Vlčany: Churches, Markets and Protected River Meanders

Vlčany lies in the Danubian Lowland near the Váh and Little Danube rivers. Historic churches and markets stand alongside protected bodies of water and a floodplain landscape shaped by waterways, meadows, pastures, fields and gardens. A long-distance cycling route also passes above the village. Together, these features offer a varied view of the destination’s history and landscape.

Protected Waters and Floodplain Landscape

Vlčianske mŕtve rameno is protected as a natural monument (PP, registration number 188) and covers 8.23 hectares. It is under the jurisdiction of ŠOP–CHKO Dunajské luhy, but is not part of a large protected area. As one of the last relatively well-preserved oxbow lakes of the Váh, it retains a comparatively well-preserved belt of riparian vegetation with typical water-loving communities. The water and riparian vegetation together form part of its described natural character.

Bábske jazero is also a protected natural monument. It covers 3.52 hectares, of which 3.25 hectares are water. This body of water is likewise one of the last relatively well-preserved oxbow lakes of the Váh. Its characteristic features include open water and typical flora and fauna. The trees around the water provide natural wind protection.

The floodplain landscape around Vlčany includes traditionally farmed land with trees and shrubs along waterways and bodies of water. It also includes permanent grassland with meadows and pastures, arable land, gardens and a network of field tracks. The description therefore covers both the water’s edges and the agriculturally shaped areas.

History, Churches and Memorials

The first written mention of Vlčany, under the name Forcas, dates from 1113. On 20 June 1794, the village was granted market-town status and the right to hold four annual fairs: on the Thursday after the Feast of the Holy Trinity, and on 18 August, 1 October and 4 November. In the early 19th century, the first annual fair was held on the Feast of Saint Joseph.

The Reformed Church was completed in 1785 and consecrated on 27 November of that year. Its tower was rebuilt and raised in 1888; since then, it has reached its current height of 32 metres. The Roman Catholic Church was completed in 1808. The family coats of arms of the Károlyi and Waldstein families are above its entrance. The two churches thus represent different stages in the village’s architectural history.

On the main square, the First World War memorial, unveiled on 5 October 1930, commemorates 198 residents of Vlčany who fell in the war. The Second World War memorial stands beside it. The village’s industrial history is also part of its character: in 1920, a steam mill was built to replace twelve watermills that had stood on pontoons in a meander of the Váh at the beginning of the 20th century.

Traditions and Cycling Route

The programme of Folklórne slávnosti MO MS Vlčany 2026 included a competition to cook traditional dishes. Serbian poppy-seed rétes was announced as a speciality, and the making of sorghum brooms was also demonstrated. The programme items bring together culinary tradition and a practical craft, and relate to this edition of the festival.

For active visitors, the 61-kilometre Vážska cyklomagistrála Šaľa–Komárno is another point of interest: the route passes above Vlčany, has a stated elevation difference of 13/19 metres, and is classed as one of the more challenging sports routes. Before setting out, check the current route signs and the condition of the surface locally.

Discover more destinations: Kráľová Nad Váhom, Trnovec Nad Váhom, Žihárec, Hájske, Neded, Šaľa, Tešedíkovo, Močenok.

Go to the regional travel overview: Šaľa.