On 16 May 2025, a remarkable volunteer initiative was carried out by staff members of Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica as part of the SECreTour and Mining Treasures projects, in collaboration with the university’s volunteer centre UMB Engage. The staff actively contributed to the restoration of the Barbora route – a unique cultural route that connects history, nature, and the mining heritage of central Slovakia. Their engagement demonstrated that the academic community can be a strong and meaningful partner in protecting and developing the region.
Photo source: Roman Neradný
Hands and Hearts in Action
The aim of the volunteering day was to improve the accessibility and visual marking of the route, which runs through the scenic landscape between Banská Bystrica, Kremnica, Banská Štiavnica, and Zvolen. The volunteers enthusiastically took on a range of tasks – painting trail markers, mowing and clearing footpaths, and removing overgrown shrubs and self-seeded trees that obstructed movement along the route. Thanks to their dedicated effort, three trail sections between Banská Bystrica and Staré Hory were improved, contributing to a safer and more pleasant experience for all visitors of the Barborská Cesta.
Photo source: Roman Neradný
A Shared Goal – Living Cultural Heritage
The Barbora route is more than just a hiking trail. It is a symbol of mining history, cultural identity, and also a contemporary model for sustainable tourism in the central Slovak region. Its mission is not only to commemorate the role of mining and the stories of those who shaped the land, but also to promote community-based activities, regional cooperation, and environmental awareness. Initiatives like this one prove that through the joint effort of institutions, civic organisations, and individuals, it is possible to keep heritage alive and accessible.
Photo source: Jana Raganová
More Than Just Volunteering
Alongside their practical work, the UMB volunteers gained shared experiences, built new friendships, and deepened their understanding of the Barborská Cesta’s mission. The day included a short presentation of the project, a shared lunch, and a visit to the Historic School of Professor Jozef Mistrík in Špania Dolina. These moments added a strong community dimension to the event and showed that volunteering is not only about offering help, but also about solidarity and building a connection with the place we call home.
Photo source: Darina Rojíková
Projects That Connect
The volunteering activity was organised within the framework of two key initiatives: the SECreTour project, funded by the European Union's Horizon Europe programme, and the Mining Treasures project, supported by the Recovery and Resilience Plan for Slovakia. The event was coordinated under the umbrella of UMB Engage – the University Centre for Community Partnerships, which connects the university with social challenges and fosters active citizenship.
SECreTour project (2024-2027) is financed by the Horizon Europe programme of the European Union. Financed under GA No. 101132584
Funded by the EU NextGenerationEU through the Recovery and Resilience Plan for Slovakia under the project Banícke poklady No. 09I01-03-V04-00051/2024/VA
