Discover Bojnice

Bojnice’s castle, zoo and historic houses each offer a different perspective. The area also features the springs of Kúpele Bojnice and a cycling loop that runs from town to Šútovské sedlo and back.

Castle, History and Landscape

Bojnice Castle is one of Slovakia’s oldest and most significant monuments. The first written mention of the castle’s existence dates from 1113. This is the date of the written mention, not the year the castle was built. The guided “Castle and Cave” tour lasts 75 to 90 minutes; the museum may adjust the duration. This gives you a time frame to factor into your day when planning the tour.

A natural travertine cave lies beneath the castle, and a landscaped natural and scenic park surrounds the complex. Here, a historic monument, a natural feature below it and designed outdoor space sit side by side. The cave and park each complement the historical perspective in their own way.

National Zoo Bojnice

National Zoo Bojnice is open daily, including public holidays. As operational information can change, check the latest visitor information before your trip. More than 400 animal species live at the zoo; the number of species may change over time.

At “Detská ZOO,” children can see animals up close and even pet them. This offering may be adjusted while the zoo is open. The zoo school offers dedicated projects for different school levels and types, as well as for specific visitor groups; these educational offerings may also be updated. Animal observation and educational projects are therefore two distinct areas of focus at the zoo.

Historic House and Ceramics

Bencovje Grunt is one of the last surviving traditional houses in Bojnice’s historic lanes. The house contains an original medieval cellar built from tuff stone. Here, alongside the castle, the focus is on a single surviving house and a specific architectural detail from its history.

Visitors can throw pottery on the wheel and paint ceramic items at Bencovje Grunt. Workshop availability may vary, so check what is on offer before visiting. This gives Bencovje Grunt a cultural focus that differs from simply viewing historic buildings.

Springs and Cycling Loop

Kúpele Bojnice uses nine springs with hydrocarbonate, calcium and magnesium-rich water. The water temperatures range from 28 to 52 °C. The spring water offers a distinct way to experience Bojnice, alongside its historical and animal-related attractions.

The Bojnicko – Dubnický cycling loop is approximately 13 km long. It leads from Bojnice via the autocamping site to Šútovské sedlo and then back to town. Route conditions may change; check them before setting out.

For planning purposes, the castle tour and the cycling loop are described differently: the tour is given a duration of 75 to 90 minutes, while the loop is given an approximate distance of 13 km. Consider these separately when choosing activities for your stay. The museum may adjust the tour duration, while route conditions may change.

Discover more destinations: Kamenec Pod Vtáčnikom, Nitrianske Pravno, Veľká Čausa, Tužina, Opatovce Nad Nitrou, Prievidza, Lehota Pod Vtáčnikom, Valaská Belá.

Go to the main travel overview: Prievidza.