Family Cycling (and Walking) Route: Škalsko jezero – Playgrounds, Mastodon Sculptures, and Museum

A short, flat, and experience-packed route, ideal for young families, beginners, and walkers.

Route Summary

• Distance: 5.05 km
• Total ascent: 14 m
• Total descent: 15 m
• Suitable for: young families, beginners, child seats and balance bikes; also possible on foot
• Surface: mostly compacted, flat paths
• Difficulty: very easy (short route, minimal climbs)

The route is designed as a loop and connects natural and educational points of interest. Along the way you’ll find safe stops with playgrounds, intriguing sculptures, and a museum with a rich heritage.

How the Route Unfolds

1. Start at the Mastodon Children’s Playground, where kids can warm up on the play equipment while parents prepare bikes or strollers.
2. Continue along the water to Škalsko jezero – the first of the Šalek Valley lakes, which began forming before the Second World War and, immediately after it, was roughly half its current size. Enjoy tranquil views and waterfowl along the shore.
3. From the lake it’s a short hop to the Coal Mining Museum of Slovenia, which presents the history of coal mining in an accessible way for visitors of all ages. If you wish, take a longer break to see the exhibitions.
4. Finish at the Pozoj Children’s Playground near Vista and take a look at the modern mastodon sculptures – Anancus and mastodon – reminding us that proboscideans, similar to today’s elephants, lived in the Šalek Valley 3.6–2.5 million years ago.

The entire route is short and relaxed, making it perfect for a first family “bike outing” or a pleasant walk.