The Koháryho dub nature trail leads from Hontianske Nemce to a protected tree in the cadastral area of the municipality of Kráľovce-Krnišov. Together with the village’s historic buildings, it offers a specific starting point for including nature and cultural history in your travel plans.
River Valley and Landscape
Hontianske Nemce lies in the valley of the Štiavnica River, in front of the Štiavnické vrchy, the young volcanic mountains of the Slovak Central Mountains, and the Krupinská planina. This identifies two distinct landscape features to consider during a stay: the river valley and the surrounding landscapes. If you are particularly interested in a walking route, you can make the Koháryho dub nature trail a set part of your itinerary; if you are interested in cultural history, you will find several architectural and artistic works with clearly distinguishable dates and styles.
Nature Trail to the Koháryho dub
The nature trail begins at the primary school in Hontianske Nemce and leads to the protected Koháryho dub tree. The tree is outside Hontianske Nemce, in the cadastral area of the municipality of Kráľovce-Krnišov. The route is 3.8 kilometres long, with a stated walking time of 1.5 hours. This time estimate helps you fit the walk into your stay, excluding travel to and from the trail.
The route itself is also important for planning: the first 740 metres follow a state road. Check this section on site before setting out. This way, the distance, walking time and road section are considered as distinct aspects of the route, rather than letting the kilometre count alone determine your plans.
Church and Historic Monuments
The parish church, dedicated to Saint Martin, was built in the first half of the 13th century as a three-aisled Romanesque basilica and is surrounded by a fortified wall. Gothic elements were added later. The chancel and sacristy were built in the Renaissance style, while the tower is Baroque. This makes it possible to distinguish several periods in one building: its Romanesque origins, later Gothic elements, the Renaissance chancel and sacristy, and the Baroque tower.
The Mariánsky stĺp stands in a park and dates from the second half of the 18th century. The column is designed in the Rococo style, and bears a statue of the Madonna as Mary, Help of Christians. Another historic date adds to the picture: the Mariánsky stĺp was renovated in 1899.
The Súsošie Kalvária is located next to the church cemetery. It dates from the first half of the 19th century and combines Neoclassical and Baroque elements. The ensemble consists of five freestanding sculptures: three crosses with the crucified figures, as well as statues of the Virgin Mary and Saint John the Evangelist. In the Vinice district, the Church of Saint Urban and Saint Donatus underwent extensive Baroque restoration in the late 17th or early 18th century. These buildings differ both in their dates and in their design.
Pilgrimage, Tradition and Watermill
Hontianske Nemce is a pilgrimage site dedicated to Our Lady of Mount Carmel on the Central European Marian Route. The Slovak section of this route can be walked in both directions. The Nemčianske fašiangy celebrations are considered a symbol of joy and abundance. At the event held on 8 February 2025, there was a cheerful procession through the village with accordion, singing and music.
The Pavla Turčana watermill is also open to visitors: it is regularly open to the public. Check access arrangements before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Súdovce, Horný Badín, Čekovce, Selce, Lackov, Sudince, Lišov, Zemiansky Vrbovok.
For the broader travel overview: Okres Krupina.
