At the southern edge of Veľký Krtíš District, the Ipeľ River forms the border with the Republic of Hungary. Parts of the present-day district, which belong to the historic regions of Novohrad and Hont, have a long history of winegrowing. The area also features castle ruins, designated Natura 2000 sites and thermal attractions. These varied themes make the district appealing to travellers who want to discover cultural history, nature and local wine traditions.
Castle and Cultural History
Hrad Modrý Kameň brings together two construction periods: the Gothic castle ruins date from before 1278, while the Baroque château was built in 1730. Visitors can also visit a viewpoint from the castle ruins. The castle can be reached by car; the walk from Modrý Kameň takes about 20 minutes.
The town of Veľký Krtíš also offers its own point of interest in cultural history. It has three national cultural monuments and fourteen locally listed monuments. The town is also home to the “Banícky kombajn” mining combine monument. In terms of location, Veľký Krtíš lies on the Lučenec–Zvolen–Levice transport corridor.
The Vinohradnícka expozícia offers another perspective on regional history. It covers the history of winegrowing in northern Novohrad and features a video animation in two language versions. Alongside the architecture of Hrad Modrý Kameň, it also highlights the development of a defining regional economic sector.
Winegrowing and Tastings
At MOVINO, you can book expert-led wine tastings. They can be combined with a visit to the winery or vineyards. Confirm the date in advance so the tasting fits your travel plans.
A public tasting is also part of the traditional Plachtince wine competition. It traditionally takes place on the last Saturday of the carnival season, that is, the Saturday before Ash Wednesday. As the date changes from year to year, check the event date if you would like to plan your visit around it.
Nature Areas and Their Conservation Focus
Čebovská lesostep is a 212.97-hectare Natura 2000 site in the cadastral areas of Čebovce and Horné Príbelce. Protection has been proposed for Carpathian and Pannonian oak-hornbeam forests (91G0), as well as for the European-significance species stag beetle and yellow-bellied toad. At Čebovská lesostep, both forest habitats and species of European significance are in focus.
The Kiarovský močiar Natura 2000 site covers 78.76 hectares in Kiarov and Kováčovce. The proposed protection focuses on moisture-loving tall-herb fringe communities in floodplains, as well as the European-significance species green snaketail and European fire-bellied toad. Čebovská lesostep focuses on Carpathian and Pannonian oak-hornbeam forests, stag beetles and yellow-bellied toads; Kiarovský močiar focuses on moisture-loving tall-herb fringe communities in floodplains, green snaketails and European fire-bellied toads. Modrokamenská lesostep adds another nature destination as a protected area near the Hrad Modrý Kameň complex.
Thermal Waters and a Cycling Route
The AQUATERMAL Strehová wellness resort includes HOTEL AQUATERMAL ***, wellness facilities and the Kupko Strehová summer swimming pool. The modern complex has six pools, including two stainless-steel pools, as well as various attractions. Thanks to the hotel’s indoor pool and wellness centre, thermal waters are available in Strehová year-round.
If you want to explore the district by bicycle, the Krttíšska magistrála is a 20-kilometre cycling route. Its listed waypoints include Veľký Krtíš and Modrý Kameň. Check the route markings on site before planning your ride. The listed waypoints and route length provide a concrete guide for choosing a route, while the approximate walking time gives a different way to plan a visit to the castle.
Discover more destinations: Horné Plachtince, Veľký Krtíš, Čeláre, Dačov Lom, Ďurkovce, Horná Strehová, Horné Strháre, Chrťany, Kamenné Kosihy, Kiarov, Kleňany, Kováčovce, Lesenice, Ľuboriečka, Malé Zlievce, Malý Krtíš, Modrý Kameň, Muľa, Obeckov, Dolné Príbelce, Slovenské Ďarmoty, Stredné Plachtince, Širákov, Veľké Straciny, Vinica, Veľká Čalomija, Balog Nad Ipľom, Bátorová, Malá Čalomija, Dolná Strehová.
For the broader travel overview: Banská Bystrica.
