The fertile fields of the Ipeľ Hills conceal a precious treasure. Tectonics never rests here either, and over a long span of time it created a unique feature within the Tekov Region – the Levice Spring Line, characterised by thermal water springs and the formation of travertine mounds. The Levice Spring Line forms an imaginary line connecting Levice (Kalinčiakovo), Santovka and Dudince. The undulating shape of the terrain, which in places resembles a ride on a wild roller coaster, also bears witness to ancient tectonic activity.
The dominant feature of the Levice Spring Line is undoubtedly Vápnik Hill, known locally as Šiklóš. This massive travertine mound rises high above the surrounding terrain. Only a view from above reveals its rounded, majestic form.
Vápnik Hill is also linked to another rarity – a luxurious decorative stone known as Levice golden onyx, which still adorns a number of sacred spaces and the interiors of notable institutions (find out where). Mining has now ceased, and the summit of the giant travertine mound is home to a pleasant rest area with a shelter, benches and information panels. The oversized bench just below the rest area is sure to tempt you into a memorable selfie.
The thermal springs beneath Vápnik Hill gave rise to an outdoor swimming complex in Kalinčiakovo with four pools and full camping facilities. On hot summer days, it’s the best way to enjoy some active relaxation.
Travertine beauty continues in Kalinčiakovo as well. Perched on a rounded travertine hillock stands one of the oldest churches with a Romanesque apse in the Levice district. A stroll along the easy Surdok Nature Trail through the woods is also a delight.
A striking rounded outcrop graces the centre of Santovka. The Biely kameň travertine mound is not the only one of its kind in the area – you’ll find more of them on the neighbouring Budzgovské meadows. What makes Santovka truly unique lies precisely in its mineral water. It is rich in magnesium, calcium and rare lithium. The local outdoor thermal pool offers the perfect summer retreat. You can also try Turkish-style Pamukkale baths.
In a nearby forest park, discover a wooden spa building with oriental decoration – the Filagoria from 1885, originally an exhibition pavilion for mineral waters at a fair in Budapest.
Before we leave the Levice Spring Line, let’s venture beyond the borders of the Levice district to the spa town of Dudince. Besides five extinct travertine mounds in the spa park, you can also admire the only travertine mound still actively forming, located on the spa promenade. The thermal water has made the town’s spa resort famous, and you can try it for yourself during the summer months at the local swimming pool. A bonus for geology enthusiasts is the formation of “living”, active travertine, created by mineral deposits from the thermal water outflow of the pool.
You can read more about the Levice Spring Line in the following articles:
