Discover Ipolytarnóc

Near Ipolytarnóc, there is a fossil site and several nature trails. The destination itself also has an exhibition on the history of research and a playground. When planning your trip, you can explore topics ranging from Earth’s history and biology to visitor amenities.

Fossils in the nature reserve

The Ipolytarnóci Ősmaradványok nature reserve is near Ipolytarnóc. Its most significant fossils include shark teeth, petrified trees, leaf impressions and traces of prehistoric animals. Inside a protective building, you can see the petrified surface of a Miocene riverbank area with watering and crossing places. Footprints of even-toed ungulates, predators, prehistoric rhinoceroses and birds have been preserved there.

Another striking find is housed in the nature reserve’s protective cellar: a 46-metre-long petrified primeval tree with the scientific name Pinuxylon tarnocziense. Ferenc Kubinyi discovered it in 1838. The nature reserve was awarded the European Diploma in 1995.

Geological and biological nature trails

The 800-metre-long Borókás-árok geological nature trail provides insights into geology and palaeontology. It is accessible during opening hours for an admission fee and with a guide. Groups can examine outcrops of glauconitic sandstone, formed 24 million years ago, and the contact zone between the sandstone and the overlying volcanic rocks under expert guidance. Check the current opening hours and guided-tour arrangements before your visit.

The biological nature trail starts at the ticket office of the nature reserve and visitor centre, next to the Kutatóház. It is six kilometres long in total. The route’s flora and fauna include remnants of former oak and hornbeam forests, as well as pastures that developed after these forests were cleared. The first 500 metres form the shared, steeply ascending section of the two trails, which meet; this is also the most difficult part.

The freely accessible Kőzetpark is 700 metres long. The nature reserve also offers the Miocene Forest, Felső Park, Kőszikla and biological nature trails; picnic areas are available too. The various destinations combine geological and biological themes but focus on different subjects: the Borókás-árok trail features rock outcrops, while the biological nature trail covers flora and fauna.

Exhibition and on-site amenities

The exhibition “Idősíkok találkozása – Az Ipolytarnóci Ősmaradványok múltja” covers the history of research in the area. It presents the excavations that have continued from the 1830s to the present day. The exhibition thus complements the geological nature trails with an insight into the history of research.

As part of the Ősfenyő admission offer, children can test their knowledge with learning games on interactive touchscreen information terminals. The specific facilities may change. When planning your visit, check whether this offer is available.

Playground and age groups

There is a playground next to the Lombkorona Café and Restaurant. Toddlers have access to a sandbox and a crawling tunnel. Spring riders, seesaws and swings, as well as a slide, are intended for kindergarten and primary school children. Older children can enjoy skill games and a fort. Please note the current restriction: people weighing more than 60 kilograms may not use the playground.

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Return to the main travel overview: Salgótarján.