Krupina District – between cultural reserves and nature

Between the Krupinica and the region’s landscapes

Krupina District combines urban history, folk architecture and striking natural formations. Krupina lies on the floodplain of the Krupinica River, on the border between the Štiavnické vrchy and the Krupinská planina. As a result, different themes come together in the same region: literary traces, medieval and early modern buildings, protected landscapes, and places with an independent cultural tradition.

Urban history, literature and folk architecture

The Andrej Sládkovič Museum in Krupina has a permanent exhibition on the town’s history and literary figures. Andrej Sládkovič and Elena Maróthy-Šoltésová are among its main focuses. In addition, the “In the Footsteps of Andrej Sládkovič” walking trail leads to 16 interesting places closely connected with the life of the Slovak poet. The museum’s cellar areas, known as the Krupina Underground, can be visited during selected events and, following the relevant renovations, as part of a guided tour of the museum exhibition. This part of the museum is therefore expressly subject to the conditions stated above.

Another cultural highlight can be found in Sebechleby. The Sebechleby Ethnographic Museum is part of the Stará Hora Folk Architecture Reserve and presents regional costumes, folk traditions and customs. In 1981, Stará Hora was added to the Slovak list of protected folk architecture reserves. At the Lišov Museum, the programme includes not only exhibitions but also meetings with local craftspeople and educational programmes. The cultural perspective thus extends from urban history and literature to traditional forms of rural life and practical craft instruction.

Castles, towers and historic buildings

Čabraď Castle has been documented in writing since 1276. Historically, it was intended to protect the routes to the mining towns. Bzovík Fortress features a fortified complex with four projecting round corner bastions and a moat. In Krupina, the Vartovka watchtower also recalls the conflicts with the Ottomans: it was built around 1564 and is considered the only Slovak watchtower preserved in its original condition.

Sacred architecture includes the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary in Krupina. It is a three-nave Romanesque basilica built by German colonists at the beginning of the 13th century. Together with the defensive structures, it creates a historical cross-section that makes different periods and functions visible without reducing the individual sites to a single attraction.

Rock formations and protected nature

The Štangarígeľ rock area, also known as Krupinské bralce, was declared a natural monument in 1975. It covers 0.65 ha and lies within the Štiavnické vrchy Protected Landscape Area. The formation consists of regular five-sided andesite columns, some of which are up to 6 metres high. A specific access restriction has been documented: the paved road from Krupina to Štangarígeľ is often closed to cars about 4 km before the destination; tourist information recommends travelling by bicycle.

The Mäsiarsky Bok National Nature Reserve covers more than 120 ha and lies alongside the railway line and road between Krupina and Babiná. It combines fallen rocks with the flowing Krupinica River. Čabradský hradný vrch and its surroundings are also designated as a national nature reserve with the 5th-highest level of protection. The area is also an important site for reptiles. Alongside its historic buildings, these protection classifications and landscape features give the region a clear connection with nature.

Dudince in southern Krupina District

Dudince lies in the southern part of Krupina District, in the valley of the Štiavnica River in the Hont region, and is known for its rare healing mineral water. The town therefore adds its own regional focus to the district’s cultural and landscape themes.

For regional orientation: Zemiansky Vrbovok, Senohrad, Sebechleby, Ladzany, Lišov, Kráľovce-Krnišov, Drienovo, Horné Mladonice, Drážovce, Dolné Mladonice, Čekovce, Cerovo, Bzovík, Jalšovík, Žibritov, Uňatín, Trpín, Súdovce, Terany, Sudince, Rykynčice, Lackov, Litava, Medovarce, Kozí Vrbovok, Horný Badín, Hontianske Moravce, Hontianske Tesáre, Domaníky, Dolný Badín, Devičie, Čabradský Vrbovok, Karpfen, Selce, Dudince and Hontianske Nemce.

For the broader travel overview: Neusohl.