You don’t have to go far from the city to find ideal cycling paths. Whether you crave for the tranquillity of the meadow forests or adrenalin in the mountains, this article will help you get oriented so you can enjoy the exact type of cycling you desire.
The proximity of the Danube and Morava rivers creates excellent conditions for nearby cycling. If you prefer more peace and the unspoilt nature of floodplain meadows and forests, head out on theRiver Morava cycling path. The route is by asphalt path with educational information boards from Devín. In the gardening allotments area of Devínske jazero, just a few kilometres from Devínska Nová Ves, why not stop in at theBufet U starého bicykla (The Old Bicycle Buffet) and sample its distinctive country atmosphere.
The dike embankments on both sides of the Danube create an extremely popular recreational destination. Several buffets combined with the possibility to swim in natural lakes can be found on the right bank heading out to Čunovo and Gabčíkovo. The best way to get there from the city centre is from the Stary Most bridge on the Petržalka side of the river.
The left bank of the Danube is less visited, but no less interesting where nature is concerned. Don’t be put off by the start of the route alongside the docklands and the Slovnaft refinery – a combination of industry and gardens is not exactly everyone’s cup of tea. After the docks, where you can find a buffet and restaurant serving fish specialties, is where the real beauty of the Danube and floodplain forests starts. On the right side you can admire the expansive Hrušov reservoir, while the left side conceals several nature reserves – Ostrov Kopáč, Gajc and Topoľové hony – as well as a few pleasant buffets. If you have the stamina to get as far as Kyselica, you can cross the river by ferry to reach Vojka on the other side, which makes the crossing every hour.
Nearby Austria is yet another enjoyable cycling destination – the route from the Danube leads you to the small town of Hainburg, from where you can head around the Hundsheim Hills to Berg, and alongside the Danube to Petronell-Carnuntum, or to the Braunsberg Hill for a good panoramic view of the area.
The Malé Karpaty Mts. (Little Carpathians) are a haven for mountain bikers, even though there is a good network of asphalt covered routes here. They join up the Vydrica valley (Železná studienka) with Koliba, Kačín, Biely Kríž, Borinka, Svätý Jur, Rača and Lamač. There are some steep climbs at points, as well as endless straights. Mountain bikers make use of the numerous forest paths. Probably the most enjoyable routes start at Koliba. Fun localities can also be found in the protected nature reserve of Devínska Kobyla hill. So get on your bike and go for it!
If you do not have your own bicycle, rent one at Bike Bratislava.
Author: Branislav Chrenka
