Veľký Krtíš District

Castles, Wine and Thermal Water in Veľký Krtíš District

Veľký Krtíš District combines cultural history, protected landscapes, winegrowing and thermal water to create a diverse Slovak travel region. The Ipeľ River forms the southern boundary of the district and at the same time the border with the Republic of Hungary. The host city of Veľký Krtíš is home to three national cultural monuments and fourteen locally listed monuments. The mining complex monument “Banícky kombajn” is also located there.

Modrý Kameň Castle and Cultural Discoveries

Modrý Kameň Castle is particularly distinctive. The complex consists of the ruins of a Gothic castle dating from before 1278 and a Baroque chateau built in 1730. During your visit, you can also walk from the castle ruins to a viewpoint. The castle can be reached by car up to the complex; from Modrý Kameň, the walk takes about 20 minutes. The Modrokamenská lesostep nature reserve is also located near the castle complex.

The Vinohradnícka expozícia presents the history of winegrowing in northern Novohrad through a video animation in two language versions. In parts of the present-day district that belong to the historic regions of Novohrad and Hont, winegrowing dates far back into the past. At MOVINO, you can book professionally guided wine tastings and combine them with a tour of the winery or vineyards.

Natura 2000 Sites and Special Landscapes

Čebovská lesostep is a 212.97-hectare Natura 2000 site in the cadastral areas of Čebovce and Horné Príbelce. The habitat of European importance comprising Carpathian and Pannonian oak-hornbeam forests (91G0), as well as the species of European importance great capricorn beetle (Lucanus cervus) and yellow-bellied toad (Bombina variegata), were proposed for protection. The protection status of these proposals should not be equated with a completed designation.

A second Natura 2000 site is Kiarovský močiar, covering 78.76 hectares in Kiarov and Kováčovce. The protection of moisture-loving tall-herb fringe communities in floodplains, as well as the species of European importance Balkan goldenring (Ophiogomphus cecilia) and fire-bellied toad (Bombina bombina), was proposed. Alongside its castles, the district’s different landscape types give it a distinctive natural-history character.

Thermal Water and Cycling Route

The AQUATERMAL Strehová wellness resort includes HOTEL AQUATERMAL ***, wellness facilities and the Kupko Strehová summer swimming pool. The modern complex has six pools, including two stainless-steel pools, as well as various attractions. In Strehová, thermal water is used year-round thanks to the hotel section with an indoor pool and wellness centre. In addition to cultural and nature experiences, this provides a clearly defined wellness focus.

For active days, the Krttíšska magistrála, a 20-kilometre cycling route, is an excellent option. The listed waypoints include Veľký Krtíš and Modrý Kameň. Those wishing to discover regional traditions can also attend the public tasting of the traditional Plachtince wine competition: it traditionally takes place on the last Saturday of the carnival season, that is, the Saturday before Ash Wednesday. The Lučenec–Zvolen–Levice transport corridor runs through the host city of Veľký Krtíš and complements the regional orientation.

Further Local Orientation

The following local pages are also available for further local orientation: Dolná Strehová, Malá Čalomija, Veľká Čalomija, Balog Nad Ipľom, Bátorová, Veľké Straciny, Vinica, Muľa, Obeckov, Dolné Príbelce, Slovenské Ďarmoty, Stredné Plachtince, Širákov, Malé Zlievce, Malý Krtíš, Modrý Kameň, Ľuboriečka, Kamenné Kosihy, Kiarov, Kleňany, Kováčovce, Lesenice, Ďurkovce, Horná Strehová, Horné Strháre, Čeláre, Dačov Lom, Großkritsch, Horné Plachtince and Chrťany.

To the higher-level travel overview: Banská Bystrica.