Lesnícky skanzen Vydrovo
The LESY SR forestry open-air museum in the Vydrová valley, with the nature trail Chodník lesného času (Forest Time Trail), an exhibition in a forester's lodge and a forestry cemetery.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The forestry open-air museum in the Vydrová valley near Čierny Balog arose on the initiative of the state enterprise LESY of the Slovak Republic (Slovak State Forests). The foundation stone was laid on 21 June 2002 during the first Tree Day, and the museum was solemnly opened on 19 July 2003. It presents forestry across the whole of Slovakia and has been declared a Significant Forestry Site since 2012.
The site covers 140 ha on both sides of the Vydrovský stream, most of it forest. Its basis is an outdoor exhibition, the nature trail Chodník lesného času (Forest Time Trail), with two- and three-dimensional exhibits, and an indoor exhibition in the forester's lodge and adjacent buildings. The open-air museum has more than 70 thematic stops on the work of foresters and forest workers, forestry buildings and monuments.
Among the points of interest are a replica of the forest chapel from Horná Bzová, a mini-world with replicas of forestry buildings, and the remains of the Dobroč fir. In a remote part there is a symbolic forestry cemetery, dedicated to those who lost their lives while working in the forest. Popular attractions include the enclosure with live wild boars, demonstrations of timber-handling technology, cable cars and a bear's den.
Highlights
- Forest Time Trail with more than 70 thematic stops
- Museum exhibition in the original forester's lodge
- Symbolic forestry cemetery
- Enclosure with live wild boars and a bear's den
- Demonstrations of historic and modern timber handling
Permanent exhibitions
- Chodník lesného času – An outdoor nature trail with more than 70 thematic stops on the work of foresters and forest workers, forestry buildings and monuments.
- Múzejná expozícia v horárni – An indoor exhibition in the original forester's lodge and adjacent buildings.
- Symbolický lesnícky cintorín – A memorial place in a remote part of the open-air museum, dedicated to foresters who lost their lives while working in the forest.
- Founded
- 2003
- Operated by
- LESY Slovenskej republiky, štátny podnik (OZ Horehronie)
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €1 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €0.70organised groups of pupils and students |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 5 · Children under 6 enter free. |
| Seniors | freePensioners enter free. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freePersons with disabilities enter free. |
| Groups | €0.70 per personOrganised groups of pupils and students. |
Free admission also for the supervising teachers of primary schools.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
Part of the open-air museum, especially the asphalt road, is well accessible for visitors with reduced mobility and for families with pushchairs.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 5 |
|---|
- Stroller-friendly
The open-air museum is on easy, well-kept terrain that is also suitable for families with younger children; children are attracted by the enclosure with live wild boars and the bear's den.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Vydrovo – Skanzen (Čiernohronská železnica)
The open-air museum can be reached by car, by bus, on foot, or by the Čiernohron Forest Railway to the Vydrovo – Skanzen stop.
The open-air museum lies about 1 km from Čierny Balog. Tickets for the Čiernohron Railway can be booked in advance at chz.sk.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
Refreshments are available on the grounds. At the entrance to the open-air museum there is a ticket office with an information board on shorter routes, and an information centre.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Good to know | A detailed visit to the open-air museum takes almost a whole day; shorter routes are shown on the information board at the entrance. Sturdy footwear and rain clothing are recommended. |
|---|
