Attractions and Places To See in Chránená Krajinná Oblasť Malé Karpaty - Top 20

The Ranogien Castle was built after the Tatar invasion of 1241/42 by the local counts of Sveti Jur and Pezinok, the Hunt-Poznanovci. The castle, first documented in 1271, gradually took over the settlement and guard function of the Great Moravian castle (fortress) on the opposite side of the valley and became the center of a growing estate. It was part of the Little Carpathians system. After a reconstruction in the 14th century, the castle consisted of an inner and an outer part. The entrance led over a drawbridge across a dry moat that surrounded the castle along with a rampart. The inner castle comprised palace buildings with two residential buildings, one of which served as a prison. In addition to the living quarters for the count's household, the palace housed a tavern, chambers, cellars, kitchens, and a bakery. The outer castle had three towers, including a water tower. The fresh water supply was provided by a system of ceramic pipes and a cistern. The castle also had a bailey enclosed by defensive walls. The remains of the vaults date from the time of the Renaissance reconstruction. With the construction of the manor house by Katarína Pálffyová and her husband Štefan Illésházy, the successors of the counts of Svätý Jur and Pezinok, in 1609, the seat of the estate was permanently moved to the town. As a result, the castle lost its original function and gradually fell into disrepair. During the Turkish uprising, it offered refuge and temporary accommodation to the surrounding population. After the devastating attack by the Turks in 1663, it finally fell into ruin. In 2002, Biely Kamen Castle was declared a national cultural monument. The finds from the excavation site can be visited at the Museum of Literature and Local History in Svätý Jur – a branch of the Museum of the Little Carpathians in Pezinky. Did you know that Biely Kamen Castle was located on an important trade route from Bratislava to Trnava? It also controlled the mountain road to Stupava and Lozorno.

In addition to A🚶🏽‍♂️L🚴🏼‍♂️E🏃🏽‍♂️X, I would also like to mention that in winter (unfortunately little snow in recent years) a cross-country ski trail leads upwards, today in summer enthusiasts go up with skirollers or take an electric monowheel up the road, which runs parallel to the hiking trails.

The ruin is currently being renovated with extensive voluntary work by a citizens' initiative. Since 2021, the citizens' association Castrum Sancti Georgii has been committed to the preservation of the castle ruins. Volunteers cleared the walls of ivy and overgrown trees, built access paths, benches for visitors, and stairs for greater safety. They cleaned the impressive vaulted room measuring 17 x 6.5 m. The association had the ruin geodetically surveyed and a 3D model of the castle created. Subsequently, a static assessment of the individual objects and an architectural-historical study of the monument were carried out. Based on the developed restoration concept, the association began the renovation of the most endangered parts of the castle. First, the half-destroyed, dominant western defensive tower was restored. You can follow the progress of the restoration on the website www.hradbielykamen.sk. You can support the work of the citizens' association Castrum Sancti Georgii in restoring the castle with a voluntary donation.

One of my favorite trails, it never really goes up or down, it's not very rooty, but it always goes along nicely no matter which direction.

Spectacular observation tower and view, an official MTB trail leads to the tower.

The people of Bratislava can trade the rush of city life at least during the weekend for a relaxing stay in beautiful nature. One favourite location of the White Cross is from the city district of Bratislava-Rača, which is nearby. On sunny days, lovers of hiking, walking, cycling and even mothers with baby-strollers or joggers are concentrated here. The route is not demanding and everyone can handle it. The White Cross area is formed by dense Carpathian forest parks. Several routes lead directly here and the shortest and most popular, about 4km long, starts just in Rača. It takes about 3 hours to get there and back. https://www.kamnavylet.sk/en/attraction/white-cross

2x buffet with water

Starting from Borinka near the church, Ballenstein Castle can be easily reached in about half an hour with a few meters in altitude. The climb is worth it. The ruin is completely accessible and you have a great view from there.