Castles, Legends, and Weekend Escapes: Discovering Orava, Bojnice & Spiš in Slovakia

A Traveler’s Guide to Orava, Bojnice & Spiš

If you’re planning a trip around Slovakia, castles are hard to miss — and even harder to resist. Whether you’re into misty mountain fortresses, fairy-tale towers, or sweeping medieval ruins, Slovakia has something for every kind of traveler.

During my first summer here, I visited three of the country’s most iconic castles: Orava, Bojnice, and Spiš. Each one offers a completely different experience — from dramatic cliffside views to romantic courtyards and vast hilltop ruins.

Here’s how they compare, and how to choose the one that fits your travel style best.

Orava Castle: The Dramatic Fortress on the Rock

My first stop was Orava Castle (Oravský hrad), located in northern Slovakia near the Polish border. Perched dramatically on a 100-meter-high cliff above the Orava River, it looks like something out of a Gothic film — and it was. The 1922 silent movie Nosferatu was filmed here.

First Impressions

Driving from Žilina, the scenery becomes rugged, framed by pine forests and mountain peaks. Then, Orava Castle appears — majestic and imposing.

Inside, the atmosphere feels raw and authentic. Stone staircases wind through towers and courtyards, leading to small museums filled with medieval armor, antique furniture, and even torture instruments. Unlike castles that feel overly polished, Orava retains its medieval soul.

Visitor Experience

• Guided Tours: English tours are available but limited — check the schedule online before visiting.
• Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon, when the mist over the river adds a mysterious touch.
• Practical Tip: Wear comfortable shoes — there’s a lot of uphill walking.

What Makes Orava Unique

Orava Castle is all about drama and atmosphere. It’s ideal for travelers who love history, legends, and breathtaking views. Visiting feels like stepping into another century — or another world.

Bojnice Castle: Slovakia’s Romantic Dream

If Orava is dark and mysterious, Bojnice Castle (Bojnický zámok) is pure fantasy. Located in the spa town of Bojnice in central Slovakia, it’s often called the most beautiful castle in the country — and I agree.

First Impressions

Walking through the park and seeing Bojnice Castle reflected in the lake, I couldn’t help but stop for photos. Its pastel turrets and romantic courtyards look more like a Disney set than a medieval fortress.

But beneath the fairy-tale exterior lies a rich history. Originally a 12th-century wooden fort, it evolved into a Renaissance manor and later a neo-Gothic palace. Its last private owner, Count Pálffy, modeled it after French Loire Valley castles.

Visitor Experience

• Tour Highlights: The Golden Hall (with its stunning carved ceiling) and the Count’s Bedroom (preserved as it was in the early 1900s).
• Underground Cave: Don’t miss the natural travertine cave beneath the castle — it’s a hidden gem.
• Nearby Attractions: Bojnice Zoo (Slovakia’s oldest and largest) and the spa area make this a perfect family day trip.

What Makes Bojnice Unique

Bojnice Castle is romantic and refined, ideal for couples and families. It’s also known for hosting the International Festival of Ghosts and Spirits — a theatrical spring celebration that brings the castle to life at night.

If Orava is Slovakia’s “haunted fortress,” Bojnice is its “fairy-tale palace.”

Spiš Castle: A Monument to Medieval Power

The final stop on my tour was Spiš Castle (Spišský hrad), one of the largest castle complexes in Central Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in eastern Slovakia near Spišské Podhradie, it’s less ornate than Bojnice or Orava, but far grander in scale.

First Impressions

Even from kilometers away, Spiš Castle dominates the landscape — its white stone walls stretch across a vast hilltop. Standing among the ruins, with the Tatras in the distance, you feel tiny against the weight of history.

Visitor Experience

• Accessibility: The site is partially reconstructed, with paths through the lower, middle, and upper courtyards. Expect a lot of walking — but the panoramic views are worth it.
• Museum Exhibits: Archaeological displays, medieval weapons, and reconstructed living quarters.
• Nearby Towns: Spišská Kapitula (a walled clerical town) and Levoča (a UNESCO-listed medieval town) are great side trips.

What Makes Spiš Unique

Spiš Castle represents Slovakia’s medieval strength — a place of defense and prestige. It’s less polished than Bojnice and less compact than Orava, but its scale is breathtaking. For history lovers and landscape enthusiasts, Spiš offers a powerful experience.

Castle Comparison Table

Key Takeaways

• Orava: Most authentic medieval experience
• Bojnice: Most photogenic and family-friendly
• Spiš: Most impressive in scale and historical importance

If you only have time for one, choose based on your mood: 🕯️ Mystery (Orava) | 💖 Romance (Bojnice) | 📜 History (Spiš)

Tips for Foreign Travelers Visiting Slovak Castles

Here are a few practical lessons I learned:

1. Check Tour Languages Most tours are in Slovak. Some offer printed English summaries or limited English tours — check online before you go.
2. Bring Cash Smaller ticket offices and parking areas may not accept cards. Always carry a few euros, especially in rural areas.
3. Wear Good Shoes Expect stairs, cobblestones, and uphill paths. Sneakers or hiking shoes are a must.
4. Plan for Weather Mountain weather changes quickly. A light jacket or umbrella is handy, even in summer.
5. Combine Castles with Local Culture
   • Orava: Try bryndzové halušky in a local chalet
   • Bojnice: Unwind in the thermal spa
   • Spiš: Explore Levoča’s medieval charm and cuisine

Living in Slovakia: Why Castle Trips Never Get Old

As a foreigner living here, castle trips have become my favorite weekend ritual. They’re affordable, family-friendly, and a beautiful way to connect with Slovakia’s soul.

Even after multiple visits, I still discover new corners — a hidden chapel, a quiet courtyard, or a seasonal festival. Slovak castles aren’t just relics; they’re living spaces filled with art, music, and pride.

Final Thoughts: Slovakia’s Castles Are Stories Made of Stone

When people ask which Slovak castle I love most, I can’t choose just one. Each has its own energy and tells a different part of Slovakia’s story:

• Orava: Enduring medieval spirit
• Bojnice: Romantic and artistic charm
• Spiš: Monumental legacy and power

If you’re living in or traveling through Slovakia, visiting all three offers a deeper sense of place — and a thousand photos you’ll never tire of sharing.

In the end, the magic of comparing Orava, Bojnice, and Spiš isn’t about ranking them. It’s about experiencing how history, architecture, and local culture come together — in a way that’s uniquely Slovak and utterly unforgettable.