Kotmanová – Pohanský hrad, Waterfalls and Cultural Heritage

Pohanský hrad and the Kotmanovské waterfalls represent two distinct points of interest: archaeological history and a hike to the cascades of the Vrbinský stream. The cascades lie below the settlement site. In the village, a bell tower and a Neoclassical manor house add to the picture of local architectural history.

Archaeology and Architectural History

Pohanský hrad is a fortified settlement site of the Kyjatice culture, with several ramparts. It is dated to the period from 1100 to 700 BC. During the Bronze Age, the site served as a refuge for people of this culture. These two facts offer different ways to explore the site's history: the dating indicates its time period, while its function as a refuge points to a specific role it played for people of the time. Those interested in prehistoric settlement can consider both the fortifications and how the settlement site was used.

The bell tower in Kotmanová dates from the early 19th century and was built on the site of an earlier wooden bell tower. Its small bell was cast in Budapest in 1888, and the large one in Brno in 1923. This makes it possible to distinguish the tower's construction date from the later casting dates of the two bells. A Neoclassical manor house dating from the late 18th century adds to the village's architectural heritage and predates the bell tower.

Hikes to the Cascades

The Kotmanovské waterfalls are cascades on the Vrbinský stream below Pohanský hrad. A hike solely to the waterfalls is estimated to take three to five hours from the edge of Kotmanová. This duration is a guide and may vary depending on conditions. The route initially follows a red-marked hiking trail, then continues along the stream. Along the way, you will need to cross fallen tree trunks, among other obstacles; beside the cascades, the trail runs along slopes that require climbing. The section close to the stream can be physically demanding. So take both the estimated duration and the described trail conditions into account when planning, and check conditions before setting out.

For less experienced hikers, a forest path running parallel to the stream at the foot of Pohanský hrad is also recommended. When choosing a route, you can compare this recommendation with the time and trail information for the waterfall hike.

Getting There

Bus services in Kotmanová are provided by SAD Lučenec; there are two bus stops in the municipality, built by the municipality. The nearest railway station is in Mýtna, about four kilometres from Kotmanová. For planning purposes, you can consider local bus services and rail travel via Mýtna separately. Check the latest connections before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Ľuboreč, Holiša, Tuhár, Ábelová, Lehôtka, Kalonda, Šíd, Šiatorská Bukovinka.

Go to the overview of the wider area: Lučenec District.