Slavic Traces and Landscapes
At Hradisko Valy, you can explore reconstructions of Slavic life: the open-air archaeological exhibition includes dwellings, a defensive rampart, a clay oven, a blacksmith’s workshop and a storage pit. The site also includes the largest reconstruction of a Slavic gate in Central Europe. It is located about five kilometres from Bojná. Access is possible year-round; check local conditions before your visit.
Topoľčany District is bordered by the Považský Inovec to the west and the Tribeč to the east. The CHKO Ponitrie protected landscape area extends into its eastern part, providing a habitat for rare and protected plant and animal species. In the part of the Tribeč that lies within the district, oak-hornbeam and oak forests are characteristic; beech forests are also found at higher elevations.
Duchonka and Cultural Discoveries
The Duchonka recreational area lies within the cadastral territory of Prašice, on the eastern edge of the Považský Inovec, in and around the Duchonka Reservoir. The water can be used for swimming, boating, fishing and other sporting activities—at your own risk only. Duchonka thus combines a specific place in the landscape with activities on the water, while the mountain ranges and forest types characterize the district’s wider natural environment.
The Tribeč Museum in Topoľčany has more than 90,200 collection items and regularly hosts exhibitions and workshops. In Oponice, the Apponyi Museum focuses on the Apponyi family and contains more than 2,500 exhibits related to the family. The collection includes part of the Apponyi family library, founded in 1774. One exhibition features objects recovered from Allied aircraft that crashed in the Tribeč Mountains at the end of the Second World War.
In Oponice, the Church of St Peter and Paul also has a distinctive feature: an organ built in 1869 with 620 pipes. The Apponyi crypt lies beneath the church and has been open to the public since 1993. Check access arrangements before your visit.
Hiking Trails and Castles
A hiking trail leads from Oponice to Oponický Castle; the walk takes about 30 minutes. The castle site offers panoramic views across the valley from Zobor to Bánovecko. The Oponice–Horné Lefantovce route is another option for hikers: it is moderately difficult, follows marked paths and takes a green hiking trail past Apponyi Castle. The castle is surrounded by an English-style park; after that, the route climbs to Oponický Castle. Check trail conditions before setting out.
Another castle in Topoľčany District is the ruin of Topoľčiansky Castle above the village of Podhradie. It dates back to a royal castle from the 13th century. You can drive to a point below the castle; from there, it is about a five-minute walk. The path from Podhradie follows blue- and green-marked trails and takes approximately 15 minutes. A red cycling route leads to the castle from Topoľčany. Check local access conditions before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Prašice, Šalgovce, Topoľčany, Ardanovce, Biskupová, Čermany, Dvorany Nad Nitrou, Horné Obdokovce, Kamanová, Koniarovce, Krušovce, Ludanice, Lužany, Oponice, Orešany, Preseľany, Radošina, Solčany, Solčianky, Súlovce, Svrbice, Tesáre, Tvrdomestice, Veľké Ripňany, Chrabrany, Malé Ripňany, Kuzmice, Nemečky, Podhradie and Bojná.
For the regional travel overview: Nitra Region.
