Discover Malá Lehota: Nature, a nature trail and culture

Malá Lehota offers several distinct reasons to choose it as a destination: the Vojšín nature trail, unusual geological formations, sacred architecture and recurring cultural events. When planning, you can weigh up whether nature, hiking, history or an event date should be the deciding factor for your trip.

The Vojšín nature trail and its natural attractions

The Vojšín nature trail connects the Starohutský vodopád National Monument in the cadastral area of Nová Baňa with the Andezitové kamenné more National Nature Monument in the cadastral area of Malá Lehota. The route is 10.5 km long, moderately challenging and can be walked in either direction. Eight information boards or stops complement the trail. Its length and difficulty can help you decide how to fit the hike in with the rest of your plans for the day.

Andezitové kamenné more was designated a National Nature Monument in 1975 and covers 1.4 ha. It is located in the cadastral area of the municipality of Malá Lehota, in the Žarnovica District and the Tribeč Mountains. The rock formation was created when a lava flow broke down into column-like fragments. There is an observation point with a windbreak at the natural monument, with a bus shelter in the same design next to it. If you plan to use these facilities, check their condition locally before your visit.

Rock formation and cave

Another natural feature is Jazvinská Cave, also known as Debnárova Cave. It is located near the settlement of Debnárov štál in the municipality of Malá Lehota, in the Tribeč Mountains. The cave extends horizontally for 44 m into a limestone massif. Bats use it as a winter roost, so it is closed from the end of October to March. Check local seasonal access information before visiting.

Štále and sacred architectural heritage

Malá Lehota is one of three rural municipalities in the dispersed settlement area of Nová Baňa. The outlying settlement areas of these municipalities are called “štále.” Place names around the buildings also bring this settlement pattern to life: the Neoclassical Roman Catholic Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary was built in 1820 in Štál Domčeky. Its old nave has a barrel vault.

A brick wayside chapel, built around 1955, stands between Štál Adamcovým and Štál Udičkovým. The local cemetery contains a monument to the victims of the First and Second World Wars, erected in 1946. The church, chapel and monument thus represent different aspects of local history: sacred architecture, wayside shrines and remembrance of the world wars.

Events throughout the year

The ZETOR 25 CUP is an annual event in Malá Lehota featuring races for historic Zetor 25 tractors. Check the dates and programme details for the relevant edition before your trip.

Gajdošské fašiangy is also part of the region’s cultural profile. The festival is considered Slovakia’s oldest bagpipe festival and takes place in Malá Lehota, Veľká Lehota and Jedľové Kostoľany. Malá Lehota also hosts an international gathering of bagpipers and bagpipe music known as the “Bagpipes Carnival.” It begins on the last Friday before Ash Wednesday, so its date follows the carnival calendar. Check the specific event dates for the year of your trip.

Discover more destinations: Veľké Pole, Voznica, Nová Baňa, Župkov, Kľak, Žarnovica, Ostrý Grúň, Hodruša-Hámre

For the broader travel overview: Scharnowitz.