Olej Hont
A small but exceptional oil press in Súdovce, where Viera Šimčíková and Matthias Dirk Roesch revive the ancient craft of cold-pressing oils. Every bottle tells the story of local farmers, sustainable food, and pure, unfiltered flavors. Visitors can watch the process firsthand, taste artisanal oils, and experience the care that goes into every drop.

The Ginkgo Tree of Súdovce
Standing for over 260 years, this living relic of the past was once part of a majestic noble estate. Though the manor has faded, the ginkgo remains – a silent witness to centuries of change. As one of the oldest trees of its kind in Slovakia, it symbolizes resilience, longevity, and nature’s quiet wisdom.

Vinica Jerusalem
A vineyard with a name that holds centuries of meaning, where nature and legend intertwine. Some say Bratríci exiles named it their Promised Land, while others trace its origins to a lost grape variety, Jerusalem, cultivated here over 150 years ago. Today, it remains a place for reflection, renewal, and deep connection to the land.

This trail is not about rushing – it is about immersion. It is a journey through taste, time, and tradition.

• At Olej Hont, you experience the power of craft, where the simple act of pressing oil becomes a tribute to Slovak farmers and sustainable food.
• At the Ginkgo Tree, you stand beneath time itself, where a tree has endured revolutions, wars, and the changing world, yet continues to thrive.
• At Vinica Jerusalem, you feel the soul of the land, where centuries-old vines still root themselves in legend.

Each stop invites you to pause, to observe, and to reconnect – not just with history, but with yourself.

The Land of Roots Heritage Trail takes you to three remarkable places – Olej Hont, the Ginkgo Tree of Súdovce and Vinica Jerusalem.

• Length (km): 4.5 km
• How it could be undertaken: walking, cycling, or driving
• Starting point: Olej Hont https://maps.app.goo.gl/f43aqGd4kuiPV25a9
• Duration:
  • If you undertake the quests at the heritage sites, you will need about 3 hours to complete the trail
  • If you don’t, visiting the sites will take you about 1.5-2 hours.
• Special notes (clothes, equipment, weather, etc.):
  • Notebook or phone for notes
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Water bottle
  • Best Season: accessible year-round
• Safety guidelines:
  • Be respectful of machinery and the production space
  • Do not touch equipment without guidance from staff
  • Follow hygiene rules during tastings
• Guiding:
  • This trail can be undertaken by travelers on their own
  • Guiding is not offered
    
    
• Contacts for more details:
  • Lišov Múzeum
  • https://lisovmuzeum.sk/ 
  • Lisov 15 96271 Lisov
  • +421 902 324 577

Quest 1: 'Liquid Gold – The Olej Hont Challenge'

Quest Overview

• Theme & Heritage Focus: Traditional cold-pressed oil production, sustainability, and local agriculture
• Duration: 45-60 minutes
• Difficulty Level: Moderate (interactive tasks included)
• Location: Olej Hont, Súdovce (https://maps.app.goo.gl/f43aqGd4kuiPV25a9)
• Best Season: Spring to autumn (April – October), but accessible year-round

Mission
You are a food explorer, tasked with uncovering the secrets of traditional oil pressing at Olej Hont. Your challenge is to discover how oils are crafted from seed to bottle, compare different varieties, and learn why cold-pressing preserves the purest flavors and nutrients.

Challenge

To complete this quest, you must explore the process of oil-making through three tasks:

• The Seed’s Journey – Identify the key local seeds used at Olej Hont (pumpkin, sunflower, rapeseed, poppy) and learn why they are chosen.
• Pressing the Gold – Observe the cold-pressing process and discover why this method preserves the best qualities of the oil.
• Tasting & Aroma – Compare two different oils and describe their taste, texture, and aroma. What makes each unique?

Starting Point

Entrance of Olej Hont.

Area Description

Small-scale oil press workshop with a focus on sustainability and traditional production.

Success Criteria

Answer all three challenge questions and discuss your findings with a member of the Olej Hont team.

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Quest 2: 'The Timekeeper – The Ginkgo Challenge'

Quest Overview

• Theme & Heritage Focus: Natural history, botany, and the legacy of an ancient tree
• Duration: 30-45 minutes
• Difficulty Level: Easy (walking and observation required)
• Location: Ginkgo Tree of Súdovce (https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZyctnL8tNw7BkLV57)
• Best Season: Spring to autumn (April – October)

Mission

You are a nature historian, investigating the ancient 260-year-old Ginkgo tree in Súdovce. Your task is to uncover its history, medicinal properties, and resilience over centuries.

Challenge

Your goal is to complete three tasks that highlight the importance of this ancient tree:

• The Time Capsule – Estimate the tree’s age based on its historical significance in Súdovce. What major historical events has it lived through?
• The Healing Tree – Research or ask a local about the medicinal uses of ginkgo leaves. Why has this tree been valued in traditional medicine?
• The Survivor – Learn about the resilience of ginkgo trees and how one even survived the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. What makes this species unique?

Starting Point

Near the Ginkgo Tree in Súdovce.

Area Description

A historic tree once part of a noble estate, now standing as a natural monument of time and endurance.

Success Criteria

Document answers to all three tasks and reflect on the tree’s significance in both history and nature.

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Quest 3: 'The Spirit of the Land – The Jerusalem Vineyard Challenge'

Quest Overview

• Theme & Heritage Focus: Viticulture, landscape history, and the cultural significance of the Jerusalem Vineyard
• Duration: 45-60 minutes
• Difficulty Level: Moderate (walking involved)
• Location: Vinica Jerusalem (https://maps.app.goo.gl/b3ffgog8B2bYUYVz9)
• Best Season: Spring to autumn (April – October)

Mission

You are a vineyard explorer, tracing the origins of the Jerusalem Vineyard and its connection to history, faith, and viticulture. Your task is to unravel the story behind its name, understand its unique grape varieties, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the region.

Challenge

To complete the quest, you must explore the historical and viticultural significance of the Jerusalem Vineyard through three key tasks.

• The Name’s Secret – Investigate the origins of the vineyard’s name. Was it named after the Bratríci movement, an ancient grape variety, or something else?
• The Taste of Tradition – Learn about the grape varieties grown here. What makes them unique, and how have they adapted to the region?
• A View Through Time – Stand on the vineyard slopes and observe the landscape. What historical landmarks can you see from here, and how does the location connect to its past?

Starting Point

Entrance to Vinica Jerusalem.

Area Description

A vineyard with deep historical significance, offering views of Hontianske Moravce, the Ipeľ River, and even into Hungary.

Success Criteria

Answer all three challenge questions and reflect on what makes this vineyard a special place in the landscape of Hont.

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