Zlatníky: Nature, History and Trails in the Považský Inovec

Zlatníky lies at the northeastern foot of the Považský Inovec and along the upper course of the Livina stream. The village thus combines a clearly recognizable mountain landscape with an area of cultural and historical interest. The elevation is also a useful reference for planning your trip: the municipality ranges from 260 m to 975 m above sea level, while the village centre is situated at 270 m.

Kulháň Landscape and Protected Area

An important natural area is the Kulháň Protected Area. It lies in the Topoľčany District in the cadastral area of Prašice and in the Bánovce nad Bebravou District in the cadastral area of Zlatníky, covering a total of 128.9765 ha. The Kulháň Protected Area includes the Site of European Importance SKUEV0134 Kulháň. The species Bombina bombina, Cerambyx cerdo, Cordulegaster heros, Cucujus cinnaberinus, Lucanus cervus and Rosalia alpina are associated with this site.

Those who want to get to know the landscape on foot can use the Duchonka-Kulháň educational trail, a self-guided footpath accessible in both directions. It can be used in summer and winter and is classified as easy. The educational trail includes an arboretum and 14 marked tree species. The oaks in the Kulháň area are estimated to be 300 to 550 years old. One section runs along the embankment of the former forest railway—a historical reference that characterizes the trail not only through its nature but also through the area's former use.

Kulháň Pond and Excursions with Children

Kulháň Pond is suitable as a stopover or as a destination for cycling trips. At the pond, there are farm animals as well as play facilities for children, including slides, carousels and swings. This makes it possible to combine a visit with nature observation and child-friendly activities without reducing the importance of the site to a single type of excursion.

Church, Crafts and Local History

The history of Zlatníky also reveals several different layers of time. The bell tower was rebuilt in 1984 based on the model of the former structure. Construction of the church began in July and August 1991; in October 1993, a confirmation ceremony with the solemn consecration of the church took place. Inside are an altar painting of the Virgin Mary, the Queen, the Stations of the Cross and a large wooden cross by the woodcarver Ján Chovan from Dekýš.

The local history of crafts reaches back to the mid-20th century: at that time, some residents of Zlatníky were still making wheel spokes for wheelwrights. Another glassworks operated in the Kulháň settlement from 1865; its production was discontinued in 1890. Going back even further, a deed of donation from 1389 already mentions a gold mine. A living tradition is the annual traditional church feast, during which residents commemorate the church feast day around 22 August.

Two third-class state roads lead to Zlatníky and connect the village with all neighbouring municipalities in the district. You can therefore regard Zlatníky as a starting point for the described natural and cultural experiences without having to combine the individual destinations into a single route. For a broader overview of the area, you can also find Šišov Šišov, Veľké Držkovce Veľké Držkovce, Kšinná Kšinná, Omastiná Omastiná, Uhrovec Uhrovec, Šípkov Šípkov, Dolné Naštice Dolné Naštice and Trebichava Trebichava.

For the higher-level travel overview: Bánovce Nad Bebravou.