Where to go on a trip Vysočany

The ruins of the Uhrovec castle rank among the best-preserved in Slovakia. They are located on a castle hill above the village of Uhrovec. This craft town with market rights is the famous birthplace of such prominent personalities as Ľudovít Štúr and Alexander Dubček. The castle, which has guarded this charming town for centuries, stands on an outcrop of the Nitrické vrchy hills, part of the Strážovské vrchy mountain range, at an altitude of 591 m above sea level.

You can reach the castle from the village of Uhrovské Podhradie. Park your car in the former quarry above the village. From there, follow the trail to the information board. Turn right behind it. Afterwards, you have the option to choose either the steeper green trail or the more comfortable blue-marked hiking trail. Depending on which one you choose, the walk will take you 40 to 60 minutes. The total elevation gain of the trail is 276 m.

Upon reaching the top of the hill, you will find relatively well-preserved castle ruins. The layout has a triangular shape with corner bastions rising at the corners. One of them was triangular, the second was prismatic, and the third was a donjon type. The latter is a residential tower that served as the final refuge for the castle garrison during a siege. The Late Romanesque chapel with an emporium is also remarkably well-preserved and unique in Slovakia. Originally a Late Gothic palace, it underwent extensive Renaissance renovations. It fulfilled a defensive function mainly during the Turkish raids. In the 18th century, it was destroyed by fire. As the nobility preferred living in the more comfortable manor house in the village, the castle slowly fell into ruin. Today, efforts are underway for its conservation and partial reconstruction.

The origin of the castle is historically dated to the second half of the 13th century. Its construction was brought about by the wealthy Trenčín ispán (župan) Báša. However, the first written record of its existence, stating that Matúš Čák Trenčiansky exchanged land in Tekov for the Uhrovec castle, dates back to 1295. He owned the castle until his death in 1321. Subsequent owners included his successor King Charles Robert, Sigismund of Luxembourg, Stibor of Beckov, and Albert of Habsburg. In the 15th century, the castle was owned by the Pongrác family, who are associated with money counterfeiting. The last prominent noble family associated with the castle for two centuries was the Zay family.

Two legends are tied to the castle. One originates from the period of the Turkish raids. It mentions that the lady of the castle at the time mortally wounded the commander of a Turkish troop with an arrow from her bow while he was bathing in the stream below the castle. When his companions saw this, they panicked and galloped away. They were stunned by the accuracy and power of a woman's shot and imagined what would happen once the men started shooting. And what is the second legend about? You will find out from the information board during your visit to the castle.

After ascending to the castle, you have several options for how to spend your time. On hot summer days, you might enjoy a refreshing swim or fishing at the Prusy water reservoir or the Termálne kúpalisko Pažiť thermal pool near Bánovce nad Bebravou. You can enjoy a view of a sky full of mysteries at the Hvezdáreň Partizánske observatory. You also have the option to visit the reconstructed manor house in Šimonovany. The region offers many cultural attractions, but especially various thermal pools, such as the Termálne kúpalisko Malé Bielice or Termálne kúpalisko Chalmová, which are definitely worth a visit.

Tired from hiking and thermal waters, you will certainly appreciate the accommodation options offered by our providers, so book your accommodation near the Uhrovec castle. We recommend cozy Uhrovec apartments, as well as romantic cottages and cabins. Which choice you prefer is entirely up to you. You will experience unique moments everywhere.

Hvezdáreň Partizánske is situated in the northwestern part of the town of Partizánske, in Malé Bieliciach. Since 1988, in addition to observational and professional activities, it has also been dedicated to the popularization of astronomy and astronautics among pupils, students, and the general public. Without a doubt, the most attractive part of its offer is regular observations of the evening sky. Furthermore, the observatory also prepares interesting all-night observations with a lecture, visits combined with relaxation and sitting by a fireplace, or sky tours combined with film screenings for organized groups.

The observatory building consists of a lecture hall with a capacity of 68 people, an observation dome with a diameter of 5.5 m, and office spaces. The most important astronomical instrument of the observatory is a refractor telescope connected to a state-of-the-art television CCD camera. Thanks to this technical equipment, all visitors can observe the starry sky and interesting astronomical phenomena simultaneously in the comfort of the lecture hall. Since 2008, a separate part of the observatory has also been the Fričov domček astronomical observatory. The retractable roof conceals a reflecting telescope designed for stellar astronomy. Here, the observatory organizes expeditions aimed at observing meteor showers.

