Where to go on a trip Zemiansky Vrbovok

Do you also belong to people who like privacy, relaxation, and peace? If you add beautiful nature, a forest full of mushrooms, and the possibility of walks on horseback or on a mountain bike to that, you have certainly just discovered the right place Ranč pod Žobrákom, which is located near the village of Čekovce, in the Krupina district, in the region called Hont.

The ranch lies at an altitude of 600 m above sea level in the lap of the beautiful nature of Krupinská planina. Visitors will find wonderful horses of various breeds here, which are intended for riding instruction or hacks.

Only you decide whether you will look at the world from horseback for one or two hours, or rent a horse for the whole day and take a longer trip into the beautiful surroundings along blooming meadows, grain fields, or forest paths. Both beginners and experienced riders will find their place here. You can ride in English or western style here.

The exterior offers a spacious courtyard with seating and a fire pit, where you can grill something yourselves or cook kettle goulash or another specialty of your choice. Your children will certainly appreciate the sandbox and children's swings during their stay in the courtyard. Older youngsters fondly feed or pet cows, calves, dogs, and cats. This is also one of the reasons why it is worth visiting the ranch.

If you are not fans of horseback riding, you can take mountain bikes with you and, in addition to the beautiful nature, make targeted trips to local cultural monuments. There is quite a lot that can be visited in the Hont region. On Strážvar hill, you can ascend the Vartovka observation tower. In Krupina, there is an opportunity to cool off in the summer heat in the waters of Kúpaliska Teplička Krupina. To castle lovers, we recommend a trip to Pevnosť Bzovík fortress or Hrad Čabraď castle.

In case you want to visit more attractions in Čekovce after horseback riding, the offer of our accommodation facilities will certainly come in handy. You can choose, for example, the very cozy Čekovce apartment, which is primarily chosen mainly by families with children. Or will you choose a cozy cottage or chalet instead? You will certainly choose these as well as many others from our rich offer of accommodation near Ranč pod Žobrákom.

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 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.

Malé Studenské jazero lake (also called Malé Kolpašské jazero) is one of two reservoirs (tajchy) in the village of Banský Studenec in the Banská Štiavnica district. The second lake is called Veľké Studenské jazero and lies right next to Malé Studenské jazero, sharing a common dam. Both artificial water reservoirs were built for the needs of the mining industry back in the 18th century. Malé Studenské jazero was constructed in 1763, but historical records only cite it as operational in 1774.

The lakes have long ceased to serve as a water reservoir for the mine; currently, the smaller lake is used for fish farming and the larger one for summer recreation. In 2015, the reconstruction of the dam between the lakes was completed, as it had been undercut several times in previous years. On this occasion, the Slovenský vodohospodársky podnik water management enterprise also built a modern beach by the larger of the reservoirs, which is especially popular with families with small children.

Thanks to the fact that each reservoir has its own role, this area is also suitable for groups whose members have different expectations for their holiday. And it won't stop at just fishing and swimming. The surroundings of the lakes are suitable for mountain biking, and a cross-country triathlon is held here regularly. Several marked hiking trails lead from the village. The settlement of Kysihýbel, known for its arboretum, also belongs to the village. There is no shortage of monuments in this area either; for example, you can visit the underground quarry Diery (or Barlangy), which is listed as a UNESCO technical monument.

Start your search for accommodation near Malé Studensko jazero directly in the village of Banský Studenec, where cottages are available for rent, among other options. Various types of stays are also available in Banská Belá, where you can choose an apartment or a cottage, for instance. You will find the widest range of accommodation properties in Banská Štiavnica; it is entirely up to you whether you book a room in a guesthouse, an apartment in the town center, or a cottage on the outskirts. Come and enjoy active summer recreation in a location full of reservoirs (tajchy) and history.

Veľké Studenské jazero (also known as Veľké Kolpašské jazero or Banský Studenec) is one of two tajchs (historical water reservoirs) located in the village of Banský Studenec in the Banská Štiavnica district. The second lake bears the name Malé Studenské jazero. These two reservoirs, which share a common dam, were built back in the 18th century as water supplies for the mining industry.

