Hostice: Countryside, Cycling Route and Local History

Hostice in the Cerová vrchovina valley

Hostice lies in the valley of the Mačací potok, in the heart of the Cerová vrchovina. The cadastral area of Hostice covers 2,112 hectares, much of which lies within a protected landscape area. The village’s location in the valley is thus part of the wider landscape of the volcanic mountains. From Hostice, you can take trips into the Cerová vrchovina. This makes it easy to combine the village with excursions into the surrounding countryside when planning your trip.

The region’s ecological features are also part of its character: wetlands and waterside vegetation have developed in the upper reaches of small multipurpose reservoirs in the Cerová vrchovina Protected Landscape Area (CHKO). They serve as nesting and feeding grounds for several waterbird species. These reservoirs include VN Hostice. Alongside the protected landscape, the habitat of waterbirds is another natural feature of the area.

Cycling Route, Excursions and Reservoir

A green-marked cycling route passes through Hostice, forming a circuit around the Cerová vrchovina. The section through the village and the circuit offer different points of reference: the route passes through Hostice, while its wider course circles the mountains. For cyclists, the village is both a specific point on the route and part of a landscape that extends beyond it. You can also take excursions into the Cerová vrchovina from Hostice.

Another destination is the Hostice Reservoir. It lies two kilometres beyond the village in the direction of Jesenské. The distance and direction make it easy to identify the reservoir as a separate point of interest for an excursion. Anglers from nearby and farther afield use it as a fishing spot. So, alongside cycling and excursions into the countryside, fishing is another clearly defined activity. If you plan your trip around specific interests, you can consider these as different options.

Church and Historical Traces

The Baroque Roman Catholic Church of St Andrew the Apostle dates from 1787. In 1890, it was destroyed along with the entire village in a major fire. The church was rebuilt between 1892 and 1913. These dates form a concise timeline of the building’s construction, destruction and restoration, providing a historical framework for the structure.

Another historic building in Hostice is the manor house of the Putnoky family. Together with the church, it offers another way to explore local history through architecture. In addition to the countryside, cycling route and reservoir, these historic buildings are further points of interest during a stay in Hostice.

Folk Music and Hiking Tradition

Traditional folk music is also associated with Hostice. The song “Ó ó farsang,” associated with Hostice, also known as Gesztete, is a traditional adult folk song for festive occasions. Folk singer Motyovszki Józsefné Kovács Teréz is also associated with Hostice, or Gesztete. Her repertoire included more than 1,025 folk songs. The traditional song and the singer’s extensive repertoire offer two different glimpses into the village’s musical heritage.

The hiking tradition also has a specific historical date: on 12 October 2024, the traditional hike through the Cerová vrchovina took place for the 49th time. The full-day hike followed a green-marked trail through the valley to Hostice. This records both the route taken at the time and the connection between the landscape and the village.

Discover more destinations: Hostišovce, Gemerský Jablonec, Abovce, Čerenčany, Jesenské, Drienčany, Petrovce, Chanava.

For the wider travel overview: Okres Rimavská Sobota.