Where to go on a trip Bzovík

If you enjoy wandering through nature, the stone watchtower Vartovka stands atop the Strážvar hill above Krupina. It was built in 1564 as part of an early warning system in case of an invasion by Turkish troops. Come and enjoy the magnificent views of the town, Štiavnické vrchy, Krupinská planina, and the nearby Bzovícka pevnosť fortress.

The watchtower with a square footprint is approximately 13 meters high. A metal spiral staircase is installed around its wall, leading you to a wooden gallery. The main task of Vartovka was to protect not only local residents, but also important mining towns from approaching danger.

It fulfilled its role until the beginning of the 18th century. Today, it is a popular location for families with children, hosting various cultural events and being visited by youth as part of school trips. The surroundings of the tower are clean and well-maintained. You will find an information board, wooden benches, and a fire pit here. So do not forget to pack sausages and bacon in your backpack and enjoy a great bonfire roast with your children.

A blue-marked hiking trail starting in the center of Krupina will lead you to the lookout tower. A pleasant walk at an unhurried pace will take you about an hour. Those who prefer more comfort can drive up by car.

If you have chosen a hot summer day for the hike, you can spend the afternoon in the pools of Kúpalisko Tepličky Krupina. After a great day, stay in a romantic cottage or a stylish wooden cabin. If you would like to view the full range of accommodation near Vartovka, click on the accommodation in Krupina page.

Spend the following days exploring the surroundings through adventure. Visit the aforementioned Pevnosť Bzovík or take a trip to see Kaštieľ vo Svätom Antone. Horseback riding at Ranč Nádej will certainly be an unforgettable experience. There are many options for spending an active holiday. The kam na výlet v Krupine page will help you when putting together your holiday plan.

In the middle of Krupinská planina, at the end of a rocky promontory, the zrúcanina hradu Čabraď castle ruin rises in the embrace of the Litava stream. This place breathing with history is situated southeast of the village of Čabradský Vrbovok, in the Krupina district. The remains of the Gothic castle are still massive and impressive today. Here you can admire the remnants of fortifications, structures, and outer walls of residential buildings. You can reach the castle hill on a comfortable walk from the village in approximately 50 minutes. The easy route leads you through the adjacent forest, across the river, past the building and chapel of the Koháry family, all the way to the mysterious ruin.

History is mysteriously silent about the castle's origins. However, it is assumed that its role was to control the road connection from Šahy to Krupina. Sources even mention that two castles with the same name were located on the castle hill. The older Litava castle vanished at the beginning of the 14th century. It was reportedly located southeast of the new Litava castle, which was later named Čabraď. Its origins date back before 1342, and its first royal administrator was supposedly Charles Robert. Subsequently, the building frequently changed owners until its last owner, František Koháry, had it set on fire in 1812. Miraculously, despite the devastating fire, the castle did not turn completely to waste, but fell into oblivion for long decades. At the end of the 20th century, the first conservation of the courtyard took place, and since 2000, a local civic association has been taking care of the ruin.

In its time, the castle complex consisted of a dominant tower and a courtyard with residential palaces and utility buildings. The entrance led from the northern side via a drawbridge. The outer perimeter fortification protected the castle on the western side. On three sides, the Litava stream provided strategic protection for the castle. The eastern part consisted of a residential building, the southwest featured a gate with a bastion, and the south had an entrance gate with a tower, loopholes, and a bridge.

The ruin is freely accessible to the public today. A civic association takes care of maintaining the remaining fortifications and residential building ruins that recall the bygone glory of the monumental structure. Primarily thanks to them, the castle complex is not overgrown by vegetation and remains easily accessible to visitors. Thanks to their hard work, you also do not have to worry about a large presence of snakes at the castle. Čabradský hradný vrch is actually a nature reserve with the richest population of reptiles in Slovakia. Numerous grass snakes live here in particular.

In addition to the mysterious zrúcanina hradu Čabraď, you can also take a trip in the nearby area to the remains of hrad Cerovo castle or the sprawling Bzovník fortress. And if you long for a bird's-eye view of the surrounding natural beauty, you can head to Rozhľadňa na Prašnom vrchu lookout tower or the stone watchtower Vartovka. There are truly plenty of excursion options and tourist attractions in the surroundings of Krupina. We therefore recommend looking for accommodation near hrad Čabraď and setting out to explore this diverse region. Accommodation in Krupina is particularly appealing due to a wide range of popular cottages and chalets, which attract tourists and holidaymakers with the promise of comfort and convenient access. Will you let yourself be tempted as well?

