, Považská Bystrica, and Púchov: A Route That Sparks Ideas
We set off early in the morning. The opening stretch was smooth – a bike path took us through Bytča and Považská Bystrica all the way to Púchov. Just before Považská, we couldn’t resist stopping for a few photos among stunning poppy and chamomile fields. That’s what a good ride should feel like – spontaneous, scenic, relaxed.
In Púchov, a spontaneous idea hit us: what about Kohútka? We had only done 60 km and climbed about 100 vertical meters so far – it was time for a proper hill. Decision made. Let’s go. An unplanned climb, but that’s often how the best rides begin.
Tlsta hora and the Prettiest Rain of the Day
After a long descent into Dohňany, it felt like we were gliding – free kilometers. We turned onto the path leading to the Tlsta hora lookout. Then came the day’s first real rain. But we didn’t turn back.
At the top, we were rewarded with a truly unique lookout tower shaped like a traditional Valach hat, designed by Antonín Závada. It stands 21.5 meters tall and is surrounded by a shelter, benches, and a firepit. We huddled under the roof, joking that this was the perfect moment for sausages and a cold beer.
The rain didn’t last long – the sky cleared, and we rolled on toward Zubák.
The Lednica Bench: A Lost Trail and a Perfect Finish
Next VKT goal: the Lednica bench. Wanting to shorten the route, we took a chance on the blue hiking trail from Horná Breznica. It turned out to be a bit of an adventure – the path across the meadow vanished in chest-high grass, and the forest trail wasn’t much better. Clearly, not a popular route.
But then we spotted it – high on the hill, the giant bench, like a beacon calling us up. One last push and we were there.
The view? Absolutely stunning. Rolling hills all around, total peace, sore legs, and that buzz of doing something slightly crazy – the kind of moment that makes it all worth it.
Finishing With a Smile and a Beer
Let’s be honest: 190 km on an MTB for VKT peaks tested us. On the way back, we made a quick pit stop in Púchov – Zuzka called, so we chatted a bit. After that, it was a long final stretch to Žilina. The legs were heavy, but the mind was light. 190 km MTB Ride for VKT Peaks from Žilina worth it.
Ride Summary
- Route: Žilina – Bytča – Púchov – Kohútka – Tlsta hora – Lednica – Púchov – Žilina
- Distance: approx. 190 km
- Elevation gain: 1690 m
- Surface: asphalt, bike paths, forest roads, hiking trails
- Difficulty: high – endurance and solid fitness required
- VKT Peaks Visited: Tlsta hora lookout, Lednica bench, bonus climb to Kohútka
- Estimated Time: full-day ride (10+ hours)
