Where to go on a trip Šaštín - Stráže

Bazilika Panny Márie in Šaštín is one of the most important basilicas in Slovakia. It is located in the municipality of Šaštín – Stráže, which falls under the Senica district. Its construction began back in 1736, and the statue of the Virgin Mary itself was declared miraculous, which was also confirmed by a decree from the Vatican. This holy place is visited by several tens of thousands of pilgrims every year. It was also honored by a visit from Pope John Paul II himself and Mother Teresa.

This significant and magnificent place is also popular among tourists themselves. In addition to the basilica, the monument complex is formed by the former Pauline monastery, farm buildings, chapels, and the Pieta sculpture group. You can spend a pleasant family walk here. An interesting fact is that the entire construction of the basilica was initially financed by donations from common people and substantial contributions from Empress Maria Theresa. The entire church is decorated with beautiful and rare frescoes. The basilica went through many ups and downs during its existence. During World War I, for example, all the bells except the smallest one were stolen from its towers. In 1927, Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows was declared the patron saint of Slovakia, and this place thus won the hearts of additional admirers.

In addition to two traditional pilgrimages, which are the National Pilgrimage – the Feast of Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows and the Whitsun Pilgrimage, various thematic pilgrimages are also beginning to emerge. These appeal to the general public and somehow try to reflect the times we live in. These include, for example, the Pilgrimage of Lovers, which is organized around Saint Valentine's Day. Furthermore, there is also the Pilgrimage of Expectant Mothers, which is always celebrated on Mother's Day. The Pilgrimage of Broken Hearts, the Bikers' Pilgrimage, and many others have also seen the light of day.

When you are already in the region of Biele Karpaty, it is definitely worth staying for a few days and exploring this lovely countryside. Cozy accommodation can also be found in the vicinity of Bazilika Panny Márie in Šaštín. Whether you choose a cottage, an apartment, or a guesthouse in Šaštín – Stráže, you will certainly not regret it. During the summer season, the whole family will enjoy refreshment at Prírodné kúpalisko Gazárka followed by horseback riding at Magic ranch Čáry. Children will surely love running along Náučný chodník Gazárka – Lásek, where they can also learn a thing or two. Pleasant relaxation at Kúpele Smrdáky can be reached after roughly a 20-minute drive by car.

You can find the Rekreačné stredisko Gazárka resort near the railway line, in the surroundings of beautiful pine forests, on the outskirts of the town of Šaštín – Stráže. The resort consists of five lakes formed after sand mining. The lakes with gradually sloping sandy beaches are suitable for swimming, water sports, and fishing. Everyone will find something for themselves here. Take a family trip to this magical place.

During the summer season, you can swim in crystal-clear water or try one of the water sports on offer. On the shore, water bicycles and boats are available for rent for a fee. You can enjoy relaxing on a blanket on clean sandy beaches, and the beautiful surroundings of the pine forest are made for a picnic. However, you can also use the surrounding forests for picking mushrooms or delicious wild berries.

In addition to water sports, you can also try minigolf, petanque, tennis, or volleyball. You can satisfy your hunger and thirst in the restaurant, and fast food is offered by kiosks along the shore. For the little ones, climbing frames and slides are built within the resort area. Various cultural and sports events take place annually at the Rekreačné stredisko Gazárka resort, such as fishing competitions, the Beh šaštínskymi bormi run, Triathlon, the Senica – Šaštín – Stráže Half Marathon, and others. As a souvenir of this great day, you can buy a magnet or a keepsake here.

If you are in favor of active relaxation, connect to the Náučný chodník Gazárka – Lásek educational trail, which will lead you all the way to the Lásek forester's lodge. This 5 km route is undemanding and takes you through Chránená krajinná oblasť Záhorie as well as Chránený areál Jubilejný les. There are 12 information boards along the trail, distributed across the entire route, serving to educate visitors on individual tree species. Cyclists can manage it as well, although one must keep in mind that there is a layer of loose sand in many places.