Among the popular destinations for tourists today are the now minuscule remains of the Cerovo castle ruins, which are located near the village of the same name. Set out for the Krupina district. Approximately 20 km southeast of this district town, between the hills of the Krupina forest on the northern end of Pustý vrch, once stood a beautiful castle.

Hrad Cerovo, which many also knew under the name Litava, is best accessible directly from the main route Dudince – Veľký Krtíš. Past the turnoff towards the village, you will see a bridge leading over the Litava stream. Here you can park your car and set off on foot for the castle hill. The ascent up from this side is steeper and is mostly manageable only by hikers in good physical condition. For families with older children or less fit hikers, we recommend the ascent via the ridge of Pustý vrch, which can be reached via a field road. Breathing in the fresh air, listening to the chirping of birds, and admiring the beauty of the mixed forest will delight the soul of every person.

After ascending to the summit, the area of the former castle, which is currently hidden by the forest, is clearly visible. However, two large sections separated by a moat will not escape the attentive eye of the visitor. Unfortunately, this is all that has been preserved of it. The first mention of the castle dates back to 1276. At that time, it was built by Hontpazmányi named Hont. In some sources, the construction of the castle is linked to his son Dezider the Great. The castle did not live to see its glory partly because it was destroyed in the 14th century. Its restoration no longer took place, as the nearby Hrad Čabraď had been built.

Even though almost nothing remains of the castle, a trip here is worth your while due to the beautiful environment and the wonderful view from the castle hill. For the journey, you can pack various snacks in your backpack and treat yourself to a day in the company of those with whom you feel pleasant. The bolder ones might be tempted by the idea of pitching a tent in the forest and watching the stars shining in the mysterious sky after dark. For others, it is more realistic to book accommodation near Hrad Cerovo, so that, for example, on a nice summer morning, they can set out to observe the surroundings from this spot.

After this hike, you can see for yourself with your own eyes what condition the aforementioned Hrad Čabraď castle is currently in. It was built in the Gothic style and its remains astonish people to this day. Those who are not afraid of heights will certainly be interested in the lookout tower on Prašný vrch, or perhaps the stone watchtower Vartovka. Horse lovers will find what they are looking for at Ranč pod Žobrákom. They will gladly rent you bicycles here as well, so you can discover the undiscovered beauties of the Hont region.

Believe us that staying here for a longer time is worth it. To convince yourself, choose from the offer of accommodation facilities featured on our portal. Will a photo of the living room of a chalet in Cerovo intrigue you, or will a photo of an apartment catch your eye instead? It all depends solely on you. Whether you decide based on feelings or other criteria of your choice will dictate, we will be happy to help you.

In Svätý Anton, the manor house is among the village's dominant landmarks, visited annually by thousands of tourists from all over Slovakia. The manor house is also referred to as Koháriovský kaštieľ or Kaštieľ Antol. It is classified as a Baroque-Neoclassical manor house. A beautiful English park is an integral part of it. Come to Kaštieľ Svätý Anton, which is situated in the stunning environment of Štiavnické vrchy.

The manor house itself originally originated as a museum in 1962, when several collections from the forestry and timber museum in Zvolen found their permanent place here. In the manor house as such, you will find several exhibitions. Among the main and most attractive is the hunting exhibition, which, in addition to rare game trophies, also contains many weapons, paintings, books, magazines, and other artistic objects.

The Koháry and Coburg families are tied to the manor house. Their representatives concentrated wealth from various corners of the world here. It reflects the lifestyle, taste, and hobbies of these two families at the time. A unique feature is that the original furniture has been preserved within the manor house, which was otherwise stolen or sold by people in those times.

A beautiful chapel where the inhabitants of the manor house spent their days in prayer forms part of the estate. A Baroque stone fountain is located in the courtyard. If you come just to contemplate, plan a walk through the English park, which features two small lakes with waterfalls and cascades. You surely have not heard that an artificially created cave, a grotto, is located within the manor house premises.

A legend connected with calendar symbolism circulates about the manor house. The manor house originally had 4 entrances symbolizing the seasons, 7 arcades recalling the days of the week, 12 chimneys for the months, 52 rooms denoting the weeks of the year, and 365 windows – just as there are days in a year. You can notice these details during a tour of the manor house from the outside. Artists from Western Europe truly took great care with the work.

