Lehôtka: History, Bell Tower and Community Festivals

Lehôtka lies in the northwestern part of the Lučenec Basin, in the valley of the Tuhársky Stream, at an elevation of 267 metres. The local history includes archaeological finds, the development of the settlement under the name Lehota, and the bell tower in the centre. There are also community events with a range of themes. So, when planning your trip, both the historical details and the festival dates are worth exploring.

History and the Bell Tower

Archaeological finds dating from the Stone Age and the Bronze Age have been discovered in the area of Lehôtka. The settlement was founded in the 14th century under the name Lehota through organised colonisation led by the local population. The first written mention dates from 1385. The archaeological traces therefore date from well before the first written mention, while Lehota is the name associated with the settlement’s founding.

Lehôtka probably had its own emblem engraved on the municipal seal for the first time in the second half of the 18th century. It depicted the outlines of a ploughshare and a sickle.

The bell tower in the centre is a traditional masonry building with a square ground plan; its onion dome dates from 1985. The tower holds two bells, which were consecrated on 14 September 1924. The dates refer to different details: 1924 to the consecration of the bells, and 1985 to the dome.

The Slovenská izba (Slovak Room) is located in Lehôtka’s municipal office. It opened on 1 September 2012 as part of Dni obce – Lehôtská hostina. If you would like to visit the room, check with the municipal office in advance to find out whether it is open to visitors.

Festivals and Culinary Traditions

Lehôtka’s largest event is called Dni obce – Lehôtská hostina (Village Days – Lehôtka Feast). It takes place every year on the first weekend of September, and its programme combines music, entertainment and sport. If you are interested in attending, you can plan your trip around that weekend. Check the dates for the relevant year in advance.

The culinary event Deň zo zemiakov, kapusty a kysnutého cesta (Day of Potatoes, Cabbage and Yeast Dough) is held every October. Traditional Slovak and home-cooked dishes are served to residents and visitors. Its culinary focus sets it apart from the September festival’s programme of music, entertainment and sport.

In May, a bonfire is also held to mark Victory over Fascism Day. In February, the women’s club at the municipal office organises Páračky (a traditional feather-plucking gathering).

Traditional dishes in Lehôtka included sour bean soups and Halušky filled with cabbage or Bryndza cheese. There were also Halušky with scrambled eggs and cracklings, as well as Lokše and potato Nálesníky. Dishes made from home-slaughtered meat were also part of the tradition: Jaternice, Serikaše, Klobásy, bacon and ham, as well as other smoked meats.

Landscape and Getting Around

The western part of Lehôtka is covered with oak forest, has brown forest soils and illimerised soils, and is home to forest and field game.

No marked cycling or hiking route passes directly through Lehôtka. However, several cycling routes run through nearby Halič. If routes are important to your stay, check the current route alignment in advance, as route networks can change.

Discover more destinations: Divín, Halič, Trebeľovce, Lovinobaňa, Podrečany, Veľká Nad Ipľom, Šávoľ, Ábelová

For the broader travel overview: Lučenec District.