Where to go on a trip okres Bytča

Renesančný zámok is located in the center of the town of Bytča, which lies on the right bank of the Váh river in the Žilina region. The complex, consisting of several buildings, has indisputable architectural and historical significance and is rightfully called the jewel of northwestern Slovakia. It has been listed as a national cultural monument since 1970.

Kaštieľ v Bytči was built on the site of a smaller Gothic castle between 1571 and 1574 by František I. Turzo, founder of the Bytča-Orava branch of the Turzo family and at the same time the most powerful feudal lord in the region of northwestern Slovakia. An interesting fact is that the construction was entrusted to the Italian master Giovanni Kilián from Milan, who was elevated to the nobility after the completion of the castle, and his figure is immortalized on a fresco on the ground floor of the Renaissance building. After the death of František I. Turzo, Bytčiansky kaštieľ became the permanent residence of his son Juraj Turzo, palatine and advisor to Emperor Rudolf II, a well-known diplomat, and a supporter of Slovaks and Protestantism. In 1601, Juraj Turzo also had the so-called Sobášny palác built in the manor complex, the only one of its kind in Slovakia, serving for ceremonial family events and primarily the wedding feasts of Juraj's seven daughters. It is impressive that wedding ceremonies are still performed in the hall to this day.

The castle was the seat of administration for the Turzo estates and a center of Renaissance culture and humanistic learning until the extinction of the Turzo family line in 1635, when it fell to the Esterházy family through marriage. The Esterházy family did not make significant changes to the building, as the manor house was not their main residence. In 1868, they sold the estate to the merchant Leopold Popper, under whose ownership it declined. The indebted businessman converted the building into 12 apartments and administrative spaces. He rented these out, while the alterations to the layout and subsequent restoration work damaged, among other things, precious wall paintings in the courtyard. Finally, in 1950, Bytčiansky zámok passed into state administration and ownership. The implementation of heritage restoration began after 1960.

The manor house has a quadrangular floor plan, a central courtyard, round bastions at the corners, and a six-story entrance tower in the middle of the northern wing. Since 1955, the manor house has hosted the Štátny oblastný archív, where valuable documents are archived, such as the oldest document from 1263, coat of arms charters, the inventory of Bytčiansky zámok, and others. Remarkable is the fact that the legend-shrouded highwayman Juraj Jánošík served in the castle as a guard soldier, where he met the imprisoned highwayman Tomáš Uhorčík, who persuaded him to take up highway robbery.

Sobášny palác next to the manor house is a one-story building with a rectangular floor plan and a richly decorated facade. The large hall of Sobášny palác houses exhibition spaces of the Považské múzeum, and the permanent exhibition here serves as a reminder of the unique personality of Palatine Juraj Turzo.

The town of Bytča, as well as the entire Žilina region, offers a wealth of historical monuments, adventurous attractions, and wonderful experiences. If Bytčiansky kaštieľ and its surroundings have caught your interest, book your accommodation near Bytčiansky hrad as soon as possible. In our offer, however, we also have direct accommodation in Bytča, as well as in the surrounding villages.

Súľovské skaly are one of the most beautiful natural formations in Slovakia. They are part of the Súľovské vrchy mountains – a protected landscape area that stretches between the towns of Žilina, Považská Bystrica, and Rajec. You can reach them fastest from the town of Bytča, located just 10 kilometers away. These exceptional rocks attract tourists of all ages.

Súľovské skaly feature various geomorphological shapes such as needles, windows, towers, or steep crags. You get the feeling that these majestic rocks were created by a higher power. This is also why they are sought after by climbers and photographers. The climbing walls offer both demanding and less complex routes for rock climbing.

For tourists and families with children, an educational trail is prepared, which is enriched with boards containing information about the rocks, local fauna, and flora. Do not forget to stop by them and read interesting facts about the Súľov locality. The educational trail begins and ends in the village of Súľov-Hradná, which is also the center of the Súľovské vrchy mountains. The route is 7.5 kilometers long, and its elevation gain is 290 meters. At the top, there are the ruins of Súľovský hrad castle. The entire trip will take you about 1.5 – 2 hours. Do not rush and enjoy the bizarre rock formations and stunning views.

