Poltár District: Discover educational trails, nature and culture

In Poltár District, you can discover nature and culture at a wide variety of destinations: educational stations in the landscape, designated protected areas, church architecture and local craft traditions. To help plan your trip, consider a few questions: Would you like to explore on foot, find a view of a reservoir, or learn about architectural and cultural history? Each destination has its own focus—from measurable trail details to historical features of buildings.

Discover trails and landscapes

The Náučný chodník Ipeľ educational trail has twelve stations with information boards about the surrounding nature and landscape. A shorter section can be reached from Línia, where ample parking is available. As parking conditions may change, check them before you set off. If you would like to learn about nature and the landscape while walking, using information boards along the way, you will find twelve themed stations here.

The Málinec–Jasenina hiking trail is 9.5 kilometres long; the stated walking time is 3 hours and 5 minutes. By contrast, the Lučenec–Poltár–Málinec cycling educational trail is 36 kilometres long and has ten stations. Its focus is on natural sciences and cultural history; it is also connected to marked hiking trails. The cycling educational trail is described as being in good condition, but you should check local conditions before setting out. Compared with the stated walking time for the hike, the cycling trail’s total length, number of stations and thematic focus offer the main points of reference: you can plan your time based on the hiking trail’s walking time or the longer cycling route.

Protected areas and viewpoints

Kokava-Línia is a tourist destination in the western Slovenské rudohorie. From Sedlo Prieraz, you can enjoy a view of the Málinec reservoir. At the summit of Jasenina, the northern section, covering 3.21 hectares, was designated for protection in 1990 to safeguard round-leaved sundew and other endangered and protected plant species. Kúpna Baňa is a protected area with rare plants and animals; check local access restrictions before visiting. Poltársky rybník is home to protected plants.

Churches, a bridge and crafts

Most cestný v Zelenom is a protected technical cultural monument and is considered the third-oldest surviving bridge of its kind in Slovakia. Restoration and its subsequent use for pedestrian tourism are planned. The Evangelical church in Poltár dates from 1791; architectural elements from the 15th century are built into its walls. Here, the church’s construction date meets older building elements.

The Evangelical church in České Brezovo was built to a design by M.M. Harminc and consecrated by Bishop Samuel Zoch on 15 October 1922. The Evangelical church in Zelené was built in 1835 and features an altar, a pulpit, four candlesticks and an organ with six stops. While the architect and consecration date draw attention to the history of the building in České Brezovo, the focus in Zelené is on specific furnishings.

Permanent glass art exhibitions are located in Katarínska Huta and Poltár. They are connected with the nearly 600-year history of glassmaking in the Novohrad region; check the current exhibition details on site. In Poltár District, the pottery tradition in Hrnčiarske Zalužany is represented by the Šamotka cooperative and independent artisans.

Special destinations and activities

At several stations, the Jarčanisko–Strieborná archaeological complex in Cinobaňa illustrates the development of the Bronze Age Kyjatice culture and features an interactive 3D model. As individual facilities may change, it is advisable to check the current setup before visiting.

The unusual bath in Hrnčiarske Zalužany comprises six travertine pools with water at 20 °C. Check current access before planning a bathing visit. In Poltár District, Ranč Megi Prievrana offers horse riding; check current booking arrangements in advance.

Discover more destinations: Kokava Nad Rimavicou, Utekáč, Poltár, Breznička, Cinobaňa, Hradište, Krná, Ozdín, Zlatno, Uhorské, Veľká Ves, České Brezovo, Hrnčiarska Ves.

For the overview of the wider region: Banská Bystrica.