We start our route in the Malý Šturec pass, where the common border of the Banská Bystrica and Žilina self-governing regions runs through. To this place either we ascend the 1st class road from Banská Bystrica city or we take a so-called cycle-bus – the second option is more pleasant. The cycle-bus leaves for Malý Šturec pass from the Strieborné námestie Square in Banská Bystrica city every Saturday, Sunday or public holiday at 7:30 am and the journey takes about 50 min.
From the pass we continue about 7 km by a sloping track with a gentle ascend, along the red tourist trail towards Zalámaná dolina valley. When we arrive to the forest roads crossing, at a small watering-place we turn left and follow the red tourist trail another approx. 7 km towards Kráľova studňa mountain hotel (during this section, the first 3 km are hard to climb, then the ascend is very mild). After a 14 km ride we arrive at the mountain hotel (http://www.kralovastudna.com, 1277 m above sea level). Here we can have a snack and relax.
Then we continue along the red cycle trail, which leads by the gravel road, behind the hotel towards Kráľova Studňa locality (1384 m above sea level). After that we have a 2.8 km long final climb on the ridge to the Krížna Hill (1574 m above sea level), which is the third highest peak in the Veľká Fatra National Park. We’ll be rewarded either with unique views from the ridge to the valleys or with an attractive circle view from Krížna Hill.
From this place we are just descending, following the blue cycle trail no. 2584 to Horný Jelenec settlement. Beautiful and long descents await us, as well as a ride through the sheep farm where we can buy sheep cheese or “žinčica” (a drink made of sheep milk whey) as a traditional snack. After passing through Horný Jelenec settlement, at the memorial “MOR HO!” we join the 1st class road along which we continue to Banská Bystrica city.
