Vrchteplá can be explored with two different focuses in mind: remembrance of the Slovak National Uprising and routes through the landscape. On Hôrka hill above the village centre stands the memorial to those who fell in the uprising; partisans who fell in the nearby area were buried there. The memorial took its present form in 1978.
Places of Remembrance and Commemorative Days
Every year on 29 August, commemorations of the Slovak National Uprising are held in Vrchteplá. On 30 April, a wreath-laying ceremony takes place at the SNP memorial to mark the liberation of Vrchteplá. Both dates give remembrance a regular place in the annual calendar, without requiring you to plan a multi-day programme around them.
The Pamätná izba SNP is housed in the former primary school. Since 1979, visitors have been able to learn more about the events of the Slovak National Uprising there. The building also continues to serve as a chapel. This brings different aspects of remembrance into focus: the memorial on Hôrka and a closer study of the events in the Pamätná izba.
Landscape and Educational Trail
Vrchteplá lies within the Strážovské vrchy Protected Landscape Area, in the immediate vicinity of the Manínska tiesňava National Nature Reserve and amid the touristically significant Súľovské skaly. The Manínska tiesňava educational trail also includes the section “tiesňava pod Vrchteplou”. As a self-guided circular hiking route, it is 15.8 kilometres long and has twelve stops. Allow five to six hours of walking time for the loop; it is considered accessible year-round, although seasonal conditions on site may vary.
The first section, with information boards heading towards the gorge below Vrchteplá, follows a state road and is suitable for bicycles and pushchairs. Take normal care on this stretch of road. Do not confuse the information about this section with the characteristics of the entire educational trail: for the full loop, the overall distance and walking time are what matter.
Cycling: Views and Connections
A cycling route runs along the Hoľazne ridge, right on the boundary between Vrchteplá and Plevník-Drienové, to Havrania skala. From there, the view extends to Veľký and Malý Manín, the Javorníky, the Mikšovská reservoir, as well as Bytča and the surrounding area. The viewpoint is a clear landmark for a cycling trip, while the route also follows the boundary between the two villages.
An MTB connection runs from Prečín via Bodiná, Vrchteplá, Kostolec, Plevník-Drienové and Lávka to Mikšová, where it joins the Vážska cyklomagistrála. In Prečín, it connects to the Rajecká cyklomagistrála. Check the route markings before setting out. Another route from Vrchteplá to Súľov follows asphalt and gravel to the saddle below Havrania skala, then descends through the Čierny potok area to the state road to Súľov-Hradná. Surface conditions can change.
Plan Around Dates and the Season
Fixed commemorative dates and longer outings can shape your choice of travel dates in different ways: the SNP commemorations are held on 29 August, while the educational trail loop takes five to six hours of walking. As a winter option, the KST Manín activity plan for 2026 lists a cross-country skiing connection from Považská Teplá via Vrchteplá to Súľov, but only when snow conditions are suitable.
Discover more destinations: Horna Marikova, Horný Lieskov, Papradno, Sádočné, Udiča, Pružina, Brvnište, Domaniža.
For the wider travel overview: Okres Považská Bystrica.
