Stožok: Cycling Paths, Nature and Family Experiences

A circular cycling route starting at Masarykov dvor in Vígľaš-Pstruša passes through Stožok. The section of the cycling route from Masarykov dvor to Stožok runs along a paved cycle path that is also suitable for less experienced cyclists. Stožok is also considered a starting point for marked hiking trails and cycling paths towards Javorie and Poľana.

Nature

The Pstruša Nature Reserve is located in the cadastral territory of the municipality of Stožok in the Detva District. Covering 7.36 hectares, it protects wet meadow plant communities with a mass occurrence of the endangered and protected snake's head fritillary (Fritillaria meleagris). At the end of April, thousands of blooming snake's head fritillaries can make the Pstruša Nature Reserve appear red.

The Poľana Bird Protection Area extends across almost the entire municipal territory of Stožok. Significant numbers of protected endangered bird species occur there, including the woodchat shrike, quail, Eurasian wryneck and middle spotted woodpecker.

The Rohy Nature Reserve protects the xerothermic vegetation of the Zvolenská kotlina in Stožok. It was designated in 1986 and is designated as an area without human intervention. For nature conservation reasons, the Rohy Nature Reserve is not accessible to the public. The paths above the Rohy Nature Reserve are used by recreational athletes and hikers.

In the surroundings of Stožok, the rocks below Chochuľka offer a south-facing viewpoint with views of Stožok, the Zvolenská kotlina, Javorie and Ostrôžky.

Paths and Recreation

The Stožok Sports and Recreation Complex offers a football pitch, a multifunctional court, a beach sports court, bowling, a rope course, a climbing wall and a shelter with a fireplace for rent. The various activities range from team sports and ball games to climbing and dexterity activities.

The paths above the Rohy Nature Reserve are also used by recreational athletes and hikers. Together with the marked routes towards Javorie and Poľana and the circular cycling route through Stožok, they provide several clearly defined route connections around the village.

Family

The Farmársky park in Stožok is open to the public and allows families to come into contact with domestic animals. At the Farmársky park, visitors can feed, groom and observe horses, goats, geese, ducks, chickens, dogs and cats. In addition, the Farmársky park offers interactive and educational quizzes about wildlife and environmental protection.

Children from Stožok and the neighbouring villages walk through a forest where they encounter figures from various fairy tales. This storybook forest scene complements the animal observations and quizzes with another specific place for children.

Culture

The Church of the Holy Family in Stožok was built in 2002; the municipality describes it as a cultural landmark. The Zvonička in Stožok was built in 1863 and renovated in 1993. It stands on the Hontianska Cycling Magistrale.

South of Stožok, approximately 250 metres beyond the Plžíkovci settlement, there is a memorial to the victims of the Second World War. A procession with a Holy Mass takes place in Stožok in August.

Getting There

Stožok can be reached by train, car or bus.

Other Places

Other places: Vígľaš, Dettwa, Klokoč, Latky, Podkriváň, Kriváň, Hriňová, Dúbravy.

To the higher-level travel overview: Detva District.