Have you ever seen the mysterious Zbyňovský Budzogáň (literally “Zbyňov Cudgel”) up
close? If not, you really need to do something about it. Zbyňovský budzogáň is a truly
remarkable natural phenomenon located near Rajecké Teplice. This beautiful creation ranks
among the most beautiful natural formations in Slovakia. The rock was formed by the erosive
activity of water. The rock is up to 14 metres high and is also known as the Lost Cudgel.
How to get there?
Two trails lead from Rajecké Teplice to Budzogáň. You will walk through the surrounding
meadows and forests along an educational trail with several information boards that will
introduce you to the legend of this natural phenomenon, even though some of them have
been worn down by time. Alternatively, you can follow the yellow tourist trail through Zbyňov.
The two routes converge a little over a kilometre before the destination, so you can use one
route for the ascent and the other for the descent. From Budzogáň, the educational trail
continues to Žibrid, which offers beautiful views of Súľov, Malý Manín, Veľký Manín, Rajec
Basin and the Lúka section of the Malá Fatra.
The hiking trail also leads to Zbyňovský Budzogáň from Súľov via Patúch Saddle (Sedlo
Patúch).
Parking
There are several parking lots in Rajecké Teplice, most of which are paid. In Zbyňov,
however, you can park at the local shop.