Free Novohrad Travel Guide & Mobile App

Explore Novohrad with free travel guides. Discover regional history, expert tips, proposed trips, and audio guides on web or mobile app.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play Download the Free PDF guide
Novohrad
Novohrad photo 2
Novohrad photo 3
All photos

Explore Slovakia’s Novohrad for castle towns, volcanic hills, forest trails, borderland culture and Hungarian-influenced food around Lučenec.

Novohrad is a historic region in southern Slovakia, centred broadly on Lučenec and extending across a landscape of low hills, wooded uplands, agricultural basins and villages close to the Hungarian border. It is not a present-day Slovak administrative region, but a cultural and historical territory whose Slovak portion is associated particularly with the districts around Lučenec, Veľký Krtíš, Poltár and parts of Rimavská Sobota. The region’s identity is closely connected with the former Hungarian county of Nógrád, which historically extended across today’s Slovak-Hungarian frontier.
Read more about Novohrad
Lučenec is the principal urban centre and a practical base for exploring the area. Its broad streets and late nineteenth- and early twentieth-century buildings reflect its former importance as a commercial town, while the surrounding countryside quickly becomes rural and lightly settled. To the west, Veľký Krtíš and Modrý Kameň introduce wine-growing, mining and castle landscapes; northwards, Poltár is associated with forests, glassmaking and traditional pottery. Around Fiľakovo, the remains of a substantial medieval and Ottoman-era fortress rise above a town shaped by Slovak and Hungarian cultural influences.
The region’s most distinctive natural setting is Cerová vrchovina, a volcanic upland of forests, basalt formations and hilltop ruins along the southern border. Trails lead to Šomoška Castle and its remarkable basalt stone waterfall, while Bélinská skala and other volcanic formations reveal the area’s geological character. The Ipeľ and Rimava river valleys provide gentler scenery, with fields, orchards and small communities that reward slower exploration. Walking, cycling and short car excursions are generally more rewarding here than trying to cover the area through a single urban itinerary.
Novohrad’s historical landscape is unusually castle-rich for a region of its size. Fiľakovo, Divín, Modrý Kameň and Halič each represent different chapters in the region’s medieval, aristocratic and military past. Museums interpret subjects ranging from puppetry and toys to local history, while restored courtyards and cultural programmes give several former estates a contemporary role. The region also preserves traces of craft industries, especially glassmaking and pottery, alongside agricultural traditions and small-scale wine production.
Food and everyday culture reflect the borderland setting. Slovak dishes are prepared alongside Hungarian-influenced specialities, with paprika, cabbage, potatoes, seasonal mushrooms and locally produced meat appearing frequently in home cooking and rural restaurants. Visitors who travel beyond the main roads will find market towns, village churches, vineyards and forest paths rather than a dense sequence of major attractions. Novohrad is best approached as a connected collection of landscapes and settlements, allowing time for the contrasts between its volcanic south, agricultural valleys and historic market centres.

When is the best time to visit Novohrad?

Best: June–August · 23–25°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January425
February425
March1030
April1535
May2045
June (best)2355
July (best)2555
August (best)2445
September2140
October1535
November930
December430

Getting to and around Novohrad

How to get there

Lučenec is the principal gateway to Slovak Novohrad and is reachable by road and railway from central and southern Slovakia, including connections via Zvolen and Fiľakovo. Regional trains and buses also link the area with Rimavská Sobota, Veľký Krtíš and nearby towns. The region has no major international airport; visitors normally use airports in Bratislava or Košice, both outside Novohrad, or Budapest Airport in neighbouring Hungary, also outside the region, before continuing by road or rail. Check current connections carefully, particularly for smaller towns and weekend travel.

Transportation

Rail and regional buses serve the principal towns, but many castles, villages and trailheads are dispersed across hilly countryside. A car provides the greatest flexibility for combining Fiľakovo, Šomoška, Divín, Modrý Kameň and Halič, although roads may be narrow in upland areas. Cycling is practical on quieter local roads and valley routes, while walking is the best way to experience the forest paths and volcanic formations of Cerová vrchovina. Taxis are more readily available in Lučenec and larger towns than in rural villages, so arrange return transport in advance where necessary.

