On Saturday 25 October 2025, the picturesque Sigord Valley in the heart of the Slanské Hills became a hub for active leisure and exploration. A themed cycling event took place here „A cycle trip to where the tracks have vanished“, which combined sport, history and natural heritage into a unique experience for all age groups.
The participants completed an easy route approximately 14 kilometres long, which followed in the footsteps of the former The Slanská Forest Railway – a technical monument which, in the past, played a significant role in the transport of timber and goods between Solivar and the Slanské Hills. Today, these places are taking on a new dimension – instead of rumbling trains, they are now home to peaceful cycle routes, which invite you to explore the region at a leisurely pace, with respect for both nature and history.
The aim of the event was to support the development of tourism in the Slanské vrchy sub-destination through active leisure activities and experiential exploration of the area. During the trip, cyclists were able to listen to stories about the history of Solivar, the forest railway and the canal, but also to interesting lectures on the development of cycle tourism, recreational opportunities and the sustainable development of the region.
The event was held in a friendly and community-oriented atmosphere, where enthusiasts of cycling, nature and regional history came together. Participants took away not only a sporting experience, but also inspiration – that even Disused railway lines can be given a new lease of life as modern cycle routes linking the past with the future.
The cycle route is part of The Slanská Cycle Route, which continues on to the village of Červenica. This cycle route offers a varied mix of natural scenery, cultural monuments and places to relax, making it an attractive part of the region’s offering cycle tourism in the Šariš region.
The event was organised as part of the Slanské vrchy Sub-destination Development Project, with financial support from Ministry of Tourism and Sport of the Slovak Republic.
