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Castle · Oravský Podzámok, Žilina
Orava Castle
Medieval castle on a 112-meter limestone rock above the Orava river, with three tiers of buildings and the Orava Museum. It was a filming location for the 1922 movie Nosferatu.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Orava Castle
Orava Castle (Oravský hrad) stands on the narrow crest of a 112-meter limestone cliff above the Orava River in Oravský Podzámok. The first written record dates from 1267. It defended the northern border of the former Kingdom of Hungary and the trade route to Poland, and was expanded over the centuries to form three levels: the lower, middle and upper castles, the latter on the top of the cliff.
After a fire in 1800, the castle was restored at the end of the 19th century and again in the 20th century. Today it houses the Orava Museum (Oravské múzeum), with furnished halls, weapons, historical objects and exhibitions of the region’s ethnography and natural history. Visits are always guided and follow courtyards, stairways and passages up to the highest point.
The castle became internationally known as the setting for Count Orlok’s castle in Nosferatu, the 1922 silent film. In summer there are also night visits. From the top you can see the Orava valley and the surrounding mountains.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About one and a half to two hours, depending on the chosen circuit.
Best time
In the morning, in the first groups, or on summer night visits. The castle is usually open for much of the year, with more hours in summer and some closed periods in winter; check before you go.
How to get there
In Oravský Podzámok, a few minutes’ walk from the train station. By car there is paid parking below the castle.
Tip
Wear comfortable shoes: the visit includes many stone stairs and steps. There are circuits of different lengths; ask at the ticket office which one includes the high part of the cliff.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Orava Castle
Does Orava Castle appear in Nosferatu?
Yes. It was the setting for Count Orlok’s castle in the 1922 silent film Nosferatu.
Is the visit to Orava Castle guided?
Yes, always with a guide. There are circuits of different lengths; the most complete one reaches the high part of the cliff.
Does Orava Castle open in winter?
It is usually open for much of the year, with fewer hours and some closed periods in winter. Confirm the dates before you go.