Best attractions in Novohrad

Novohrad’s attractions are spread across a landscape of market towns, wooded volcanic hills and agricultural valleys rather than concentrated in one resort. Fiľakovo Castle is the region’s most prominent fortress experience, with its hilltop ruins and historical interpretation overlooking the town. In Cerová vrchovina, visitors can combine woodland walks with Šomoška Castle and the nearby basalt stone waterfall, while other volcanic formations provide rewarding shorter excursions. Divín Castle and the manor complex at Halič add different perspectives on medieval defence and aristocratic life. Modrý Kameň is known for its castle and museum devoted to puppetry and toys, an especially distinctive cultural attraction. Lučenec offers urban heritage and museums, while Poltár and surrounding villages recall the area’s pottery and glassmaking traditions. The region also suits birdwatching, cycling, mushroom foraging where permitted and gentle countryside walks, though many activities depend on weather and local access arrangements. Visitors should plan around distances and verify seasonal opening arrangements at smaller museums and ruins.

Show more attractions

Best landmarks in Novohrad

Fiľakovo Castle is Novohrad’s defining military landmark, occupying a prominent volcanic hill above the town and recalling centuries of medieval frontier conflict and Ottoman rule. Šomoška Castle has a more intimate forest setting on the Slovak-Hungarian border, while the adjacent basalt stone waterfall is a striking geological landmark formed from regular volcanic columns. Modrý Kameň Castle combines a medieval fortified site with a later aristocratic residence and remains an important cultural point in the western part of the region. Divín Castle stands above the village as a substantial ruin associated with the defensive network of historic Nógrád, and Halič Castle represents the transformation of a medieval stronghold into an aristocratic residence. In Lučenec, civic buildings and churches reflect the town’s nineteenth-century commercial expansion. The volcanic ridges and rock formations of Cerová vrchovina provide a natural counterpoint to the built heritage, showing how geology influenced both settlement and defence across Novohrad.

Show more landmarks

Explore Novohrad on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Novohrad

Novohrad’s food reflects the meeting of Slovak and Hungarian traditions in southern Slovakia. Menus and home cooking commonly feature soups, potatoes, cabbage, dumplings, pork, poultry, mushrooms and paprika-seasoned sauces, with the exact balance varying between towns and villages. In southern districts, Hungarian-influenced dishes and flavours are particularly noticeable, while rural inns often serve straightforward Slovak cooking based on seasonal ingredients. Lučenec and the larger market towns offer the broadest choice of cafés, bakeries and restaurants; outside them, dining is more likely to be found in traditional pubs, guesthouses and hotel restaurants. Local produce may include fruit, honey, preserves and wines from the warmer southern valleys, while farmers’ markets and small producers provide a better sense of regional food than formal dining alone. Ask about daily specials, as village kitchens may depend on seasonal availability rather than a large fixed menu.

Show more restaurants

Best bars in Novohrad

Evening life in Novohrad is modest and town-centred rather than built around a major club scene. Lučenec has the widest selection of cafés, wine bars, pubs and restaurants, with cultural events and occasional live performances adding variety. Fiľakovo, Veľký Krtíš and Rimavská Sobota, the latter near and partly associated with the wider historic region, provide smaller-scale evenings based on local bars, cafés and community cultural venues. In villages, traditional pubs and restaurants are more important than nightclubs, and closing arrangements can vary. The region’s southern setting makes local wine a natural feature of some dining and social venues, while beer remains widely available. Visitors should not expect late-night entertainment in castle villages or near rural trailheads; staying overnight in a larger town is generally the practical option after an evening meal or cultural programme.

