Zlatná Na Ostrove: Danube History and Nature

Zlatná Na Ostrove offers a range of points of interest for a trip: the history of gold panning on the Danube, historic churches and memorial sites, and the natural area around Veľkolélsky ostrov. You can take whichever aspect interests you most into account when planning your visit.

Orientation by the Danube and transport routes

Zlatná na Ostrove lies on the main road and railway line connecting Komárno with Bratislava. The Danube flows south of the municipality and forms the state border between Slovakia and Hungary there. The road, railway line and river thus provide a clear regional context for the location.

The town’s history is also closely linked to the river. Panning for gold from the Danube’s sand deposits provided a local livelihood from the Middle Ages until the first half of the 20th century. A stretch where watermills operated was called Malomrév. This means “landing place of the watermills” and recalls the former use of the river area.

Churches, architectural history and memorial sites

The church of the Reformed Christian Church was built in 1794. Inside is a “Lord’s Table” dating from 1714. The two dates provide separate points of reference for a visit to the church: the year the building was constructed and the earlier date of this furnishing. In 1848/49, the parish served as the main base of Austrian army corps; the church tower was used as an observation post at the time.

The Neoclassical Kúria stands near the Reformed church. Michal and Štefan Magyary-Kossovci had it built in 1769 on older foundations. The Roman Catholic church dates from 1935. Together, these buildings reflect different periods in the local architectural history.

The memorial sites also tell of different chapters in the municipality’s history. In 1928, residents had a monument erected in the local cemetery to those who fell in the First World War; a monument commemorates 80 fallen soldiers. Another monument was erected in 1975 in honour of the victims on the fronts of the Second World War. The Jewish cemetery has a Holocaust memorial bearing the names of 61 victims from the municipality.

Veľkolélsky ostrov: protected area and landscape

Veľkolélsky ostrov lies within the cadastral territories of Zlatná na Ostrove and Veľké Kosihy, near the settlement of Veľký Lél. It is the last Danube island still belonging to the so-called inland delta of the Danube. Wetland, forest and grassland habitats meet on the island.

The island area is part of the Dunajské luhy Special Protection Area, which protects habitats for bird species of European importance. It is also part of the Ramsar Wetland and the Dunajské luhy Protected Landscape Area. These designations describe different forms of protection for a natural area. The PR Zlatniansky luh Nature Reserve is also located on Veľkolélsky ostrov: designated in 1974, it covers 9.14 hectares and protects preserved remnants of floodplain forest with nesting sites for waterbirds along the lower Danube.

On foot, by bike or on horseback

The educational trail on Veľkolélsky ostrov can be explored on foot, by boat or by bicycle. If you are interested in guided hiking excursions, you can plan for anything from half a day to a full day. Guided tours may vary seasonally; check what is currently available before travelling. Conditions on the educational trail may also change.

The Zlatý Hucul riding club offers nature rides on Veľkolélsky ostrov and focuses on agritourism in the island’s natural surroundings. Check the current booking arrangements for a horse ride before you travel. This allows you to include the activity in your travel plans without confusing it with the hiking or cycling options.

For a longer cycling trip, a 73.5-kilometre route through Žitný ostrov also passes through Zlatná na Ostrove. It is almost entirely flat and follows state roads and the Danube embankment. The surface and signage may change, so check current route conditions before setting out. Its total length and course distinguish it from the ways of getting around on the island’s educational trail.

Discover more destinations: Zemianska Olča, Kolárovo, Komárno, Martovce, Marcelová, Chotín, Veľké Kosihy, Hurbanovo.

For the broader travel overview: Okres Komárno.