Látky: Highland Plateau, Winter Sports and Slovak Folk Culture

Látky is situated on a highland plateau in the Slovak Ore Mountains and combines winter sports, protected landscapes, cycle paths and preserved folk culture. This makes the area suitable for a trip in which nature experiences are not limited to a single season: the Látky–Kočanda area offers winter sports, cross-country ski trails run around Mláky, and several cycling routes lead through the surrounding landscape.

Winter sports between Látky and Mláky

The Látky–Kočanda ski resort has two drag lifts, each approximately 500 metres long. Those who would like to try an unusual form of skiing can also find a slope for summer skiing on roller skis in Látky. Around 10 kilometres of cross-country ski trails are available in the Látky–Mláky area for classic cross-country skiing. They are located five minutes from the village and are also suitable for beginners.

The ski resort can be reached directly from the II/526 main road. The access point is 10 to 50 metres from the road; a free car park with approximately 100 spaces is available. Látky can also be reached by bus: SAD bus services operate on the Zvolen–Detva–Látky–Kokava nad Rimavicou route.

Nature Reserve and Cycling Routes

Northeast of Látky lies the Habáňovo Nature Reserve near the Mláky recreation area. It protects peat meadows and slope springs and is part of the Natura 2000 network. This landscape creates a clear contrast with the technical winter sports facilities and also makes the area interesting for travellers who want to experience protected habitats and open highland plateaus.

The green “Okruh okolo Poľany” cycling route passes through Látky between Detvianska Huta and Lom nad Rimavicou. Another option is the yellow “Prameň Ipľa” cycling route. It leads via Prameň Ipľa, Vrch Ipľa, Bány, Mlakárske, Do Bánov, the Prašivá saddle, Mláky, Vrchy and Vrch Jazero. In addition, horse riding is available at Ranč pod Bukmi in Látky.

Bell Tower, Chapels and Local Culture

The brick bell tower of Látky is part of the village’s history. It dates from 1804 and has bells from 1806 and 1903. Objects of folk culture have also been preserved in Látky’s dispersed settlements. As a result, the area is not only a landscape destination but also an example of the region’s dispersed rural settlement pattern and traditional cultural heritage.

Mláky has two chapels from different historical periods: the Chapel of Our Lady of the Rosary dates from 1930, while the Chapel of Saint Anthony of Padua dates from 1856.

Other Places in the Area

If you would like to compare Látky with other place pages, you can find Kriváň, Hriňová, Podkriváň, Stožok, Horný Tisovník, Vígľaš, Dettwa and Klokoč here.

For the broader travel overview: Detva District.