Hiadeľ: Hotel, Nature Trail and Village Traditions

A specific way to explore Hiadeľ is the tourist nature trail. It includes a map where clicking on the individual markers displays information about the content of the respective information boards. In the village, visible traces of remembrance, traditional customs and events held throughout the year come together.

Culture

The local history includes a memorial plaque on a school building in Hiadeľ. It commemorates the fact that, during the Slovak National Uprising, the partisan headquarters of A. S. Yegorov and a military field hospital were temporarily located there. The DHZ Hiadeľ memorial room displays numerous awards, winner's trophies, medals and certificates, as well as firefighting protective clothing with a helmet and breathing apparatus. Hiadeľ's traditional folk clothing also belongs to the central Slovak variant of the Detva–Podkonice type.

Another local cultural monument is the Chapel of Saint Francis in Hiadeľ. The late Classicist chapel was built between 1847 and 1856, is in good condition and continues to serve its religious purpose. The protected sites currently also include houses No. 104 and 110. The culture of remembrance also includes the annual wreath-laying ceremonies held by the local organisation of the Slovak Union of Anti-Fascist Fighters: they take place on 24 March and 29 August at two memorial sites in Hiadeľ and its immediate surroundings.

Annual Cycle

Several traditional events give village life a regular rhythm. The annual Hody na sv. Františka in Hiadeľ takes place on the Sunday closest to 4 October; a shared agape follows Holy Mass. Preserved Pentecost traditions include putting up maypoles in front of the houses; a decorated tree is also erected in the village square. During Carnival, masked members of the volunteer fire brigade and other volunteers, accompanied by an accordion player, walk through the village singing. In the evening, a disco is held for the community.

In Hiadeľ, International Firefighters' Day is celebrated every year on 4 May with a programme specifically designed for children and a firefighting competition involving teams from the surrounding municipalities. The Midsummer bonfire takes place on the weekend after St John's Day. People gather around a large fire and celebrate the beginning of summer. At the beginning of December, St Nicholas Day with a Christmas market is held in the community centre. The programme includes activities for children, including decorating gingerbread and making Christmas decorations. Homemade products such as scented candles, Christmas wreaths, Christmas ornaments and wooden products are offered, along with festive refreshments such as gingerbread, sweets and alcoholic or non-alcoholic punch.

Culinary Traditions

Krumplovník is a traditional dish made from potatoes and flour that was already prepared by great-grandparents in Hiadeľ. At the Hiadlovský Krumplovník community celebration in the second half of September, Krumplovník is baked and can be sampled. The speciality thus represents both a traditional preparation method and a festive event in the local calendar.

Nature and History

In the vicinity of Hiadeľ, the Moštenické hradisko is located on the summit of Hradište. Based on the pottery recovered during the examination of the site and its surroundings, its origins are dated to the Late Bronze Age. The Hiadeľská Kyslá also emerges at two locations in the vicinity of Hiadeľ.

Other places: Môlča, Nemce, Horné Pršany, Slovenská Ľupča, Malachov, Riečka, Podkonice, Donovaly

To the higher-level travel overview: Banská Bystrica District.