Hike Veľká lúka - Poludnica

The first section of the tour leads from the village of Muráň by climbing the blue tourist sign for about 5 km to a long long climb. Relaxation is possible under a tourist shelter on the edge of Velká louka in the locality of Piesky, which is also a place where you can legally camp. Take plenty of water, the only refreshment in the area is possible only in the bistro of the cottage Zámok pod Muráňským, the castle, which also does not have to be open.

Veľká lúka is a geologically interesting formation, because such a large depression (dimensions 1.5 × 0.5 km) is an unusual phenomenon on karst plains. The meadow itself was created by deforestation. By regular mowing and grazing, it now maintains the nature of a mountain meadow with a predominance of grasses, where a large number of various herbs bloom in the spring. The varied meadow vegetation is also home to many species of animals. The stud farm, where local semi-wild horses – norikas, are bred, can be seen at the opposite end of the meadow. It is interesting that Veľká lúka was used as a guerrilla airport during the Slovak National Uprising.

We continue along the red tourist sign along pleasant forest paths for about 3.5 km, until we reach the forest room at the Maretkiná signpost, under which an inconspicuous romantic hunting lodge Maretkiná is hidden in the forest. The great peculiarity of this cottage is that it was built by Hermann Göring, who, together with Joachim von Ribbentrop and other German chiefs, used it for his hunting expeditions. Be careful that there is no drinking water, it is necessary to bring it.

It is an extraordinary place, the view down from the cliff is one of the most beautiful that can be seen in Slovakia and yet no one anywhere. Leave enough time to enjoy the majestic, almost aerial, view of the landscape, directly below us is the national nature reserve Poludnica. The way back is along the same route.