Ruins Severné Slovensko

Have you heard the legend about the young man Blatoň, who saved two lives – those of Prince Mojmír and Pribina? This very legend is tied to Blatnický hrad. If you plan a trip to Gaderská dolina, that is, to the Veľká Fatra mountains, you should definitely visit the village of Blatnica. Right above it, at an altitude of 658 m a. s. l., on a steep hill separating Gaderská dolina from Turčianska kotlina, stands the castle.

The castle as such stands in its place to this day. Enthusiasts dedicated to its preservation and restoration strive to carry out numerous cleaning and reconstruction works. The masonry of the western tower is preserved at the castle, towering to a great height. The upper castle was set between two towers. In the lower castle, the corner block masonry as well as the remnants of building walls are preserved.

The history of Blatnický hrad dates back to the year 1300, when its first owner was Peter of Brezovica. It was built on the popular trade route magna via. The last mention of it being inhabited was from the year 1790, after which it gradually fell into ruin and decayed. After all, princes preferred a more comfortable lifestyle in a manor house rather than in a castle.

Many tales and legends are connected with the castle as such. One of the popular ones includes the one about the young man Blatoň. This young man saved the lives of Pribina and Mojmír during a hunt for aurochs. When the improperly hit animal charged at these two prominent figures, Blatoň rushed at it and killed it with a dagger. For saving their lives, he received a beautiful sword and land for the future castle. Other legends include the one about a cruel castle lord who, after seizing another man's bride and growing tired of her, had her killed and walled her son into the castle. The child's crying can still be heard today within the castle walls. Or about the Templars who walled up a monk in the castle. Supposedly, treasure hunters found a walled-up male skeleton in the ruins of the castle. Who knows who it belonged to and whether these legends are true.

The castle as such is truly very interesting and shrouded in a veil of mysteries from the past. No wonder, as prominent families such as the House of Luxembourg or the Révay family lived here. If you want to come and see it in person and experience its atmosphere, be sure to choose a suitable route. A yellow hiking trail leads to the castle. The shortest route is across the meadow below the castle in the village of Blatnica. From Blatnica through Gaderská dolina, it is less than 2 km to the first forester's lodge, then another 15 minutes along an unmarked trail. Choose the right route and explore the castle in person.

Every ruin, such as Blatnický hrad, is accessible at your own risk. Hiking shoes are therefore recommended. After such a wonderfully spent walk, you can head into the village and choose accommodation near Blatnický hrad. You will thus extend your stay and get to know the amazing surroundings perfectly. You can enjoy the beauties of the underground in Jaskyňa Mažarná. A day full of fun is guaranteed for you in Lanový park. Right in the village, you can book cottages in Blatnica or private accommodation in Blatnica. The offer of accommodation is rich.

Lietavský hrad is the largest castle structure in Slovakia. It stretches across a castle hill above the village of Lietava, in the Žilina Region. In addition to the beautiful scenery of these ruins and a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountain ranges, its excellent location is a major attraction for visitors. The castle is situated just 10 km south of the regional capital of Žilina. It has thus become a popular excursion spot for holidaymakers heading from Terchová or the Kysuce region to Rajecké Teplice.

Lietavský hrad was built at the end of the 13th century on a rocky ridge of the Súľovská vrchovina highlands. Originally, it was likely a smaller palace and a four-storey square tower from which a rampart extended. It is assumed that the construction was initiated by the Balaša family. At the beginning of the 14th century, it was occupied by the famous Matúš Čák; later, the castle became royal property and was assigned to palatines and dukes. In the following years, Lietava changed hands several times among lords who contributed to its reconstruction in various ways. Since the mid-18th century, the castle has been abandoned, and after 250 years, it has turned into a ruin.

They say that anyone who has experienced a sunset or sunrise at Lietavský hrad has no doubt that it is one of the most beautiful places in our country. It is precisely the enchanting view that makes the castle hill above Lietava such a great attraction. After a short and easy ascent, you will have the Strážovské vrchy mountains, as well as the Malá Fatra and Veľká Fatra mountain ranges, in the palm of your hand. Your backdrop will be a ruin bearing witness to times long past, whose walls still carry rare architectural details today. To the south of the tower, you can see the castle's fifth gate, residential buildings, and a Late Gothic palace. To the north lies the outer bailey, parallel to which stretches another outer bailey with artillery bastions and a Renaissance entrance gate. The exhibition area dedicated to the history of Lietavský hrad, archaeological finds, and firearms has been open here since 2017. It is located in the Stredný palác.

