Slovak Stages
igus:bike Tour Slovakia – Exploring Industry, Innovation and Nature
Nestled in the heart of Europe, the Slovak Republic is a country rich in history, diverse landscapes and industrial heritage. From medieval towns and modern innovation hubs to scenic valleys and mountain peaks, Slovakia offers a unique blend of tradition and progress – making it a perfect destination for the igus:bike tour. As we continue our journey, each stop highlights not only Slovakia’s natural beauty and rich history, but also its strong industrial and engineering roots.
We begin our Slovak journey in the capital city of Bratislava, where historic charm meets vibrant urban life. Our route starts at Bratislava Castle, offering panoramic views over the city. We continue through the Old Town, stopping by landmarks like Čumil, the playful manhole statue, and the Blue Church, known for its fairy-tale Art Nouveau design. Riding along the Eurovea riverfront, we finish at Tyršovo nábrežie, where three iconic sights rise above the skyline – the castle, SNP Bridge with its UFO tower, and St. Martin’s Cathedral.
On the second day, we head to Partizánske, a town known for its strong industrial roots, where we visit one of HENNLICH´s major customers, Microstep. The company, located in the former Baťa factory complex, develops and manufactures advanced CNC cutting machines and integrates igus components into their innovative systems.
From there, we make our way to Košťany nad Turcom, home to our brand-new HENNLICH branch in central Slovakia. Surrounded by the scenic beauty of the Turiec region – also known as the “Turčianska záhradka” (Turiec garden) – we showcase an in-house application featuring an igus energy chain with chainflex cables in a storage shuttle system.
Our final stop brings a fun and sporty touch: a visit to the pumptrack in Martin, just a few kilometers from our branch. This modern cycling course, set against a backdrop of green hills and fresh air, provides the perfect setting to wrap up our Slovak tour – combining movement, engineering, and the joy of cycling in one powerful ride.
Stage 1 A journey through the heart of Bratislava
Date: 28. July 2025
Starting Point: Bratislava castle
Destination: Tyršovo nábrežie – Three dominants
Distance: 7.2 km
Rider: Kamil Štrkula
Today’s Slovak tour starts in Bratislava, where history, architecture, and modern life meet along the Danube. Home to our Slovak branch, we’ve supported local industry with motion plastics for over 30 years.
Our journey begins at Bratislava Castle, resembling an “upside-down table” and offering stunning views. Descending into the Old Town, we pass the bronze statue Čumil and visit the Blue Church, an Art Nouveau gem.
At the Eurovea promenade, cafés and fountains enliven the riverside. The SNP Bridge, with its UFO tower, showcases modern design, and Tyršovo nábrežie offers serene views of the Castle, SNP Bridge, and St. Martin’s Cathedral.
Stage 2 Celebrating Innovation: From CNC Excellence to Local Partnerships in Slovakia
Date: 29. July 2025
Starting Point: Košťany nad Turcom – HENNLICH Slovakia
Destination: Martin – pumptrack
Distance: 11.4 km
Riders: Zuzana Šrancová, Marián Pevala
Day two begins in Partizánske at MicroStep, a key Slovak customer and leading CNC cutting machine manufacturer, specializing in laser, plasma, waterjet, and more. Located in the historic Baťa shoe factory complex, the site has evolved into a modern hub for CNC assembly and testing.
Next, we visit our branch in Košťany nad Turcom, nestled in the lush “Turiec garden.” Welcomed with traditional bread and salt, we showcase an igus energy chain in a vertical storage shuttle system, demonstrating innovation born from local collaboration.
We end in Martin at the pumptrack, where the igus:bike navigates bumps and curves effortlessly — a playful close to our Slovak journey.