Šaštín – Stráže is famous for Bazilika Panny Márie, which was also visited by Pope John Paul II and Mother Teresa. Every year, thousands of believers gather here on the Feast of Our Lady of Seven Sorrows for the National Pilgrimage. In the nearby village of Čáry, you can treat yourself to an unforgettable experience in the form of horseback riding at Magic ranch Čáry. Take a circular tour around the Biele Karpaty region and discover other interesting places. Accommodation near Prírodné kúpalisko Gazárka can be found on our subpage accommodation in Šaštín – Stráže.

The water reservoirs Dolná Studená Voda and Horná Studená Voda are located in the cadastral area of the village of Borský Svätý Jur in the Senica district. Both were built in 1963 on a site where sand mining pits had previously been excavated in wet meadows. The reservoirs were intended primarily to serve as water storage for agricultural irrigation. In later years, they also began to be used for fish farming and recreational purposes. The upper and lower reservoirs are connected by a reduced canal with a length of 370 m.

The lower reservoir covers an area of 15.75 ha and its average depth is 1.07 m. Until 1992, the reservoirs had the status of a breeding pond and were regularly drained during fish harvesting—the lower reservoir every second year. Even today, both reservoirs are a popular spot for anglers, while the upper reservoir is used by vacationers for swimming and water sports, albeit at their own risk. Numerous waterfowl nest in the area, including rare species on occasion. Near the reservoirs, a campsite, dining options, and sports equipment rental are available.

An international cycling route runs alongside the reservoirs, connecting to both Czech and Austrian cycle paths. The surroundings of the lakes consist of pine forests suitable for a walk. An interesting and educational hike awaits you if you choose the educational trail Gazárka – Lásek near the town of Šaštín - Stráže. You should also not miss the unique "Slovak desert" Šranecké piesky.

If you plan to stay near Dolná Studená voda, we recommend starting your search for accommodation in Borský Svätý Jur, where you can book a room in a guesthouse, for example. You will also encounter this type of accommodation in Moravský Svätý Ján. The widest selection of accommodation is provided by the town of Šaštín - Stráže, where you will find not only guesthouses and apartments, but also chalets providing perfect privacy. If you are considering where to spend your holiday in Slovakia, this location is certainly an excellent option, so do not wait to search for your accommodation.

In the Záhorie region, between Plavecký Mikuláš and Lakšárska Nová Ves, lies an impressive desert landscape known as Šranecké piesky or the Slovenská púšť (Slovak Desert).

Here, you can enjoy a walk on genuine sand dunes, created by sand blown from the Morava River long ago. Currently, this wind-blown sand area, spanning over 570 square kilometers, is part of the network of protected areas of European significance. At the same time, this territory is located within the Vojenský obvod Záhorie military district, meaning access is permitted only outside the periods of ongoing military exercises.

Hiking enthusiasts are always thrilled by the opportunity to enjoy unique views. One such view presents itself when visiting Plavecký hrad, which currently belongs among ruins. However, you will be captivated by its grandeur and the indescribable atmosphere of this place.

You can find the castle on an outer limestone hill of the Malé Karpaty mountains, located above the Záhorská nížina lowland, directly above the village of Plavecké Podhradie. The castle is open to the public and the hike up to it is not demanding. Families with smaller children and seniors in good physical condition can handle it as well. The path leads to the castle from the village of Plavecké Podhradie. A few meters before the local manor house, past an apartment building, you will reach a tree alley. Walking through it, you can enjoy the chirping of birds and the charming scent of trees. Behind the alley is a parking lot from which you will spot a marked blue hiking trail along a forest path. After approximately 25 minutes of walking, it will lead you to your destination.

