Svrbice: Hiking, Landscape and Local History

Svrbice lies at the western tip of the Okres Topoľčany district, on the eastern foothills of the Považský Inovec. At the same time, the village is on the edge of the Nitrianska sprašová pahorkatina and the Považský Inovec; the two landscape regions also differ geologically. For travellers, this means opportunities for hiking and cycling alongside a tangible local history.

Hiking and Cycling

An easy hike, the Svrbická stopa, covers seven kilometres from Havran to Svrbice. In the 2025 edition, one route also ran from Havran to Svrbice, while a new circular route began in Svrbice; both routes were about seven kilometres long. The difference lies in the route and its reference points: one option ends in Svrbice, while the other is a circular route that starts there. Route formats may differ between editions.

Cycle route 044 – Okolo Považského Inovca also passes through Svrbice. Forestry work may affect conditions along parts of the route. Take this notice into account when planning your route and check the latest cycle route updates before setting off.

Landscape and Nature

The Považský Inovec near Svrbice is considered a forested mountain range with diverse fauna and flora. Mammals listed locally include foxes, badgers, squirrels, wild boar, roe deer and red deer. The bird list includes owls, kestrels and pheasants; beech, oak, hornbeam and birch trees are also listed.

Church and Local History

Svrbice is home to the Roman Catholic Church of Panny Márie Kráľovnej pokoja. It was built in 1956 and consecrated in 1957. The branch church, built in 1956, belongs to the Ardanovce parish in the Radošina deanery.

Svrbice was first mentioned in written records in 1268, under the name Surbich. Older settlements are also part of the village’s history: Tešín was mentioned in 1414 and later became part of Svrbice; Drin is recorded in a reference from 1620, before this settlement, too, became part of Svrbice. Vineyards in Svrbice are documented for 1715. Agriculture and viticulture were among the historical occupations. During the Second World War, part of the population took part in the partisan movement and the Slovak National Uprising.

Events in Previous Years

On 25 June 2022, the 37th edition of Jánske ohne took place at Svrbická Hôrka. The programme at the time included an easy hike, children’s games, and cultural and sporting activities. Goulash and refreshments were offered as a long-standing local tradition. A report on the 11 February 2023 edition of the Svrbická stopa described the event as traditional. These past dates and programme items offer insight into local event formats without anticipating a future date.

Discover more destinations: Ardanovce, Dvorany Nad Nitrou, Horné Obdokovce, Podhradie, Lužany, Radošina, Bojná, Chrabrany

For the broader travel overview: Okres Topoľčany.