Valentová: Wetlands, Horseback Riding and History

Valentová combines a remarkable wetland landscape with horseback riding opportunities and cycling routes. The Mokrade Turca Ramsar site is particularly characteristic: it also includes the cadastral area of Valentová, bears site number 932, was designated on 17 February 1998 and covers an area of 750 hectares.

Nature

Mokrade Turca comprises representative or unique examples of natural and near-natural wetland types in the Western Carpathians. At the same time, the area forms part of a migration corridor for waterfowl and is characterized by rare, endangered and critically endangered plant and animal species. Along the Mokrade Turca educational trail, this landscape appears as a mosaic of wet meadows, marsh meadows, reed beds, sedge marshes, riparian forests and shrubs inhabited by rare and endangered plant and animal species.

The Turiec a Blatnický potok protected area also includes the cadastral area of Valentová. It comprises a largely natural river course with meanders, side channels, shallow sections and deep areas. Protected landscape features also include riparian forests, shrubs, wet meadows, pastures, reed beds, fens, oxbow lakes and seasonal pools.

Experiences

The 23-kilometre Mokrade Turca educational trail begins near Valentová, passes through Ivančiná and Diviacke kruhy, and continues to the Rakšianske rašelinisko peat bog. The trail is an easy, self-guided cycling route that can be used in summer and winter. The educational trail is suitable for both hikers and cyclists.

Another way to explore the surrounding area on two wheels is the 38.5-kilometre Južný Turiec cycling route. It passes through Valentová, which lies at kilometre 25.5 of the route. The Mokrade Turca educational trail is a separate 23-kilometre route.

Ranch Amadeus in Valentová offers accommodation combined with horseback riding experiences in the Turiec region. The ranch has up to five log cabins, each with its own toilet and bathroom; each cabin is standardly equipped for three people with two beds and an extra bed.

Ranch Amadeus offers riding lessons for beginners and advanced riders led by experienced instructors. Beginners can enjoy guided walking rides in the riding arena. Experienced riders can take part in rides through the surrounding countryside, ranging from one hour to multi-day horseback tours in the surrounding mountains.

Ranch Amadeus also offers a structured programme with complete instruction in horse care, saddling and working with horses. It is intended for people who would like to engage with horses over the longer term. The summer riding camp includes hiking as well as Western- and English-style riding.

History and Culture

The historical name of the place can be found in a boundary survey from 1362, where Murenfeld was identified as present-day Valentová. Valentová also belonged to the manorial villages.

A notable historic building is the Valentová Kúria. The Neoclassical manor house was built at the beginning of the 19th century. Its main façade featured a projecting columned portico with three arcades, topped by a tympanum.

Cuisine

At Ranch Amadeus, under the supervision of a butcher, head cheese, sausages, liver sausages and other dishes are prepared to order from a pig weighing approximately 200 kilograms.

To the main travel overview: Laskár.