Liešťany: History, Folklore and Cycling Route

Liešťany brings together the history of three settlements, folklore traditions and a cycling route through the village. Two questions can help you plan your trip: Would you like to learn more about local history, or time your stay to coincide with a recurring folk tradition or KST event? The time of year may also matter, as some events take place at specific times of the year.

The History of Liešťany and Its Settlements

Liešťany was established in 1943 through the merger of the previously independent settlements of Liešťany, Dobročná and Lomnica. Their history has been documented in writing since the beginning of the 14th century. The historical names Lyssen for Liešťany and Dobrochna for Dobročná are recorded for the year 1332. The names used at the time, Lyssen and Dobrochna, correspond to the present-day place names Liešťany and Dobročná.

Local historical and cultural landmarks also include chapels dating from the 20th century.

Folklore and Recurring Events

The LIESKA folklore group traces its origins to a performance in a chapel in Liešťany during a local church feast in 1989. LIESKA regularly takes part in celebrations for Mother’s Day and church feasts. The occasions when the group provides church singing include Christmas, Easter and local church feasts. At weddings, LIESKA observes the tradition of removing the bride’s wreath at night and putting on her bonnet, known as Čepčenie. If you are interested in a specific event, check the current program.

Liešťany’s annual Carnival program includes “Pochovávanie basy” (the burying of the contrabass), a recurring folklore tradition. KST Liešťany also continues traditional events: on the first Sunday in May, the star-shaped ascent to Suchý vrch takes place, with a raffle and music. In September, the traditional goulash cooking event is held at Chotej hora. The three events take place in different seasons. Check the current event dates before making plans.

Cycling and Getting Your Bearings in the Area

The blue-marked route 2308, the Bojnický cycling route, passes through Liešťany between Nevidzany and Kostolná Ves. You can start the cycling route at any point and combine it with other cycling routes in the district. This means you can choose your starting point flexibly when planning your route. This differs from the KST events, which are tied to specific times of year: no single event date is set for the cycling trip.

A tourist map was installed in front of the Liešťany Cultural Center on October 3, 2018. It is intended to help visitors with hiking and finding their way around the area. If you would like to use the map for planning, check its condition on site.

Natural Setting

Part of the municipal area belongs to the Strážovské vrchy Special Protection Area, SKCHVU 028, within the Natura 2000 network. This designated protected area is a distinct feature of the surroundings of Liešťany. Together with the tourist map and the Bojnický cycling route that passes through the village, it offers another point of reference if you would like to include the landscape in your travel plans alongside history and folklore.

Discover more destinations: Malá Čausa, Prievidza, Opatovce Nad Nitrou, Handlová, Tužina, Bystricany, Nitrianske Sučany, Šútovce.

Go to the main travel overview: Prievidza.