Where to go on a trip Šurice

When visiting the southernmost part of Central Slovakia and hiking through Cerová vrchovina, do not forget to come to Hrad Hajnáčka. It is an impressive ruin of a Gothic castle, standing proudly on top of a cone-shaped hill directly above the village of Hajnáčka. The castle rock is formed by a basalt effusion of volcanic origin and, according to archaeologists, it was already inhabited in the Stone Age, which only enhances the grandeur of this site. Although the ruins of the castle rise to an altitude of only 355 m above sea level, the castle rock offers a beautiful view of the surrounding landscape of Cerová vrchovina and nearby Hungary. Looking east from the village of Hajnáčka, you will see the Ragáč massif, a national nature reserve where volcanic caves are located. Southwest of Ragáč, you can observe the national natural monument Kostná dolina, which is the most important sapphire site in the entire Carpathian mountain range. A small sample of the blue gemstone from Kostná dolina is located in the Gemersko-malohontské múzeum v Rimavskej Sobote, and another piece can be found at the Prírodovedecká fakulta Univerzity Komenského v Bratislave.

The fortification on the rock was built in the 13th century, and its origins are written about in a charter of King Bela IV from 1245. The foundations of the castle itself were laid in 1247. The fortress is subsequently mentioned in 1320, when King Charles I Robert acquired it into his ownership and granted it for merits to the prominent noble family Széchényi. From the 15th century, the castle changed its castle lords and became an important stronghold in the defense against the Turks, who nevertheless eventually conquered it, occupied it, and abandoned it only after the fall of Fiľakovo in 1593. After the expulsion of the Turks, the castle was repaired and fortified, but in 1645 Turkish allies occupied it briefly again. After they were pushed out once more by the imperial army, the castle was thoroughly reconstructed, but unfortunately, in 1703 it burned down and has been decaying ever since. In the times of its greatest glory, a palace stood on the highest part of the rock, protected by two belts of castle wall and a bastion. An interesting feature is the castle rock, which formed part of the ramparts as well as the interior architecture, and a staircase was even carved into it. If you are attentive, in the overgrown pieces of masonry you will spot the remains of the castle walls and the carved staircase, which form the last monument to the former anti-Turkish fortress.

By the way, there is a very nice legend about the name of the castle, telling of a ruler and his daughter. While hunting a deer, the ruler lost his precious sword and his daughter decided to find it. She succeeded, and on her way back, she even killed a wild boar that had attacked a shepherd using her father's sword, thereby saving his life. A handsome young man witnessed this brave deed, fell in love with the girl at first sight, and married her. Out of love for her, he named the castle where they lived after his wife, Hajnáčka.

The ascent to Hrad Hajnáčka is relatively short with a gentle incline. The trail is about 400 meters long and can easily be handled even by smaller children. You can reach the castle rock from the village of Hajnáčka by following the yellow mark along a romantic path leading between small houses and through narrow alleys. The path will lead you right to an eye-catching wooden castle gate. From there, it is just a short distance to the castle ruins.

The nature reserve Hajnáčsky hradný vrch, declared in 1958, and the village of Hajnáčka are certainly worth a visit. The village in the central part of Cerová vrchovina, on the upper course of the Gortva stream, emerged in the mid-19th century thanks to a sulfur spring and the subsequent construction of a spa. Although you would look for the spa in Hajnáčka in vain today, you can visit, for example, an 18th-century chapel or a Neoclassical manor house from 1820. Book accommodation near Hrad Hajnáčka and explore the nearby towns of Fiľakovo or Rimavská Sobota. Set off on a tour of Fiľakovský hrad or to the Kúpele Číž spa and let yourself be captivated by the beauty of the region.

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.

In the district of Rimavská Sobota, there is a nature reserve called Vodná nádrž Gemerský Jablonec. It spans an area of 32 ha and extends into the cadastres of the villages of Gemerský Jablonec, Petrovce, and Dubno. This territory, located in the Banskobystrický region, was declared a reserve in 2000, without a designated protective zone.

