Poltár District: Hiking, Culture and Nature

Educational trails and landscapes around Poltár

Poltár District combines marked trails, protected landscapes and remarkable evidence of regional culture. Accommodation in the region can therefore serve as a starting point for a variety of day trips: you can choose an educational trail with information panels, go on a longer hike or explore places with a focus on natural science and cultural history.

The Náučný chodník Ipeľ educational trail has 12 educational stations with information panels about the surrounding nature and landscape. A shorter section can be accessed from Línia, where sufficient parking is available. For a longer tour, the Málinec–Jasenina hiking trail is an option. It is 9.5 kilometres long, with a stated walking time of 3 hours and 5 minutes.

At the northern part of the summit of Jasenina lies a 3.21-hectare area that has been protected since 1990. It serves to protect round-leaved sundew as well as other endangered and protected plant species. From Sedlo Prieraz, there is a view of the Málinec Reservoir. These specific landscape features give the hiking region different accents, without every tour having the same character.

Cycling and active excursions

The Lučenec–Poltár–Málinec cycling educational trail is 36 kilometres long and has 10 stations. Its focus is on natural science and cultural history; it is also connected to marked hiking trails. This makes it possible to combine cycling and hiking themes in the same region without reducing the trail’s content to mere transportation.

At the Kokava-Línia tourist area in the western Slovenské rudohorie, the Náučný chodník Ipeľ adds to the range of outdoor experiences. In Poltár District, Ranč Megi Prievrana also offers horse riding. Those who want to give different weight to nature observation, exercise and regional excursions will therefore find several clearly distinct options.

Cultural monuments and crafts

A prominent technical cultural monument is Most cestný v Zelenom. The protected bridge is considered the third-oldest surviving bridge of its kind in Slovakia. In Poltár stands an evangelical church from 1791; its walls contain architectural elements from the 15th century that have been built into them. The evangelical church in Zelené was built in 1835 and features an altar, a pulpit, four chandeliers and an organ with six registers.

Another church building is located in České Brezovo. The evangelical church there was consecrated on 15 October 1922 by Bishop Samuel Zoch and built according to a design by M.M. Harminc. The different construction dates and furnishings make these churches more than interchangeable stops; they are independent cultural destinations.

The region also preserves its craft history. In Katarínska Huta and Poltár, there are permanent glass art exhibitions connected with the almost 600-year history of glassmaking in the Novohrad region. In Hrnčiarske Zalužany, the pottery tradition is represented by the Šamotka cooperative and private craftspeople. Poltár District also has an unusual spa there with six travertine pools and water at 20 °C.

Complementary nature and history experiences

The Jarčanisko–Strieborná complex in Cinobaňa provides an archaeological focus. Several stations present the development of the Bronze Age Kyjatická culture; there is also an interactive 3D model. Rare plants and animals occur in the protected Kúpna Baňa. Poltársky rybník contains protected plants. Both areas expand the cultural and active offerings with natural-history themes.

The following town and village pages support further orientation in Poltár District: Hradište, Uhorské, Veľká Ves, České Brezovo, Hrnčiarska Ves, Krná, Ozdín, Zlatno, Kokava Nad Rimavicou, Utekáč, Poltár, Breznička and Cinobaňa.

For the higher-level travel overview: Banská Bystrica.