Discover Šahy: Culture, the Ipeľ and cycling routes

Šahy combines cultural attractions with a riverside setting and an MTB circuit. The town lies at the confluence of the Ipeľ and Krupinica rivers and on both banks of the Ipeľ. You can choose different focuses for your stay: museums and art exhibitions, historic buildings, cycling or water tourism.

Culture and history in Šahy

The Hontianske múzeum was re-established as a municipal museum in 1992 and has operated as a publicly accessible exhibition space in Šahy since 1995. Its permanent exhibitions cover ethnography and the history of the Hont region. The museum also organises social science lectures and local history excursions. The Galéria Ľudovíta Simonyiho offers a different focus, showcasing changing art exhibitions. If you are planning to visit a particular exhibition or event, check the current programme: exhibitions and events may change.

The historic centre of Šahy retains the layout and character of commercial buildings dating from around the turn of the 20th century. The remains of a Premonstratensian monastery also still stand in the town. The restored synagogue on Bartók Square now serves as a cultural centre; its programme may change. For context, it is helpful to distinguish between the commercial buildings and monastery remains, which point to the town’s historic past, and the synagogue, which is now used as a cultural centre.

River scenery and water tourism

The Ipeľ shapes Šahy’s geographical setting: the town lies on both banks of the river, where it meets the Krupinica. The Ramsar site of Poiplie also includes part of Šahy’s outlying area. Boundaries and access arrangements may change; if you are planning a visit to the outlying area, check the current conditions.

A landing point for water tourism is located beside the Ipeľ Bridge, with kayaks and canoes for 20 people. Availability and safety arrangements may vary, so you should confirm these details in advance. This lets you appreciate the town’s connection to the river not only geographically, but also by considering a specific water-based activity.

Cycling the Šahanský okruh

The Šahanský okruh is a blue MTB circuit numbered 2111. It is 44.9 kilometres long, rated moderate, and runs along asphalt, paved paths and forest tracks; surface conditions may vary. The route passes through Šahy and offers connections to cycling routes towards Hungary and onward to Štúrovo. When choosing a ride, both the route length and difficulty rating, as well as the varying surfaces, are relevant. These connections also offer possible directions for planning a longer route.

Planning your stay

The tourist information centre in Šahy provides advice on transport options, excursions and guided town tours. Visitors can get free maps and information about monuments, local attractions and programme options there. If you want to plan your days around culture, cycling or activities on the water, you can ask for relevant information. The services described may change; contact the information centre in advance if you have specific questions.

Discover more destinations: Levice, Plášťovce, Pohronský Ruskov, Tehla, Tlmače, Devičany, Santovka, Kalná Nad Hronom.

Return to the main travel overview: Levice.