Search
Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
DenmarkSlovakia
Spain
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
Canada
the United States
Mexico
the Dominican RepublicTurkey
South Africa
Australia
Fiji
New Zealand
Papua New Guinea
Trenčín · Slovakia
Thermal town in the upper Nitra valley with Slovakia’s most-visited romantic castle, the country’s oldest zoo, and a historic park surrounding them.
In the photo: Bojnice Castle and its green surroundings.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Get to know the place
Bojnice is a small spa town in the upper valley of the Nitra River in central-west Slovakia, adjoining the town of Prievidza. It is known for three things: the castle, with a fairytale silhouette and one of the country’s most-visited sites; the zoo, the oldest in Slovakia; and the spa, which has used thermal waters since the Middle Ages.
The castle is first mentioned in 1113. After centuries in the hands of noble families, it acquired its current appearance at the turn of the 20th century, with towers and pointed roofs modeled on the Loire castles. Today it is a museum with guided tours and, in spring, a festival of ghosts and spirits.
Around the castle is a park with old trees that houses the zoo, officially founded in 1955, spread over wooded slopes and meadows. Near the castle entrance stands the linden tree of King Matthias, an old tree linked to the legend that King Matthias Corvinus dictated his orders there.
Bojnice pairs well with a trip through the west of the country, between Bratislava, Trenčín and the mountainous central regions.
This destination brings together 1 city: Bojnice.
One destination, many paths
Start with one city or combine several in your itinerary.
Boundaries: geoBoundaries (dados do OpenStreetMap, licença ODbL). Adapted by Cidade Turismo.
✈ Letisko M. R. Štefánika – Bratislava (BTS), in Bratislava · 176 km to Bojnice
The arrival town is Bojnice, next to Prievidza, where the train station and regional bus terminal are located. Buses connect Prievidza with Bratislava, Trenčín and Žilina. The nearest airport is Bratislava, about 180 km away.
The local experience
Medieval castle on a travertine hill, transformed between 1889 and 1910 into a romantic residence inspired by the Loire castles. One of Slovakia’s most-visited museums.
The oldest zoo and one of the most visited in Slovakia, officially founded in 1955, on wooded and meadowed slopes around the castle.
Before you go
A little planning leaves more time to enjoy the journey.
From April to October, when the park is green and the castle and zoo follow summer hours. Around late April to early May the castle usually hosts the festival of ghosts and spirits. In winter the castle has reduced opening hours.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
One day is enough for the castle and the zoo. With a second day you can add the thermal pools and the surrounding woods.
Bojnice has hotels, guesthouses and the spa complex, a few minutes’ walk from the castle and a quieter base. Prievidza, the neighboring town, offers more options and is next to the train station and bus terminal.
Take your trash with you, follow the signs and support local businesses. In natural areas, follow the visiting guidelines.
Get your questions answered
One day for the castle and the zoo, which are side by side. Two days if you want to enjoy the thermal spa.
By car it’s about 180 km. By public transport, buses link Bratislava to Prievidza, the neighboring town, and from there local buses reach Bojnice.
No. The castle, the zoo and the spa are within walking distance of each other, and Prievidza has local buses to Bojnice.
Generally between the end of April and the beginning of May. Check the dates for the year you travel.
Yes. Trenčín is about 70 km by road, and both towns fit on a west-of-country route.
