The cross-border project called “Bike and Horse riding” (SKHU/1902/1.1/080) was implemented within the framework of the INTERREG V-A Slovakia-Hungary Cooperation Programme with the co-financing of the European Regional Development Fund. The joint initiative of the Magyar Vár Foundation and the Vág-Danube-Ipoly Regional Association was handed over in April 2024 to those wishing to practice these sports.

On the Hungarian side of the border, the foundation mapped and made passable the 39-kilometer equestrian road section between Pomáz and Esztergom for the development of equestrian and village tourism, marked the GPS route and uploaded it to the Hiker application. In addition, the stable of the Magyar Vár Camp has been renovated, a tent with a floor area of 1,000 square meters and a mobile stand with 150 seats now can be used for equestrian events and competitions, as well as a 20-meter-diameter equestrian circuit. On the Slovak side, a 12.3-kilometer cycle path section was built from Kravany nad Dunajom to Štúrovo, which is now connected to the Danube cycle path of European importance.

The developments also connect the many natural and cultural heritage areas of the region, increase the number of visitors, improve the accessibility of the area, thereby contributing to the competitiveness of the region. The presence of cyclists and horse riders can increase the demand for local products and services, and the increase in the number of visitors will positively affect local small and medium-sized businesses.

The 1.5 billion HUF equestrian and cycling project in the Slovakian-Hungarian border region serves community building, family health and tradition preservation at the same time, as it was pointed out by the government spokesperson Eszter Vitályos at the handover ceremony. The event – which was attended by István Domin, the president of the Vág-Danube-Ipoly Regional Association, and Emma Vasi, the director of the Rába-Duna-Vág European Territorial Association among others – was closed by a festive equestrian show.

More information can be found on the program’s website.

Photo: MTI/Szilárd Koszticsák