Apartment "U Zemänov na Šajbe"
Private accommodation in the geographical center of Slovakia
In the locality of Horné Lazy there is a tower with a view of the wide surroundings. A moderately demanding hiking walk, which even small children can manage with good motivation. Be sure to take food and drink with you. A nice description of the route and the tower with photos can be found here:
In March 2020 we were pleasantly surprised by unexpected mail. A diploma – award from Booking.com for Guest Rating 9.7 out of 10. In January 2023 it was already 9.8 out of 10.
Thank You our guests for such a high rating. We continue to do everything to make you feel comfortable with us.
In February 2020, two years since we opened our apartment for guests, we have received twentythree reviews on google maps. We have an overall rating of 5* stars out of five.
Thank You our guests for these reviews. We are happy and we will do everything we can to make you feel good with us.
Airbnb guests also leave us reviews. At the end of 2019, it was full of 5* stars out of 5. In January 2023 we got a Airbnb Superhost badge.
Thank you.
The name of the village Povrazník suggests that the inhabitants of the village in the past stranded ropes. Rope means Povraz in Slovak language. They were produced mainly for mines in Ľubietová but also to Špania Dolina, Staré Hory but also elsewhere. In the center of the village are two boulders with holes. In these stones were fitted wooden tools, which craftsmen stretched and braided ropes. The alley of fruit trees leads to the village. Similar fruit alleys usually led to places that were important and significant to the king.
You can reach Povrazník on foot or by bike from Strelníky along an asphalt pavement off the main road. From the walkway you can see the surrounding mountains and nature all the time.
Additionaly, there are several small iron ore mines in Driekyne and Uhlište. Above Valachov there is less occurrence of nice white beach sand, probably a remnant of the Tertiary lake.
After couple of tries I found the following quite easy way how to install Xerox Phaser 3100MFP on Windows 10:
1. Go to the oficial Xerox web page and download the driver for Windows 7. It is distributed with a software Xerox Companion Suite.
2. Run the installation and proceed as usual.
Now you should be able to print, but most likely you experience a “Scanner error” while trying to scan.
3. So now download the driver for Windows 8.1 from the same Xerox web page.
4. Unpack the driver into some temp directory and find there a file WIALFFV2SCN.dll
5. Go to Windows Services and temporary stop the Windows Image Acquisition (WIA) service
6. Copy the file WIALFFV2SCN.dll into C:/Windows/System32 and replace the existing file as an administrator
7. Reboot or just start the Windows Image Acquisition (WIA) service.
Now everything should work without issues 🙂
If you like this guide and it helped you, please share my page www.opat.sk/en with your friends and recommend them an accomodation in our apartment in the middle of Slovakia – Europe.
Thank you.
When I tried to run Windows scanning, I got the following error:
Windows can not find `C:\WINDOWS\system32\wfs.exe`. Make sure you typed the name correctly, and then try again.
Here is a simple fix:
Go to Search -> Control panel -> Programs and Features -> Turn Windows features on or off -> Print and Document Services -> Windows Fax and Scan
Check the checkbox and click OK. The application will install and then you can use it. Just search for “scan” and run “Scan a document or picture”.
If you like this guide and it helped you, please share my page www.opat.sk/en with your friends and recommend them an accomodation in our apartment in the middle of Slovakia – Europe.
Thank you.
We decided to offer a local beer in our minibar. This beer is one of the few in Slovakia that is produced only from barley and hops. Other large breweries add corn to the malt because it is cheaper than barley. Beer, which had worse references in the past is now under the guidance of private owners greatly improved.
This Slovak brewery can be proud of the first place and thus the Gold Medal in the Beer of the Czech Republic 2021 competition for the Urpiner Premium 12° lager. The second prestigious award, the Silver Beer Seal, was awarded to the special beer Urpiner Exclusive 16°! (International Beer Festival in České Budějovice)
TRAVEL TIP: Less than one hour drive from our apartment towards Tisovec there is the “Zbojská” chalet. There is also a restaurant with a classic local food. While you are waiting for a delicious meal, you can read the story of the brigand Jakub Surovec. For children there is a mini farm with pets and a children’s playground. A short walk takes you to a viewing tower built in 2016, which also serves monitoring of protected animals. For active athletes there is a bicycle rental and for those who prefer less physical activity, there is a “brigand shuttle” for a sightseeing ride around the area. For tourists there is an opportunity to visit one-way educational walkway to the Devil’s Valley, with a short detour to Devil’s Cave. At the end of the trip You can buy a souvenir and products made from sheep’s milk or tasty cakes for the way back.