If you also decide to discover all its nooks and crannies, do not forget to view and book accommodation near Kaštieľ Svätý Anton in advance. You can choose either a guesthouse in Svätý Anton or a room in private accommodation. The selection of accommodation is varied. The offer of many attractions is rich as well. After all, the town of Banská Štiavnica with its nativity scene, Banka lásky, or historic square is close at hand. We look forward to your visit directly to the manor house.

In the district of Banská Štiavnica, the highest peak of Štiavnické vrchy, the Sitno peak, is the dominant feature. Right on it, you can find the ruins of the famous Sitno castle, which provided defense against enemies. Visit the village of Ilija, into whose cadastral area Sitniansky hrad falls.

The history of Sitno castle dates back to the 13th century, when it was established as a fortified hillfort on this peak. Three centuries later, a gate with a defensive function was added. The castle consisted of two parts: the upper castle palace and the lower castle. This castle was not lacking a courtyard, a water cistern, or loopholes either. Unfortunately, in the 18th century, estate uprisings definitively destroyed the castle, leaving only a ruin.

During its era of greatest prosperity, the castle was besieged in 1548 by royal troops. At that time, it was seized by the robber knight Melichar Balassa. Less than a hundred years later, the castle passed into the permanent care of the Koháry family. They remained the owners of the castle until its destruction. After 1710, at the end of the anti-Habsburg uprisings, the castle served as a source of building material for Rozhľadňa na Sitne and Kaštieľ vo Svätom Antone.

If you are intrigued by the history of the castle and remember various legends, one tells the tale of the fate of two brothers, the knights of Sitno. The older one received the entire estate from his father on his deathbed; the younger one was not happy with this and built his own castle on Malé Sitno. There may be some truth to these legends shrouded in mystery about Sitno castle.

You can reach Sitno castle by car from the village of Ilija. Following the green hiking trail (an asphalt path through Vlčia jama), the ascent is less demanding, though it takes longer. A path also leads to the castle from Počúvadlianske jazero, also along the green trail past cottages through the forest. After a while, you will reach Tatárska lúka with an educational trail, from where you can take the blue trail directly to the castle.

Along with visiting the castle, it is a great idea to plan an ascent to the Sitno peak. It is also possible to complete it on horseback. A horse, along with a professional guide, can be rented for you at Ranč Nádej in Svätý Anton. You can travel back into history at Kaštieľ vo Svätom Antone. If you come as a family with children, it is a good idea to book accommodation near Sitno castle in advance. In the village of Ilija, there is a choice of several guest houses or private accommodations in Ilija. We believe that you will fully enjoy your time conquering this attraction, also thanks to pleasant accommodation in Slovakia.

The unique Arborétum Kysihýbel, which you can find near Banská Štiavnica, is definitely worth noticing and visiting. It is located about one kilometer from the Drieňová housing estate, in the direction of Banský Studenec. The forest area covering nearly 8 hectares is covered with a stand of exotic tree species. The arboretum was founded in 1900 and 50 years later it was declared a protected area. Entry is possible only with a guide and your visit needs to be announced and arranged in advance.

The main mission of the forestry arboretum is the study of the acclimatization of exotic tree species. The area is divided into 350 smaller plots and 282 species of various trees have been planted here. The rare tree species come from the Northern Hemisphere, having been mostly imported from North America. The rarest species include the Amur cork tree, paper birch, false cypresses, Douglas fir, and giant sequoias.

Feistmantelova záhrada, as the arboretum is often called, is one of the stops on the Náučný chodník Kysihýbel educational trail, which begins in the village of Banský Studenec. The route consists of a 6-kilometer loop and can be easily managed by the whole family. Right at the beginning of the trail, in the Kysihýbel settlement, it is worth stopping at the Barlangy underground stone quarry. It looks like an overhang rock wall and the underground space has a length of 50 meters. Traces of manual stone extraction can be seen on the walls, and a small lake opens up to your view at the end of the quarry. Building stone has allegedly been mined in this location since as early as the 14th century.

