Bojnice Castle

Bojnice is the most romantic and most visited castle in Slovakia, a fairy-tale confection of pointed turrets and towers that a count remodelled in the late nineteenth century in the style of the French Loire chateaux, on the foundations of a medieval castle. With ornate interiors, a cave beneath and a zoo and thermal spa beside it, it is a beloved family destination.

What you actually see

• The fairy-tale exterior - the turrets and towers of the romantic castle.
• The ornate interiors - the richly decorated halls and the golden hall.
• The castle cave - the natural cave beneath the castle.
• The zoo and spa - the neighbouring zoo and thermal spa town.

When to go

The warm months for the castle, gardens and the neighbouring zoo and spa; it hosts popular themed events like the festival of ghosts. It is a family favourite, so it is busy in season.

Honest expectations

It is a nineteenth-century romantic remodelling rather than a genuine medieval castle, which is its charm but not to all tastes. It is very popular with families, so it is busy, especially during events. The interiors are seen on guided tours.

Nearby

The spa town of Bojnice and its zoo are alongside; the central Slovak hills spread around.