Nitra Region: Castles, Nature and Wine

The Nitra Region extends across southwestern Slovakia and borders Hungary along its entire southern side.

The Ponitrie Protected Landscape Area lies in the two orographic units of Tribeč and Vtáčnik. In Tribeč, oak-hornbeam, oak and, at higher elevations, beech forests grow; thermophilous plant communities predominate. Rare and protected plant species grow in the Ponitrie Protected Landscape Area, including the large-flowered pasque flower and the Turk's cap lily. Within Tribeč, the oak-hornbeam and oak forests occupy different elevations from the beech forests also mentioned there. The thermophilous plant communities and the protected species provide two distinct focuses for nature observation within the same protected area.

Žitavský luh is an important stopover area for migrating waterfowl, particularly the garganey (Anas querquedula). The Mlyňany Arboretum is home to more than 2,300 tree and plant species. Those interested in birds, trees and plants will find two clearly distinct nature themes here. The focus at the Mlyňany Arboretum is on trees and plants, while Žitavský luh complements this with the observation of migrating waterfowl as a separate theme.

Nitriansky hrad Castle is a national cultural monument. Nitriansky hrad Castle consists of a cathedral, a bishop's palace, service buildings and an outer fortification. The Diocesan Museum in the castle grounds of Nitriansky hrad opened in 2007 as Slovakia's first diocesan museum.

The ruins of the Gothic Levický hrad Castle were built in the second half of the 13th century. From the summit of Levický hrad Castle, visitors can enjoy views of the city of Levice and the surrounding area.

The Zobor Educational Trail begins at the Liečebný ústav Zobor in Nitra. The Zubria zvernica Lovce protected area has a 2.5 km-long forest educational trail with information boards and educational content about the surrounding nature. Via Ferrata Zobor offers secured climbing routes with an instructor and complete equipment.

The Topoľčianky National Stud Farm was founded in 1563. The Topoľčianky National Stud Farm offers tours of the stud farm, riding demonstrations and horse riding. At Pivnica Radošina, visitors can enjoy wine tastings. Pivnica Radošina also organizes tours of the winery and vineyards. The tours include both the winery and the vineyards, while the tastings provide a separate focus.

The Nitran Express tourist train departs every hour on the hour from Svätoplukovho námestie in Nitra. This provides a specific departure point in Nitra's city center for planning the day. The regular hourly schedule can serve as a time reference during a stay in Nitra.

For further regional orientation: Šaľa, Komárno District, Topoľčany District, Nitra, Nové Zámky, Zlaté Moravce, Levice.

For the broader travel overview: Slovakia.

More places within the same destination:

Bratislava.