A cemetery with ornate cast-iron crosses, historic buildings and marked trails give Pohronská Polhora a distinct character. The municipality lies on the southern border of Muránska planina National Park. When planning your trip, it is worth treating cultural history and hiking as separate highlights—and considering activities at the Zbojská saddle separately.

Cultural History in Pohronská Polhora

The Old Cemetery of Pohronská Polhora was established in 1794. It has preserved its original appearance and the design of its gravestones; the remarkable ensemble of cast-iron cemetery crosses is especially distinctive. In 1999, the cemetery was added to the central register of monuments of the Slovak Republic. The dates make the long history of the place tangible: this is not just about individual historic objects, but also about a preserved ensemble.

The area’s architectural history can also be traced through several dates. The Church of St. Michael the Archangel was completed in 1808, and its tower in 1835. The Chapel of St. John of Nepomuk was probably built in 1797—the date is explicitly uncertain. This should be distinguished from the bell tower of Pohronská Polhora, which dates from 1843. The municipal office building also houses a historical exhibition about the lives and traditions of local residents.

The history of the area includes the rack railway line between Tisovec and Pohronská Polhora. It was built in 1896, primarily to serve the needs of the developing iron industry, and was declared a cultural monument in 2008. Another dated tradition: on 13 May 2016, a maypole was raised in the park in Pohronská Polhora in accordance with local Pentecost tradition. This date describes the celebration at that time, not a current event date.

Hiking and Cycling

For a hike with a clearly stated distance, the Zbojnícky chodník nature trail is a useful guide: it is 4.7 kilometres long, has an elevation gain of 268 metres and takes about three hours to walk. Sturdy footwear is recommended. The trail starts at Zbojnícky dvor and passes Makovo koryto and under the Čertov most railway viaduct before reaching the entrance to the Čertova Valley. It is described here as a route to this destination; a return to the starting point is not specified. Trail conditions may change after heavy rain and in winter.

A yellow-marked hiking trail leads from Pohronská Polhora to Chlipavica in the Veporské vrchy; a blue-marked trail leads to Fabova hoľa. No walking times are given here for either trail, so the destinations cannot be compared by duration. Check the trail markers locally before setting out. If you prefer to cycle, there is a marked route from Krátke via Pohronská Polhora and Zbojská to the Burda saddle, continuing to Pätina and Závadka nad Hronom. The exact sequence of places helps with navigation; check current signs and road surfaces before your ride.

Another official cycling section opened in 2016: it is six kilometres long, runs from Tisovec in the direction of Brezno, bypasses the Zbojská saddle and ends at the road to Pohronská Polhora in the Svetlá valley. This section therefore has its own described route; it should not be confused with the route via Krátke and Pätina.

More Places to Visit at the Zbojská Saddle

Hiking trails into Muránska planina National Park and the Veporské vrchy start at the Zbojská saddle, which is also home to a tourist information centre. The saddle can be reached by car, bus, train, bicycle and on foot. The Rozhľadňa Zbojská has a 13-metre-high viewing platform with a bell that visitors can ring. The lower part of the tower contains a small Chapel of St. George with a separate entrance.

There is also a small ski area at the Zbojská mountain saddle, with two ski lifts, a groomed ski slope and artificial snowmaking. As operations should be confirmed before your trip, it is advisable to check for current information. The Zbojnícka strela excursion bus currently runs between Zbojnícky dvor at the Zbojská saddle and Gazdovský dvor at the Chlipavice saddle. Here too, it is a good idea to check the route and booking conditions before travelling.

Regional Cuisine and Seasonal Activities

Salaš Zbojská has a restaurant serving traditional dishes and lamb specialities. From spring to autumn, entertainment includes folk music from Horehronie, Gemer or Pohronská Polhora, as well as performances by the children’s folklore ensemble Červené jabĺčko. The programme is seasonal; check the dates and current offerings before planning your visit around them.

The Zbojnícky dvor hosts regional butchering championships every year. Visitors can see and sample traditional butchery products; check the dates before travelling. Visitors can also receive guidance there on making Oštiepky and preparing Žinčica, as well as rolling Parenica and pulling cheese strings. It is advisable to confirm these activities in advance. At the Zbojská sheepfold, sheep’s milk cheese for Oštiepky, Brimsen and Žinčica is made using the traditional methods described; product availability should also be checked in advance.

When looking for a holiday apartment, choose Pohronská Polhora as your destination if you want to focus on its dated cultural history and the trails that start there. Activities at the Zbojská saddle are explicitly located there and form a separate highlight. This distinction helps you choose day trips according to their actual location, rather than treating them as a single itinerary.

Discover more destinations: Horná Lehota, Hronec, Dolná Lehota, Podbrezová, Mýto Pod Dumbierom, Vaľkovňa, Osrblie, Benus.

See the broader travel overview: Brezno District.