Borinka lies at an altitude of 203 metres in the valley of the Stupava stream, on the southwestern edge of the Little Carpathians; the Borinský Karst area is located above the village. Distinctive landscapes meet medieval structures, religious sights and the history of a former settlement in the surrounding area. This gives you several different focuses for planning your trip: the route to Pajštún Castle, climbing, church art or walks near Medené Hámre.
Pajštún: Castle, Climbing and Calvary
The ruins of Pajštún Castle stand on a 486-metre-high limestone crag and date from the 13th century. From Borinka, you can reach the castle on foot via a red-marked trail; the steep ascent takes about 45 minutes. Use this time as a guide for the uphill walk and allow separately for the return journey.
There is also a climbing area at Pajštún, with about 70 routes measuring 25 to 30 metres in length. Alongside easier routes, there are also more challenging ones. The number of routes and conditions may change; check the latest information if you are planning a climbing trip. This lets you treat climbing as a separate activity, rather than equating it with the ascent to the castle ruins.
The Calvary at Pajštún was completed and consecrated in 1940. The lower section contains a statue of Saint Michael and an altar, while the upper section has the Stations of the Cross. Thus, alongside its castle and climbing area, Pajštún also offers a religious attraction with its own stations and features.
Dračí hrádok and Medené Hámre
The remains of the medieval watchtower Dračí hrádok lie near the present-day municipality of Borinka. The tower was built in the 13th century and probably served as a watch post protecting the route through the Little Carpathians. Together with Pajštún Castle, it represents two different forms of medieval fortification: a castle ruin on a limestone crag and the remains of a watchtower that probably served a protective function.
Medené Hámre is a former settlement in the cadastral area of the municipality of Borinka, in Malacky District. Copperware was historically made there. Today, this picturesque area, located almost in the centre of the Devín Carpathians, is known as a tourist spot and destination for walks. From Borinka, you can reach Medené Hámre by an asphalt road or via hiking trails.
There is a small reservoir near Medené Hámre. On its shore, a statue of Saint John of Nepomuk dating from 1731 stands on a prismatic plinth. The spot thus combines a walk with a specific historical detail; the former copper processing, in turn, is part of the history of the former settlement.
Things to Consider When Planning Your Trip
The destinations differ in the type of activity they offer: the route to the castle is a steep walk uphill, the climbing area has routes of varying difficulty, and Medené Hámre is a destination for walks, with two described ways of getting there. These differences can help you tailor your daily plans to your interests.
When looking for a holiday apartment in Borinka, let your main interests guide your plans: the castle and Calvary, climbing, or walks and the settlement history of Medené Hámre. The annual Stavanie máje event is held in Borinka. If you would like to plan your trip around it, check the specific date for the year in question in advance.
Discover more destinations: Lozorno, Malacky, Marianka, Stupava.
Return to the main travel overview: Malacky.
