When you don’t have time for a weekend getaway but still feel like escaping the city even just for a day, head to Bratislava’s city forests. My personal recommendation is the less crowded forest of Devínska Kobyla, on the border of suburbs Dúbravka, Karlova Ves or Devínska Nová Ves.

Slovakia has a very clear system of marked hiking trails so no need to worry about getting lost. My favourite path is the green trail which starts at the end of Devínska’s Pavla Horova Street. You can easily follow the green signs painted on trees or rocks every couple of dozen metres. If your eyesight is sharp enough, you might spot a couple of rounded border stones on the way up. These used to mark the border between the Slovak State and Nazi Germany when the neighbouring suburb of Devín belonged to it for a short while during the war. The ascent takes an hour through the forest to the viewing tower opened in 2020 which offers a beautiful view to the winding Danube gentle Austrian countryside. During a clear day, you can spot the shores of Neusiedler See or the notorious windmills emerging from the landscape.

Wherever you start your hike, you can always make it a loop, go from one suburb to the next around the hill or over the top or retrace your steps. For example, you can start in Devínska and head to Devín Castle. The forest awaits you…