During your holiday in the Štiavnické vrchy, you certainly will not be bored. Accommodation is not in short supply near Arborétum Kysihýbel. Guest houses and cottages in Banská Štiavnica will provide you with a pleasant background, and you can thus happily discover other corners of the Banská Bystrica Region. Experience the magical atmosphere around the artificial water reservoirs known as tajchy, such as Počúvadlianske jazero or the Richnavské jazerá. History enthusiasts will certainly appreciate a visit to the Banské múzeum v prírode - Banská Štiavnica, where the most extensive mining exhibition in Slovakia is prepared for you.

Detské centrum Hoplandia in Banská Štiavnica represents a modern indoor world full of games and movement, offering a safe haven for families with children in any weather.

The location is situated in the town of Banská Štiavnica, in the Banská Štiavnica district, in the Banskobystrický kraj region. Hoplandia is designed as a multifunctional indoor playground dominated by a multi-level climbing structure with a maze of corridors, slides, and a ball pit filled with colorful balls. For the youngest children under three years of age, a separate, softly padded zone is reserved, where they can safely explore their first motor skills without contact with older children. The center also includes trampolines, interactive walls, and creative corners, which are regularly inspected for safety and hygiene. Parents will appreciate the comfortable café area with a direct view of the play area, allowing them to relax over a coffee while keeping their children under constant supervision. The premises are fully air-conditioned and adapted for organizing children's parties. Hoplandia is an excellent alternative to outdoor activities, especially during rainy days or the winter season, providing a stable foundation for active family recreation.

What can you find here?

In the center's premises, you will find a large climbing tower, a tube slide, slides, a trampoline, and a ball pit. A separate zone for toddlers, a café offering drinks and light refreshments, a baby changing table, and free Wi-Fi connection for adults are available. Facilities also include cloakrooms for storing shoes and outerwear, as well as areas reserved for birthday parties.

Who is the place suitable for?

The place is intended for families with children aged one to approximately ten years, with attractions divided according to age categories. It is sought after by local residents as well as tourists looking for a relaxing program for children after exploring the city's historical monuments. Due to the indoor nature of the facility, entry in socks is required (for hygiene reasons), and comfortable sportswear is recommended for children.

What can you visit in the surrounding area?

Right in Banská Štiavnica, you can visit the unique Terra Permonia exhibition, which focuses on playful science and technology. Just a short walk from the center lie Starý zámok and Nový zámok, or the popular interactive mining exhibition at the Banské múzeum v prírode. For a family walk, the nearby "tajchy" reservoirs, such as Klinger or Veľká Vodárenská, are ideal, offering picturesque surroundings around the town.

The area of Štiavnické vrchy is also known because gold was mined here a long time ago. Energy was needed for its mining, which led to the construction of "tajchy" (artificial water reservoirs). One of the popular and well-known reservoirs in this area is Halčiansky tajch, also known as Halčianske jazero. Come and enjoy your summer holiday right in the village of Banská Belá.

The sun-drenched forest environment and high temperatures will be appreciated by every single holidaymaker in Banská Belá. Right in this village lies an undiscovered treasure of the region, which was created in the second half of the 18th century by damming a stream. This stream flowed in from the settlement of Halča, which belonged to Banská Belá. The original purpose of the reservoir was to power stamp mills and metallurgical facilities in the local village as well as in the Kozelnícka dolina. In 1909, the reservoir was handed over to the Vysoká banícka a lesnícka škola v Banskej Štiavnici. Later, the reservoir served for fish breeding and fishing.

Halčiansky tajch is an artificially created water reservoir. Many locals use it for recreational purposes because it is not as heavily sought after. You enjoy relative peace, solitude, and perfect relaxation here thanks to its more secluded location compared to other lakes. The depth of the reservoir is 13 meters, which is also great for fish farming. Spanning an area of more than 4 hectares, you will easily find your own little spot for sunbathing.

As we have already mentioned, the lake also serves fishing purposes. In addition to breeding, fishing is also permitted here. Within the overall environment, it forms an important landscape feature. Take in the surrounding views and notice the viaduct from the dam, over which a train occasionally passes. To fully enjoy your stay with joy, we recommend booking accommodation near Halčianske jazero. Plan your holiday during the second Saturday of July and rest assured that a fantastic experience awaits you. Every year, a wooden crocodile is retrieved from the lake during a special event.

