Zlatná Na Ostrove can be understood through two geographical reference points: the connection between Komárno and Bratislava, and the Danube, which flows south of the town and forms the border between Slovakia and Hungary there. Zlatná Na Ostrove lies on the main road and railway line connecting the two cities.
Danube history and protected river landscape
The Danube was also the basis of an earlier local livelihood: from the Middle Ages until the first half of the 20th century, people washed gold from the river’s sand deposits; this activity provided a means of living. The stretch of the Danube where watermills operated was called Malomrév, translated as “watermill landing place”. The name thus records another historical use of the river area.
Veľkolélsky ostrov lies near the settlement of Veľký Lél and within the cadastral areas of Zlatná Na Ostrove and Veľké Kosihy. It is the last Danube island still belonging to the so-called inland delta of the Danube. The island is also part of the Dunajské luhy Special Protection Area, the Ramsar wetland of the same name, and the Dunajské luhy Protected Landscape Area. Its habitat mosaic comprises wetlands, woodland and grassland. The island is also home to the PR Zlatniansky luh nature reserve, designated in 1974 and covering 9.14 hectares. It protects remnants of well-preserved alluvial forest and nesting sites for waterbirds along the lower Danube.
Churches, architectural history and memorials
The Reformed church was built in 1794. Inside is a “Lord’s Table” dating from 1714—making it 80 years older than the church building. Nearby stands the Neoclassical Kúria, which Michal and Štefan Magyary-Kossovci had built on older foundations in 1769. The parish is also connected with the town’s history: in 1848/49 it served as the main headquarters of Austrian army corps, and the church tower was used as an observation post. The Roman Catholic church dates from 1935.
Several monuments commemorate different chapters of history. A Holocaust memorial bearing the names of 61 victims from the community stands in the Jewish cemetery. In 1928, residents had a monument erected in the local cemetery to those who fell in the First World War. A memorial honouring the victims on the fronts of the Second World War was added beside it in 1975. Together with the churches and the Kúria, these provide a range of points of interest for a walk through the town’s architectural and commemorative history.
On foot, by boat, on horseback or by bike
The nature trail on Veľkolélsky ostrov can be explored on foot, by boat or by bicycle. Guided walking excursions last from half a day to a full day; availability may vary by season. Check trail conditions in advance. The Zlatý Hucul riding club offers nature rides on the island and focuses on agritourism in its natural surroundings. The club also offers riding lessons for children and adults. If you are planning a ride or lessons, check availability and booking arrangements before your trip.
Another cycling option is the route through Žitný ostrov: it is 73.5 kilometres long and passes through Zlatná Na Ostrove. The route is almost entirely flat and uses state roads as well as the Danube embankment. Unlike the nature trail on Veľkolélsky ostrov, this route has a stated total length and its own distinct course. For planning, two different details are therefore useful: the possible ways to travel along the nature trail and the length of the cycling route. Surface and signage conditions may change; check them before setting out.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Svätý Peter, Hurbanovo, Komárno, Imeľ, Buc, Bajč, Lipové, Kolárovo
Back to the overview of the region: Okres Komárno.
