Novohrad Travel Guide

Discover the beautiful Novohrad region of Central Slovakia with our comprehensive travel guide featuring top attractions, hiking and biking routes, food and drink scene, and more.


Discovering Novohrad: A Comprehensive Travel Guide

Located in Central Slovakia, Novohrad is a hidden gem for travelers who seek to explore central Europe beyond popular tourist destinations. The region’s rich history, breathtaking natural scenery, and charming villages offer a perfect backdrop for a memorable vacation.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you on a journey through Novohrad, highlighting the top attractions, hiking and biking routes, food and drink scene, and more.

Introduction to Novohrad

Novohrad is a historic region of Southern Slovakia, encompassing areas of present-day Banská Bystrica and Nitra Regions. The region’s history dates back to the 9th century, and its strategic location at the crossroads of trade routes between Central and Eastern Europe has shaped the region’s vibrant and diverse culture.

Today, Novohrad is a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural landmarks, and outdoor adventures.

List of Places to Visit in Novohrad

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Novohrad’s rich history is reflected in its numerous museums and historical landmarks. Here are some must-visit cultural attractions:

  • Banská Štiavnica - A UNESCO protected town with a well-preserved medieval old town and rich mining history.
  • Kremnica - The town with the oldest continuously operating mint in the world.
  • Castle Hrušov - A medieval castle ruin set atop a hill, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
  • Zvolen Castle - A massive complex with a historic castle, fortifications, and a museum.
  • Historical Town of Banská Bystrica - A charming medieval town with many museums, a Gothic-style cathedral, and other interesting landmarks.

Natural Attractions of Novohrad: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Novohrad’s natural beauty is a perfect complement to its cultural offerings. Here are some top natural attractions:

  • Skanzen Vychylovka - An open-air museum featuring traditional architecture and crafts from the region.
  • Muránska Planina National Park - A nature reserve characterized by karst formations, deep gorges, and rare flora and fauna, and perfect for hiking and biking.
  • Krásnohorská Cave - A beautiful cave system with stalactites, stalagmites, and underground lakes.
  • Slovak Paradise National Park - A natural wonderland with numerous waterfalls, ravines, and hiking trails.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Novohrad

Novohrad offers a variety of scenic hiking and biking trails for nature lovers. Here are some trails you must explore:

  • Harmanecka Cave Trail - A moderate hiking trail to a cave system with beautiful formations.
  • Great Muránska Planina Trail - A strenuous hiking trail to one of the highest points in the region, offering stunning views of the landscape.
  • Starohorské Rocks Trail - A moderate hiking trail through a stunning rock formation with jagged peaks and romantic valleys.
  • Cyklotrasa 478 - A popular bike trail that takes you through charming villages, beautiful countryside, and dramatic hills.

Best Things to Do in Novohrad: Activities and Tours

Novohrad offers an array of activities and tours that cater to different interests and preferences. Here are some must-do activities:

  • Explore the local cuisine - Taste the regional specialties, such as halušky, a potato-based dumpling dish, and kofola, a popular soda made from herbs.
  • Visit a traditional Slovak festival - Experience the local culture by attending one of the many traditional festivals held in the region throughout the year.
  • Take a hot air balloon ride - Admire the sweeping views of the landscape from above on a hot air balloon ride.
  • Go skiing or snowboarding - Novohrad offers several ski resorts, perfect for winter sports enthusiasts.

Week-Long Itinerary for Novohrad

A week in Novohrad can be a perfect getaway for those seeking adventure and relaxation. Here’s a sample itinerary:

Day Activity
Day 1 Explore Banská Štiavnica's old town
Day 2 Visit Kremnica and go to the oldest mint in the world
Day 3 Go hiking in Muránska Planina National Park
Day 4 Visit Krásnohorská Cave and Skanzen Vychylovka
Day 5 Take a hot air balloon ride over the region
Day 6 Go skiing or snowboarding in one of the local ski resorts
Day 7 Relax in a local spa and explore the local cuisine

Food and Drink Scene of Novohrad

Slovakia’s cuisine is known for its hearty dishes and rich flavors. Novohrad’s unique regional specialties reflect its history, cultural influences, and local ingredients.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Halušky - A traditional Slovak dish made of potato dough, served with sheep cheese and bacon.
  • Bryndzové halušky - Another variation of halušky made with sheep cheese and bacon but without the potato dough.
  • Pirohy - Dumplings with various fillings and serving options.
  • Strapačky - A dish where small square pieces of boiled dough are mixed with fried bacon and sauerkraut.

Local Beverages

  • Kofola - A popular soda made from a secret recipe of herbs and spices.
  • Bryndza cheese - A soft cheese made of sheep’s milk with a distinct flavor.
  • Slovak beer - Slovakia offers a wide range of beer types, such as Zlaty Bazant, Saris, and Tatra.

Where to Stay in Novohrad: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Novohrad offers various accommodation options, catering to different budgets and preferences. Here are some highlights:

  • Penzion Al Corso - A cozy and affordable guesthouse in Banská Štiavnica with a central location.
  • Hotel Salamander - A luxurious hotel in Banská Bystrica with a prime location and excellent amenities.
  • Penzion Kopita - A traditional and comfortable guesthouse in the heart of Kremnica.
  • Zvolen Castle Hotel - An elegant and historic hotel with a castle atmosphere, located within the Zvolen Castle complex.

