Žikava between the Bison Enclosures and History

In Žikava, nature themes are combined with a long local history. The Zubria Obora nature trail runs along the edge of the bison enclosures in the protected area “Topoľčianska zubria zvernica”. Cycling and fishing opportunities, as well as historical sites, provide further points of interest. From a cultural-historical perspective, the range extends from prehistoric finds near Hájky to buildings and local customs.

Hiking along the edge of the bison enclosures

The Zubria Obora nature trail begins in Lovce or Žikava. It is a self-guided hiking trail, can be walked in both directions and is open year-round. The route is 2.5 km long, has an elevation difference of 100 m and includes ten stations. About 1.5 hours are planned for the hike; the trail is classified as easy to walk. This gives you concrete reference points for planning your time without confusing the route length with the walking time.

From Žikava, the nature trail is accessible by bus; afterwards, a 5 km walk along one of two forest roads leads to the starting point. As transport connections and access conditions may change, check the current bus connections and access options in advance.

Cycling and fishing

Cycle route 5118 leads towards Žikava, continues to the stud farm on Breziny and then to the Žikava reservoir before continuing to the Zubria zvernica. The “Pre náročných – po hrebeni Tríbeča” cycle tour also passes the reservoir. If you group the cycling routes by their named landmarks, the reservoir is a common reference point; route 5118 also describes a sequence via the stud farm to the Zubria zvernica.

The private Žikava fishing pond is designated as a carp water. The “catch and release” principle applies there; caught fish can be purchased according to the current price list. If you include the pond in your plans, check the current rules before your visit.

Local history, buildings and customs

Žikava was first mentioned in writing in 1075. The Hájky site is characterized by stone chips and fragments of old pottery from sporadic prehistoric finds. The settlement near Hájky is attributed to the Neolithic Lengyel culture and dates to approximately 4000 BC. This archaeological evidence supplements the written local history with a much earlier phase of settlement.

A notable building is the Church of Saint Charles Borromeo, built in 1804. Originally, it was a single-nave church with an oval-ended presbytery and a tower built into the west façade. The National Stud Farm Topoľčianky also has a firm historical connection to Žikava: since 1962, it has been permanently based at the Žikava site. The artist František Horniak was born in Žikava on 16 June 1956 and has created about 150 postage stamp engravings to date. The chapel “Sedembolestnej Panny Márie” is also among the village’s cultural and historical sights.

Local folk customs include, among others, Fašiangy, the raising of maypoles and church fairs. Dates and public programmes may vary. In addition to hiking and cycling, Žikava therefore offers points of interest for travellers interested in architectural history, art, archaeology or local traditions.

More travel destinations

Discover more travel destinations: Obyce, Hostie, Lovce, Velčice, Ladice, Veľké Vozokany, Goldmorawitz, Slepčany.

To the overview of the wider area: Zlaté Moravce.