The grandfather Opat lovingly cares about the garden behind the house. He has what to do because the area is 1600 m2. Grandpa takes care of the original apples, plums and pears, which have grown here for years. He also planted various berries, such as red and yellow raspberries, blackberries, black and red currants, egrets and blueberries. There are also a few strawberries. In the garden, we have installed a dump, slide and sandpit. Your children have in addition to the game the opportunity to learn to recognize many useful plants. And you will just look at it from the gazebo or the window of the room. Well, children have here a lot of what to learn, because in addition to the mentioned crops, the garden is a small meadow where medicinal herbs grow like common agrimony, Aaron’s rod, oxalis, and much more.
Since the garden is on a slight slope, there are beautiful views of the extinct volcano Poľana and also the place where the Great Fatra meets the Low Tatras. Here you can see the most beautiful sunsets in Slovakia. Enjoying the atmosphere enhances the fireplace, where you can gently roast knackwurst, bacon or also apple and bread.
The area of the garden and its location on a slight slope are predestined for children in winter to be able to sledge right behind the house while the parents can stay inside in the warm while having children under constant supervision.
Here below the gallery I attached a video with the demonstration that in our garden you can not only sledge, but also ski 😀
From the apartment U Zemänov you have many options to go for a biking trip. A selection of asphalt and mountain walks are available. However, sometimes you need to take in account, that you will have to drive uphill.
A list of cycling routes can be found on the following links. See also the video I recorded on my cellphone during one of my cycling trips.
https://www.povraznik.sk/sk/info/cyklotrasy/
http://mikroregion-rentar.oma.sk/cyklotrasa
http://www.skistrelniky.sk/maps/bikeroadallsm.jpg
Our guests write us sometimes a nice reference to the Chronicle. We select a few snippets.
Directly in the village Strelníky there is a popular swimming pool. Current information on opening hours, prices and water temperature can be found on the website of the village:
http://www.strelniky.sk/hlavne-menu/kupalisko/zakladne-informacie/
I found also this article in a newspaper:
https://mybystrica.sme.sk/c/20606257/kupalisko-vstrelnikoch-vyhladavaju-ludia-zdaleka.html
A video from the swimming pool in Strelníky:
The nearest ski resort is located directly in Strelníky, approximately 400 meters from the apartment U Zemänov. It is suitable for children and beginners. But there is not much snow here lately, so it’s time to go further.
A variety of other ski resorts can be reached within 35 minutes by car. I will especially mention Chopok, Tále, Mýto pod Ďumbierom, Čertovica, Králiky, Špania Dolina, Panský diel and Donovaly.
Chopok is the largest ski resort in Slovakia. There are beautiful views of the High and the West Tatras or the Veporské vrchy and volcano Poľana. The dam Liptovská Mara is like on the palm of your hand. But often you can see much further.
The resort is approximately 35 minutes away by car. If you like to enjoy a fresh track, just leave us at eight o’clock in the morning. In the gallery bellow you can find a video from one of my skiing in Chopok.
The house “U Zemänov” was built in 1839. We managed to save the original balk from the loft with the inscription: “Martin Purgat . Ano . 1839 . Dne . 2 guliula”. We used the balk inside by the fireplace as a pseudo support.
Reconstruction began in April 2011. The purpose of the reconstruction was to preserve as much as possible the original atmosphere of the house (genius loci). The building was divided into three separate apartments with the names A, B, C. Apartments A and B are located in the original farmer house in the left part of the building. Apartment C was built on the place of the former neat-house.
Apartment A
The largest room in the house has been used in the past for social events such as dancing or rippering. Several times the council also meet there. For a while, there was a local gym.
There was an original tile furnace in this room. The tiles were covered with seven layers of different colors. We dismantled the furnance, cleaned the tiles, and some of them were used as a decoration and reminder on the hot-water fireplace that we built in the original place. The rest of the tiles have been renovated and are waiting for their further destiny.
The chimney went out of the furnace, and that way also went the smoke. That’s why the entire roof was all smoked inside. Obviously, this has had its long-term purpose. The loft floor was sprinkled with gravel and ash. The photographs are taken in approximately the same place (roof oxter).
As the original farmer house had no foundation, it had to be undermined and the foundations literally underconcreted.
