Valentová: Wetlands, History and Horseback Riding

The area around Valentová is characterized by protected wetlands, traces of history, cycling routes and horseback riding. The cadastral territory is part of both the Mokrade Turca Ramsar Site and the Turiec a Blatnický potok protected area. In addition, trails lead through the landscape.

Nature

The Mokrade Turca Ramsar Site also includes the cadastral territory of Valentová. It bears site number 932, was designated on 17 February 1998 and covers an area of 750 hectares. This area contains representative or unique examples of natural and near-natural wetland types found in the Western Carpathians. Mokrade Turca is also part of a migration corridor for waterfowl and is characterized by rare, endangered and critically endangered plant and animal species.

The Turiec a Blatnický potok protected area also includes the cadastral territory of Valentová. Its largely natural river course features meanders, side channels, shallow sections and deep areas. The protected area includes floodplain forests, bushes, wet meadows, pastures, reed beds, fens, oxbow lakes and seasonal pools. Along the Mokrade Turca educational trail, this landscape appears as a mosaic of wet meadows, marsh meadows, reed beds, sedge fens, floodplain forests and bushes inhabited by rare and endangered plant and animal species.

Trails

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 straightforward and can be used independently. It is accessible in both summer and winter and is suitable for hikers and cyclists alike.

Another route through the area is the 38.5-kilometre Južný Turiec cycling route. Valentová is located at kilometre 25.5 of this route. The trail network therefore includes both an educational trail through wetland landscapes and a longer regional cycling route with a clearly defined connection to the village.

Ranch Amadeus

Ranch Amadeus in Valentová offers accommodation combined with horseback riding experiences in the Turiec region. The offer includes 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.

Experienced riding instructors lead riding courses for beginners and advanced riders. Beginners can also enjoy guided walking rides in the riding arena. Experienced riders can take part in rides through the surrounding countryside, ranging from one-hour outings to multi-day riding tours in the surrounding mountains.

For people who would like to work with horses over a longer period, Ranch Amadeus offers a structured program with complete instruction in horse care, saddling and working with horses. The summer riding camp combines hiking with Western- and English-style riding.

History

A boundary survey from 1362 identified Murenfeld as present-day Valentová. The village belonged to the curial villages. Historical buildings include the Valentová kúria, a Classicist manor house built at the beginning of the 19th century. Its main façade featured a projecting columned portico with three arcades, topped by a tympanum.

Culinary Experiences

At Ranch Amadeus, under the supervision of a butcher, a pig weighing approximately 200 kilograms is used to prepare head cheese, sausages, liver sausages and other dishes according to preference.

To the higher-level travel overview: Laskár.