What to Buy in Novohrad: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Novohrad offers a variety of unique souvenirs and local products that are perfect for gifts or personal mementos. Here are some ideas:

  • Honey from the Muránska Planina region - A delicious and natural sweetener, produced from the local flora.
  • Handmade pottery from Hronský Beňadik - A charming village known for its traditional pottery making.
  • Trdelník pastry - A sweet pastry, originated from Hungary, but now available in Novohrad, made by baking dough wrapped around a rod over an open flame and then coating the hot pastry in sugar and cinnamon.
  • Artisanal cheese from local producers - A selection of cheeses using local ingredients such as sheep’s milk.

Local Culture and Customs of Novohrad

Slovakia has a rich cultural heritage with unique customs and traditions, and Novohrad is no exception. Here are some local customs and traditions:

  • Shepherding and cheese making - Sheep cheese is a staple in Slovak cuisine, and shepherds playing an important role in the region’s economy and culture.
  • Folk music and dance - Slovak folk music and dance are integral parts of the country’s identity, and various festivals and competitions celebrating these art forms are held throughout the year.
  • Christmas traditions - Christmas is a special occasion in Novohrad, with various customs such as carp fishing, baking gingerbread, and lighting candles on Christmas Eve.

Best Time to Visit Novohrad

Novohrad is a year-round destination and offers something for every season. The best time to visit depends on personal preferences and the type of activities planned.

  • Spring (March-May) - The weather starts to warm up, and the countryside comes to life. It’s an excellent time for hiking and cycling.

  • Summer (June-August) - The high season for tourism, offering long days, sunny weather, and outdoor activities like swimming and sunbathing.

  • Fall (September-November) - The landscape turns into a colorful canvas of red, orange, and yellow, offering perfect conditions for hiking and photography.

  • Winter (December-February) - A magical time, when snow blankets the countryside, making it the perfect time for skiing and winter sports or experiencing the local Christmas traditions.

Do’s and Don’ts of Novohrad

Every destination has some rules and social norms that travelers should observe. Here are some do’s and don’ts when visiting Novohrad:

Do:

  • Respect the local customs - Slovakia has a rich cultural heritage that should be celebrated and respected.
  • Learn some Slovak words - Locals appreciate visitors who make an effort to speak their language.
  • Try the local cuisine - Slovak cuisine is unique, and it’s worth exploring the local specialties.

Don’t:

  • Smoke in public areas - Smoking is prohibited in many public spaces in Slovakia, including restaurants and bars.
  • Be loud in public - Slovaks are generally reserved and polite and might find loud behavior offensive.
  • Disrespect the natural environment - Slovakia has breathtaking natural landscapes, and visitors should make sure to leave no trash behind and preserve the environment.

Safety and Health

Slovakia is generally a safe and healthy destination for travelers. However, some common sense and precautions will make your trip trouble-free.

Safety in Novohrad

  • Watch for traffic - Slovak drivers can be reckless, so pedestrians should be careful when crossing the street.
  • Don't leave valuables unattended - Theft and pickpocketing are rare, but precautions should still be taken.
  • Watch your step - Some hiking trails in the region can be steep and slippery, so make sure to wear appropriate shoes and follow safety guidelines.

Health in Novohrad

  • Watch what you eat and drink - While Slovakia’s food and water are safe, travelers should still be careful and avoid tap water.
  • Wear sunscreen - The sun’s rays can be strong, so use sunscreen and avoid prolonged exposure during peak hours.
  • Get necessary vaccinations - Check with your doctor which vaccinations are needed, as some diseases are prevalent in Slovakia.

Getting to Novohrad: Transportation Options and Logistics

Novohrad can be reached by various modes of transportation, offering tourists a comfortable and affordable way to reach their destination.

Airports Near Novohrad

  • Košice International Airport - Located 115 km away from Novohrad, offering international and domestic flights.
  • Vienna International Airport - Located 200 km away from Novohrad, offering international connections to major destinations.
  • Bratislava Airport - Located 215 km away from Novohrad, offering international and domestic connections.

Bus Stations Near Novohrad

  • Banská Bystrica Bus Station - The largest bus station in the region, offering connections to various destinations in Slovakia.
  • Zvolen Bus Station - A smaller station located near Zvolen Castle, offering connections to the surrounding areas.
  • Kremnica Bus Station - A small station located near the center of the town, offering connections to some of the nearby destinations.

Other Options

  • Train - Slovakia has a well-connected rail network, with trains operated by ZSSK.
  • Car - Novohrad can be easily reached by car, and various car rental services are available.

How To Get Around in Novohrad

Novohrad’s towns and villages are well-connected by public transportation, making it easy to explore the region. Here are some transportation options:

  • Bus - The region’s public bus system connects most major towns and villages.
  • Train - The rail network in the region offers a comfortable way to explore the countryside.
  • Bicycle - Novohrad offers a variety of scenic bike routes, and bicycle rentals are available in some places.
  • Car - A car rental can offer total freedom on your itinerary making it easy to get around, especially if exploring the countryside beyond the towns and villages.

Where to Go Next from Novohrad: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Novohrad’s central location makes it an ideal base for exploring other destinations in Slovakia and nearby countries. Here are some nearby destinations and excursions to consider:

  • Banská Bystrica - A charming medieval town in Central Slovakia, known for its rich history and cultural landmarks.
  • Bratislava - The capital city of Slovakia, located on the border with Austria, offering a vibrant culture and history of the Hungarian and German influence.
  • Krakow, Poland - A historic city with beautiful architecture, located just a short distance from the Slovak border.

Conclusion

Novohrad is a region that offers something for every traveler, from outdoor adventures to cultural experiences to culinary delights. With its rich history, scenic beauty, and diverse attractions, it’s a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore beyond the beaten path in Europe. We hope this comprehensive travel guide has inspired you to plan your next adventure to Novohrad, Slovakia.



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