Are you a person who loves scenic nature, natural or historical attractions and cycling? If so, then the Busov-Magurská cycle route is just the thing for you. The route is suitable for both experienced and less experienced cyclists. The north-east of Slovakia offers many opportunities for attractive cycling, which has recently become an increasingly popular way of spending leisure time.
The total length of the route is 47.5 km, leads around two of the highest hills in the vicinity of Bardejov, namely Stebnicka Magura and Busov. It leads from Bardejov and then through Bardejovské Kúpele, Zlaté, Nižný Tvarožec, Vyšný Tvarožec, Cigelka, Frička, Gaboltov, Tarnov and back to Bardejov. From Bardejov we go towards Svidník and just after the town border we turn left to Bardejovské Kúpele.
In Bardejov Spa we can taste mineral waters and bottle up because this journey is just beginning. Bardejov Spa is famous for its unique mineral springs. They have up to 10 of them in total and they spring up on a relatively small area in the inner spa area. Up to 8 of them are introduced into the indoor Spa Colonnade - the only one of its kind in the whole of Slovakia, where they are used for indoor balneotherapy in the form of drinking cures. We pass through Bardejovské Kúpele and go through the forest towards Čerešňa and from there along the paved road towards the villages of Zlaté and further on to Nižný Tvarožec and Vyšný Tvarožec. The Čerešňa saddle is located at an altitude of 520 m above sea level. It is a crossroads of hiking trails. For hikers there is also a covered sitting area and an open fireplace.
The surroundings of Bardejov and the Bardejov Spa have suitable conditions for cycling and thanks to the revitalisation of the hiking trails and the surrounding area, the environment is becoming more and more attractive. From Vyšný Tvarožec we can continue along the road back to the crossroads and turn left towards Frička and Cigelka or follow the red sign on the so-called "road of the SNP heroes", which starts in front of the village of Zborov on the I/77 road.
In Cigeľka we can taste mineral water, which has beneficial effects on the digestive tract. From Cigelka we return to the crossroads and turn left to Frička. Here is one of the jewels of wooden sacral architecture, the Church of St. Michael the Archangel, which was built in the 18th century. From Frička we return and go to the village of Gaboltov, where there is a famous pilgrimage site. Gaboltov is mainly associated with the veneration of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and the St. John of God tradition. From Gaboltov we drive back to Bardejov on the I/77 road.
The cycle route is located in picturesque nature, which completes the overall atmosphere of the trip.
Source/Photo: https://www.bardejov.sk/turizmus/2245-cyklotrasy-v-okoli-bardejova
