Poľný Kesov combines thermal attractions, equestrian activities, cycling and a long history. This offers different options for planning your trip: water facilities, horse-riding activities, an MTB circuit and archaeological and architectural heritage. If you are considering the town as a travel destination, you can first decide whether thermal attractions, outdoor activities or history will shape your stay.
Thermal park and seasonal water attractions
ThermalPark Nitrava has ten pools with thermal and fresh water. The thermal water is natural, mineral-rich and highly mineralised, contains hydrogen carbonate and sodium, and is mildly alkaline.
The aquapark opened in August 2020 and operates during the summer season. Its facilities include a children's water castle with slides and water attractions, a relaxation pool with a water bar, a lazy river and an adventure pool with a climbing wall. These facilities may vary by season.
The slide hall at ThermalPark Nitrava has four indoor slides with seven slide lanes and separate run-out pools. It, too, operates seasonally. Alongside the pools in the thermal park, there are therefore two water areas described separately to help you plan your visit.
Horse riding and event dates
Jazdecký klub Poľný Kesov offers riding lessons and rides in the countryside; its offerings may change. The Santiaga Cup is also a regularly held, public equestrian tournament at the club. Dates and programmes for individual editions may vary.
These are different considerations for planning your timing: the aquapark operates during the summer season, while dates and programmes for individual Santiaga Cup events may vary. If you are planning your visit around either of these activities, check the relevant season or the specific event date.
Cycling route and landscape
Poľný Kesov lies in the valley of the Cedron stream, between the Váh and Nitra rivers. Cycling route 2118 passes through the town: an easy, 43.1-kilometre MTB circuit for recreational cyclists. Before setting out, check current route conditions and signage, as both may change.
The Štepnice area has 35.5 hectares of secondary forest, mainly composed of acacias and ash trees.
Archaeological traces and architectural history
The oldest links to the town include settlement finds from a Hungarian-influenced culture dating to the Early Bronze Age, a Slavic settlement from the period of Great Moravia and a 10th-century skeletal burial ground. In addition, the first horse races in what was then Hungary were held in Poľný Kesov from 1814 to 1822.
The buildings also represent different periods. Poľný Kesov has an 18th-century Baroque manor house, as well as a Neoclassical wayside cross dating from 1795 and a 19th-century bell tower. The Church of Christ the King is housed in an old Baroque barn that was converted into a church in 1940.
Discover more destinations: Veľká Dolina, Cabaj - Čápor, Nové Sady, Rumanová, Svätoplukovo, Čakajovce, Báb, Vinodol
For the broader travel overview: Nitra.