The village of Banská Belá is an attractive destination from a tourism perspective. Nearby is the district town of Banská Štiavnica, which offers numerous historical monuments and other interesting attractions. It is nice to have a coffee or ice cream at Námestie Svätej Trojice and enjoy the architecture of this ancient mining town. On the way, you can stop and explore the exhibitions at Kaštieľ Svätý Anton. On the way back, try horseback riding at Ranč Nádej. The best solution for you will be to book a chalet near Banská Belá, from where swimming and discovering the surrounding beauty will be right at your fingertips. Will you accept the offer for this type of holiday in Slovakia?

In the second smallest town in Slovakia, you can find remarkable monuments. The town of Modrý Kameň is located in the Banskobystrický kraj region, in the Veľký Krtíš district. In addition to its significant castle complex, which almost every Slovak knows, do not miss a tour of the Baroque mansion or the beautiful 18th-century Calvary.

If you are interested and want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the town, you can pause and breathe in the fresh air, or combine your walk with a prayer at the Calvary in Modrý Kameň. It is located on the edge of the town, in an area referred to as Modrokamenská lesostep. It is a nature reserve where you can observe various heat-loving steppe and forest communities of the Krupinská planina. You can get to the Calvary via Pánska cesta or Zámocká street. From here, a moderately rising bumpy forest path leads.

The Calvary reportedly originated in the early 18th century when Count Pavol Balaš had it built. Even back then, it consisted of 5 stations depicting purgatory, the Last Judgment, the resurrection of Christ, the guardian angel, and the blessed Virgin depicting the refuge of sinners. This Calvary gradually expanded and currently consists of 2 chapels and 10 stations of the Stations of the Cross. The central structure is an open rectangular chapel with a sculptural group of Christ on the cross and two other crosses with the thieves. When walking through this Calvary, your gaze will certainly fall upon a 6-meter-high cross created in 1863 to commemorate the visit of this place by Cardinal Ján Sczitovský. Art lovers will be enthused by many late-Baroque elements.

The Calvary is a popular place especially for mothers who want to escape the worries of everyday life. Tourists also put on their hiking boots and, from the elevation where it is located, fully enjoy views of the town and nature. Those who are indifferent to the values of faith can come here for a pilgrimage and honor the Holy Cross and Our Lady of Sorrows.

If you like exploring history, also head to the nearby attraction hrad Modrý Kameň. Very good, chemically untreated water will cool you down during the summer in the pools of the Krtko bio swimming pool. If you crave relaxation in a sauna or the opportunity to have fun on water slides, direct your steps to Aquathermal Strehová. You can also have fun during a game of Military Paintball. From this experience, you might take away some bruise on your body.

Sometimes it takes a bit more time for spiritual renewal than just one day. So that you can stay longer, we recommend booking accommodation near the Calvary in Modrý Kameň. The offer of accommodation facilities on the MegaUbytovanie portal features a wide spectrum of accommodations. Perhaps you will be interested in the catalog by pleasant and affordable accommodation in tourist hostels or you will book the entire Modrý Kameň cottage straight away. Our accommodation providers will gladly welcome you.

Počúvadlianske jazero is located near the village of Počúvadlo, not far from Banská Štiavnica, and is one of the most beautiful and most visited tajchs. This artificially created lake is set in the beautiful nature of the protected area Štiavnické vrchy. Between the 16th and the middle of the 19th century, several water reservoirs were built in this region, which had economic importance, especially for mining operations. Today, it is among the popular summer and winter destinations.

As the only one of all the tajchs in Slovakia, it has five dams. It lies at an altitude of 550 m above sea level. It covers an area of 12 ha and reaches a maximum depth of almost 11 m. In addition to the title of "largest tajch", it also holds another one, namely "coldest tajch". However, even in summer, this does not discourage vacationers. Quite the contrary, they find pleasant refreshment in it during hot summer days. On its shores, they will also find various snack bars with excellent draft beer, restaurants, and sports activities.

The surroundings offer many recreational, cycling, hiking, as well as cultural opportunities. Attractions in Banská Štiavnica are among the most sought-after. Have you already visited them too? If not, it is high time to combine them with your stay at Počúvadlianske jazero. Likewise, a visit to Hrad Sitno castle or a hike up Sitno peak will leave a lasting impression on you. The starting point of the hike is located right by the lake.

A bird's-eye view of the beautiful natural scenery will transport your thoughts into a fairy tale. And it is almost certain that you will feel just like in a fairy tale during your stay by the Počúvadlo tajch. We recommend booking accommodation on the pages accommodation Počúvadlo or accommodation Banská Štiavnica for several days and fully enjoying this beautiful place.