Hostie: Hrušov Castle Ruins, Riverside Landscape and Marked Trails

Hostie combines landscapes, marked trails and a diverse cultural heritage at the foot of the Tribeč Mountains. The village lies in the Zlaté Moravce District, in the northeastern part of the Žitavská pahorkatina upland and in the valley of the Hostiansky Stream. Those planning a trip involving hiking, cycling and historical sites can combine different focuses here without reducing the character of the village to a single attraction.

Between the Tribeč Mountains and the Hostiansky Stream

The Hostiansky Stream is a regionally important biocorridor. Its watercourse is unregulated, and its banks feature sparse, near-natural stands. The Rybník–Hrušov area is another distinctive landscape feature. It contains permanent grassland grazed by horses or mown, as well as xerothermic habitats around Hrušov Castle. This combination of a stream, open areas and warmth-influenced habitats gives the surroundings several clearly distinguishable landscape views.

The protected tree “Oak in Hostí” is also located in the cadastral area of Hostie.

Marked Trails and Cycling Routes

Several routes described in different ways are available for planning a hike. The green-marked hiking trail 5123 leads from Topoľčianky to Veľký Tribeč and is 30 km long in total; 5.8 km of it run through Hostie. Another marked hiking trail runs for 6.0 km through the cadastral area of Hostie, past the ruins of Hrušov Castle and north of the Rybník stud farm.

Cyclists can also find specific guidance: the blue-marked cycling route 11 runs for 5.8 km through the cadastral area of Hostie, along local roads beside the Hostiansky Stream towards Jedľové Kostoľany. The blue-marked cycling route 3 runs for 5.5 km through the cadastral area and passes approximately 500 m from Hrušov Castle.

Castle Ruins, Church and Local Memory

The ruins of Hrušov Castle are located in the cadastral area of Hostie. The castle was probably built at the end of the 13th century as part of the domain of Matúš Čák. Paths to the ruins lead from Skýcov, from Topoľčianky via the green hiking trail marking in approximately 2¾ hours, and from Jedľové Kostoľany via the red hiking trail marking. This makes it possible to include the castle ruins in personal travel plans from several directions.

In the center of Hostie, a monument erected in 1962 commemorates the fallen anti-fascist fighters from Hostie. The Baroque Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross was built in 1798 on the site of an older church already mentioned in 1561. It is in good condition and continues to serve its religious purpose. The cultural picture is complemented by the tradition of the brass music festival, which continues to this day.

Other Places for Orientation

For regional travel planning, you can also compare Obyce, Skýcov, Čierne Kľačany, Slepčany, Beladice, Martin Nad Žitavou, Goldmorawitz and Jedľové Kostoľany: Obyce, Skýcov, Čierne Kľačany, Slepčany, Beladice, Martin Nad Žitavou, Goldmorawitz and Jedľové Kostoľany.

For the higher-level travel overview: Zlaté Moravce.