Vlkolinec, Slovakia

Stop, step back in time, and breathe in the fresh clean mountain air. Vlkolinec is a UNESCO village of folk architecture with painted log houses typical of peasant living long, long ago. Located in the Carpathian Mountains. It is one of the beautiful places to visit in Slovakia.

Colorful timber houses and log well.

 Although, it's a living-history village, it's a real village. Eighteen of the 55 houses are lived in year round.

 Picket fence.

Typical garden. 

 Newly constructed timber house.

Shredded wood used as insulation.

 Between the houses.

  Corn husk dolls displayed in a window.

 More farmer houses around the bend.

Carved water canal runs down the center of the street. 

  Rain gutter.

Shingled roof.

A family selling souvenirs.

Tree stumps carved into shepherds who tended their sheep on this hillside.

Shepherd's hut. 

Grapes grow abundantly on side of the house.

 Intricate wood carving.

 Bicycle made entirely from wood found in the Gallery of Folk Art.

 Hand carved Bethlehem scene.

The primitive nature of Vlkolinec stands in contract to modern Slovakia. We enjoyed visiting Vlkolinec and seeing this slice of life indicative of Slovak life.

Signs Signs Everywhere's a Sign

Driving in Slovakia is a crazy experience. Several near accidents and honking horns let us know we aren't in the United States anymore. So what have we learned about driving in Europe? 

The only sure bet was the eight sided stop sign, but many others were confusing. We will share some common and not so common signs we've see. Would you know what these signs mean? How many can you identify?

Are we suppose to stop or go? 

Here is a sign stating no entry for vehicles only public buses and cabs allowed. Greg needed a police officer to tell him that, and then asked for a donation of 30 euros. (fines are paid on the spot)

If this sign means you are on a priority road and you have the right of way...

then what does this mean?

or this?   

You don't have to stop if you are

 turning left.

This sign is displayed at the same intersection as the above sign.

Junction with a minor road. Is it an intersection with one or two roads?

Picket fence or railroad tracks? What are they trying to tell us? 

 Best if you know the meaning of this
 sign. It may not be obvious but,
 it's a Do Not Enter sign.

Can we or can't we travel on this road? 

I was stumped by this one for a very
 long time. No passing.

Another important sign. 
No stopping on this road.

It must mean something but what? Would you believe exit of fire trucks? 

I guess they needed to put this sign up along the hiking trail. 

These are more obvious, and I threw them in just because I love how the person has feet and hands. Notice what is worn on the head.

Last by not least. Here's one billboard sign you'll never see in the United States.

That "On Top of the World" Feeling

This week our journey took us to the peak of Rysy at 8,212 feet elevation. This is one of the highest mountains in the High Tatra mountains of Slovakia. It is the highest summit accessible by foot with a marked route. 

Our group of ten were excited to start hiking at 6:30 a.m. bringing just a small pack of water, a few snacks, and a light jacket. The majestic High Tatra mountain range borders Poland and are only about 30 miles long but are packed with alpine villages, turquoise lakes, waterfalls, ski lifts, mountain bikes, wild flowers, and foot trails.

Our trek of over 20 kilometers and 4265 feet altitude gain took nine hours round trip without long breaks. The trail winded through rocky ridges and glacier cut valleys stepping on rough stones and boulders with a final steep crawl to the summit. 

Almost near the top is a remote restaurant that serves lunch and drinks for hungry hikers. At the bottom is a supply hut with prepacked 50+ lbs packs looking for volunteers.

Our group had two young guys willing to carry a large sack of onions and food crate for hours up the mountain. The hike up was challenging enough so Greg and I didn’t need any extra weight even if they offered a token candy bar for your troubles.

After passing two alpine lakes, the trail became much steeper and our steps became slower and shorter.

Chains and ladders were provided to climb over a steep cliff, and then we had a view of the top. 

We stopped by Europe’s highest outhouse with spectacular views of the valley below. 

 

The summit has a marked white block designating the border between Poland and Slovakia. After an hours-long ascent, there was not a better feeling than a beautiful breathtaking view from the very top.  

That "on top of the world" feeling. We had finally made it to the top, now we just had the long hike back down.