Hostie – Nature, Hiking Routes and Hrušov Castle

At the foot of the Tribeč Mountains and in the valley of the Hostiansky Stream lies Hostie, in the Zlaté Moravce District, in the northeastern part of the Žitavská pahorkatina upland. The location combines a stream corridor, near-natural habitats, marked trails and several cultural and historical sites.

For planning a day, the hiking and cycling routes of different lengths can be compared with the cultural and historical sites.

Nature

The Hostiansky Stream is a biocorridor of regional importance, with an unregulated watercourse and sparse, near-natural riparian vegetation. The Rybník–Hrušov area is a biocentre of regional importance with permanent grassland grazed by horses or mown, as well as xerothermic habitats around Hrušov Castle. The protected tree “Dub v Hostí” is also located in the cadastral area of Hostie.

Hiking and Cycling Routes

The green-marked hiking trail 5123 from Topoľčianky to Veľký Tribeč is 30 kilometres long in total; 5.8 kilometres of it run through Hostie. Trails to the ruins of Hrušov Castle lead from Skýcov, from Topoľčianky via the green hiking-trail marking in approximately 2¾ hours, and from Jedľové Kostoľany via the red hiking-trail marking.

A marked hiking trail runs for 6.0 kilometres through the cadastral area of Hostie, passing the ruins of Hrušov Castle and running north of the Rybník stud farm. For cyclists, the blue-marked cycle route 11 runs for 5.8 kilometres through the cadastral area of Hostie, along local roads beside the Hostiansky Stream towards Jedľové Kostoľany. The blue-marked cycle route 3 runs for 5.5 kilometres through the cadastral area of Hostie and passes approximately 500 metres from Hrušov Castle. The different route lengths and the stated walking time provide a clear basis for comparing hiking and cycling options. Shorter cycling sections and longer hiking connections distinguish the possible forms of travel around Hostie.

The routes therefore differ not only in their mode of transport, but also in their stated length and their respective connections to landscape and cultural points of interest. For planning purposes, these details can be viewed as separate options, without combining the routes into a single tour.

Culture and History

The ruins of Hrušov Castle are located in the cadastral area of Hostie. The castle was probably built at the end of the 13th century as part of the domain of Matúš Čák. In the village stands the Baroque Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross; it was built in 1798 on the site of an older church already mentioned in 1561. The church is in good condition and continues to serve its religious purpose.

In the centre of Hostie, a monument erected in 1962 commemorates the antifascist fighters from Hostie who fell in battle. Hostie also continues the tradition of its brass music festival to this day.

Further destinations: Nemčiňany, Čierne Kľačany, Slepčany, Jedľové Kostoľany, Tesárske Mlyňany, Topoľčianky, Vieska Nad Žitavou, Mankovce

For the main travel overview: Zlaté Moravce.