Show more bars

Best nightclubs in Novohrad

Evening life in Novohrad is modest and town-centred rather than built around a major club scene. Lučenec has the widest selection of cafés, wine bars, pubs and restaurants, with cultural events and occasional live performances adding variety. Fiľakovo, Veľký Krtíš and Rimavská Sobota, the latter near and partly associated with the wider historic region, provide smaller-scale evenings based on local bars, cafés and community cultural venues. In villages, traditional pubs and restaurants are more important than nightclubs, and closing arrangements can vary. The region’s southern setting makes local wine a natural feature of some dining and social venues, while beer remains widely available. Visitors should not expect late-night entertainment in castle villages or near rural trailheads; staying overnight in a larger town is generally the practical option after an evening meal or cultural programme.

Show more nightclubs

Best shops in Novohrad

Shopping in Novohrad is focused on market towns, everyday high streets and locally made products rather than large-scale retail tourism. Lučenec has the broadest choice of supermarkets, independent shops, cafés and practical services, while Veľký Krtíš, Fiľakovo, Poltár and Modrý Kameň offer smaller town-centre shopping. Market days and seasonal fairs are useful for finding honey, preserves, fruit, vegetables and other regional produce, although arrangements vary and should be checked locally. Pottery and glassmaking are important parts of Novohrad’s craft heritage, so museum shops, cultural centres and local craft events may offer more meaningful souvenirs than generic tourist outlets. Look for regional wine, jam, honey, hand-made ceramics and traditional bakery products where available. Antiques, books and small galleries are more likely to appear in historic town centres than in rural villages, while larger fashion and electronics purchases are best planned for Lučenec or a major city outside the region.

Show more shops

Get your free copy of our complete guide to Novohrad, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from attractions and restaurants to essentials and local phrases, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

By clicking Create account, you accept the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Novohrad essentials

