Veľké Uherce: Nature, trails and history

Veľké Uherce brings together protected areas, marked routes and traces of local history. Its attractions range from special habitats and viewpoints to a medieval church and the ruins of the former settlement of Brezová.

Landscape and nature

The Ponitrie Protected Landscape Area covers two thirds of the cadastral territory of Veľké Uherce. The Dobrolínske skaly Nature Reserve is home to protected plant species as well as forest, forest-steppe, steppe and rocky-steppe habitats. Dobrolínska Cave is 27 metres long. From Oselná skala, you can enjoy an almost panoramic view across a large part of the Horná Nitra region.

The Veľké Uherce Reservoir is also noteworthy from a natural history perspective: it is an important spawning ground for the common toad (Bufo bufo). Swimming in the reservoir was possible in the past; if you plan to do so during your trip, check the current conditions locally.

Hiking and cycling trails

Hiking route 5412 connects the Veľké Uherce Reservoir with the municipal office and is 16.5 kilometres long. The green-marked Ponitrím educational trail also starts at the municipal office and is 17 kilometres long. Check the local trail signage before setting out. The green-marked “Veľkouherský okruh” hiking trail is 18 kilometres long; route details may change.

The three routes are similar in length. The municipal office is a common point of reference: it is one endpoint of route 5412 and the starting point of the Ponitrím educational trail. This makes it possible to distinguish the routes not only by their length, but also by their expressly stated reference points.

For mountain bikers, the yellow-marked route 8336 is another option. It is 25.6 kilometres long and classified as a moderately difficult sports route. The route leads to the Veľké Uherce Reservoir, where it crosses the green-marked route 5412.

History and notable local landmarks

The Kostol sv. Michala archanjela church was originally built in 1332 in the Gothic style on older foundations. In 1669, it was remodelled in the Renaissance style and a side chapel was added. The protected Veľkouherská lime tree, which is more than 200 years old, stands next to the local Roman Catholic church.

Kaštieľ Veľké Uherce manor house was originally built in the 17th century in the Renaissance style, was given a Baroque makeover in the 18th century, and was completely remodelled between 1845 and 1860 in the Romantic Neo-Gothic style. Reconstruction work is currently underway; check accessibility before visiting.

Brezová is now an abandoned German settlement. Overgrown ruins remain of its 40 family houses. A wooden cross and century-old fruit trees mark the site of the former settlement. Hradisko was a prehistoric hilltop settlement in the cadastral territories of Veľké Uherce and Malé Uherce.

MX Vinohrad, a motocross track in Veľké Uherce, is another specific local landmark. The track was completely rebuilt in 2018 and meets the criteria of FIM regulations.

More destinations

Also discover: Bošany, Partizánske, Veľký Klíž, Chynorany, Pažiť, Ostratice, Krásno, Malé Uherce.

Return to the main travel overview: Partizánske.