Around Ipolytarnóc, fossils and nature trails tell the story of a landscape whose traces reach far back into geological history. The attractions cover a range of topics, from geological outcrops and a longer biological nature trail to an exhibition on the history of research.
Fossils and geological traces
The Ipolytarnóci Ősmaradványok Nature Reserve lies close to Ipolytarnóc. Its significant fossils include shark teeth, petrified trees, leaf impressions and traces of prehistoric animals. The area was awarded the European Diploma in 1995. A 46-metre-long petrified tree trunk, Pinuxylon tarnocziense, discovered by Ferenc Kubinyi in 1838, is housed in a protective shelter. Another protective building displays the petrified surface of a Miocene riverbank watering and crossing area. It bears footprints of even-toed ungulates, predators, prehistoric rhinoceroses and birds.
The 800-metre-long Borókás-árok geological nature trail offers insights into geology and palaeontology. At its outcrops, groups can examine glauconitic sandstone formed 24 million years ago, as well as the contact zone between this sandstone and the overlying volcanic rocks. The trail is open during opening hours for an admission fee and with a guide; groups can explore the outcrops with expert guidance. Check the latest tour and operating details before your visit.
Nature trails and route lengths
The nature reserve includes the Miocene Forest, the rock park, Kőszikla, biological nature trails and picnic areas. Nearby, Kőzetpark is also freely accessible and is 700 metres long. The biological nature trail focuses on the plants and animals of remnant stands of former oak and hornbeam forests, as well as the pastures that developed after these forests were cleared.
The route details can also help you choose a biological nature trail: it is six kilometres long in total and starts at the ticket office of the nature reserve and visitor centre next to Kutatóház. The initial, shared, steeply ascending section of the two intersecting routes is 500 metres long and is also the most difficult part. The routes therefore vary considerably in length: 800 metres for the Borókás-árok trail, 700 metres for Kőzetpark and six kilometres in total for the biological nature trail.
Research history and visitor information
The exhibition “Idősíkok találkozása – Az Ipolytarnóci Ősmaradványok múltja” (Meeting of Time Periods – The Past of the Ipolytarnóc Fossils) explores the research history of the area. It shows the excavations that have been ongoing from the 1830s to the present day. This complements the geological and biological topics with a look at how research in the area has continued over a long period.
Next to the Lombkorona Café and Restaurant is a playground with activities for different age groups. Toddlers have a sandbox and a crawl tunnel; kindergarten and primary school children can use spring rockers, seesaws and swings, as well as a slide. Older children can enjoy skill games and a fort. Please note that anyone weighing more than 60 kilograms is not permitted to use the playground. As part of the Ősfenyő admission offer, children can test their knowledge with educational games on interactive touchscreen information terminals. Facilities may change; check this information before your visit.
When planning your visit, you can choose from the different route lengths and topics: geological outcrops, fossils and research history sit alongside the plants and animals covered by the biological nature trail. Also check the latest trail conditions and guided-tour details before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Cered, Karancsalja, Bárna, Egyházasgerge, Somoskőújfalu, Schalgotarjan.
Back to the regional travel overview: Salgótarjáni.