Currency and Payment
Novohrad uses the euro, with the currency code EUR, like the rest of Slovakia. Cards and contactless payments are commonly accepted in hotels, supermarkets, petrol stations and established restaurants in Lučenec and other larger towns. Smaller cafés, village businesses, market stalls and rural attractions may prefer cash, and mobile coverage or payment terminals can be less dependable in isolated areas. Keep some euros available for local transport, small admissions and purchases from producers or craft sellers.
Safety
Novohrad is generally a calm rural destination, but normal precautions remain appropriate in towns, at transport interchanges and around unattended vehicles. On forest and volcanic trails, use maps, carry water and allow extra time in poor weather; some routes include uneven ground, steep sections or exposed rock. Observe signs around castle ruins and basalt formations, and take care on narrow roads, particularly in winter or after heavy rain. Tick protection is sensible during the warmer months, and visitors should check conditions before longer walks.
Emergency Situations
The European emergency number 112 operates throughout Slovakia and can connect callers with the appropriate service. National numbers include 150 for the fire service, 155 for ambulance and 158 for police. In the hills, explain the nearest village, trail marker or mapped feature as accurately as possible; mobile coverage can vary in wooded areas. Mountain rescue is relevant mainly to more demanding upland outings, and current local guidance should be checked before setting out. Emergency calls are free, but language support may be more limited away from major towns.
Do's and Don'ts
Follow marked paths, close gates, respect private land and leave no litter in forests or protected landscapes. Do not climb unstable castle masonry or remove stones from archaeological and geological sites. Modest dress is appropriate when entering churches, and photography inside museums or religious buildings should follow local instructions. Slovak and Hungarian are both part of Novohrad’s cultural landscape, but language preferences vary by community; a polite greeting and patience are appreciated. Tipping in restaurants is customary for good service but is not normally compulsory, while rural shops and market stalls may be cash-based.
Local Tips
Group visits by geographical area rather than attempting the whole historic region from one day base: Fiľakovo and Cerová vrchovina work well together, as do Modrý Kameň, Veľký Krtíš and nearby vineyard country. Lučenec is useful for supplies and transport, while smaller towns provide a slower introduction to local life. Ask about regional pottery, glassmaking and seasonal produce when visiting markets or cultural venues. Spring and early autumn are often comfortable for walking, whereas summer can be hot in exposed southern valleys.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloAhoj[ahoy]
GoodbyeZbohom[zbohom]
YesÁno[ah-no]
NoNie[nyeh]
Please/You're welcomeProsím[pro-seem]
Thank youĎakujem[dya-koo-yem]
Excuse me/SorryPrepáčte[pre-patch-teh]
How are you?Ako sa máš?[ah-ko sah mash]
Fine. And you?Dobre. A ty?[doh-breh. ah tee]
Do you speak English?Hovoríš po anglicky?[ho-vor-eash po ahn-glits-kee]
I don't understandNerozumiem[neh-roh-zoo-myem]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseChcel by som vidieť menu, prosím[kh-tsel bee sohm veed-yet menu, pro-seem]
I don't eat meatNejem mäso[nye-yehm meh-so]
Cheers!Na zdravie![nah zdrah-vyeh]
I would like to pay, pleaseChcel by som zaplatiť, prosím[kh-tsel bee sohm zah-plah-teet, pro-seem]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Pomoc![poh-mots]
Go away!Odíď![oh-deech]
Call the Police!Zavolajte políciu![zah-voh-lah-tee poh-lee-tsee-yoo]
Call a doctor!Zavolajte lekára![zah-voh-lah-tee leh-kah-rah]
I'm lostSom stratený[sohm strah-teh-nee]
I'm illSom chorý[sohm kho-ree]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Chcel by som kúpiť...[kh-tsel bee sohm koo-peet]
I'm just lookingLen sa pozerám[len sah poh-zeh-rahm]
How much is it?Koľko to stojí?[kol-ko toh stoy-ee]
That's too expensiveTo je príliš drahé[to yeh pree-leesh dra-heh]
Can you lower the price?Môžeš znížiť cenu?[moh-zesh znee-zheet seh-noo]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Koľko je hodín?[kol-ko yeh ho-deen]
It's one o'clockJe jedna hodina[yeh yed-nah ho-dee-nah]
Half past (10)Pol desiatej[pohl deh-syah-teh]
MorningRáno[rah-no]
AfternoonPopoludnie[poh-poh-lood-nee-eh]
EveningVečer[veh-cher]
YesterdayVčera[v-cheh-rah]
TodayDnes[dnes]
TomorrowZajtra[zai-trah]
11[1]
22[2]
33[3]
44[4]
55[5]
66[6]
77[7]
88[8]
99[9]
1010[10]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Kde je...?[kdeh yeh]
What's the address?Aká je adresa?[ah-kah yeh ah-dreh-sah]
Can you show me (on the map)?Môžeš mi ukázať (na mape)?[moh-zesh mee oo-kah-zaht (nah mah-peh)]
When's the next (bus)?Kedy ide ďalší (autobus)?[keh-dee ee-deh dyahl-shee (ow-toh-boos)]
A ticket (to ....)Lístok (do ....)[leestok (doh ....)]

History of Novohrad

Early settlement and the volcanic borderlands

Novohrad’s valleys and uplands have been occupied since prehistoric times, with fertile basins, woodland resources and routes across the southern hills encouraging settlement. Archaeological remains in the wider region record prehistoric communities and later Celtic and early medieval activity, although the surviving evidence is unevenly distributed. The volcanic formations of present-day Cerová vrchovina were not only geological features but also useful defensive positions. Settlement patterns that developed around river valleys, market routes and elevated sites later helped determine the location of medieval villages, castles and towns.

The medieval county of Nógrád

During the formation of the medieval Hungarian Kingdom, the area became part of Nógrád County, whose territory extended across what is now the Slovak-Hungarian border. Royal administration, churches and fortified settlements structured the landscape, while market centres grew along routes linking central Hungary with the northern uplands. Castles at places such as Fiľakovo, Divín and Modrý Kameň formed part of a wider network of noble and royal strongholds. The county’s medieval legacy remains visible in hilltop ruins, historic churches and the long-standing mixture of Slovak and Hungarian cultural influences.