Since its establishment to the present day, hundreds of thousands of visitors fascinated by the wonders of the infinite universe have visited the observatory. In the field of popularization and educational work, the observatory staff strive to build upon the standard curriculum of natural science, geography, and physics, which they expand with interesting facts and modern knowledge from the fields of astronomy and astronautics. The basis of the observatory's scientific activity is solar observation and photosphere drawings.

If, during your travel wanderings through Horná Nitra, you also find yourself in Partizánske, definitely do not miss the unique experience of observing the evening sky at the observatory. A day spent in this town will be made more pleasant by a visit to Kaštieľ v Šimonovanoch manor house, a stay at the Malé Bielice thermal swimming pool, or relaxation at the Dúha swimming pool. In the surroundings of the town, be sure not to miss a visit to the beautiful Kaštieľ vo Veľkých Uherciach manor house nor the ruins of Hrad Uhrovec. The Hornonitriansky región is literally intertwined with points of interest that are worth seeing. Do not hesitate and start looking for accommodation near Hvezdáreň Partizánske. If you manage to book accommodation in Partizánske and the adjacent villages, the attractions of this region will be right at your fingertips.

If you are among the lovers of thermal springs, you must visit this impressive place and fully indulge in all the pleasures it provides to you. The Termálne kúpalisko thermal swimming pool is located in the Malé Bielice city district, which is situated in a westerly direction from Partizánske. At first glance, the unassuming part of the city conceals a gem that even the world might envy us.

Visitors to the swimming pool can look forward to pools with thermal water having a temperature of 30 – 40 °C. One children's pool is intended for children from three years of age. Entrance for younger children is not recommended. Teenagers and adults enjoy the warm water in 3 outdoor pools of mostly circular and irregular shapes. Lovers of adrenaline will be pleased by toboggans and several water attractions that, aside from lounging, will allow you to experience your stay actively. Changing rooms and sanitary facilities are a matter of course. During the summer period, you can relax on wooden loungers or spread out a blanket on the manicured lawn. Everything is newly built and clean.

The water in the swimming pool comes from three springs. Balneologists state, in addition to relaxing effects, favorable healing effects on the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system. The water can also be used for rehabilitation and the regeneration of the organism. In addition to the aquapark, you will also find a spa center here, which lacks nothing in wellness features with a dry sauna, steam sauna, menthol sauna, Turkish bath, and relaxation room.

In case of interest, you can also make your stay more pleasant with the offered massages. Classical massages, hot oil massages, gentle massages, massages with the help of lava stones, or cupping, reflex, and acupressure massages will bring you an unforgettable experience. A special type is rehabilitation massages performed by professionals. It is solely up to you what type you like. You will certainly leave feeling as good as new. A restaurant is also available within the complex. You can also book your own family celebration here or organize a corporate training. The offer of tasty dishes and drinks is relatively rich.

You certainly will not be bored in the region. A multitude of attractions that will surely appeal to you is available. You can look at distant objects in the sky at the Hvezdáreň Partizánske observatory. Lovers of historical buildings will be pleased by the reconstructed Kaštieľ v Šimonovanoch mansion or the fairy-tale Kaštieľ vo Veľkých Uherciach mansion. If you happen to desire comparing and trying out other swimming pools as well, there are many more of them here. Drop by Kúpalisko Dúha or the popular Termálne kúpalisko Chalmová thermal swimming pool. Hiking enthusiasts can also make a trip to the nearby Hrad Uhrovec.

We certainly recommend you to stay here longer and enjoy all these pleasures. In that case, you might welcome accommodation near the Termálne kúpalisko Malé Bielice thermal swimming pool. Moments of privacy can be enjoyed in apartments in Partizánske. Cottages in Partizánske are also prepared for family gatherings and parties with friends. So do not hesitate and book them right now.

The Letné termálne kúpalisko Pažiť summer thermal lido is situated directly in the district town of Bánovce nad Bebravou, located in the northern part of Podunajská pahorkatina surrounded by Strážovské vrchy and Považský Inovec. The outdoor summer complex offers relaxation, refreshment, and fun in three separate pools, on an extensive grassy area, and on a children's and volleyball playground. A varied range of services and a pleasant environment without crowds of tourists are a guarantee of perfect holiday moments for families with children and for all active vacationers.

The dominant feature of the summer lido is a large swimming pool with a depth of 60–175 cm and dimensions of 22 x 50 m. The water temperature here ranges from 28 to 30 °C. If you prefer water relaxation over high swimming performance, you will certainly prefer the relaxation pool. It provides an identical water surface area as the swimming pool, thus offering plenty of space for rest even during higher attendance at the lido. The youngest swimmers have a children's pool measuring 19 x 6 m with a depth ranging from 20 to 50 cm. The water temperature here does not drop below 32 °C. Fun water enjoyment is enhanced for children by a small waterslide.

