The ruins of Haluzice church:

The Romanesque church with a defense wall, tower, loopholes and bell tower was built on the outskirts of the today’s village Haluzice in 1240. During its lifetime it was renovated in the Gothic and later in Renaissance style. Churches with defending structures were in the Middle Ages often the only solid buildings in the area and therefore served as hideouts from robbers, armed troops or from floods and storms. In peace times they served as a gathering place or a market place. Haluzický church had ended its sacred mission in 1810.

Haluzice gorge

Haluzická gorge formed due to erosive activity of the stream that blasted its way through dolomites of the flysch zone of the White Carpathians. Natural forces keep deepening this amazing gorge even today. The gorge is an unusual natural creation – it is one kilometer long, 54 meters deep and 200 meters wide.

https://www.trencinregion.sk/en/03203/haluzice-the-church-and-gorge

Observation tower Hajnica

Hájnica hill standing above the village of Haluzice is a resting place for those seeking relaxation in the heart of nature – just climb up Hájnica observation tower and enjoy views of the surrounding villages and their architectural gems – the Romanesque church in Haluzice or the Baroque church in Bošáca. The wooden observation tower is surrounded by huge hills, majestic castles (Beckov, Tematín and Trenčiansky castle) and beautiful canyons and valleys. The scent of wildflowers, sunrays, and the sound of bells coming from the village church create a unique atmosphere.

https://www.trencinregion.sk/en/56887/observation-tower-hajnica

Hiking trails without crowds

Just follow the the green tourist sign on the main street next to the house. It will lead you up to the hill on beautiful meadows.

Or start at a green signed trail, but follow then the gravel road (keeps turning right), around a hut and water source, still going right on the split road. It will lead you through the meadows and fields to the another part of Haluzice village (on the other side of the gorge) until you end up at asphalt road wher you turn again right – down the hill, up the hill and you back at central village.

Maps: http://haluzice.eu/maps

Surrounding

TRENČÍN – beautiful historical town with a castle.

The Castle of Trenčín built on top of a steep rock is undoubtedly the dominant of the town and the region. Varied exhibitions, medieval games and attractive night sightseeing are organised at the castle throughout the year. The Castle became popular above all due to its most powerful owner the magnate Matúš Čák Trenčiansky, also referred to as the “Master of the Váh and the Tatras”. Perhaps every child in Slovakia knows the 80-m deep castle well.

The fortified area called Mariánsky hrad or Mariánska hora spreads between the castle and town centre. It consists of the Roman Catholic parish church of Nativity of the Virgin Mary. It is accessible from the parish church by sheltered staircase built in 1568.

The originally Jesuit, later Piarist monastery and church of St. František Xaverský were built in the Neo Baroque style in the 17th century. The monastery is the venue of classical music concerts in summer.

The Town Tower offers a nice view of all dominants in the town including the popular fountain with the statue of goblin on the square Štúrovo námestie and the Synagogue built in the oriental style.

https://slovakia.travel/en/trencin

Cafes with nice vibes:

Sladkovič cafe – very nice drinks and cakes

http://sladkovic.sk/

OUCAFE – they roast their own coffee which you can also buy

https://oucafe.sk/

Restaurants in Trenčin

Oyshi sushi

https://www.oyshi.sk/en/home/

Speranza bar & restaurant

https://www.speranza-trencin.sk/

Fair street food

https://www.facebook.com/fairstreetfood

BECKOV CASTLE

It stands on a giant rock and is full of tall tales. Beckov castle was probably built in a mid-13th century to defend the northwestern border of the Kingdom of Hungary. The castle was originally owned by Hungarian kings, later it became the possession of Matúš Čák. Under his rule the castle bloomed and become one of the most important centers of trade and crafts. However, the castle entered its golden age much later, under the rule of Stibor of Stiborice. The castle became an opulent Gothic mansion with a beautifully decorated chapel. Later on, the granddaughter of Stibor, Katarina, became a castle lady thanks to her marriage to the knight Pavol Bánfi. Bánfi family built strong fortifications and "cannon towers" which helped inhabitants of the castle to ward-off Turkish attacks. The line of male descendants of Bánfi family died out and quarrels among heirs had resulted in a gradual decline of the castle. The castle turned into ruins after a devastating fire in 1729. Today thanks to vast reconstructions and renovations visitors can enjoy the magical world of the Middle Ages inside the impregnable guardian of Považie.    

https://www.trencinregion.sk/en/44796/castle-beckov

Kuria Beckov – restaurant with a wonderful terrace directly under the magic rock of the Beckov Castle. Very nice spot, indeed.

https://kuriabeckov.sk/en/ 

The castle of Čachtice

• residence of the “bloody countess Elizabeth Bátory”. Its picturesque ruins offer a nice panoramic view.

https://slovakia.travel/en/the-castle-of-cachtice

PIEŠŤANY – spa town with perfect vibe.

!!! I definetelly recommend to try the spa procedures – especially the mirror pool and mud pool (mud pool only if you are OK with heat) at IRMA SPA HOUSE, the most beautiful spa house in Slovakia!

https://www.ensanahotels.com/thermia-palace/en/health-spa

Restaurants in Piešťany:

Le griffon – french restaurant

http://www.legriffon.sk/

Central restaurant – near the french restaurant, you can enjoy typical slovak dishes and pizza here

TRENČIANSKE TEPLICE

• spa town close to Trenčín known for its therapeutic spa facilities using natural thermal sulphuric water produced by five local springs. As each of the springs has a bathing pool built directly over it (with the exception of the Grand pool) water enters the pools directly, without being pre-heated or cooled.
• the spa represented one of the major spas in Austria-Hungary.  The best known historical sight is spa house Sina with Hammam Pool – a unique construction built in 1888 in the original Maori style. I recommend the bathing procedure here.

https://visit.trencin.sk/kupelne-mesto-trencianske-teplice/

If you are visiting Trenčianske Teplice, dont miss the bathing at Kupele Zelená Žaba (Spa Green Frog). It is very unique with its architecture located in the forest.

https://www.kupelezelenazaba.sk/

Other things to do:

Minifarma Lubina

• its a small family run farm with various species of animalas – the variety of mini and maxi animals for examples mini pigs, mini goats, mini sheeps, maxi rooster, maxi rabbit, maxi rooster, lamas, horses, kangeroo, etc.
• It is on the way to Veľká Javorina – the range with various hiking trails and the border with Czech republic.

Must stop: Hostinec U Klačkov – just recently opend, but place with a beautiful spirit and very nice food.

https://hostinec-u-klackov.business.site/