Ascent to Veľký Lysec

Veľký Lysec is one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the Nitra region. The ascent starts in the village of Kostoľany pod Tribečom. We park the car in a small parking lot directly in the village, which is primarily used by hikers for ascents to the ruins of Gýmeš Castle. Location of the parking lot. However, we have planned exactly the opposite direction.

Right from the beginning, we follow the yellow hiking trail, which leads us through the village of Kostoľany pod Tribečom. Along the way, we find a village spring, which unfortunately is non-potable. Since it is getting quite warm, we use it at least to refresh ourselves. We climb long stairs toward the Church of St. George, which is included in the cross-country competition Krížom krážom with the Nitra Passport. However, we have planned exactly the opposite direction. From the very beginning, we follow the yellow hiking trail, which leads us through the village of Kostoľany pod Tribečom. Along the way, we find a village spring, which unfortunately is non-potable. Since it is getting quite warm, we use it at least to refresh ourselves. After long stairs, we ascend to the Church of St. George, which is included in the competition Krížom krážom with the Nitra Passport. The church was built in the 9th century during Great Moravia and is one of the three oldest sacred buildings in Slovakia. 

Our guide today - the yellow trail - winds gradually through the surrounding vineyards. The terrain slope increases slightly and we ascend through the forest to the Veľký Lysec saddle. Our breathing intensity increases slightly, but it is a pleasant cardio workout. At Veľký Lysec saddle, we turn right and head to the rock city, whose atmosphere is enhanced by a large number of blueberries. The final section is steeper, and at times we help ourselves by holding onto beeches very close to us. The steeper climb rewarded us with impressive views into the distance from the rocks of Veľký Lysec. We are at the summit. We see views of Gýmeš, nearby Ploská, the most prominent part of the main ridge of Tribeč, or the distant Vtáčnik mountain range. Such views leave us with the most beautiful feelings of how amazing and unique our small Slovakia is.

From the summit, we gradually descend the same route, and from the saddle our steps lead to the Pod Vápenicou junction. We connect to a forest asphalt road, passing under the mentioned Ploská peak (577 m). Walking along this road is pleasant as the terrain is fairly even. We enjoy this section because it is little visited by tourists. The path gradually leads us to the Tribeč cycling ridge with beautiful secluded spots of the Tribeč mountain range. It connects the city of Nitra and Penhýbel under the Vtáčnik mountains. However, we do not stay long on the cycling ridge, and at the Babova dolina junction we say goodbye to the cycle ridge. From the junction we descend gently on the red hiking trail to the Jedliny forester's lodge. Behind the lodge, we walk on an asphalt road with constant views back to our car.