A body of water on the site of a former gravel pit, forest and rocky habitats in the Strážovské vrchy Natura 2000 site, and a literary memorial room at a school: Plevník-Drienové offers several distinct points of interest. You can focus on observing nature, local history or cultural events. When planning, it is worth distinguishing landscape and cultural sites from services with specific conditions; separate information applies to guided tours, fishing and events.
Nature and wildlife watching at Jazero Sihoť
Plevník-Drienové lies within the Strážovské vrchy Natura 2000 site. The protected area consists mainly of forest and rocky habitats and is important for the nesting of birds of prey and owls, including the peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) and the boreal owl (Aegolius funereus). Its natural significance therefore extends from the wider protected area to specific opportunities for wildlife watching and information on site.
Jazero Sihoť is a body of water that formed on the site of a former gravel pit in Plevník-Drienové. The educational trails there have information panels about nearby flora and fauna, as well as the history of the village and its surroundings. There is also an area by the lake for birdwatching and an introduction to ornithology. In addition to the wider protected area, visitors interested in birds will find a dedicated focus on observation and learning here.
The park at Jazero na Sihoti also includes the “NABOSO” barefoot sensory fitness trail. It offers a different focus from the information panels and birdwatching: a sensory trail centered on movement. A safe access route to Jazero Sihoť was created for visitors with disabilities in cooperation with the municipality.
Fishing at Jazero na Sihoti is permitted with a licence. Interested visitors must call to receive information and instructions on how to obtain a fishing permit. Check the current arrangements before your visit.
Literature and architectural history
The Dominik Tatarka Memorial Room was established in 1991 on the grounds of the local primary school. The exhibition features photographs, newspaper articles, documents and manuscripts from the writer’s private and public life, displayed in twelve cases. The school offers guided tours with expert commentary to the public. As arrangements may vary, confirm the details with the school in advance.
The Chapel of Saint Stephen the King also offers a glimpse into the village’s architectural history. It is late neoclassical and dates from the mid-19th century. After the previous building collapsed in 1824, a wooden bell tower with a wooden cross was first erected on the same site in 1831. The chapel itself was completed in 1855. This makes it possible to distinguish the temporary solution from the later construction of the chapel.
Events and excursions
The primary school organizes the nationwide “O cenu Dominika Tatarku” literary competition. The call for entries is published in March, and the awards ceremony takes place in May; dates may vary from year to year. The Dúbravček folk group also performs regularly in Plevník-Drienové, with a Christmas program and a carnival procession featuring masks and the traditional burial of the double bass. These events reflect different cultural occasions, from a literary competition with specific months to seasonal folk programs. If you plan your trip around an event, check the relevant dates.
The New Year’s Eve excursion to Malý Manín still takes place. Afterwards, kapustnica is traditionally served at the hut near Dlhé lúky. A Slovak double cross also stands at the Malý Manín viewpoint; members of the local tourist association erected it in 2004 with the support of the municipality. The cross is a permanent feature of the viewpoint, while the excursion is a specific New Year’s Eve event.
Discover more destinations: Papradno, Kostolec, Domaniža, Sádočné, Záskalie, Považská Bystrica, Pružina, Stupné
For the overview of the wider area: Považská Bystrica District.