(Photo)
Underconcreting of the old house:
I will add more information and pictures soon.
Apartment C
The square neat-house in the right part of the building, where the sheep used to be at the time of purchase, was no longer static and had to be destroyed. In the original floor plan was created Apartment C for guests. It was built from new modern materials.
Kitchen:
Dayroom:
Loft:
Concreting basement:
The article will continue. Please return here later.
Even you have a fully equipped kitchen in the apartment and you can cook your own food, you will also probably welcome the opportunity to cook someone for you. To our guests we can recommend some options for tasty and cheap meals in the vicinity :
1. Koliba u starej matere (typical Slovak specialties, home-made bread and homemade cakes)
2. Penzion Grajciar (tasty Slovak dishes)
2.a Pizzeria Grajciar
Newly opened restaurant in the center of Ľubietová. Building with stone cladding next to pharmacy. They also have soups and main dishes.
3. Motorest Nemecká (tasty lunch menu about 3,- EUR)
4. Ranch Čelienec (must be ordered in advance by phone)
tel.: +421 903 554 749
web: www.ranc-celienec.sk
5. Koliba U Krištofa
web: www.usvkristofa.sk
6. Kúria na Táloch
web: www.kurianataloch.sk
7. Tálska Bašta (a bit more expensive but gourmet)
web: www.partizan.sk/sk/talska-basta
8. Pizza Barbaricum
web: www.barbaricum.sk
(In Brezno there is a muzeum, Shopping center, fresh supermarket Lidl)
Bus schedule:
web: www.cp.sk (link to the english version is at the bottom of the page).
One of the many tourist attractions in the vicinity is the geographical center of Slovakia – Hrb (Humpback) (1255 m a.s.l.). From this place there is a nice view of the Low Tatras, Veľká Fatra, the extinct volcano Poľana and sometimes even further.
From the apartment “U Zemänov”, it is there and back for about 5 hours of walking. However, you can shorten it to 3 hours if you drive to a place called Ranch Čelienec. You can eat there in a pleasant environment after a phone order. For more about Ranch Čelienec, see Restaurants in the right menu.
An article in newspaper here
Strelníky are the ideal place for short walks in nature. Photos in the gallery below I took a few steps behind the fence of the apartment’s garden. On winter photos, you can see the environment in which the house is located.
On this video, the dron flies just over the roof of our house. These beautiful natural sceneries can also be seen during your short walk around.
The village through which you have reached us has its mining history. Even today you can see there mine tunnels and mining cairns.
More info:
sk.wikipedia.org
www.lubietova.sk/obec-1/naucny-bansky-chodnik-/
www.lubietova.sk/obec-1/mineralogicka-miestost/
www.lubietova.sk/obec-1/muzealna-miestnost/
This castle is noticeably visible already on our way from Banská Bystrica to us on the left side. It is beautifully lit at night.
More information at www.hradlupca.sk/en
Harmanecká cave
WEB: www.ssj.sk/en/jaskyna/10-harmanecka-cave
Attractions in the surroundings: www.ssj.sk/en/jaskyna/10-harmanecka-cave/zaujimavosti-v-okoli
Bystrianska cave
WEB: www.ssj.sk/en/jaskyna/3-bystrianska-cave
Attractions in the surroundings: www.ssj.sk/en/jaskyna/3-bystrianska-cave/zaujimavosti-v-okoli
Bat’s cave
WEB: www.vypadni.sk/sk/netopieria-jaskyna
Cave of Dead bats
WEB: www.jmn.sk/
The well-known attraction for small and big children. Black Balog is about 40 minutes away by car from our apartment.
WEB: www.chz.sk
There are 22 tunnels on the railway line from Banská Bystrica to Turčianske Teplice. One of them is the longest tunnel in Slovakia (4 697,15 m). Train travels this way for about one hour. You can relax in the spa town of Turcianske Teplice SPA & AQUAPARK Turcianske Teplice and then return by train through the same tunnels back.
How to get there?
1. Drive from the apartment to the train station in Banská Bystrica:
2. Find train departures at www.cp.sk :
3. From the train station to the spa it is just a bit by feet:
The area of Low Tatras is a true paradise for fishermen. Every year fishing trips start on April 16th. There are lots of trout waiting for the bait. A fishing for lovers of quieter waters begins on June 1. A reward for patient are the glittering scales of carps, tenchs, chevins.
A fishing in the middle of majestic nature is an unforgettable experience.