The lakes no longer fulfill their former function. The large lake has transformed into a location for summer recreation, and the smaller one serves for fish farming. The year 2015 brought the reconstruction of the dam separating the lakes, after it had been undermined several times during previous years. Part of the repair was also the construction of a modern beach with a pier at the larger lake. The newly created space covers an area of 500 square meters, and the gravel bottom slopes into the water gradually, with the water depth reaching only 80 centimeters. Therefore, the beach is popular with families with children, even though it ranks among less frequented locations. Water quality is regularly monitored, and changing cabins are placed on the shore of the lake. The remaining shores of the lake are steeper and unsuitable for children or non-swimmers.

Since each lake has its own focus, this location will also satisfy groups in which each member expects something different from their vacation. Moreover, the surroundings of the lakes are a guarantee that holiday activities will not be limited only to swimming and fishing. Štiavnické vrchy, where the lakes are situated, invite you for mountain biking. Since 2014, the Štiavnický kros triatlon has been held here annually, which includes swimming in the tajch, as well as cycling and running in mountainous terrain. If that is not for you, you do not have to deliver any athletic performances; simply set off on a walk along one of the hiking trails starting in the village. You can visit, for example, the settlement of Kysihýbel, where an arboretum is located. Among the landmarks in the surroundings, let us also mention the underground quarry Diery (also called Barlangy), which is listed as a technical monument on the UNESCO list.

If you have decided on a vacation by Veľké Studenské jazero, accommodation v Banskom Studenci presents itself as an ideal option. There, you will most frequently come across cottages for rent. In the nearby village of Banská Belá, both apartments and cottages are available. The most varied range of accommodation and availability of services is provided by Banská Štiavnica. Choose an apartment in the center, a family guesthouse, or a chalet that will guarantee you more privacy. Veľké Studenské jazero is already awaiting you; look forward to your unforgettable summer vacation in the gorgeous nature of Štiavnické vrchy.

If you don't have plans for Sunday afternoon yet, we have a great tip for you. Fresh air for your lungs and breathtaking views await you from Rozhľadňa na Prašnom vrchu. You can find it on a hill of the same name at an altitude of 513 m above sea level, rising above the small village of Hrušov, in the Veľký Krtíš district. This hill is shrouded in a mysterious legend about an enigmatic portal that opened twice a year. The opening, behind which lies an entrance to an underground treasure, appears on Maundy Thursday and Palm Sunday. Rumors speak of a cave full of money. Whoever entered it had to manage to scoop up gold coins before they finished singing the Passion at church.

Whether the legend is true or just a myth is something you will have to see for yourself. Perhaps even more tempting than this superstition is the observation tower, which is approximately 15 meters high. On its massive wooden structure, you will be particularly intrigued by the unconventional staircase, which is relatively steep. Therefore, exercise extra caution when tackling the stairs. As a reward from the viewing platform, you will be treated to gorgeous panoramic views of the Tríbeč, Inovec, Vtáčnik, and Malé Karpaty mountain ranges.

You can reach the observation tower relatively easily, and even your little ones can handle the easy walk. We recommend parking your car at the isolated homesteads (lazy) just below the observation tower. The dirt path leading across meadows will take you approximately half an hour. If you want to learn something about the difficult life at these homesteads, local architecture, or crafts while enjoying the view from the tower, set off along Náučný chodník obce Hrušov (Educational Trail of the Village of Hrušov). The route leads directly from the village and guides you through local attractions. Among the most unusual are Hrušovské pivnice (Hrušov Cellars), which local residents carved into soft volcanic rock as protection against Turkish raids. After their departure, they found a new use for them: storing wine. More than two hundred of them exist in the village and its surroundings. We also recommend a walk to the beautiful Hrušovské vodopády waterfalls.

For another adventure, travel to the village of Cerovo, where at the end of Pustý vrch you will find the ruins of Hrad Cerovo castle. A great alternative is adrenaline fun in the form of a friendly shootout at Military Paintball klub. It is located in the more distant village of Opatovská Nová Ves. There are countless interesting attractions in the Novohrad region. All you need to do is find accommodation near Rozhľadňa na Prašnom vrchu and start exploring. The offer of accommodation in Hrušov is truly rich.