You can reach the castle along marked hiking trails from the villages of Lietava and Lietavská Svinná. Depending on the chosen route, the ascent takes between 30 and 60 minutes. The castle grounds are open to visitors continuously. The exhibition area located in the Stredný palác and the Kinižiho tower are open to the public irregularly, mostly during weekends and public holidays. We recommend checking the opening hours by phone.

If you pass near Žilina during your holiday travels, be sure to accept an invitation to the castle hill towering over Lietava. Enjoy the magnificent view in the atmosphere of a historic site that has blended perfectly with the surrounding nature. You can combine a trip here with a visit to the Kúpele Rajecké Teplice spa or a hike beneath Žibrid hill to mother nature's splendid sculptural creation, the Stratený budzogáň. Or would you prefer relaxing by the pool at Kúpalisko Žilina? The holiday options here are truly diverse, much like the offer of accommodation near Lietavský hrad. Accommodation in Lietava and the immediate surroundings offers a wide spectrum of cottages and chalets, which have great potential to become your temporary home during your vacation.

Above the village of Hričovské Podhradie, in the district of Žilina, rises Hričovský hrad, also known as Hrad Hričov. Set out on a pleasant walk with a gentle climb. Whether you head to the castle as a couple, with friends, or as a family with children, everyone will manage this route in about an hour. After the climb, you will be rewarded with beautiful views of the surrounding nature.

Hričovský hrad is accessible via an educational trail directly from the village of Hričovské Podhradie. The trail also forms a loop with 20 information boards that inform you about the history of the castle or the surrounding flora and fauna. The origins of the castle ruins date back to the 13th century. Throughout its history, the castle changed several owners. An interesting feature is the counterfeit coin workshop that the Podmanický brothers ran at the castle. From the 17th century onwards, the lords of the castle began moving to more luxurious chateau residences, and the castle gradually fell into decay. The last owners were the Thurzo family, who, however, did not reside at the castle. During the Bocskai uprising, the castle was conquered and ravaged by the Hajduks. This marked the beginning of its downfall.

Follow the educational trail of Hričovský hrad and take a look at a piece of history. Rest areas with information boards will make your journey more enjoyable. Take a glimpse at the beauty of nature in Považie. On summer days, you will find great refreshment at Vodná nádrž Hričov. Its surroundings are suitable not only for long walks, but also for cycling trips.

By bicycle, you can easily get to Budatínsky zámok in no time. In addition to the chateau itself, you will also be charmed by the magnificent Budatínsky park. If you are a passionate hiker after all, Súľovské skaly cannot be missing from your itinerary. You will be captivated by their various geomorphological formations. Needles, windows, towers, and steep crags are sought after by mountaineering enthusiasts. Less demanding routes will be appreciated by rock climbing enthusiasts.

Come and discover Považie and the beauty it offers. Book accommodation in the vicinity of Hričovský hrad. We will be happy to help you with your choice. In our offer, you will find comfortable guesthouses or cozy cottages surrounded by picturesque nature.

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.

Are you a history lover? Do you enjoy visiting castles and chateaux? It is not said for nothing that Slovakia is a land of castles. Historians state that there are 425 manor houses and 180 castles and chateaux in Slovakia. Perhaps the most beautiful one in Liptov is Hrad a Kaštieľ Liptovský Hrádok. Forget the mundanity of everyday life for a moment and become a brave knight or a lady of the castle. We invite you to a castle and manor house that has been welcoming its visitors since 2010.

Set out on a journey back in time and uncover the old secrets of the castle. Discover secret castle corridors and solve the riddle hidden in the castle courtyard. Do not miss the guided tour led by the owner herself, castle lady Dagmar. Let yourself be drawn into history and transport yourself to the life that prevailed in the 14th century during the 45-minute tour. Since 2018, the “Komnata hradného kastelána” and the staircase tower, which will provide you with a magnificent view all the way to Kriváň, have also been accessible. Tickets can be purchased directly at the cash desk before the tour begins.