Outside the pools, your little ones can spend time in the sandbox, on swings, slides, or jump to their heart's content on the trampoline. Meanwhile, you can rent a sunbed by the pool or on the grass with a parasol. If you prefer active relaxation, you can take advantage of renting sports equipment for games on the grass or play beach volleyball on a court with a soft sand surface. When you get a taste for delicious refreshments, you will certainly choose from the offerings of local snack bars. You can sit on the terrace with a chilled beer, cold Kofola, or treat yourself to a quick lunch or a sweet trdelník.

In addition to the lido, summer recreation in Bánovce nad Bebravou is also offered by the Vodná nádrž Prusy reservoir with options for swimming, boating, or surfing. And if you would like to spice up your holiday with another kind of experience, you can take a trip to the majestic ruins of Hrad Uhrovec or take an excursion to Hvezdáreň Partizánske. In addition to sights and attractions, the region offers visitors and vacationers rich accommodation options. If you decide to look for accommodation near Termálne kúpalisko Pažiť, you will have a choice from a wide selection of chalets and cottages, comfortable guesthouses, and private apartments.

The swimming pool area is situated in a pleasant and quiet environment near the village of Bystričany, below the Drieňový vrch peak in the Strážovské vrchy mountain range. Directly at the thermal pool complex, there is a campsite with a cabin settlement and a tourist hostel.

Two indoor regeneration pools with thermal water at temperatures ranging from 31 °C to 36 °C are open year-round. During the summer season, a 25-meter-long swimming pool with a water depth of 1.6 meters and a 25-meter-long children's pool with a water depth of 0.8–1.2 meters are in operation. For the little ones, a children's playground is also available, where your kids can play to their hearts' content.

If you are also among the people who love the view of the world from a horse saddle, we recommend visiting Western klub Topoľčany. This small family business is focused on teaching horseback riding. You will find it in the southeastern part of Topoľčany – Veľké Bedzany. Riding is possible at almost any time of day or night. Everything is just a matter of agreement with the owners. They recommend that you agree on the terms in advance by telephone. The club's motto is "quality rather than quantity," and therefore you can look forward to unforgettable experiences and great services.

People of all ages can enter the riding grounds. However, the recommended minimum age limit for children is 5 years. Riding training takes place in three riding arenas, and it is possible to ride even in bad weather. A free parking lot is available for visitors within the complex. You can also use the changing room free of charge. Those who do not have a car can comfortably get here by local public transport.

Did you know that the owners decided to start their own club after visiting a similar, very distant club for a long time? There, they gained not only experience with riding and training horses, but also inspiration for providing quality services. One of them is riding at any time of day or night by prior agreement. Visitors have at their disposal the round arena "Koral", a rectangular sand arena with various obstacles, and a rectangular grass arena for experienced riders. These three riding arenas are outdoors. Riding is possible on two horses, two mares, and ponies. Instructors will recommend the right one for you according to your experience.

From the range of services, you can choose training sessions with an instructor, field rides, horseback rides within the club grounds, leading and grooming a pony, animal-assisted therapy with a pony, horse rental for competitions, stabling of your own horses, as well as renting a country cottage. Service prices are reasonable and will not break your family budget. With regular visits, it is advantageous to become a member of the Western klub riding club. In addition to financial benefits, other services are available to members. During the summer period, the owners also organize regular popular children's riding camps. You can also give horseback riding to your loved ones and friends through a gift voucher.

In the town of Topoľčany, you don't just have to ride horses. You can easily cool down your heated bodies in the pools of either the Letné kúpalisko Topoľčany summer swimming pool or the indoor swimming pool in this town. You can delve into the times of the distant past at the Archeologické múzeum Veľkej Moravy. You will be transported to the Renaissance period if you visit the premises of the Kaštieľ v Oponiciach manor house, which belonged to the noble Apponyi family. If you are among those who prefer thermal spring water, visit the Termálne kúpalisko Malé Bielice thermal swimming pool.

Even a person is only human, upon whom fatigue falls. So that you have a place to rest after an actively spent day, you can choose from the range of accommodation facilities on our portal. We have a diverse selection of accommodation near Western klub. Or do you prefer the hustle and bustle of the town and book a hotel in Topoľčany? We believe that our accommodation providers will give you the best accommodation in Slovakia.

