Bojnice Castle: A Fairytale Castle that you never thought could exist

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Blink, and you are in danger of missing Bojnice Castle – but you really shouldn’t. Here, just two hours drive from Bratislava (Slovakia’s capital), lies a unique place that has to be seen to be believed. Quite simply, there is no other European town that will fulfil all your Disney fantasies. This pocket-sized wonder laced with a rich history, beauty and stunning natural surroundings is one of the most beautiful corners of Slovakia. It’s also a travel photographer’s dream that will transport you back in time. Believe it or not, this castle is a symbol of Slovakia and a must-see attraction in this romantic Slovak town.

Why go?

Bojnice Castle is one of the most beautiful castles in Slovakia. You do not need to understand Slovakian to enjoy the castle.

What makes Bojnice Castle special?

Why is it worth visiting? Because Bojnice Castle is the most visited fortress in Slovakia. This romantic fairy-tale castle, with pink sky-high towers, twisting stairways, and medieval walls, is declared a National cultural monument. It is also an excellent day trip from Bratislava.

Slovak’s fairy-tale castle

This gorgeous fortress, with a bridge arching over a glittering moat, attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. It’s undoubtedly one of the most popular attractions in the country. It’s also a popular location for filming fairy-tale movies.

HISTORY

This spectacular fortress has a much older history than it lets on, especially at first sight. The castle’s history started over 900 years ago on a travertine hill, overlooking the town. The foundations of the fortification were initially made of wood. However, later were reconstructed and substituted by stone. Did you know this beautiful Romanesque castle with some original Gothic and Renaissance elements changed hands many times? For this reason, many aristocratic families influenced the castle’s appearance.

You will find many beautiful rooms here – the Golden Room is one of them.

If you think it seems familiar to your eyes that is because the last owners took inspiration during reconstruction from the French Castles in the Loire Valley. Sadly Count Palffy died during its reconstruction. Count Palffy never got to see this iconic castle completed.

Bojnice Castle Legend

Every chateau has a legend, and this fortress is no exception. The legend has it that Count Palffy fell in love with a French Countess, and for this reason, he decided to carry out the castle’s reconstruction. Palffy took inspiration from the French Castles because he wanted the young Countess to feel like at home. However, rebuilding lasted 22 years, and she married somebody else. Lovelorn Count Palffy never got married. Suffering from unfortunate love reminds a crown of thorns. It is at the top of the highest tower.

Castle Chapel

One of the top attractions is, of course, its chapel. A Castle Chapel with beautiful paintings and an altar from the 14th century is a significant piece of art. It’s also one of the most picturesque early baroque buildings in Slovakia.

Castle Cave

No visit to this castle is complete without a visit to its cave. A natural travertine cave, located below the level of the fourth courtyard, has some secrets, though. This unique cave not only served as a source of water, but it was probably also a hiding space. Besides, the cave is home to some finds from the Stone Age. The cave with two ponds is possible to visit only as a part of the tour.

Festival in Bojnice Castle

Did you know this stunning fortress hosts numerous public events during the year? Don’t miss the Festival of Castle Stories, which follows up the famous International Festival of Ghosts and Spectres.

Can you walk around Bojnice Castle for free?

The walk around the fortress in the nearby park is free. However, if you would like to visit the inside of the castle, you need to pay the admission price.

How much do tickets cost in 2024?

The entrance ticket to Bojnice Castle for adults costs €15, as of August 2024. Reduced tickets are available for children, students, the disabled and also over 65 years old. An approximately 75-minute guided tour can be in Slovak, English or German language (booked in advance). Night tours are also available during the summertime (check availability).

Other things to do in Bojnice

Castle Park

When exploring Castle Park, don’t miss the ancient King Matthias Linden Tree. This beautiful tree grows in front of the castle’s entrance. A legend has it that King Matthias Csak planted this 700-year-old tree when the last king of the Arpad family died. Later, the Hungarian king Matthias Corvinus held many meetings under its spreading crown. During its long life, the tree survived the Turkish invasion and rebellions.

One of the castle’s last aristocratic owners decided to preserve the King Matthias Linden Tree. Count Palffy put iron hooks into the tree’s crown to protect the largest branches from gale winds. Today this beautiful Linden tree is the property of the Slovak National Museum.

1. Observatory Deck “Seagull in the Clouds” (Cajka v oblakoch)

Many visitors turn back once they explore the castle, but it would be a mistake. Did you know that you can also visit the observation tower? The Seagull in the Clouds is a unique observation tower, located in the mountains above the town. It offers beautiful views of the castle and the mountains.

After approximately a 30-minute walk from the castle, you will find yourself in front of the lookout tower. Pass the entrance gate and take a relaxing stroll through the woods. A short walk from the car park will bring you to the front of this picturesque tower.

You are quite right to think that a 30 metres high (98, 4 ft.) snake-like observatory tower, surrounded by forest, is a sight to behold. This beautiful steel structure with a wooden footbridge has a rising-up spiral shape which leads up to an observation deck.

Today visiting the Seagull in the Clouds is one of the best things to do in Bojnice. Why, you may ask? It is because this spiralling tower, which lets you walk above the trees, offers the best views of the town. The lookout tower Seagull in the Clouds offers excellent views of the castle and its surrounding area.

DID YOU KNOW?

The observatory deck also has a long dry slide which you can use to shorten your way back down. The Seagull in the Clouds is accessible to all (no matter their physical condition).

2. Thermal pool Cajka

You cannot take a trip here without a visit to the Thermal Pool Cajka. Plan your trip during the summer months, and swim in one of three thermal pools. Thermal Pool Cajka is the perfect place to spend a relaxing day soaking up the sun and marvelling at the castle. Plus, it offers some of the best views of Bojnice Castle.

3. Spa

If you are not short on time, stay in this romantic town a little longer. Did you know this small town is home to a spa dating back almost 1000 years ago?

Spending a relaxing day in thermal pools is one of the best things because it has healing waters. The waters in the spa have a positive influence on the nervous system. If you do not know, this spa has nine natural thermal springs. It is an excellent place for everyone who wants a peaceful experience. The resort offers different types of packages with wellness experiences.

4. Bojnice ZOO

While you’re in this town, don’t forget to visit the Slovak National Zoological Garden. Learn more about 360 different species, including a lion, elephants and more. The oldest zoo in Slovakia is one of the popular attractions, especially if you visit with children. You can find it in the forest park, overlooking the castle.

5. Museum of Prehistory (Prepostska jaskyna)

If you visit this town with kids, exploring the Museum of Prehistory should also be on your list. The Museum of Prehistory is one of the unique attractions because the little ones can discover the prehistoric world. They can also trace the footsteps of the Neanderthal man who once lived here. And here’s a juicy part: Did you know that this is one of the richest Paleolithic sites in Slovakia? It is an authentic place inhabited by Neanderthal People.

Walk barefoot (if you dare) and learn how Neanderthal people lived. You can also see which stone tools they used. The Museum of Prehistory in the travertine Prepostska cave is very authentic and one of a kind. Make sure you do not miss this unique attraction.

GOOD TO KNOW:

You can visit the Museum of Prehistory on a special tour during the night. Step into ancient times under the torchlight. Night tours are available from April until October when there is no rain.