Horné Srnie – between the White Carpathians and the Vlára Valley

Horné Srnie lies on the Slovak side of the White Carpathians at the entrance to the Wlara Pass in the central Váh region. Here, the landscape at the entrance to the Wlara Pass is combined with trails, cycling connections, winter activities and a concise local history. Part of the Horné Srnie landscape area belongs to the White Carpathians Protected Landscape Area with the second level of protection.

Nature between Rajkovec and Vlára

A particularly distinctive natural area is the PP Rajkovec protected area: the 0.94-hectare forest meadow lies above Horné Srnie near the Rajkovec settlement. Several orchid species grow there, including Gymnadenia conopsea and Orchis pallens. Rare animal species include the slow worm (Anguis fragilis), the Aesculapian snake (Zamenis longissimus) and the edible dormouse (Glis glis).

The Vlára River flows through Horné Srnie and the Vlára Valley. It is a Natura 2000 site of European importance with the second level of protection and meanders through the valley near Horné Srnie. Its cut banks are home to valuable species of fish, birds and hymenopterans. During the season, the Vlára is used for fishing. The river therefore has not only a role in the landscape but also a seasonal relevance for visitors.

Hiking, cycling and winter

If you would like to plan a longer hike, the Antonstál forest educational trail first leads from Horné Srnie by bus to the state border and then continues on foot along red- and yellow-marked hiking trails. The walking route is 8.5 km long, has an elevation gain of 520 m and takes 3.5 hours.

For shorter excursions, a mineral water spring with an equipped picnic area is located 3 km north of Horné Srnie near the BEVLAVA cycling route. A 10 km section of this cycling route connects Horné Srnie and Nemšová. In addition, the BEVLAVA project provides for a cross-border, continuous connection suitable for visitors and free of motorized traffic, in which Horné Srnie participates. In winter, a 900 m long ski lift operates in the Rajkovec district. Depending on the time of year, different forms of activity are therefore the focus, without requiring a uniform activity profile.

Church, railway and historic routes

The Church of Saint John of Nepomuk, built in 1789, is part of the local history. The present church preserves the tower of the original Baroque church building; its side chapel contains a Rococo altar from the second half of the 18th century. It also has a historicist bell from 1864 by F. V. Fischer.

The history of transport is also linked to the valley: in 1888, the first railway connection between Moravia and Slovakia was opened through the Horné Srnie valley. Via Regni, also known as the King's Road, connects both sides of the White Carpathians. In earlier times, noble carriages traveled here from Trenčín to Brumov and back.

Other places for comparison

If you would like to compare Horné Srnie with other places on your trip through Slovakia, you can find Trenčianska Teplá, Omšenie, Trenčianska Turná, Chocholná-Velčice, Veľké Bierovce, Trencianské Teplice, Dubodiel and Trencin here.

For the higher-level travel overview: Okres Trenčín.