The Slovak Karst Horse Trail is a week-long Riding tour around the Slovak-Hungarian Karst. On tough, reliable Kunfakó horses, you will explore the most beautiful viewpoints, impressive caves, sinkholes, gorges, and deep forests in this unique landscape. The small, family-run farm has been breeding compact, versatile horses similar to Huzuls for many years. The Kunfakós are carefully trained for the trails. Their calm, friendly temperament makes them ideal for less experienced riders and rider – as well as for young people. Despite their small size, they are extremely enduring, sure-footed, and reliable, even in demanding mountain terrain. The ride begins in Slovakia and takes you across the border to Hungary on horseback. Along the way, you will learn about both cultures, their gastronomy, and the shared history of these regions. A riding experience that combines nature, adventure, and cultural discoveries.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Gombasek, if you arrive early, you will have  time to explore the surrounding area or visit the Gombasek stalactite cave. In the afternoon, you will meet your host, who will introduce you to the horses and tell you more about the Kunfakó breed, the breeding program, and her farm. You will then check into your room and go to dinner together to discuss the program for the coming week and get to know each other.

Day 2: After breakfast, you will set off on a trial ride. The route takes you into the surrounding mountains, where you can already enjoy the first enchanting views. At lunchtime, you will take a break and enjoy a picnic with a view of the Sajó, which winds its way picturesquely through the valley The way back leads along small, romantic paths, past streams, forests, and wide meadows. On the last stretch down to the valley, you have to lead the horses down a short, steep section of the trail before returning to the farm. In the evening, you will sit down together again for dinner and discuss the most important impressions of the day. Afterwards, the sauna and hot tub will be ready for you. As the coming days will be long and physically demanding, you can really pamper yourself here once again. Riding time: approx. 4–5 hours, on foot: approx. 30 minutes.

Day 3: After breakfast, you tack up the horses and leave Gombaszög. The ride takes you along the banks of the Sajó River, where you can enjoy magnificent views of the surrounding mountains and hills. On the way, you will pass the nearby town of Rožňov and continue riding along the mountain to a beautiful viewpoint from which you can admire the surroundings in all their splendor. The ride continues and finally the imposing Krasnahorka Castle opens up before you. After visiting the castle, you continue your journey and enjoy lunch nearby. Then you are heading south to the village of Várhosszúrét, where you will spend the night.

Day 4: Today you climb up to the Szilicei Plateau, where you will continue your ride on the plateau. After riding along narrow forest paths, you will take a break at a local pub to recharge your batteries. This is followed by a really long plateau stretch. Once you arrive in Lucka, you will visit the medieval fortified church and ride to your accommodation in village Szadelő at the upper end of the Szádelői Valley.

Day 5: In the morning, you will leave the village Szádelő and ride to the top of the nearby hill to visit Tornai Castle. After this short break, you ride towards the Hungarian border. You will take a break at the border in the center of Hídvégárdo to refresh yourself, and from there it is only a short distance through the hills until you reach your accommodation for the night in Tornabarakony.

Day 6: Today, you ride from Tornabarkony towards Szögliget, where you are sure to see deer and roe deer in the meadows. You ride today on the Hungarian National Hiking Trail and visit a monastery. Then you descend into the Bódva River valley, where, after a short steep section, you reach one of the most beautiful viewpoints here, the Tilammas-hill, next to the Szögliget Forest. Then you continue your journey downhill and reach the Békés Valley, where your accommodation is located.

Day 7: From Szögliget, you will head to Szádvár, where a beautiful panorama awaits you. From there, you will continue through the Ménes-valley, past the Ménes-lake, where you can also swim with the horses, depending on the weather. Then you will visit Szelcepuszta, the Huzulen breeding farm in Jósvafő. In the afternoon, you will make your way home, crossing the border again through the hills and returning to the farm in Gombaszög.

Day 8: Departure after breakfast.

Subject to change without notice!

Accomodation
You will be accommodated in various guesthouses along the way. You will spend the first two nights and the last night in Gombasek in apartments in Double/twin occupancy/MBZ (single occupancy depending on availability) with shared bathrooms.

Saddle & Tack: Mainly Hungarian wooden saddles with sheepskin covers, traditional local trail riding saddles, and some Western saddles are used. Saddle bags and raincoats are provided.

Experience: must be confident in all gaits, even on different terrains. On some short stretches, the horses must be led downhill. Maximum rider weight: 75 kg.

Horses: Kunfakó horses (similar to Huzulen). Most of them are born and raised on the farm and are well adapted to the varied terrain of the region. They live in herds on large, open pastures all year round, which keeps them healthy and resistant to all weather conditions. You ride both geldings and mares. All are relatively small, but they are strong mountain horses with a friendly and gentle character. This makes them ideal for both children and less experienced rider Height: 135–155 cm.

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