Plevník-Drienové – Nature, Culture and Slovak Traditions

Plevník-Drienové combines protected landscapes, bodies of water, literature and living village traditions. The village lies within the Strážovské vrchy Natura 2000 site, whose habitats are predominantly characterized by forests and rocks. This is particularly interesting when planning a trip if nature experiences are not meant to stand alone, but can be combined with regional culture, history and Slovak customs.

Natural surroundings between forests, rocks and bodies of water

The Strážovské vrchy Natura 2000 site is important for the nesting of birds of prey and owls. The species mentioned include the peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) and the boreal owl (Aegolius funereus). In addition to its visible forest and rocky character, the landscape therefore also has an ornithological dimension.

Jazero Sihoť is a destination for excursions in its own right. This body of water was created on the site of a former gravel pit in Plevník-Drienové. The educational trails there feature information boards about the nearby fauna and flora. They also provide information about the history of Plevník-Drienové and its surroundings. Jazero Sihoť has an area for birdwatching and an introduction to ornithology. A safe access route was created for visitors with disabilities in cooperation with the municipality.

The park at Jazero na Sihoti includes the barefoot sensory fitness trail “NABOSO”. Fishing is possible at the same body of water with a permit. Interested parties must contact the relevant service by telephone to receive information and instructions on obtaining a fishing permit. Anyone wishing to plan this activity should therefore obtain the necessary information in advance.

Literature and local history

The Dominik Tatarka Memorial Room was established in 1991 on the grounds of the local primary school. In 12 display cases, it presents photographs, newspaper articles, documents and manuscripts from the writer’s private and public life. The school offers the public guided tours of the memorial room with expert commentary.

The municipality’s literary activities are also connected with the school: Dominika Tatarku Primary School has organized the nationwide literary competition “O cenu Dominika Tatarku” for 21 years. The call for entries is issued each March, and the ceremonial award ceremony takes place in May. These regular elements complement the memorial room with a recurring literary activity.

Pálenica and regional traditions

Since 2021, the municipality of Plevník-Drienové has operated the Pálenica, where it offers fruit distillation in a traditional wood-fired distillation plant. The Pálenica in Plevník was first mentioned in 1767. Distillates from Plevník received a medal for the high quality of the product at the Upper Hungarian Exhibition in Žilina in 1903. Historical significance and present-day municipal operation stand directly alongside each other here, without this implying any general promise about current offerings.

Local culture is also reflected in regular events. The Dúbravček folklore group performs a Christmas program in Plevník-Drienové and regularly organizes a masked Carnival procession as well as the traditional burial of the double bass. The New Year’s Eve excursion to Malý Manín continues to take place; afterwards, Kapustnica is traditionally served at the hut near Dlhé lúky.

Chapel and destinations within the municipality

A Slovak double cross stands at the viewpoint on Malý Manín; members of the local tourist association erected it in 2004 with the support of the municipality. The tradition of the Jozefovské excursions leads to Havrania skala, the highest peak in the municipality at 835 m.

Another historic building is the Chapel of Saint Stephen the King, a late Classicist chapel from the mid-19th century. After the previous building collapsed in 1824, a wooden bell tower with a wooden cross was initially erected at the same site in 1831. The chapel was completed in 1855. This gives you a local landscape in which nature, remembrance, religious architecture and living tradition come together within a closely connected thematic setting.

More destinations

More destinations: Záskalie, Vrchteplá, Stupné, Brvnište, Domaniža, Ďurďové, Pružina and Kostolec.

For the higher-level travel overview: Považská Bystrica District.