Nová Baňa: Mining, Calvary and Trails through the Landscape

Nová Baňa combines religious cultural monuments, the history of gold mining and marked trails through a varied landscape. Calvary, historic adits, a museum, viewpoints, and hiking and cycling routes give the town a diverse profile for a journey through Slovakia.

Calvary and Historic Traces of Mining

The Calvary in Nová Baňa is a national cultural monument with 17 protected structures. These include the Calvary hill, the Church of the Holy Cross, the Chapel of the Suffering Christ and fourteen Stations of the Cross chapels. The complex leads from the foot of Záhrb Hill to the Church of the Holy Cross at the summit. Religious processions and Masses still take place there regularly; at the same time, the grounds serve as a rest area in nature with views of Nová Baňa.

The mining educational trail also combines activity with local history. You can choose between two historically themed circular routes: the black route is 4.3 km long and has an elevation gain of 210 m, while the green route measures 5.6 km and has an elevation gain of 130 m. The restored Trojkráľová mine adit was ceremonially opened on September 26, 2008. In the historic gold mining of Nová Baňa, it was undoubtedly one of the most productive adits.

Museum, Views and Water Landscapes

The Pohronské Museum was founded in 1952 and is located in the former town hall. This was originally a four-story Gothic building from the second half of the 14th century, was rebuilt in the mid-18th century and is protected as a cultural monument. More than 12,000 collection items present archaeological finds as well as evidence of mining, crafts and folk production. Topics include pottery, glassmaking and woodcarving, among others.

The Háj observation tower has three viewing platforms. From there, views extend across the Nová Baňa Basin, toward the ridge of Pohronský Inovec and over part of the Danubian Lowland. Recreation and sport fishing are the main activities at the Tajch reservoir. The recreational infrastructure includes safe access points to the water and a wooden footbridge on the right bank.

Educational Trails among Springs, Rocks and Forest

The Zbojnícke studničky educational trail leads from the Tajch reservoir via Šarvíz to Kohútovo. Springs, water-management structures and a wetland characterize the route; nine thematic stations explain springs, the water cycle and the importance of the forest. The trail can be walked in both directions, is accessible year-round and is classified as easy. It is approximately 10 km long and takes about 2.5 hours.

The Zvonička educational trail runs through Zvonička, Červená skala, Havrania skala, Háj and Kohútovo. It is 6,233 m long and has an elevation gain of 274 m. The “Zvonička” via ferrata sector consists of several rock formations connected by bridges and via ferratas. A yellow-marked tourist route leads from the railway station in Nová Baňa to the Zvonička educational trail. In the Zvonička recreational area, there is a children’s playground with a swing set and other play elements, in addition to a fire pit.

Another landscape destination is the Starohutský Waterfall. It lies about 300 m north of the settlement of Stará Huta, a district of Nová Baňa, and has a 5 m-high waterfall step.

Cycling and Sacred Buildings

The “Bajkom okolo Novej Bane” loop is available for mountain biking. It can be ridden in both directions, is 39.4 km long and has 1,300 m of ascent. In terms of fitness and downhill technical difficulty, it is classified as moderate to difficult. The originally Gothic Roman Catholic church and the Hospital or Hospital Church also provide insight into the town’s architectural history: the former was built in the second half of the 14th century and rebuilt after its destruction between 1725 and 1729. The Hospital Church is a protected cultural monument and is among the oldest architectural monuments in Nová Baňa; its construction in 1391 was closely connected with the neighboring hospital.

Other Places in the Selection Area

For further orientation, you can also find Orovnica, Ostrý Grúň, Hodruša-Hámre, Voznica, Kľak, Hronský Beňadik, Žarnovica and Tekovská Breznica.

For the higher-level travel overview: Scharnowitz.