Ruins Biele Karpaty

In western Slovakia, in the southwestern part of Považský Inovec in the cadastral area of the village of Lúka, you can find the currently ruined Hradu Tematín. It is an ideal place for easy hiking and spending time in nature. If you head to Tematínsky hrad, you certainly won't regret it.

Let's look into the history of this castle. From documents, we find out that it was founded in the 13th century right after the invasion of Mongol troops. Its task was to guard the borders of Hungary and at the same time serve as a refuge for local residents. During its existence, it passed through the hands of several wealthy and prominent families. The Bercsényi family is one of such families, associated with the following story. Supposedly at the time when Rákoczi's uprising was supposed to arrest Mikuláš Bercsényi and occupy the castle, this plan failed for the army. Mikuláš Bercsényi devised a solution where he swapped places with his commander, and instead of capturing the commander, who was already long gone by that time, they caught the garrison captain.

The castle was finally burned down in 1710 and only a ruin has remained of it to this day. This ruin is currently a great place for walks, even though it is necessary to be careful. Entry to it is at your own risk. It doesn't matter whether you come in spring or autumn, there are no entry restrictions here. You can even symbolically support the restoration of the castle with a voluntary admission fee into the donation box.

The ascent to the castle is possible from several places. The path is not difficult, it is rather long. Expect it to take you more than an hour and a half of your time. You have the option to go along the blue trail from the local recreational resort using the tourist path, or alternatively set out through Lúčanská dolina. Also in the village of Hrádok, you can find the right direction to the castle either along the marked route or the unmarked path.

Perhaps you are a family with children and it will be interesting for you to look for accommodation near Hrade Tematín. You need to keep in mind that your smallest offspring will remain tired after such a hike and will appreciate a rest. If you are looking for options of where to go on a trip in the vicinity of the castle, check out the animals at ZOO farme New Zealand. In winter, skiing on the slopes of the Ski Bezovec resort is great instead. Perfect romance is provided by cottages and chalets in Lúka, or even rooms in hotels near kúpeľoch Piešťany. Choose the right accommodation and book your stay in Lúka through our portal.

In the village of Podbranč, in the Podzámok area, lies Hrad Branč. This castle, standing proudly on a cliff of the Myjavská pahorkatina, was once famous. Today, only ruins remain, sought after by tourists or people who love spending time in nature and history.

In the Senica district, a partially reconstructed castle stands atop Homoľov kopec above the village of Podbranč. It is situated at an altitude of 475 m above sea level, and reaching it is relatively easy. There is a small parking lot near the local cemetery where you can park your car, and after a few minutes' walk along an asphalt path, you are there. It will take no more than 10 minutes of your time. Here, a cashier awaits to let you into the castle grounds for a nominal admission fee.

When visiting this place, you can notice the oldest parts of the castle that are still standing. These are part of a two-room palace block in the courtyard of the inner castle. The castle was once divided into two main sections: the lower castle and the middle castle. These sections were separated by a deep dry moat. The entrance to the middle castle was located opposite the current monument. The middle castle had 2 functional parts: the northern courtyard and the residential palace section. From the courtyard, you could access the rooms, of which there were 40 at the time. The castle also featured two wells. In 1939, a monument was erected in its grounds to commemorate the suffering of imprisoned Protestant priests.

Legends are also associated with this castle. It is said that when Lord Pongrácz ruled the castle, he constantly plundered neighboring estates. What he stole, he sold on the meadow below the castle as if at a fair. There is also a harsher legend, according to which the robber knight Pongrácz seized the castle by force and had the former owners murdered. But as the saying goes, "What goes around comes around," and so this knight received what he had caused to the former owners. During one night, he fell into an unknown, endless passage and reportedly impaled himself on a dagger. You will like the third legend about the Black Lady. They will tell you that one right at the castle.

The castle is an interesting place. Its premises can also be used for commercial purposes, such as hosting a wedding or another event. If you are interested in exploring the beauty of this area, visit Kaštieľ v Sobotišti. Currently, the Múzeum Samuela Jurkoviča, which is dedicated to 150 years of history, is located on its premises. This well-known educator influenced the lives of many generations in Slovakia. Perfect relaxation during summer days will be ensured by the opportunity to swim or lounge on the shores of Kunovská priehrada. You can also admire natural scenery if you walk up to the lookout tower Hrajky. In case of less favorable weather, they will gladly welcome you at Plaváreň Senica.

A trip to this castle is well worth it. Likewise, staying in this region longer to enjoy it to the fullest is a great choice. In that case, we recommend booking accommodation near Hrad Branč. From our offer, you can select chalets in Podbranč, which provide their visitors with privacy, or choose beautiful rooms in guest houses. We will be happy to help you with your choice.

We invite you to the village of Lednica, above which the dominant feature of the Biele Karpaty mountains, Hrad Lednica, rises on a steep limestone cliff. In the past, Lednický hrad was among the castles with the most difficult accessibility. Today, the castle is a ruin, but extensive and intensive restoration has been taking place here since 2004, so better times are dawning for the castle. Come see the panoramic view of the Biele Karpaty and Morava and discover this place woven with history.

The first written mentions of the castle date back to 1259, but archaeological finds confirm that the cliff was inhabited as early as 2,000 years ago. The fortress was built to guard the road that led through Považie to Morava. Throughout the history of the castle, several owners took turns here. Count Marek of Lednica is mentioned among the first owners, and for a certain period, it was also owned by the powerful and feared "lord of the Váh and Tatras," Matúš Čák Trenčiansky. Other well-known owners included the Pakši family, the brothers Sobek and Matej Bielik, the Rákóczi family, the robber brothers Podmanický, as well as the Maťašovský family.

The castle consisted of three parts and was almost inaccessible. The lower outer bailey was located at the lowest level, housing defensive bastions, a prison, a room for bailiffs, a stable, a carriage room, and a blacksmith shop. The courtyard was accessed via a drawbridge and a tunnel carved into the rock.

In the courtyard of the middle castle were the main palace residential buildings for servants, utility rooms, storerooms, and the castellan's dwelling. It is assumed that during its heyday, the castle had 45 rooms and defensive towers with bastions. Perhaps the greatest attraction is the local observation post, to which a path leads up a steel ladder and stairs carved directly into the rock face.

Below the castle, you will find a spring to which a sad story is tied. On the day when the beautiful serf Katarínka was marrying the castle forester Ondrej, a boisterous celebration took place at the castle. The castle lord, a passionate count, decided that he would not accept gifts from the wedding guests, but claimed the right of the first night. The heartbroken Katarínka did not want to break her vow of fidelity and chose instead to jump from the castle window into the abyss. At the spot where she perished, a spring of water burst forth, which is named Katarínkin prameň in her honor. An interesting fact is that Jan Amos Komenský also liked to visit the spring.

Take a look at the wooden cross placed on the steep rock below the castle as well. It was erected there by the serfs as a sign of Katarínka and Ondrej's fidelity. The road from the village of Lednica and an access path leading around the spring will guide you to the castle.

After climbing to Lednický hrad, take a break and relax at the swimming pool in the nearby village of Lednické Rovne. Another great place you can visit in the area is Botanický park v Lednických Rovniach and the ruins of Vršatský hrad in Vršatské Podhradie. The region of Biele Karpaty is full of great attractions that are worth visiting. Don't hesitate and book your stay today. You can find a wide range of accommodation near the ruins of Lednický hrad castle on our page ubytovanie v Lednici.