The nature reserve falls under the administration of the Cerová vrchovina area. It is protected because it is a very important trophic, reproductive, and migratory location for waterfowl. The reservoir was constructed in 1990, and a year later it was already in full operation. The flow of the Gortva stream was dammed by it. The total volume of the reservoir is 2,490,000 m3, while the maximum area reaches a surface of 62.5 ha.

When you decide to come explore this piece of our country and want to book accommodation near Vodná nádrž Gemerský Jablonec, try looking at the offer on the page accommodation Banskobystrický kraj. Alongside that, explore various other leisure options that the location offers you. Whether these are various museums, historical monuments, natural attractions, or hiking and sports opportunities, everyone is guaranteed to find something to enjoy here.

Slovakia is a country rich in various interesting castles and châteaux. Not only history lovers will surely appreciate a visit to the town located in the Banskobystrický kraj region in the district of Lučenec. This town is Fiľakovo, above which the majestic Fiľakovský hrad stands proudly on a hill. Visit its premises and soak up the atmosphere from ancient times.

The Fiľakovský hrad dates back to the Middle Ages. Originally, a stone castle stood on the site of the castle hill. The first written mention dates back to 1242, stating that Fiľakovský hrad withstood the Mongol invasions. This fortified noble residence went through the hands of several owners, among the most prominent being Matúš Čák Trenčiansky. The castle was conquered multiple times, yet it was always successfully restored. This was perhaps also due to the fact that sessions and meetings of the surrounding counties took place at the castle. In 1682, the castle burned down, and along with it, the county archive and the town were reduced to ashes. Unfortunately, it has never been restored to its original form since then. It recovered only to the extent that an exhibition of the Hradné múzeum vo Fiľakove museum is currently established on its premises.

In the castle complex, you can see only a single remaining original bastion. In the past, the castle consisted of a quadrangular tower with a perimeter wall, a palace, and likely an embankment with palisades. Over time, the castle was rebuilt and other structures were added. If you visit today, you can discover various displayed exhibits on the three lower floors of the five-story Bebekova bašta bastion. In the exhibition entitled Centuries of the Fiľakovo Castle, you will also discover part of the Hodejovský bronze treasure or some of the belt fittings from the period of the Avar Khaganate. In addition to the history of the castle, you will learn more about the history of the town. In the second permanent exhibition, you will explore many interesting facts about fossilized life around Fiľakovo. You can view impressions of plants and bivalves or other museum artifacts. Do not skip the exhibition entitled Fiľakovo 1938 – 1945, which will introduce you underground to life during the cruel wartime period.

The museum tries to cater to all types of visitors, which is why a relaxation corner has been created on one of the floors. Its centerpiece consists of large screens displaying video recordings with a 3D reconstruction of the castle's original state. The footage is complemented by videos from various events held at this castle. Temporary exhibitions covering various interesting topics are also regularly held on the grounds of the castle complex. Plan your visit during opening hours and step back into the past, at least in part.

So you don't end up completely exhausted after touring the castle, we recommend booking accommodation near Fiľakovský hrad. You will have it within reach and can discover other attractions this town has to offer. Taking a walk across the square, you can admire the Art Nouveau town hall building. A Baroque manor house or a parish church are also present. A horseback ride at the Julova dolina farm might be a bit more fun for you. A stroll through the city park, which originally originated from Turkish gardens, can also have a calming effect. You will experience a stunning view during a visit to the stone waterfall. In summer, refreshing yourself in the pools of the Novolandia thermal park will be wonderful.

We will gladly help you find the best accommodation in Slovakia. We offer multiple accommodation facilities located directly in the town of Fiľakovo and its surroundings. If you would like to wake up in a cozy and comfortable bed, book an Fiľakovo apartment. Perhaps private accommodation in Fiľakovo will appeal to you more in terms of price. It all depends entirely on your preferences. We will be happy to advise you.

If you are drawn to ruins and old castles, you should certainly direct your attention to Hrad Hodejov, located in the Rimavská Sobota district, in the historical region of Malohont. You can reach the castle ruins via a pleasant walk from the charming village of Hodejov, situated on the left bank of the Gortva stream, about 20 km southwest of Rimavská Sobota. The remaining walls of the extinct castle proudly stand at an altitude of approximately 263 m above sea level on a steep rocky hill of Cerová vrchovina.

