Prievidza: Bojnice Castle, Mining and Nature Trails

Bojnice Castle stands on a travertine hill above the town of Bojnice. It was first mentioned in writing in 1113. The castle houses an art history museum with a nationwide remit. A castle and cave tour combines a walk-through with expert commentary and lasts 75 to 90 minutes. The natural travertine cave lies directly beneath the castle. Before your visit, it is advisable to check the current tour arrangements.

Castle, Cave and Zoo

Bojnice Zoo also offers a range of experiences: a walking route passes through wooded areas and, in places, through original Carpathian forest. The zoo includes a children's petting zoo, which has been there since 2005, and a sensory trail with different surfaces. Educational panels provide information about Carpathian wildlife. Forest, sensory experiences and wildlife each offer a distinct focus during your visit.

Mining History in Handlová and Sebedražie

In Handlová, the mining educational trail offers insights into activities related to coal mining, as well as the fauna and flora of the surrounding area. Banícka kolónia was built as a residential district for miners who came to work from across the monarchy of the time. Its main construction phase lasted from 1909 to 1928, during which 149 workers' houses were built. The Bralský Tunnel reveals another aspect of the region's industrial history: the 3.0116-kilometre-long railway tunnel is part of a line towards Turiec, built in the late 1920s and early 1930s.

The Upper Nitra Open-Air Mining Museum is located in Sebedražie in the Prievidza District. During the underground tour, a typical mine train takes visitors below ground. Together with the educational trail in Handlová, the museum offers different perspectives on coal mining: activities and landscape here, an underground ride there.

Educational Trails and Forest Landscapes

The Vtáčnik mountain range, part of which lies in the Prievidza District, is characterised by beech forests and mixed beech and fir forests. The self-guided Buchlov educational trail in the Prievidza District is 5.3 kilometres long, has eight stops and is described as being in good condition. The Vtáčnik educational trail is 7.8 kilometres long, has an elevation gain of 900 metres and takes about three to four hours.

The Fraňo Madva educational trail brings together nature and culture: it provides information about local fauna and flora, the geology of the region, and the life and work of Fraňo Madva. The trail is 12 kilometres long and has an elevation gain of 600 metres. The information about the three trails highlights different points of reference: Buchlov is described in terms of its self-guided format and stops, an approximate duration is also given for Vtáčnik, and the Fraňo Madva trail covers geology and Madva's biography.

Water, Winter Sports and Cycling Route

Chalmová Thermal Baths are open year-round. Indoor pools are for relaxation, while outdoor pools are for swimming. At the Nitrianske Rudno Reservoir, you can swim, go boating, sail, windsurf, use pedal boats and fish. In the broader Horná Nitra–Bojnice destination, the reservoir is one of the places for water-based recreation.

Ski TMG Remata has a 500-metre ski slope with a 90-metre elevation difference, as well as children's lifts and ski lessons. Slope details and services may change, so check them before your visit. At the Remata resort, a railway station is 400 metres from the accommodation. As the relationship between the station and the accommodation may change, it is advisable to confirm this information before travelling.

For cycling, the Nedožery–Brezany–Malá Čausa–Chrenovec–Jalovec–Ráztočno–Remata route is a designated 11.6 kilometres long and ends in Remata. When planning your overnight stay, you can prioritise the places and activities that will shape your trip: the castle and zoo are attractions in Bojnice, while Handlová is associated with mining history.

Discover more destinations: Bojnice, Valaská Belá, Klacno, Nitrianske Pravno, Liešťany, Poluvsie, Handlová, Bystricany, Cigeľ, Dolné Vestenice, Jalovec, Kamenec Pod Vtáčnikom, Kanianka, Koš, Lehota Pod Vtáčnikom, Malá Čausa, Malinová, Nitrianske Sučany, Nitrica, Nováky, Opatovce Nad Nitrou, Oslany, Pravenec, Ráztočno, Sebedražie, Tužina, Veľká Čausa, Zemianske Kostoľany, Prievidza, Temeš, Nedožery-Brezany, Diviaky Nad Nitricou, Poruba, Šútovce, Radobica.

For the broader travel overview: Trenčín.