FULL – 9. Bratislava Forest Park
The Bratislava Forest Park is part of the Protected Landscape Area of the Malé Karpaty mountains. In its northern part there is an area of European importance Homoľské Karpaty, the subject of protection of which are several biotopes of European importance (Mixed ash-alder alluvial forests of temperate and Boreal Europe, Rupicolous calcareous or basophilic grasslands of the Alysso-Sedion albi, Sub-Pannonic steppic grasslands, Tilio-Acerion forests on slopes, screes and ravines, Pannonic woods with Quercus petraea and Carpinus betulus or Bog woodland).
On the southern edge of the Malé Karpaty Protected Landscape Area is the Železná studnička recreation area, through which the Vydrica stream flows. The territory of the Vydrica Nature Reserve is also rare with biotopes of European and national importance. Centuries ago, millers settled on the stream and built 9 mills. The water mills on the Vydrica disappeared at the end of the 19th century and continued to serve as tourist restaurants. The ninth mill and the eighth mill Klepáč are still the best preserved. Four artificial water reservoirs were a functional part of the mill system, which are now used for boating and fishing.
The harmony of technical buildings (mills, dams, a system of water reservoirs, forestry and fishery facilities) and forest biotopes made Železná studnička a unique environment, which became a popular meeting place for the inhabitants of the city and the surrounding area.
The Bratislava Forest Park is managed by the City Forests in Bratislava. Its main purpose is the recreation of the inhabitants in accordance with the principles of nature conservation. The aim of forest management is to provide a suitable environment for recreation while maximally supporting the ecological functions of the forest. By careful and targeted logging, foresters, in cooperation with conservationists, are gradually transforming economic forests into nature-friendly forests. The result should be forests with high recreational, aesthetic and conservation value. A network of marked hiking and cycling trails connects and makes accessible aesthetically valuable sites, natural formations, phenomena, monuments and scenery.
The forests are divided into three zones: Zone A – “Intensive Recreation Zone”
Zone B – “Recreation, Nature Conservation and Forestry Zone” and Zone C – “Nature Conservation and Recreation Zone” (Quiet Zone).
During the excursion, we will go through all three zones and the no-extraction areas in turn. As part of the expert interpretation, we will learn more about the management of the surrounding forest units and see the technical structures of the Vydrica valley.
| Organisation | Dagmar Štefunková, Jozef Kollár, Daniela Babicová, Ivana Kozelová |
| Format | Field trip with walks at various stops |
| Duration | Full day field trip, lunch will be provided in the restaurant at Železná studnička. The excursion departs at 08:30 from the University and will return around 17:30 |
| Max. Participants | 30 people |
Detailed programme:
9:00 – Meeting with participants at the building Hotel Družba UK (Botanická 25)
9:00-9:30 – Departure by bus and journey to part of the Bratislava Forest Park – Železná studnička recreation area (Červený most/areál SAV).
9:30-10:00 – Moving around the Vydrica valley at Železná studnička by local public transport/on foot, demonstrating an intensively used recreational area with sustainable public transport and limited private transport.
10:00-11:00 – Refreshments and introduction to the area at the 8th Klepáč mill. An example of the current state and history of the walley. Demonstration of monuments to the milling tradition, a system of ponds, temporary forest management in various management intensity.
11:00-12:00 – Continued along the Vydrica valley on foot or by local public transport to the Ferdinandove spa from the 19th century undergoing restoration, the opportunity to enjoy some refreshments. Walking past ponds and through forests in protected zones B and C, discussing the limits and restrictions on construction and recreation, management measures, and forest management methods for maintaining the natural and recreational values of the area.
12:00-13:30 – Ascent through the forest to Kamzík Hill (altitude difference approx. 200 m/3km), visit another recreation center in the Bratislava Forest Park.
13:30-15:30 – Lunch in a restaurant in the locality of Kamzík hill, visit to the TV tower on Kamzík. Brief introduction to the city of Bratislava – from above. Walk around the Kamzík hill recreational area; refreshments are available. Demonstration of threats and opportunities for sustainable development of the area. End of the the excursion and trip to the public transport stop and bus transfer to the Družba Hotel building, or…
14:00-17:00 – An alternative walking route with a more detailed introduction to the habitats of the Malé Karpaty hills is available for more experienced hikers upon agreement. The route ends in the Mariánka village about 3 hours from the beginning of the route from Kamzík. Transportation from Marianka to Bratislava is by public transport.
Recommended clothing and equipment – e.g. sturdy walking shoes or boots, waterproof clothing, insect repellent, sunscreen, bottle of water etc.”