Although only minor remnants of its foundations have been preserved today, the castle once proudly resisted the onslaughts of both the Hussites and the Turks. Historians and archaeologists can now only assume that the path to the castle bypassed the castle complex and was guarded by a bastion on the northeast. The perimeter wall was up to 3 meters thick, the outer bailey had the shape of an elongated oval, and the castle area did not feature a tower. The castle was built in the second half of the 13th century, and the first written mention of it dates back to 1281. It mentions the battle between the Hungarian King Ladislaus the Cuman and Palatine Finta of the Aba family. The battle took place right in the open area below Hrad Hodejov. The royal army triumphed and occupied the castle. The history of the castle is very interesting; several battles were fought over its ownership, and over the centuries it had multiple castle lords who acquired it mostly through combat. In 1560, the castle resisted Ottoman attacks, despite not being fortified. Consequently, the Hungarian Diet ordered Hodejov to be fortified only in 1567, but it was already too late. The Turks conquered and devastated the castle in 1571, and it was never restored again. In modern times, the remains of the castle walls were dismantled for building material, and the site was also significantly damaged by a quarry. In 1962, archaeological research took place in the locality of Hodejov, revealing and confirming a prehistoric settlement. Archaeologists found as many as 371 pieces of bronze treasure from the Hallstatt period. That is all the more reason to visit this magical place.

And what kind of ruin would it be if it were not tied to an engaging legend? In ancient Hungarian times, when Lord Hodejovský left with his retinue on one of many military expeditions, Maiden Ľudmila, the niece of his childless wife, visited the castle. One night, someone knocked on the castle gate. They were nuns begging for shelter because their convent had been devastated. The trusting lady of the castle invited them inside, unaware that they were actually disguised women of easy virtue from the gang of the robber knight Kompolt, who had taken a liking to young Ľudmila. They stole all the valuables from the castle and kidnapped Maiden Ľudmila. Against her will, little Ľudmila lived with her kidnapper for some time until she finally managed to outsmart him. When news of the death of Lord Hodejovský arrived, she persuaded Kompolt that she was the one who would inherit Hodejov, and once they married, the castle would belong to him as her lawful husband. The greedy knight did not hesitate, and they quickly moved to the castle along with the valuables that the fake nuns had previously taken away. The bride immediately began preparing the wedding and inviting guests so that the celebration would be proper. But imagine the prospective groom's surprise when the castle filled not with wedding guests, but with the royal army. The robber gang led by Kompolt was placed in the dungeon, and order was restored in the region.

If you set out in the footsteps of clever Ľudmila, plan your route through the village of Hodejov, where iron baths and a steam mill operated as early as the 19th century. During the same period, the revolutionary Hungarian poet Sándor Petőfi, one of the most prominent figures of the Hungarian Revolution of 1848, stayed here. He lived in the Hodejov manor house and was undoubtedly inspired in his work by the charming environment of the picturesque village and the ruins towering on the castle hill. Today, Hodejov is the starting point of the green hiking trail leading to Steblová skala, the Ragáč peak, and Hrad Hajnáčka. Find accommodation near Hrad Hodejov and set off on a hike through Cerová vrchovina or on a sightseeing tour of the sights right in the idyllic village. Worth visiting are the charming Kaplnka sv. Anny built on the castle hill in 1895, the Early Neoclassical Kúria Prónaiovcov, and the Eclectic Kaštieľ Dr. Emila Stojkovicsa. Furthermore, St. Hubert's hunting celebrations are organized in the village every year. Join in and plan an unforgettable trip with accommodation in guest houses or apartments in Gemer.

If you are planning to spend your summer holiday in Gemer, we recommend visiting the well-known recreational area Kurinec – Zelená Voda. It is located in the southern part of Central Slovakia, just 5 km from Rimavská Sobota. A complex with a pleasant family atmosphere awaits you, where you can swim in the water reservoir as well as in pools filled with geothermal water. Kurinec is also an ideal place for active leisure, offering a wide range of water and sports activities.

