Text by: Michaela Muchová
Mosty u Jablunkova – Svrčinovec – Čierne – Skalité
In the last issue of Finidrak, we introduced you to the historic Velká šance fortifications in Mosty u Jablunkova. I hope you found it interesting. That’s why, in a departure from the norm, I’d like to follow up on the previous article and invite you on another journey through the nature and history of these places.
This route isn’t just a tourist excursion, but a journey through time—from a period of constant threat, through the gradual stabilization of the border, to today’s open landscape, where history, nature, and modern life blend together naturally. It’s suitable for cyclists, hikers, and recreational visitors who want to explore the Jablunkov and Kysuce regions in a different way than just along paved roads.
Dejovka – A Quiet Section of the Defense Line
From Velká šance, follow the green trail to the hamlet of Dejovka. Here, the fortifications blend unobtrusively with the terrain, allowing the silence of the Beskydy forests to shine through. The landscape’s contours still bear traces of the man-made defensive structures.
Staré šance – Svrčinovec
Another significant stop is Staré šance in Svrčinovec, which, together with Velká šance, formed the basis of the pass’s defenses. Nearby are Kříž and a place called Knihodúdka, linked to local legends and folk traditions. This part of the route invites you to slow down and take in the spirit of the place.
Svrčinovec – Town Center
The town center of Svrčinovec is a great place to relax. You’ll find shops and places to grab a bite to eat here. From here, the trail continues to the village of Čierne and the swing at Valy, a popular viewpoint. It offers beautiful views of the surrounding hills and adds a pleasant diversion to the route.
Most – Valy
Most is part of a 12-kilometer-long section of the D3 highway leading to Poland. At 84 meters high, it is the tallest bridge in Slovakia. The bridge is also a European rarity thanks to its windbreak, consisting of eight slats angled at 45° to ensure an unobstructed view from the bridge into all three neighboring countries. Similar windbreaks can only be found on bridges in Croatia and France. To ensure traffic safety, wind speed sensors are also installed on the bridge; during strong winds, traffic is slowed down or the traffic regime for trucks is adjusted.
Malé Šance – Čierne
Malé Šance are located in the village of Čierne on a hill called Valy, at an elevation of approximately 570 to 606 meters above sea level. They are smaller than their northern counterpart but played a key role in completing the entire defensive system. This complex was likely built in 1644 and expanded in 1664. The Malé Šance consisted of diamond-shaped redoubts and one star-shaped redoubt. The individual fortification elements were connected by an earthen rampart, a moat, and redans. It is a “V”-shaped defensive structure.
Skalité – “True Love Lasts Forever”
The route concludes in Skalité at the symbolic site “True Love Lasts Forever.” This imaginative name and the atmosphere of the place stand in stark contrast to the military history of the entire route. Skalité offers good tourist facilities, accessible even from the Polish side.
You can choose to return home via Trojmezí and Hrčava or via the Polish side through Jaworzynka.
