Around Topoľčany Castle

Topoľčany Castle is an impressive ruin on the Považský Inovec hill, towering above the village of Podhradie. It dates back to the 13th century and was built as the center of the main estate with 26 villages. The castle has a distinctive silhouette thanks to its slim five-sided tower, which is its dominant feature and typical symbol.

Our cycling circuit starts in the village of Bojná at the Great Moravia Archaeological Museum. We continue through the village center to the Ranch under Babica, where at the cycling signpost we turn right onto a gravel forest road. Ahead of us is the first climb to the Cat Rock. Here we have planned a short detour with a turnoff to a wooden signal and a lookout point. The climb is however very steep; we recommend less experienced cyclists leave their bikes under the lookout.

We return back and continue on a quality gravel forest road to the saddle Under Sad Hill. The route profile continues to rise up to the saddle. We pass under the hill and descend to the village of Podhradie. Here awaits the main highlight of our cycling circuit, Topoľčany Castle. The castle is usually open to the public only during the main season from April to September. From Podhradie we face about a 6 km stretch on asphalt roads. Therefore, when passing between villages, we recommend increased caution. We follow the red cycling tourist sign to the cycling signpost Záhrady, junction. At the crossroads, we keep left and with the blue cycling tourist sign go on a field road to Tesár near the recreational facility.  We pass by VN Tesáre on the asphalt road into the village, where we turn right and climb past the manor and Tesár Park. However, the park is not open to the public and is managed by CHKO Ponitrie. We return by field road to Bojná, passing by a playground, cultural center, and local park up to the start of our cycling journey.