The castle was built after the Mongol invasion of our territory. The exact year is not known, but it is estimated to have been in the 1250s or 1260s. Originally, it served a guard function. It was possible to see all the way to our border with the Czech Republic from it. Thanks to oversight of the surrounding castles, Plavecký hrad could exchange signals with them in case of danger. Between 1579 and 1584, one of the first printing houses in Slovakia operated at the castle. Under the hands of the Protestant writer and church dignitary Peter Bornemisza, calendars, Bibles, a hymnal, and other printed materials were published here. In the 16th century, the castle was rebuilt into a Renaissance fortress with lower courtyards. Unfortunately, it has been abandoned since the 17th century. Conservation work is currently underway here. During its tour, you can notice the preserved outer masonry of the extensive fortification to this day, as well as a prominent cannon bastion and the masonry of the palace from the central tower. You can also admire the stone Renaissance gate.

A legend or myth is associated with almost every castle. This one is no exception. It is rumored that the castle was the setting of a story where a new Trojan War was supposed to break out. In the second legend, a woman does not dominate, but rather a man named Pavol, who became an orphan due to an unfortunate hunting accident, but the king took him under his patronage. On his deathbed, the king granted him his kingdom.

Has your imagination already started working, and would you also like to come and visit this place? Plan a trip here and discover other points of interest in the surrounding area. On the same hill, there is also a hillfort, Plavecká jaskyňa cave, and the remnants of the walls of a vanished monastery. In the village, there is an opportunity to look at a Renaissance manor house. You don't have to travel to the sea to enjoy a desert; the Slovak one is called Šranecké piesky. Popular places for summer recreation include the Buková water reservoir. Other accessible caves in Western Slovakia include the beautiful Jaskyňa Driny.

Exploring such a wonderful region is worth it for more than just one day. So that you don't have to travel back to your homes and can change the atmosphere of your domestic environment, we recommend booking accommodation near Plavecký hrad. The offer is not limited, and it is up to you whether you choose privacy-providing chaty Plavecké Podhradie cottages, or if budget-friendly ubytovanie v súkromí Plavecké Podhradie private rentals will suffice for you. We will be happy to help you.

The Senica Museum, housed in a historic late Baroque summer pavilion, represents a modern cultural space that engagingly presents the rich history and archaeological heritage of the Záhorie region.

The location is situated in the town of Senica, in the Senica District, within the Trnava Region. The museum is housed in the so-called Machatovský letohrádok (Machatovský Summer Pavilion), which was built in the mid-eighteenth century and ranks among the town's most significant architectural monuments. The exhibitions are divided into several thematic units, with the core being the archaeological section documenting the settlement of the region from prehistory to the Middle Ages. Visitors can see unique finds from the Senica-Sotina locality or a model of the Branč castle in its prime form. The museum's uniqueness lies in its digital layer, where traditional display cases are complemented by touchscreens, projections, and virtual reality, allowing visitors to literally immerse themselves in historical events. Part of the building also serves as a ceremonial hall and spaces for temporary art exhibitions, which enliven the town's cultural life. The interior of the summer pavilion with its original vaults and restored details creates an intimate atmosphere that enhances the experience of discovering local traditions and prominent figures associated with Senica.

What can you find here?

On the museum premises, you will find permanent exhibitions focused on archaeology, the town's history, and prominent figures of the region. Interactive terminals, virtual reality, exhibition showcases with original artifacts, and spaces for seasonal fine art exhibitions are available. Part of the complex is also the landscaped surroundings of the summer pavilion with information panels and park landscaping suitable for a short walk.

Who is the place suitable for?

The museum is an ideal destination for history and architecture lovers, as well as for families with children who will appreciate the interactive and digital elements of the exhibition. It is also sought after by school groups as part of regional education and tourists passing through Záhorie who are looking for cultural enrichment in a modern package. Due to the barrier-free solution of part of the premises, the museum is also accessible to people with reduced mobility.

What can you visit in the surroundings?

