Podkonice lies at the foot of the southern slopes of the Low Tatras and the Starohorské vrchy. There are several options for your stay: the nature trail from the village centre to Pleše, winter activities at the Podkonice–Pleše ski resort, and the church, museum and local folklore.

Nature Trail and Cycling Route

The Podkonický nature trail leads from the village centre to Pleše. Its two sections are almost five kilometres long in total and run at elevations between 550 and 976 metres. The longer section is 2.6 kilometres long and has seven stops. Both sections are considered family-friendly. It is important to distinguish between the two distances when planning: 2.6 kilometres refers to the longer section, while almost five kilometres is the combined length of both sections. Before setting out, check trail conditions, signage and surface, as these may change.

The Donovaly–Podkonice cycling route also has a clearly marked endpoint: it ends at a cycling route sign next to the church in Podkonice. Since route conditions and signage may change, check the route before setting off.

Podkonice–Pleše Ski Resort

The ski resort is 2.5 kilometres from Podkonice, at an elevation of 800 to 987 metres on the southeastern side of the Low Tatras. The runs are classified as easy or intermediate and total 5,172 metres; skiing takes place on natural snow. Skiing, operating status and snow conditions are seasonal. Check conditions for your travel dates before planning your trip.

Seasonal facilities include a nine-kilometre cross-country ski trail, a buffet, a restaurant, free parking and sanitary facilities. There is also accommodation at Chata Pleše. Check which seasonal facilities are available before travelling. Downhill skiing and cross-country skiing are two different winter sports available at the same resort.

Church, Museum and Folklore

The Church of St. Martin was consecrated on 14 November 1819. It houses a Gothic Madonna and Child dating to around the early 16th century, which is classified as a national cultural monument. The two dates refer to different things: 1819 marks the consecration of the church, while the approximate date in the early 16th century refers to the Madonna.

The Slovak Ski Museum in Podkonice opened on 1 September 2007 and documents 130 years of skiing history. Its collection comprises 650 exhibits related to skiing and 85 ski boots; the size of the collection may change. Visitors are asked to book by phone in advance. Check the current contact details beforehand.

The Pavol Tonkovič Memorial Room has been housed in the municipal office building in Podkonice since 1998 and is a branch of the Museum of Literature and Music in Banská Bystrica. If you plan to visit, check visiting arrangements in advance. The Vysoká folklore group presents authentic forms of musical and dance folklore in Podkonice.

Annual Festivals

The traditional Fašiangová slávnosť is associated with a Zabíjačka and a parade of the Fašiangovníci through the village; the programme may change from year to year. Tonkovičove slávnosti has been held every two years since 2007, although the dates of individual events may vary. The Christmas concert Podkonické Vianoce takes place in the Church of St. Martin at the end of December; its exact date may also vary from year to year. If one of these events is the reason for your trip, check the specific dates in advance.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Badín, Hiadeľ, Harmanec, Motyčky, Lučatín, Hronsek, Banská Bystrica, Spania Dolina.

Back to the main travel guide: Banská Bystrica District.