Willows and reeds above the confluence of the Žitava define the Alúvium Žitavy protected area. Around 76 bird species live there, most of them rare. In Martovce, nature watching, folk culture, and activities on foot, by bike, and by boat come together.

Nature and Water Landscapes

Gémeš offers a different landscape: surrounded by farmland, the area includes willow and poplar forests. They are frequently flooded and often remain underwater throughout the summer. Gémeš also includes species-rich marshes and several bird species, including grey herons and purple herons. The figures for birds in the Alúvium Žitavy are approximate; future surveys may update their number.

Local History and Folk Culture

The listed Roľnícky dom was built in 1871 by István Nagy from a mixture of clay and straw, using a local wattle technique. An exhibition on peasant domestic culture has been on display there since 1975. The house is open to visitors as part of the Museum of Hungarian Culture and the Danube Region in Komárno. Its rooms are furnished with original painted furniture from Martovce; the pieces date from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Traditional folk dress is also part of the town’s cultural heritage: the traditional costume of Martovce is considered unique, as there is said to be nothing comparable in the surrounding area. A custom welcoming spring brought young people together during Lent before Easter to sing and dance on the banks of Lake Horváth. The so-called candle dance is considered the most typical and remarkable wedding custom in Martovce.

The Celoštátne turičné folklórne slávnosti are held every year at Árpád-Feszty Cultural Park. If you want to plan your stay around this festival, check the event dates before travelling.

A new Calvinist church was built in Martovce in 1898 under the direction of pastor Lajos Puskás. Together with the Roľnícky dom and the customs passed down through generations, it offers another way to explore the town’s history.

On Foot, by Bike and on the Water

The Lesný náučný chodník runs through a scenic 600-metre stretch of forest around a ropes course. Along the trail is a pergola where families and cyclists can rest during walks and bike rides. Play equipment and rope obstacles add to the trail; there is also an outdoor oven for roasting food. Facilities may change, so check which amenities are available before visiting.

Martovce also has a nine-metre-high ropes course with several difficulty levels and a range of obstacles. Younger visitors can use a lower ropes course 40 centimetres above the ground. A reservation may be required for the higher course.

If you’re looking for a longer bike ride, there is a 35-kilometre loop described as suitable for families: it runs from Komárno via Lándor along the Stará Nitra to Martovce, then crosses to the eastern bank of the Žitava and returns to Komárno via Lándor. The route is very different from the short Lesný náučný chodník; it’s a good idea to check route conditions before setting off.

Boat trips, boat rentals, and guided water tours are available on the Stará Nitra. The Vodný náučný chodník has seven stations that visitors can explore by boat. A landing stage has a covered terrace and a rest area; small groups can set off in four-seat Balaton boats. On a boat trip, visitors can learn about the history and equipment of local fishing, as well as discover fish species and former waterbird species from Martovce.

Arrange boat rentals and guided water tours on the Stará Nitra in advance. For the Vodný náučný chodník, check the current reservation and operating conditions; the availability of Balaton boats may also change.

Discover more destinations: Nesvady, Čalovec, Bodza, Svätý Peter, Bajč, Lipové, Holiare, Patince.

For the broader travel overview: Okres Komárno.