Kalonda: Hotels, Culture and the Ipeľ

Kalonda lies at the transition between the Lučenec Basin and the Cerová vrchovina Highlands, on a terrace of the Ipeľ. Natural features, historical evidence and activities on the river are among the various facets of the town and its nearby surroundings.

Geographical setting

Its location on a terrace of the Ipeľ connects Kalonda with a landscape where river terrain and hilly country meet.

Nature and geological history

The impressive erosion outcrops of the Bujár Gorge near Kalonda expose river rock and rhyodacite tuffs deposited from an earlier volcanic ash cloud of the Buckovinka Formation. The gorge also contains fossilised tree remains and leaf impressions from the Lower Miocene, approximately 19 million years old.

Culture and history

The Palóc Museum in Kalonda is housed in a traditional folk dwelling more than 100 years old. A Palóc “clean room” and a faithfully recreated historic kitchen provide an impression of former village life. Another section of the exhibition gives an overview of the history of the town and its surroundings from the earliest times to the present day.

Historical reminders can also be found outside the museum. In the churchyard, a memorial commemorates the inhabitants of Kalonda who were expelled in 1948; a section of a fossilised tree millions of years old serves as its symbol. The first written mention of Kalonda dates from 1238. The vestibule of the new church also houses a late Gothic red-marble tombstone of Juraj from Kalonda dating from 1504.

The local history also includes the Kalodianský vodný mlyn. In 1930, it was owned by Samuel Bodor and powered by an undershot water wheel.

Water and routes

The Ipeľ can be explored by canoe or raft. On a calm lower stretch of the river near Kalonda, beginners can try and rent an inflatable boat with electric propulsion for eight people by prior arrangement. The port of Kalonda is the final stop of Splavuj Ipeľ and offers opportunities for relaxation with volleyball and sun loungers.

In addition, a well-maintained nature trail with moderate inclines runs through the area. It is also suitable for cyclists and can be managed by less fit hikers. The route can be started at the border crossing beyond Kalonda.

When reviewing hotel offers for Kalonda, you can initially compare the individual offers independently of one another. On the respective offer pages, it is worth checking the exact location, type of accommodation and intended occupancy. You can also check the included services, individual price components, as well as the booking and cancellation conditions. This keeps the differences between the offers comprehensible, even when individual price components are displayed differently. Compare the offers shown for your travel period and check these details before making your decision.

More pages about local places: Gregorova Vieska, Mýtna, Belina, Lovinobaňa, Dobroč, Veľká Nad Ipľom, Ábelová, Šávoľ.

To the higher-level travel overview: Lučenec District.