Lovce between rolling hills, bison and local culture

Lovce between rolling hills, bison and local culture

Lovce brings together landscapes, wildlife observation, a cycle route and Slovak local culture within a compact geographical area. The municipality lies in the northern part of the Žitavská pahorkatina in the valley of the Bolkov stream and on the southern slopes of the Tribečské vrchy. The protected Zubria Obora area extends into the cadastral territory of Lovce. This gives the village several different points of interest for a trip: nature can be explored just as concretely as regional history, folklore and local events.

Bison reserve and protected area

The Zubria zvernica bison reserve was established in 1958 as Slovakia’s only bison-breeding site. The breeding area covers 27 hectares, while the protected zone covers 113 hectares. In addition to bison, visitors can often observe wild animals and several protected animal and plant species in this protected zone. Zubria zvernica is located about 3 km beyond Lovce. There is a small car park in front of the entrance gate; from there, an approximately 300-metre-long, easy-to-walk path leads directly to the breeding facility.

The Lazárova spring is also part of the visitor attractions around Lovce. The spring in Vlčí kút can be reached via a turn-off from the road to Zubria zvernica and serves locals and visitors as a resting place. Route 5118 is also relevant for cyclists: it leads from Zubria zvernica onwards to Lovce and then to Zlaté Moravce, where it ends in the town centre.

Plieška Lookout Point

Above Lovce, on the 440-metre-high quartzite hill of Plieška, stands the two-storey metal Rozhľadňa Pliešky lookout tower, built in 2015. It is located on the rocky ridge of the quartzite hill between Lovce and Žikava and has two viewing platforms. Those who want to understand the area through its landscape will find here, alongside the valley of the Bolkov stream, a clearly designated lookout point with its own distinctive architectural feature.

Churches, wayside chapels and living culture

Lovce is home to the Christ the King Church. It was originally a Classicist building erected in 1780 and was expanded in the 20th century. The village also has three wayside chapels, built in the second half of the 19th century by a local mason. These structures complement the landscape experience with tangible evidence of the village’s history.

The Cerianka folklore group was founded on 18 January 2011 and presents Slovak folklore at performances at home and abroad through customs, traditional costumes and songs. A culinary highlight is the Lovecká vareška goulash-cooking competition held annually at Lovce Community Day. The cadastral territory of Lovce also contains a carp fishing pond managed by MO SRZ Zlaté Moravce.

Further places for orientation

If you would like to compare other village pages alongside Lovce, you will find the relevant destinations here: Beladice, Goldmorawitz, Hostie, Červený Hrádok, Slepčany, Topoľčianky, Beladice, Tesárske Mlyňany.

For the higher-level travel overview: Zlaté Moravce.