WATER AREAS
– Lubeník (carp, tench, chevin, pike, catfish)
– Water reservoir Krpáčovo (carp)
– Richtárova water reservoir (trout)
– Water reservoir Hnusnô (trout)
Fishing licenses may be purchased in each region on the territory.
In the nearby area there are more options to go bathing:
1. Brusno Medical Spa: www.kupelebrusno.sk/en
2. Welness hotel Bystrá: www.hotelbystra.sk
3. Swimming pool and sauna Štiavničky: www.plavarenstiavnicky.sk
4. Holidaypark Kováčová: www.holidaypark.sk
5. Spa & Aquapark Turčianske Teplice: www.aquapark.therme.sk/en
We recommend to visit this attraction with children by train from Banska Bystrica. The train passes through 22 tunnels and one of them is the longest tunnel in Slovakia (4 697,15 m). More at Trips and active relax
Why is the apartment called „U Zemänov“?
Zemän means Yeoman
The village Strelníky has many residents with the same surname “Majer” (Farmstead, Grange). They are about 80%. To distinguish individual citizens, they use to give them nicknames (sins). The previous owner of the house had a lot of lands and therefore had a sin “Zemän” (Yeoman). The house in which the apartment is located in the village is therefore called “U Zemänov” (by Yeoman).
Why should I stay „U Zemänov“ (by Yeoman) ?
If you like history
Although the apartment is completely new (2016), its atmosphere is complemented by the fact that it is part of a house that was built in 1839. Interesting facts about this house as well as the process of the recent reconstruction can be found in The house story
If you have children
Behind the house there is a large (1600 m2) garden with a playground full of fruit, vegetables and medicinal herbs. From the gazebo in the garden and from the window of the apartment you have the permanent supervision of your playing children. Additionally just 400m from the house there is a small ski resort suitable for children. You can read more in The playground and the garden and Skiing
If you like romantic
The garden is slightly uphill and at its upper end there is a magnificent view of the Great Fatra, Low Tatras and extinct volcano Poľana. Here you can see the most beautiful sunsets in Slovakia. The fireplace will intensify the romantic atmosphere. See photos at The playground and the garden
If you like privacy
You can be sure, that the apartment will be only yours all the time. No one else will share the inner space with you. And the parking space is hidden in the yard.
What means “na Šajbe” in the apartments name?
Šajba is the original (and still often used) name of village Strelníky. Šajba was renamed to the Strelníky in 1948. Since it is not so long ago, local people still use this name and are proud of it. “na Šajbe” then means “at Šajba”. You can find more about the history of the village here for example: Strelníky at Wikipedia
Why to stay “na Šajbe” ?
Because it is one of the most beautiful part of Slovakia. It can not even be described by words. Take a look at the photos we made right behind the house: Walking in nature
Why www.opat.sk ?
Opat is my surname. Anyway … it means Abbot. More here: Abbot on Wikipedia
To our guests we offer exclusive wine, which is available in the glass-covered wine cooler in the living room of the apartment.
We also like the quality of wine. That is why we import it from personally verified private winemakers “Ovocinár Hrehor” in Skalica and “Vinařství Skoupil” in Moravia.
We are particularly pleased with the success of these wines in competitions.The Skoupil winery was awarded the “Most successful family winery in the Winemaker of the Year” award in 2021 and the Hrehor winery won several awards in the prestigious international Great Taste Awards 2021. Congratulations!
ovocinarhrehor.sk
www.skoupil.com
You can cook your own food in the kitchen. The dishwasher will wash the dishes for you.
You can cook your own food in the kitchen. The dishwasher will wash the dishes for you.
Comfortable accommodation in the attic.
Comfortable accommodation in the attic.
From the arbor there is a wonderful view of the place where it meets Great Fatra and Low Tatras.
From the arbor there is a wonderful view of the place where it meets Great Fatra and Low Tatras.
Your children will enjoy the time in the garden with playground.
Your children will enjoy the time in the garden with playground.
Comfortable rooms, clean bathrooms and toilets.
Comfortable rooms, clean bathrooms and toilets.
1. The cableway ticket can be bought several days in advance. It is cheaper.
web: www.jasna.sk
2. The parking lot is near the cableway station:
3. In the middle of the cableway you will change the cabin or you can walk on foot.
4. The second cabin takes you to the top, which is Chopok.
5. From here you can walk to the Ďumbier on foot on the ridge, direction east.
