Nature attractions Banskobystrický kraj

In the village of Malá Lehota, in the district of Žarnovica, lies the unique geological-geomorphological formation Andezitové kamenné more. Thanks to its uniqueness and scientific value, the area was declared a national natural monument in 1975. You should definitely not miss a visit to this natural attraction; add it to your list alongside other attractions of the Banskobystrický kraj that are also worth it. We recommend wearing sturdy footwear so that, besides a great experience, you do not bring home a sprained ankle, for example.

The stone sea is formed by massive dark andesites and was probably created more than 14 million years ago, in the Quaternary period. During stormy volcanic activity, a massive lava flow with distinct rock forms was created. Since the air temperature at that time dropped even below minus 60 degrees, the lava flow solidified quickly, which resulted in its later disintegration into irregular polygonal blocks. Although it may not seem like it, individual stones weigh well over half a ton. A special feature of this natural monument is the rich occurrence of dispersed quartz particles that mixed into the lava flow while still "hot" and today glitter like diamonds against the dark forest background. If you visit the area during a beautiful sunny day, you will feel like you are by a real sea, because the shimmering quartz will resemble the look of a shimmering water surface in the sun.

You can easily get to this world-significance natural monument from the village of Malá Lehota or along the popular Náučný chodník Vojšín educational trail. It has its beginning in the Stará Huta settlement, which is a part of Nová Baňa. At its end, the stone sea awaits you, which is certainly worth the walk along the educational trail. It is hidden behind coniferous trees, near a small bus stop. Andezitové more, with an area of 30 x 100 m, ranks among the smaller stone seas located in Slovakia, yet despite this, its size will astound many of you.

Find accommodation near Andezitové kamenné pole and set out into the diverse nature at the crossroads of three regions, Banskobystrický, Trenčiansky, and Nitriansky. Nice views and a great stay combined with a visit to this natural unique feature are offered by a hotel in the Tribeč mountain range, cottages and chalets in the villages of Ponitrie, or any other suitable accommodation in Malá Lehota.

The unique Dudinské travertíny are located in the well-known spa town of Dudince, in the Krupina district. They were formed by the precipitation of water around mineral springs in the park of the spa complex. A nature trail with seven stops will guide you through this national natural monument, which is managed by the State Nature Conservancy of the Slovak Republic Štiavnické vrchy. Here you can inspect the travertine field as well as a 10-meter-high travertine mound.

During your walk through the park, right near the local amphitheater, you will encounter the so-called Roman baths, also called Močidlá. This is the most famous and interesting formation from the entire system, referring to the presence of ancient Romans in our territory. The extensive field is formed by 32 travertine pools. On their walls, you can notice fossilized grasses, leaves, and tree branches. Your next stop during the walk through the travertines will be a formation called Travertínová terasa. This is the youngest terraced-shaped part, located on the bank of the Štiavnica river.

Furthermore, you can stop at the Spa Spring. The aforementioned travertine mound with a respectable height reaching 10 m was named this way. It is rumored that another formation once became a silent witness to the cruelty of the Tatars in our territory. That is precisely why it was named Tatar Travertine. In the past, the so-called Hostečný prameň was used to treat rheumatism. Today, it is also an interesting travertine formation. The romantic name of another segment, Šípová Ruženka, suggests that beautiful wild roses used to grow in the surroundings long ago. Today, an asymmetric travertine mound stands here instead of them. The last one, Eye Spring, was considered miraculous healing water in the past.

The spa town of Dudince can boast a truly unique spring of healing mineral water. You may not have even known that water of a similar composition can be found within Europe only in French Vichy. Therefore, besides touring the travertines, we definitely recommend not missing a visit to the Dudince spa or the popular thermal swimming pool Dudinka. After pleasant water relaxation, you might fancy a glass of quality wine. In that case, make sure to visit the historic cave cellar offering wine tasting.

If you have not visited this interesting corner of Slovakia yet, we recommend booking accommodation near the Dudinské travertíny right now. Accommodation in Dudince and its immediate surroundings excels primarily in a wide range of cottages and chalets, guaranteeing privacy and excellent accessibility to local attractions. Let yourself be invited on a journey to discover the beauties and wealth of our picturesque country.

Pohanský hrad, also called Pohanský vrch, is a national nature reserve breathing with a unique mysterious atmosphere. The beautiful nature of the lava mountain, the remains of a stone rampart of ancient Celts, impressive rocky outcrops and turrets, as well as fissure caves. All of this crowned by breathtaking views can be found in the heart of the Cerová vrchovina, near the village of Stará Bašta in the Rimavská Sobota district. We present to you a place you will not find anywhere else in Slovakia.

The mysterious lava mountain rising on the Slovak-Hungarian border catches the tourist's eye from afar. Out of the forested terrain, rocky cliffs, outcrops, and turrets protrude, the most beautiful of which are the marginal basalt rocks at the peak, reaching a height of an incredible 30 m. Since Pohanský hrad is a creation of ancient volcanic activity, in addition to fascinating rock formations, you will also find basalt fissure caves here. They are situated on the slopes of the mountain, and the longest one reaches up to 182 m.

However, beautiful natural sceneries are not the only thing you can soak in at this unique place. Upon entering the territory of Pohanský hrad, you will feel a strange mysterious atmosphere. It is caused by the breath of history associated with the prehistoric settlement of this area. Archaeologists have confirmed that the lava mountain was inhabited even before our era. This is also proven by the remains of the stone ramparts of the prehistoric hillfort. Due to its uniqueness, the locality was declared a national nature reserve.

Are you heading to Rimavská Sobota? In that case, be sure to set aside one day to visit the unique place called Pohanský hrad. A place where picturesque nature blends with the mysterious atmosphere of times long past. You can combine a trip here with a tour of the nearby Fiľakovský hrad, the ruin of Soví hrad, or with a trip to the impressive Kamenný vodopád. Find accommodation near Pohanský hrad right now and start preparing for a holiday full of unique experiences. Accommodation in Stará Bašta and in surrounding or accommodation in Rimavskej Sobote will be an excellent starting point for your trips.