Horné Pršany: Kremenia Nature Monument and Hotels

Kremenia in Horné Pršany is a protected natural monument of geological and geomorphological value. Its diverse surface formations and outcrops are significant because they make it possible to observe silicification processes. Thus, Horné Pršany is home to a landscape whose distinctive forms are closely linked to the transformation of the original limestone and dolomite rocks into silizite.

Nature

The Kremenia area features clearly pronounced rocky ridges. Rock cliffs often form along their edges, and smaller rock towers also occur in isolated places. The “Horné Pršany – Kremenia” nature trail ends at the Kremenia Nature Monument and has four stations providing information about the history of the municipality of Horné Pršany and its sights. There are interesting caves within the nature monument. From the bus stop in Horné Pršany, marked tourist signs lead to Kremenia Cave; the walk from the municipality takes approximately 20 minutes.

A second nature trail is called “Horné Pršany – Rozhľadňa”. It ends below the summit of Lažtek Hill in the Kopanice locality. There is an observation tower there with views of the surrounding area. The nature trail has four stations providing information about the historical and natural features of the municipality and its surroundings. It also covers tourism opportunities in the part of the Kremnica Mountains through which its surroundings are shaped.

Around the Area

Marked hiking trails from Horné Pršany lead to various destinations in the Kremnica Mountains. These include Tri kríže and Králiky; where appropriate, the trails extend as far as Kremnica. In winter, groomed cross-country ski tracks run along the marked network of hiking trails. In addition, the “Trasa L – Králiky – Horné Pršany” cross-country route ends above Horné Pršany.

A connecting cycling route is also among the routes described: it connects Malachov with Horné Pršany. As its terminus municipality, Horné Pršany can be reached by bus from the Banská Bystrica district of Radvaň-Kráľová via Pršianska terasa. Thus, in addition to the routes within the municipality, the network includes named connections to the surrounding mountain landscapes and other places.

History

A settlement of the Lusatian Urnfield culture was discovered in the Hrádok locality in Horné Pršany. From Horné Pršany, visitors can reach the Medzihrádky (Hrádok) locality via a field path passing by the sheepfold. Archaeological investigations were carried out there in the past.

The bell tower in Horné Pršany is one of the municipality’s historic structures. It houses a late Baroque bell from 1757. Its creator is unknown; the bell is a cultural monument.

The traditional Fašiangy celebrations are also part of the cultural character of the village. A historical account describes them as beginning around noon on Sunday with five male participants in traditional dress. During the documented Fašiangy, the wordless song “Šikovný čardáš” was played; according to this tradition, it was heard nowhere else in Slovakia. The Fašiangy ended at midnight on Tuesday with the burial of the double bass.

Other Places

Other local pages in this area: Nemce, Dolná Mičiná, Dolný Harmanec, Malachov, Donovaly, Brusno, Banská Bystrica, Tajov.

For the higher-level travel overview: Banská Bystrica District.