Castles, noble estates and frontier warfare

From the late Middle Ages into the early modern period, Novohrad was a frontier zone exposed to rivalry between the Habsburg monarchy and the Ottoman Empire. Fiľakovo Castle became one of the region’s most important fortresses and was held by Ottoman forces for several decades in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Other castles and fortified residences were repeatedly strengthened, damaged or abandoned as military conditions changed. The wars altered settlement and trade, while noble families consolidated estates around places including Divín, Halič and Modrý Kameň.

Reconstruction and the growth of market towns

After the Ottoman threat receded, towns and estates in Novohrad entered a period of rebuilding and administrative consolidation. Baroque and later Neoclassical influences shaped churches, manor houses and civic buildings, while Lučenec expanded as a commercial and cultural centre. Agricultural production, livestock, vineyards and regional trade supported the market economy. The rebuilding of aristocratic residences, including Halič Castle and the estate at Modrý Kameň, created much of the architectural setting encountered by visitors today.

Craft industries, glassmaking and transport

The nineteenth century brought stronger commercial links and the development of local industries. Poltár and surrounding settlements became associated with glassmaking, while pottery and other rural crafts continued in the region’s villages. Improved roads and railway connections strengthened Lučenec and other market towns, linking them more closely with central Slovak and Hungarian economic networks. These changes encouraged urban growth, new civic architecture and greater movement of workers and goods. Industrial traditions remain part of Novohrad’s cultural memory even where older production sites no longer operate in their original form.

The twentieth-century borderland

The dissolution of Austria-Hungary after the First World War placed the Slovak portion of historic Nógrád within Czechoslovakia, while the southern border divided communities and established economic routes. The region experienced the social and political changes of the interwar period, the wartime Hungarian annexation of parts of southern Slovakia, and the post-1945 restoration of Czechoslovak administration. Later industrialisation and socialist planning reshaped Lučenec and the surrounding districts. Today, Slovak and Hungarian cultural connections remain an important part of the region’s identity, particularly in the south.

Novohrad in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

0 / 0

Neighbouring regions of Novohrad

The closest regions to Novohrad, if you have time for more than one.

Explore more

Slovakia
More of the region

Explore more of Slovakia

Discover Slovakia: A land of majestic mountains, charming castles, and vibrant culture in the heart of Europe.

Explore Slovakia
The Evendo app on two phones

Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Novohrad, Slovakia

Discover Novohrad with Evendo – your 100% free, app-based travel guide. From landmarks to local tips, experience the best of the city with ease.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, and experiences
  • Rich set of information including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
  • Easy booking of hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
More about the Evendo app

Explore Novohrad like never before with Evendo, your free, comprehensive travel guide app. Find attractions, book tours, and discover the local charm effortlessly.

  • Comprehensive list of travel essentials and history of Novohrad
  • Curated local tips for an authentic experience
  • User-friendly navigation and 'Near Me' feature
  • Completely free with no in-app purchases

Welcome to Novohrad, Slovakia – a city rich in history and brimming with attractions! With the Evendo app, your trip to Novohrad will be nothing short of extraordinary. From the majestic Novohrad Castle to the serene Novohrad Botanical Gardens, our app provides detailed information, stunning images, and local tips to make your visit unforgettable.

Explore famous landmarks such as the Novohrad Museum, where you can delve into the city's storied past, or take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque Sts. Cyril and Methodius Square. For food enthusiasts, Evendo highlights top restaurants like 'U Janka' for traditional Slovak cuisine and 'La Dolce Vita' for delectable Italian dishes.

Evendo not only guides you to the best spots but also allows you to book hotels, tours, and experiences directly through the app. Imagine no more hassle of searching for tickets or figuring out logistics – everything you need is right at your fingertips. With features like easy navigation, curated local tips, and a 'Near Me' function, you'll feel like a local in no time.

Download Evendo today and embark on a seamless adventure through Novohrad, Slovakia. Whether you're interested in local shops, vibrant nightlife, or cultural tours, Evendo has got you covered. And remember, this app is 100% free, with no in-app purchases or hidden costs – use it forever at no charge.

Get the latest from Evendo

Hand-picked travel deals, new destination guides and trip ideas, straight to your inbox.