There is no doubt that Slovakia is a country of castles. Historians estimate that over 180 of them were built during the Middle Ages. However, only 17 of them have been preserved to this day. Among the castles that were not so lucky is Hrad Dobrá Niva. You can find the ruins of the Gothic fortified residence on a hill above the village of Podzámčok, just 4 km from the village of Dobrá Niva.

In the past, Dobronivský hrad played a very important role. It protected the old trade route leading south of Zvolen through Liptov and Orava all the way to Poland. This important postal and trade route was once called Via Magna. The first written mention of the fortress comes from 1305, where it is referenced as Castrum de Dobronya. In 1306, Matúš Čák Trenčiansky became its owner, taking it from Demeter Zólyomi. After his death, it passed through many owners. The Eszterházy family owned it the longest, from 1614 until 1804.

Not only good people always lived at the castle. One of the cruel rulers was Štefan Verböci, who entered history with the infamous Tripartitum code of laws. It cast many inhabitants of former Hungary into serfdom.

It is not known when the castle fell into ruin. In 1805, it was purchased by the Royal Court Chamber for the needs of the Mining Chamber, and from then on, the fortress began to decay. Local villagers also contributed to its present state by using it as building material for their dwellings.

The fortified residence once consisted of a two-story Gothic palace with a cellar, a tower, and stone ramparts. A ring of a moat and rampart fortifications wound around the hill. The entrance was protected by two gates, a bastion, and strong fortifications.

To this day, the restored corner of the palace with window openings and two stone consoles that originally supported a bay window have been preserved. In 1996, the ruin underwent reconstruction and conservation works.

A path starting near the church in Podzámčok will lead you to Dobronivský hrad. The entire ascent will take you approximately 20 minutes at a slow walk, and even your little ones can handle it. On the castle hill, a well-maintained area awaits you with restored stairs, benches, and a fireplace where you can roast delicious sausages.

If you still feel like having another adventure, head to Zvolen, where the modern complex Športový areál Orlík awaits you. In Zvolen, you will also find a replica of the Pancierový vlak Hurban armored train, which participated in fighting during the Slovak National Uprising. A very nice excursion will be a trip to Zvolenský hrad castle and to the ruins of Pustý hrad.

One day will certainly not be enough for you to discover the beauties of the region, so book accommodation near Hrad Dobrá Niva and plan trips around the surrounding area. You can choose whether you succumb to the charm of wooden cottages and chalets or prefer a guesthouse with a restaurant. You can find the entire offer on our subpage accommodation Podzámčok.

In the district of Kráľová, approximately 11 km from the town of Zvolen, lies a ski resort ideal for recreational skiers. Situated at an altitude of 650–800 m above sea level, absolute beginners as well as more experienced skiers will find something to enjoy. Technically snowed slopes will not disappoint any visitor. So come and enjoy a skiing trip with your friends or family.

In the area of the ski resort Kráľová pri Zvolene, up to 5 ski lifts await skiers. The longest ones are 730 m and 590 m in length. The medium lift is 360 m long. For beginners and children, 2 lifts with a length of 120 m are available. The interconnected lifts will take you to slopes ranging from easy to medium difficulty. The slopes reach a total length of approximately 2 km.

If you do not manage to ski during the day or have other plans, thanks to artificial lighting you can enjoy great regular night skiing. The comfort of the resort is enhanced by a restaurant and a sports equipment rental, where you will find not only skis or snowboards, but also sleds and bobsleds.

If you have skied to your heart's content during the day, we have a great tip for you to finish off. Visit Holidaypark Kováčová after skiing and warm up your body. In the outdoor and indoor pools, you can unwind and treat your body and mind to relaxation. Water attractions will keep your children entertained. The year-round accessible aquapark is always the right choice.

Do you prefer something smaller, or do you just want to take a peaceful swim? Then Krytá plaváreň Zvolen is here for you. Open every day in the afternoon and evening hours, it offers you a 25 m long swimming pool, and for the little ones, a children's pool with a depth of 0.6 m. Do not hesitate and book your accommodation in the vicinity of Kráľová pri Zvolene. Choose one of the cosy cottages or book an apartment in the wider area and enjoy a winter holiday in central Slovakia.