Right in Senica, you can visit the Záhorská galéria Jána Mudrocha gallery housed in a Baroque manor house or the historic cemetery with the monument of Martin Bartoň. In the immediate vicinity, the ruin of the Branč castle near the village of Podbranč is worth a visit, offering panoramic views of the Myjavská pahorkatina hills. For lovers of relaxation and sports, the Kunovská priehrada recreation area with an educational trail and water sports opportunities is within reach.

Is it a hot summer day and you need to cool down? Perfect summer refreshment can be found at Mestské kúpalisko v Senici. Pools for both young and old, a quiet environment, and a pleasant family atmosphere are the guarantee of a wonderfully spent day. Treat yourself to the rest and relaxation your body desires, put on your swimsuit, and jump straight into the water.

A large swimming pool with a slide and a diving board is already waiting for experienced swimmers. The water depth here reaches 0.8 – 3.8 m. Little ones can go wild in the children's pool with a water mushroom. The water in the pools is crystal clear and refreshing. Around the pools, there is a well-maintained grassy area that will provide you with a great place for rest and sunbathing. The tree planting will serve as protection from the strong midday sun. Additional services of the swimming pool include a sand court where you can play beach volleyball. A children's playground with climbing frames, swings, and a sandbox with toys is already waiting for your little ones. Fast food is provided by buffets directly on the premises. In addition, there is also a sports equipment rental shop at the pool, and showers, sanitary facilities, and changing rooms are a matter of course.

The summer swimming pool is in operation during the summer months. After an amazing day spent in the water, take a romantic walk through the center of Senice and stop for a delicious cake in one of the pastry shops. A visit to the monument and the Pamätná izba Jozefa Miloslava Hurbana memorial room in the nearby village of Hlboké will certainly also make for a nice trip. Záhorie is full of diverse attractions that are worth a visit. Do not hesitate and book your stay in the Senica district. A rich offer of accommodation near Letné Kúpalisko RSMS can be found on our website accommodation Senica. We wish you a pleasant and undisturbed stay in Záhorie.

A unique technical monument attracts visitors to one of the westernmost Slovak towns, Holíč in the Skalica district. Right here, on Hrebeň hill, southeast of the town, stands the only preserved windmill in Slovakia. The history of the stone windmill near Holíč dates back to the 1880s. Due to its uniqueness, the mill was listed as a national cultural monument as early as 1972. Flour has not been ground here since the end of World War I, but the original atmosphere of Holland remains to this day. Come and see for yourself.

In place of the current stone building, the original wooden mill once stood. It was a German-type structure, which belonged among the oldest of its kind in the entire territory of Slovakia and the Czech Republic. At the end of the 19th century, the original mill was replaced by a stone technical building of the Dutch type with a characteristic circular layout. The credit for its construction is attributed to master carpenter František Sláma. The original structure was covered with a rotating wooden dome, which was replaced by a brick one in the 1920s. At that time, however, the mill was no longer serving its purpose and began to fall into disrepair.

The restoration of the monument in 1970 was thanks to a local hunters' association. Currently, visitors are allowed entry to the historical mill by prior arrangement. Interesting cultural and social events are occasionally held in the surroundings of the building. If you are lucky, you might come across one during your visit to Holíč. You will thus have a unique opportunity to enjoy a celebration against the backdrop of a charming Dutch structure.

The windmill is by far not the only historical attraction in Holíč. During your visit to the town, be sure not to miss a tour of the beautiful Holíčsky zámok and the local municipal museum. Another unique attraction is the Holíčske megality megaliths, cult stones decorated with ancient engravings that have earned the nickname "Slovak Stonehenge". As visitors, you will certainly be pleased with the varied selection of accommodation near the windmill in Holíč. On our page accommodation in Holíč, you will find a whole range of enticing accommodation facilities. The offer includes popular choices like cottages, as well as comfortable guesthouses and modern apartments. All you need to do is choose a date and plan your itinerary.