Lučenec District – Castles, Museums and Nature

Lučenec District is a region for travellers who do not wish to view culture separately from the landscape. National cultural monuments, museum collections, castle ruins, an educational trail at a basalt formation and aquatic landscapes provide different focal points for your selection. This allows you to choose between insights into art and architectural history, specific historical sites and nature experiences for your trip to Slovakia.

Culture and History in Halič and Lučenec

An important cultural point of reference is Halič Castle, which is considered a national cultural monument. The Forgách family crypt in Halič commemorates Antal Forgách and Johanna Forgách. The Csontváry Museum in Halič presents the life and work of T. K. Csontváry. The interactive multimedia exhibitions use large-screen projections, touchscreens, a hologram and a virtual potter’s wheel. In addition to biographical and artistic content, the museum therefore also offers a distinctly experience-oriented form of presentation.

The Novohrad Museum and Gallery in Lučenec bring together several regional themes. There you can see folk ceramics from Halič, historical glassware from Lučenec, as well as enamelled objects from the now-closed enamelling works in Lučenec and Fiľakovo. Furniture from Halič Castle is also among the collections on display. The restored synagogue in Lučenec is used as a multicultural space and offers visitors expert explanations of the building’s history and restoration. At the same time, it was the last monumental work of the architect L. Baumhorn.

Castles, Ruins and Historic Paths

Fiľakovo Castle can be approached in different ways: pedestrians access it from Podhradská Street, while vehicles approach via Baštová Street. Divín Castle has been a ruin since its destruction by imperial troops in 1679. Zichy Castle in Divín houses several exhibitions about the castle’s lords, hunting trophies and the history of mining.

The educational trail on the castle hill of Hajnáčka also has a clearly described route: it begins at the old bell tower and follows the castle path to the castle. Thus, it is not only the historic destination that is the focus here, but also the documented route leading to it. For a more strongly landscape-oriented experience, the Šomoška educational trail offers clear guidance. It is 1,600 metres long and has six information boards or stations.

Basalt, Water and Regional Products

The Šomoška National Nature Reserve protects a basalt formation with hexagonal columnar jointing, known as the “Stone Waterfall”. This geological formation makes the site an independent nature attraction alongside the castles and museums. The Ružiná Reservoir is a breeding site for many protected species of waterfowl. The meanders of the Ipeľ, with floodplain forests and meadows, offer opportunities for canoeing and kayaking. The range therefore extends from a geological attraction and a habitat for waterfowl to activities on the water.

The Lučenec town market is also part of the local character. Fruit, vegetables and other agricultural products are sold there. Those looking for an insight into regional produce in addition to buildings and exhibitions will find a differently themed aspect of their stay here.

Further regional orientation includes Čamovce, Mučín, Šiatorská Bukovinka, Ábelová, Veľká Nad Ipľom, Tomášovce, Trebeľovce, Točnica, Stará Halič, Šávoľ, Ratka, Rapovce, Praha, Radzovce, Podrečany, Mašková, Lupoč, Ľuboreč, Lovinobaňa, Lehôtka, Kalonda, Holiša, Gregorova Vieska, Čakanovce, Bulhary, Belina, Tuhár, Píla, Mýtna, Kotmanová, Dobroč, Lizenz, Ruzina and Šíd.

For the broader travel overview: Banská Bystrica.