Veľký Krtíš District: Castle Ruins, Wine and Thermal Waters

Veľký Krtíš District brings together a range of travel interests: a castle complex with several building phases, a history of wine-making, Natura 2000 sites and thermal waters. You can tailor your stay to culture, nature, cycling or wellness. In the south, the Ipeľ forms the district’s boundary and, at the same time, the border with the Republic of Hungary. The town of Veľký Krtíš lies on the Lučenec–Zvolen–Levice transport corridor.

Natural Areas and Their Features

Čebovská lesostep is a Natura 2000 site covering 212.97 hectares in the cadastral areas of Čebovce and Horné Príbelce. Protection has been proposed for the habitat of European importance, Carpathian and Pannonian oak-hornbeam forests (91G0), as well as for the species stag beetle (Lucanus cervus) and yellow-bellied toad (Bombina variegata). The natural features here range from forest habitat to the specific species named.

The Kiarovský močiar Natura 2000 site covers 78.76 hectares in Kiarov and Kováčovce. Protection has been proposed for moisture-loving tall-herb fringe communities in river floodplains, as well as for the species of European importance green snaketail (Ophiogomphus cecilia) and fire-bellied toad (Bombina bombina). At 212.97 hectares, Čebovská lesostep is larger; the sites also differ in their named habitats and species.

Castle Complex and Cultural Monuments

Hrad Modrý Kameň combines two building phases: the complex includes the ruins of a Gothic castle dating from before 1278 and a Baroque château built in 1730. The walk from Modrý Kameň takes about 20 minutes; the castle is also accessible by car. During your visit, you can visit a viewpoint from the castle ruins. The Modrokamenská lesostep nature reserve is also located near the complex.

Veľký Krtíš also offers its own cultural focus. The town has three national cultural monuments and 14 locally listed monuments. The mining combine monument “Banícky kombajn” is also located there. The building history of Hrad Modrý Kameň and the monuments in Veľký Krtíš offer different starting points for a culture-focused stay.

Wine-Making and Regional Traditions

Wine-making has a long history in the parts of today’s Veľký Krtíš District that belong to the historical regions of Novohrad and Hont. The Vinohradnícka expozícia presents the history of wine-making in northern Novohrad with a video animation in two language versions. The topic thus links the historical development of wine-making with an engaging presentation.

The wine tradition also includes the public tasting associated with the traditional Plachtince wine competition. It is traditionally held on the last Saturday of the carnival season, that is, the Saturday before Ash Wednesday. As the date varies from year to year, check the event date before making plans.

Thermal Waters and Wellness in Strehová

The AQUATERMAL Strehová wellness resort includes HOTEL AQUATERM ***, wellness facilities and the Kupko Strehová summer swimming pool. The modern complex has six pools, including two stainless-steel pools, as well as various attractions. Thermal water is used year-round in the hotel area, which has an indoor pool and wellness centre. For your planning, it is useful to distinguish between the resort’s components: year-round use of thermal water is associated with the hotel area, indoor pool and wellness centre; Kupko is a separate component, operating as a summer swimming pool.

Cycling Route and Choosing a Focus for Your Stay

The Krttíšska magistrála is a 20-kilometre cycling route. Its listed waypoints include Veľký Krtíš and Modrý Kameň. The distance gives you a specific reference point when planning a cycling trip; check the current route markings on site. Then compare the accommodation’s location with your own travel plans.

Discover more destinations: Slovenské Ďarmoty, Stredné Plachtince, Čeláre, Dačov Lom, Ďurkovce, Horná Strehová, Kleňany, Muľa, Dolné Príbelce, Horné Plachtince, Großkritsch, Modrý Kameň, Horné Strháre, Chrťany, Kamenné Kosihy, Kiarov, Obeckov, Širákov, Veľké Straciny, Vinica, Veľká Čalomija, Balog Nad Ipľom, Bátorová, Malá Čalomija, Dolná Strehová, Kováčovce, Lesenice, Ľuboriečka, Malé Zlievce, Malý Krtíš.

See the broader travel overview: Banská Bystrica.