When you mention Duchonka, everyone imagines relaxing by the lake. And it truly is so. This place is made for a vacation for families with children, a group of young people, as well as seniors. It is located in western Slovakia, 18 kilometers from the town of Topoľčany and 4 kilometers from the village of Prašice.

The Vodná nádrž Duchonka reservoir lies on a stream called Železnica. This name dates back to the times when iron ore was mined here. Even the unusual name Duchonka is likely derived from these times, when air was blown into the fire to melt iron. Pines and birches on the lake shore will create pleasant shade for you during your summer vacation. You can engage in various water sports here. You will enjoy swimming, boating, surfing, or fishing. Numerous accommodation facilities have been built around the lake: chalets, cottages, and even Kemping Duchonka. Snack bars and restaurants will make sure you don't go hungry.

The lake surroundings offer plenty of fun. In the summer, festivals and concerts take place here. You will find paddleboat rentals, tennis courts, table tennis, a volleyball court, and attractions for children.

Thanks to its location in the Považský Inovec mountains, the Vodná nádrž Duchonka reservoir will also win over hikers and mushroom pickers. Set out to explore the surroundings via numerous hiking and cycling trails. For families with children, we recommend the Náučný chodník Považský Inovec educational trail, where you will find Hradisko Valy and Rozhľadňa Marhát.

Worth mentioning is also the Lovecký kaštieľ hunting manor house, which you can admire near Duchonka. Although it was burned down during the war, it has been reconstructed after many years. The Európsky inštitút is located here, providing accommodation with meal options upon request.

If we have convinced you that this place is ideal for your vacation, browse the accommodation near Duchonka water reservoir page on our portal.

Swimming opportunities and relaxation all year round and in any weather are offered by the krytá plaváreň Topoľčany. It is situated right in the district town of Topoľčany, located in the valley between the mountain ranges of Tribeč and Považský Inovec. With its facilities, it attracts not only sports enthusiasts and active swimmers, but also families with children, tourists, holidaymakers, and city visitors. In addition to swimming, you can also treat yourself to relaxation in a sauna or a beneficial massage here.

The dominant feature of the pool hall is a large swimming pool with a length of 25 m and a water depth of 190 cm. Families with children will certainly be pleased with the smaller children's pool with a water depth not exceeding 60 cm. While you have a good swim, your little ones can practice their skills safely in the smaller body of water. Both pools boast water recirculation with filtration. The swimming pool facility has a detailed published schedule, through which you can check when the pools are open to the public. The pool hall is open year-round, 7 days a week.

After a perfect swimming performance, you can treat your muscles and mind to the pleasure of relaxation in the sauna or under the hands of an experienced professional masseur. Swimming courses are also part of the pool's services. Children up to 6 years of age, older children, as well as adults, complete non-swimmers and swimmers who need to improve their swimming stroke and increase performance, learn to swim here. Perhaps you will decide to take advantage of bad weather in Topoľčany in this very way. The premises of the swimming pool complex are pleasant and clean, with changing rooms and showers as a matter of course.

During hot summer days, we recommend taking advantage of the opportunity for water refreshment at the local summer lido in Topoľčany. Opportunities for recreation and water sports such as surfing or boating are also offered by the nearby water reservoir Duchonka. For cultural and historical monuments, you can set out to the Archeologické múzeum Veľkej Moravy in the village of Bojná or to Oponice, known for a beautiful manor house with a rare historical library and an excellently equipped wellness center. If you love castle ruins and remains, take a trip to Oponický hrad or to the extensive ruins of Topoľčiansky hrad.

Quite a nice holiday plan, wouldn't you say? All that remains is to search for accommodation near krytá plaváreň Topoľčany and you can begin your preparations. We recommend choosing from the offer on our portal. On the pages accommodation in Topoľčany and in the close vicinity, you will find cottages and chalets, popular guesthouses, and pleasant apartments, from which you will be just a stone's throw away from the aforementioned attractions.

In case of excellent snow conditions, when a continuous snow cover falls on the southern part of the Strážovských vrchov, you can pack your skis and enjoy skiing in the Ski Park Závada pod Čiernym vrchom. The resort is located near the picturesque village of Kšinná, 20 km north of the district town of Bánovce nad Bebravou.

Getting to this relatively small ski resort is possible by turning off past the center of the village according to the directional sign towards the local sheep farm. Within two kilometers of it, the ski resort is built in the middle of a unique natural scenery. We recommend using snow chains so that you and your car do not end up in a piled-up heap of snow.