The swimming pool complex ranks among the most sought-after relaxation spots in the wider region. It offers its visitors swimming in the lake, and you can also relax in five pools filled with drinkable hot underground water. Its temperature reaches a heavenly 33 °C. You will have plenty of fun on the water slides and toboggans. Both a concrete area and a manicured lawn are dedicated to sunbathing. Beach loungers and umbrellas are naturally available as well. Children can play on the newly built playground, which includes swings, slides, and a sandbox.

On the shores of the lake, you will find a rental shop for boats, small craft, and paddle boats. Paddleboards are a great new addition. In your free time, you can play beach volleyball, table tennis, outdoor bowling (ruské kolky), or soccer. The complex also features tennis courts, a mini-golf course, and giant chess. If you like hiking, Národná prírodná rezervácia Kurinecká dubina stretches along the right bank of the water reservoir. As the name itself suggests, predominantly oak trees grow here. On an area of 59,600 m², a total of 80 oak trees grow. Thirty of them have an impressive trunk circumference of 400 cm. The circumference of the largest one reaches more than 560 cm.

Popular activities also include horseback riding. The equestrian center offers horse rides for both beginners and experienced riders. Fishing is also possible on the shores of Kurinec. All you need is a local permit, a fishing rod, and strong nerves. The reward for your patience will be a delicious carp prepared on a spit. If you are not a fan of fish delicacies, try the tasty refreshments offered by the local snack bars.

The season in Kurinec begins as early as mid-June. During the summer, the free sightseeing Kurinecký autovláčik tourist train will take you to the swimming pool area. The complex offers the option of camping in a tent camp. If you desire a more comfortable night's stay, book a cozy apartment. Click on the accommodation in Rimavskej Sobote page to see the full offer of accommodation near Termálne kúpalisko Kurinec - Zelená Voda. Wondering what else is worth seeing here? You will best discover the region's history by visiting Gemersko-malohontské múzeum. Enjoy the surrounding nature and take a healthy walk to the ruins of Hrad Sobôtka. Should it happen to rain during your stay, Plaváreň Rimavská Sobota is a great alternative.

Once a majestic Turkish water fortress, today an inconspicuous ruin marked by the ravages of time. Hrad Sobôtka, a silent monument to the Ottoman Empire, is situated in Rimavská Sobota, on the right bank of the Rimava River in the Rimavská kotlina basin. Of the tower protected by four bastions, barracks, a mosque, and other residential and farm buildings, today only barely recognizable stone walls overgrown with vegetation remain. Despite this, the place possesses its own unusual charm breathing with history.

Rimavská Sobota was part of the Ottoman Empire in the 16th century. Right here, on the ruins of the original Hussite fort, the Turks built one of their northernmost fortresses in 1555. The Rimava River formed the natural protection of the water castle. Traditional fortifications were created by wooden stakes sealed with packed clay. The centerpiece of the castle was a tower protected by four bastions. Military barracks, a mosque, and several farm and residential buildings were located in the surrounding area.

An interesting fact is that during its heyday, the fortress was also meant to serve as a treasury. Legend has it that villages brought their taxes here, which the Turks levied on them in exchange for not destroying their settlements. It is even said that the castle was once the seat of an administrative district. After the end of the Turkish conflicts, the castle lost its significance and over the years fell into ruin to its present state.

Access to the ruins is quick and easy. From Rimavská Sobota, drive towards the Sobôtka borough. From the nearby parking lot, you can reach the remains of the castle walls in just a few minutes. Since the castle had the character of a water fortress, it is located right next to the Rimava River. However, the access trail is unpaved.

If you enjoy discovering places with the atmosphere of times long past, make sure not to miss a trip to the ruins of the almost forgotten Hrad Sobôtka during your stay in Rimavská Sobota. And if this place charms you, you can also head to the nearby ruins of Hrad Hodejov or Hrad Blh. After an interesting journey through history, you can enjoy a well-deserved rest on the beach at the Vodná nádrž Teplý Vrch reservoir or at the Termálne kúpalisko Kurinec – Zelená voda thermal pool. The holiday plan is ready, so start looking for accommodation near Hrad Sobôtka. Accommodation in Rimavská Sobota and its surroundings will certainly not disappoint you with its hospitality.