In the first written record from 1341, the castle is mentioned under the name Wywar, while in later records it is already listed as Novum Castrum, Nový Hrad. Since then, it has gone through many changes and owners. The first owner and at the same time the founder of the castle was Master Donč, the head of Zvolen County. Another significant figure was Baron Valentín Balaša, who owned the castle between 1554 and 1600 and, together with his brother František, took care of the restoration of the castle walls. Another interesting ruler was Magdaléna Zai, who, together with her second husband Mikuláš Šándorfy, had the Renaissance palace and the surrounding estate buildings constructed. She was married five times and each of her husbands died after 4 years of marriage. They reportedly all died of natural causes. The last living owner, already the 56th in line, is Mrs. Dagmar Machová. She began to gradually restore the abandoned, dilapidated, and ruined spaces. Reconstruction work on the entire complex has been ongoing from 2002 to the present day. As a national cultural monument, the area of Hrad a Kaštieľ represents an important part of the cultural heritage, and its individual parts are slowly being restored and made accessible to the public.

One of the ancient legends says that the castle was once connected by extensive underground corridors with the fortification in Liptovský Ján. During the anti-Habsburg uprisings in 1622, the Holy Crown of Saint Stephen was temporarily stored at the castle.

Are you planning a wedding or celebrating an important anniversary? Delight the hearts of your loved ones and organize a celebration for them in grandiose style at this magnificent place steeped in history. The wedding reception and party can take place in the premises of the manor house or directly in the courtyard. The castle kitchen will take care of the gastronomic experience and fulfill even your most secret wishes. The romantic Magdaléna Zai Apartment awaits the newlyweds. The wedding photoshoot by the castle pond will certainly also be unforgettable, allowing you to preserve the memory of this significant day.

We invite you to this magnificent place and believe that it will leave you with a pleasant feeling. Combine history with entertainment and visit other attractions in Liptov as well. If you decide to stay in Liptov longer, we offer you accommodation in the surroundings of Hrad a Kaštieľ Liptovský Hrádok. If you are looking for a quiet place with a great atmosphere, you can choose from cozy cottages and stylish wooden cabins in the Liptov region, of which there are plenty on our portal. If, on the other hand, you are a city type, stay in guesthouses in Liptovský Mikuláš.

Nestled in the Spiš region, the village of Holumnica is located in the Kežmarok district and will catch your eye from afar with its castle. It is right here that you can find the ruins of Holumnický hrad or Holumnický zámok. Today, it serves as a great spot for hikers or families with children.

Hrad Holumnica is shrouded in a veil of mystery. It is assumed that it was built at the turn of the 15th and 16th centuries. During its existence, it was modified several times. Originally, the castle served as a three-story residential building constructed in the Gothic-Renaissance style. If you were expecting a tower or its remnants at this castle, you will not find one. Interestingly, walls with slit loopholes were discovered here.

Although the building was mostly inhabited by one of the families from a prominent noble lineage in this region, its walls were not occupied for very long. Around the 17th century, the castle became a building used as a residential seat for a member of the family. Later, it became merely a building used to store various materials. Unfortunately, more precise records do not exist.

Plan a trip to the ruins of this castle and park your car near the municipal office. You might even find accommodation near Holumnický hrad. The path to it is very easy. A small alley leading over a wooden footbridge across the Holumnický stream will bring you to your destination. It will take you just 10 minutes on foot. This attraction will not strain your budget either, as no admission fee is charged at the castle ruins and entry is at your own risk.

Holumnica offers many possibilities for how to spend time directly in the village or its surroundings. Book accommodation in the village of Holumnica in advance and check out the local Rímskokatolícky kostol sv. Kataríny. Nearby, you can also explore the premises of the Kláštor piaristov. In Vyšné Ružbachy, on the other hand, you can enjoy a perfect swim in the Ružbašské krátery. After that, all you need to do is head back to your private accommodation in Holumnica and spend pleasant moments with your partner.