Half a day in the saddle in Slovakia, Malá Fatra. 52 km, 1,480 meters of climbing – and views that make it all worth it. Sometimes, a few hours is all you need. MTB Ride from Žilina to Minčol. A half-day off, the bike’s ready, the weather’s perfect – ideal conditions for a quick escape into the mountains. We start in Žilina and immediately take the shortest route via Vlčín. The first climb gets the legs warm – just what you need to kick things off.
Through Chapels to the Medzihorská Valley
After Vlčín, the route keeps climbing – over the villages of Turie and Poluvsie, past old chapels, and into the Medzihorská Valley. Here, the pace slows down. The forest offers cool shade, and the uphill feels easier. Along the way, a spring and another small chapel invite a short break.
Climbing to Kobylie
At the end of the valley, the real climb begins. The section up to Kobylie Saddle gets steeper – you might have to hop off and push your bike here and there, but it’s nothing that ruins the vibe. Your reward? A wide-open view from the meadow above Sačné – sitting at 1,080 meters above sea level. A new trail signpost has been added, plus an unexpected bonus: a “C” trail from Turská Valley, which caught us by surprise.
There’s a private cottage here and a scenic overlook – perfect for a quiet moment. On a clear day, the view stretches far and wide.
Waterfall, Shelter, and the Final Push to Minčol
From Sačné, we continue on a forest road. A small waterfall appears along the way, and there’s even a new mountain shelter – a great tip if you’re into stargazing and sleeping outdoors. Then comes a junction with the blue hiking trail. From here, it’s just a short but steep push to Minčol.
Yes, you’ll probably push your bike again. But the summit view is totally worth it – panoramic in all directions, with a peacefulness that can’t be bought or easily described. And if you’re lucky with the weather, like we were, it feels like standing on top of the world.
Return via the Turská Valley
On the way back, we switch things up. Instead of descending into Medzihorská Valley again, we ride down through Turská Valley. The first stretch is a smooth, scenic asphalt road leading to the junction called Spoj troch dolín (Junction of the Three Valleys). After that, it’s rough forest trail – bumpy and impacted by logging, but still rideable. MTB Ride from Žilina to Minčol via Kobylie and Sačné is highly reccomended. 🙂
Summary for Riders
- Route: Žilina – Vlčín – Turie – Medzihorská Valley – Kobylie – Sačné – Minčol – Turská Valley – Žilina
- Distance: 52 km
- Elevation gain: approx. 1,480 m
- Surface: mix of asphalt, forest roads, gravel, and a few hike-a-bike sections
- Recommended for: MTB, gravel (with guts), experienced recreational riders
- Highlights: views from Minčol, mountain shelter, old chapels, waterfall
- Estimated time: 4–6 hours, depending on pace and breaks