The area lies at an altitude of 560 – 760 m a. s. l., and its dominant feature is Čierny vrch. After unpacking your skis and putting on your ski boots, you will be able to enjoy great skiing on the blue ski slope, to which a longer ski lift will take you. The mentioned ski slope is used primarily by more advanced skiers because it has a downhill run 1.3 km long with an elevation gain of 145 m. Thanks to the short ski lift, which is intended rather for beginners, families with children also seek out the resort. It is nice to learn to stand on skis in a resort that is not crowded with skiers.

The resort is smaller, so do not expect any premium services here like in other ski resorts in Slovakia. You can fill your bellies by consuming food or drinks in the local buffet. Since the snow in the resort is only natural, skiing or sledding is possible only in case of good weather. The resort is mostly in operation from December to March, and snowcats take care of trail maintenance. An interesting feature is that the cross-country skiing crossing "Memoriál Jána Kušniera" is regularly organized here.

In the surroundings of the Ski Park Závada pod Čiernym vrchom, you will also be able to look around for interesting attractions. Nearby, you can go up to the ruin of the Uhrovec castle. On the way to it, you can also stop in the village of Uhrovec, which is the birthplace of A. Dubčeka and Ľ. Štúra. After a hearty day of skiing, you can regenerate in the nearby pools of the Termálneho kúpaliska Malé Bielice. Do not miss the glass-making open-air museum Sklársky skanzen Sklenný sen in Valaskej Belej, where you will discover the secrets associated with glass production.

Since skiing is a physically demanding sport, we realize that it is necessary to rest after this activity. Nearby, you will find facilities that will provide you with the best accommodation near the Ski Park Závada pod Čiernym vrchom. In our offer, we have fantastic cottages and chalets in Kšinnej or also private accommodation Kšinná. It all depends solely on your preferences.

You might think that you know about all the towns and cities that share their name with a castle. After all, who wouldn't know Bratislavský hrad castle or Trenčiansky hrad castle? However, there is one castle that only a few people know about. That is Topoľčiansky hrad castle.

You will find the ruins of the once majestic castle a few kilometers from the town of Topoľčany itself. To venture among its ruins, you will need to visit the small village of Podhradie. It lies in the mountains of Považský Inovec, which is the most prominent mountain range in the entire area. It offers opportunities not only for history lovers, but also for dedicated hikers.

The castle stands on a massive dolomite rock formation. Such rocky outcrops were generally popular in the past for their excellent strategic location. It is not entirely known in which exact year the castle originates, but it dates back to the 13th century. The castle originally consisted of just a tower, a palace, and a small courtyard. In 1431, it was captured by the Hussite army. The Hussites chose Topoľčiansky hrad castle as their seat, where they resided until 1434. The armies of the Hungarian nobility tried to capture the castle, but without success. Due to the castle's excellent defense, they were forced to pay a ransom for it.

The castle was later expanded and improved, with the main reason being the constant threat of Turkish attacks. It passed through the hands of many owners. Perhaps the most famous family was the Forgáchs, who owned the castle from 1595 until the 18th century. After that, it passed through the hands of many nobles, with the Stummer family being the last. The cold and hard-to-reach castle was uncomfortable for them, so they found refuge in a manor house below the castle in the village of Tovarníky, which is nowadays a part of Topoľčany.

Currently, the castle is a typical castle ruin. The dominant feature of the castle, the crumbling castle tower, underwent reconstruction as early as the late 19th century. Thanks to the atypical stepped shape of its structure, the castle acquired a unique silhouette. An interesting fact is that it is possible to enter this tower.

The village of Podhradie and the town of Topoľčany are part of the Ponitrie region. To get to know it thoroughly, make sure to treat yourself to a visit to the surrounding towns and cities as well. The most significant ones are certainly Prievidza and Nitra. Nitra is an ancient city with many monuments and old narrow streets. If you head to Prievidza, you will be just a short distance from Bojnice. That destination needs no special introduction. You will find a magnificent château, a huge zoo, and a pleasant spa there. Alternatively, set off for Piešťany, perhaps the most famous spa town in this area. Mud wraps, the colonnade bridge, a photo by the Crutch Breaker statue. You shouldn't miss any of these.

The surrounding area offers numerous accommodation options. Directly in Topoľčany, you will find plenty of opportunities, ranging from comfortable hotels to budget hostels. Even in Podhradie itself, there are several private accommodations available. If you love relaxation, we recommend visiting the nearby Duchonka recreation area. Plenty of pleasant cottages are waiting just for your visit.