The oldest documented fortification in the Jablunkov system lies in the municipality of Svrčinovec, Slovakia. Stará šance was first mentioned in 1578. It was a large square redoubt with two demi-bastions on its most vulnerable, south-eastern side.
You can reach Stará šance from Velká šance on foot or by bicycle:
From the Šance Fortification Visitor Centre, follow the green trail away from Velká šance. Stay on the green trail past the settlements of Dejovka and Pod Bučkami. The trail follows the national border before leaving the Czech Republic. Once in Slovakia, you will reach a signpost marked ‘Staré šance’ or ‘Pod Valmi’. There is a pleasant rest area with seating and an information board. Leave the marked trail here and take the visible path to the left into the woods.
You will arrive after approximately 200 m. The one-way route is about 2.5 km long and can comfortably be walked in under an hour.
You can also reach Stará šance from Svrčinovec on the Slovak side. From Svrčinovec railway station, cross the tracks at the level crossing. Follow the green trail, also cycle route no. 5444, to the left along the tracks and then uphill to the right. The green trail takes you to the ‘Staré šance’ or ‘Pod Valmi’ signpost. Turn right into the woods and follow the visible path for about 200 m to Stará šance.
The route from Svrčinovec is slightly longer: approximately 1 hour 15 minutes on foot, 3.2 km, with an ascent of almost 200 m.