Holiday apartment in Kalonda – Palóc Museum, Bujár Gorge and the Ipeľ

Kalonda lies at the transition between the Lučenec Basin and the Cerová Highlands, on a terrace above the Ipeľ. The location combines a clearly defined landscape setting with natural formations, historical traces, regional everyday culture and opportunities on the river. These different facets are evident in geological outcrops as well as in preserved exhibits and historic sites.

Nature

The Bujár Gorge contains fossilised tree remains and leaf impressions from the Lower Miocene, dating back around 19 million years. The impressive erosional outcrops of the Bujár Gorge near Kalonda also expose river rock and rhyodacite tuffs. These were deposited from an earlier volcanic ash cloud of the Buckovinka Formation.

Culture

The Palóc Museum in Kalonda is housed in a traditional vernacular dwelling more than 100 years old. Inside, a Palóc “clean room” and a faithfully recreated historic kitchen convey an impression of former village life. Another part of the exhibition presents the history of the village and its surroundings from the earliest times to the present day. The museum thus combines the presentation of a historic dwelling with insights into everyday life and local history.

The history of Kalonda also includes its first written mention in 1238. In the churchyard, a monument 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 vestibule of the new church also houses a Late Gothic red-marble tombstone of Juraj of Kalonda dating from 1504. The churchyard and church thus preserve memories from different periods of the village’s history.

Another historic site is the Kalodianský vodný mlyn. In 1930, it was owned by Samuel Bodor and powered by an undershot water wheel. The mill complements the museum and church-history evidence with a technical example from earlier everyday life.

Water

The Ipeľ River can be explored by canoe or raft. On a quiet lower section of the Ipeľ near Kalonda, beginners can arrange to try and rent an inflatable boat with electric propulsion for eight people.

The port of Kalonda is the final stop of Splavuj Ipeľ. There are opportunities to relax there with volleyball and beach loungers.

Routes

The well-maintained nature trail, with moderate inclines, is also suitable for cyclists and can be managed by less fit hikers. The route can begin at the border crossing beyond Kalonda. This describes both the condition of the trail and the stated starting point.

Other places

Other places: Podrečany, Píla, Ratka, Šíd, Lovinobaňa, Kotmanová, Stará Halič, Veľká Nad Ipľom.

From Kalonda, you can access other places and choose your next discoveries.

To the overarching travel overview: Lučenec District.