The highest peak of Súľovské skaly is Žibrid, measuring 868 meters. You will need about 3 hours for its ascent, and the tourist trail to it is 10 kilometers long. Below its peak, there is a 12-meter high rock called Stratený Budzogáň. Be sure not to miss it. If you are a lover of longer hikes, we also recommend a trip to the nearby Lietavský hrad castle, which is the second-largest ruin in Slovakia. You can combine this hike with Súľovské skaly if you set off from the village of Lietavská Lúčka.

Súľovské skaly are perfect for an active holiday and relaxation in nature. Here you will draw energy from a landmark created by nature. It is worth it to stay longer. Accommodation near Súľovské skaly is offered on our portal. And there is plenty to choose from. Private cottages, hotels, or guest houses are available to you. And if you combine your visit with nearby spas, you certainly will not regret it. Kúpele Rajecké Teplice spa will guarantee you a great wellness stay.

The ruins of Súľovský hrad are located in the Súľovské skaly, a national nature reserve, at an altitude of 660 m above sea level. Its history dates back to the 15th century. The castle served primarily for observing and protecting adjacent roads, as well as a hiding place for the valuables of local gentry and nobles. An interesting fact is that it is one of the smallest castles in Slovakia. A trip to Súľovský hrad is among the less demanding ones, and even older children can manage it.

Súľovský hrad originated in the 13th century and was originally built as a smaller castle, mentioned as the Roháč fortified settlement. It was not until 1470 that King Matthias Corvinus elevated it to a castle. In 1550, it was burned down by Rafael Podmanický, but the succeeding Sirmiensis family reconstructed it. Members of the family gradually moved out to more comfortable manor houses, and by the beginning of the 18th century, only military guards stayed here. They eventually abandoned it as well, and since then it has only fallen into decay. The work of destruction was completed by an earthquake in 1858, which severely damaged the castle.

The castle grounds consisted of an upper and lower castle, which were connected by a tunnel corridor carved into the rock. The lower castle was formed by a multi-story defensive entrance bastion. The upper part of the castle could only be entered through a very narrow opening in the rock, barely wide enough for one person, which was additionally protected by a drawbridge. It is assumed that this upper part had 18 rooms. At the highest point of the upper castle, an observation post was built with an excellent view of the wide surroundings.

To this day, only a torso of the castle and a few walls squeezed between rock towers have been preserved. Remnants of four windows and eight loop-holes are also visible. In the lower castle, you can see part of the palace with a viewing platform, and the entrance with a loop-hole carved into the rock is also noticeable. In the upper part, you will find traces of a stone staircase, part of a rainwater cistern, and a rock pylon. The ascent to the upper floor is marked by steel rings embedded in the rock, which you can hold onto if needed. A metal ladder will take you to the remains of the second floor. Here, a captivating view of the Súľovské vrchy and the valley below will open up to you.

A 6 km long educational trail starting at the parking lot below Súľovské skaly will reliably lead you to the castle. You will follow the red hiking trail and complete the entire ascent in approximately an hour and a half. Information panels with facts about the flora, fauna, and geology of the Súľovské vrchy are located along the entire length of the educational trail.

In the Súľovské skaly, you can also admire an interesting rock formation, Stratený budzogáň. After a successful hike, plan a trip to Lietavský hrad or Bytčiansky zámok. The region of Horné Považie in Severné Slovensko hides many beauties worth seeing. Book your stay and choose suitable accommodation near Súľovský hrad. For instance, stay in a comfortable guesthouse in Súľov. If you prefer privacy, you can choose from a number of cozy cabins, as well as romantic wooden cottages and stylish apartments. While planning trips around the area, our page kam na výlet v Súľove - Hradnej will certainly come in handy.