Valentová brings together two very different themes: protected wetlands and horse-riding experiences at Ranch Amadeus. The cadastral area lies within both the Mokrade Turca Ramsar Site and the Turiec a Blatnický potok protected area. Ranch Amadeus offers accommodation and horse-riding experiences in the Turiec region. When planning your stay, you can consider nature and activities at the ranch separately—or include both in your plans.
Wetlands with different points of focus
The Mokrade Turca Ramsar Site also includes the cadastral area of Valentová. It was designated on 17 February 1998 under site number 932 and covers an area of 750 hectares. The site includes representative or unique examples of natural and near-natural wetland types in the Western Carpathians. It is also part of a migratory corridor for waterbirds. Rare, threatened and endangered plant and animal species contribute to its importance as a natural area.
The Turiec a Blatnický potok protected area also includes the cadastral area of Valentová. It is characterised by a largely natural river course with meanders, side channels, shallow stretches and deep pools. Its habitats include alluvial forests, scrub, wet meadows, pastures, reed beds, fens, oxbow lakes and seasonal pools. The two protected areas have different points of focus: Mokrade Turca is known for its wetland types and waterbird migration corridor, while Turiec a Blatnický potok is known for the diversity of its river forms and habitats.
Mokrade Turca educational trail: on foot or by bike
The 23-kilometre Mokrade Turca educational trail begins near Valentová, passes through Ivančiná and Diviacke kruhy, and extends as far as the Rakšianske rašelinisko peat bog. Along the way, you can see a mosaic of wetland ecosystems: wet meadows and marshy meadows, reed beds, sedge fens, alluvial forests and scrub. These habitats are home to rare and threatened plant and animal species.
The trail is an easy cycling route that you can follow independently, and it is also suitable for hikers. It can be used in both summer and winter, although surface conditions may change seasonally. If you are planning to cycle the route, it is therefore worth checking the trail conditions in advance. Take the length and route of the trail into account when planning your trip.
Stay and ride at Ranch Amadeus
Ranch Amadeus in Valentová offers up to five log cabins, each with its own toilet and bathroom. Each cabin is equipped as standard for three people, with two beds and an extra bed.
The horse-riding activities vary according to experience and the type of activity you want. Experienced riding instructors lead lessons for beginners and advanced riders. Beginners can enjoy guided walking-pace rides in the riding arena. Experienced riders can take rides through the surrounding countryside, ranging from one-hour outings to multi-day riding tours in the nearby mountains. If you would like to spend more time learning about horses, there is also a structured programme with guidance on horse care, saddling and working with horses. The summer riding camp programme includes hiking and riding in both Western and English styles.
Ranch Amadeus also offers a special dining experience: under a butcher’s supervision, a pig weighing about 200 kilograms is used to prepare presswurst, sausages, liver sausages and other dishes to order. This adds a culinary element to the riding activities without conflating it with the nature themes of the educational trail.
The manor house and local history
The Valentová manor house is a Neoclassical residence built in the early 19th century. A projecting columned portico with three arcades stood on the main façade, topped by a tympanum. A boundary survey from 1362 identified Murenfeld as present-day Valentová. Valentová was also one of the curial villages. The historic place name and the Neoclassical manor house point to different periods in the village’s history.
For the wider travel overview: Laskár.
