When you travel across Slovakia, you will see many beautiful old buildings. But in the remote parts of the country, wooden churches are very special places. These churches are made entirely from wood and are hundreds of years old. Each one looks different and tells a story from the past.
To visit these churches, you must go to small towns and mountain villages. No big buses or direct trains go there. That’s why renting a car in Slovakia is the best way. You can stop anytime, take photos, and enjoy the views. Our blog will help you plan your road trip, show you where to go, and tell you what to look for in each place.
If you are starting your road trip from Belgrade, you will first drive about 6 to 7 hours to eastern Slovakia, depending on your route and traffic at the border. The distance to towns like Bardejov or Svidník, which are close to many wooden churches, is around 450 to 500 kilometers. Once in Slovakia, it's easy to reach different churches across regions like Orava, Šariš, and Zemplín by car.
Before renting a car in Slovakia, you must have a valid driver’s license and a passport or ID card. Most rental companies also ask for a credit card. If your license is not in English or Slovak, it is safer to carry an international driving permit. You should also be at least 21 years old.
It's better to rent a compact SUV or mid-size car for this kind of trip. Many wooden churches are in rural areas with narrow, hilly roads. A small SUV provides comfort, better road clearance, and enough space for luggage or gear. Fuel stations can be far apart in remote zones, so choose a car with good mileage and always start your trip with a full tank. If you plan the trip well, you can stay overnight in towns like Košice or Bardejov. These towns also have great food, hotels, and old buildings to explore. Visiting two or three of the best wooden churches is enough to enjoy the history without rushing.
The road trip can be done in 3 to 4 days if you want to enjoy it without rushing. This gives you enough time to drive from Belgrade, rest overnight in a Slovak town, and spend two full days visiting churches across the Prešov region. You won’t need to see every single one. Just picking the most beautiful and well-kept churches will give you a rich experience. If you spend 4 days, you can also visit nearby towns like Bardejov or Svidník, which have old buildings, war memorials, and local museums.
These wooden churches in Slovakia represent different faiths, cultures, and artistic stles. Most were built between the 15th and 18th centuries, and some still serve their original communities. These churches fall into three groups. The Gothic Roman Catholic churches, like Hervartov and Tvrdošín, are the oldest. Then there are the Evangelical articled churches, built under strict laws during the Habsburg era. Finally, you’ll find many Greek Catholic and Orthodox wooden churches in eastern Slovakia. Some churches changed faith over time. However, all were built by skilled folk carpenters using local timber and no nails.
The reason Slovakia has so many wooden churches is both religious and practical. In the 17th century, certain religious groups were not allowed to build churches inside towns or use stone or metal in their construction. So they built them with timber, by hand, often finishing the work in under a year. This gave rise to the articled Evangelical churches and also influenced Greek Catholic church design.
Eastern Slovakia was rich in wood and had strong folk-building traditions. The buildings often follow a layout with three parts: narthex, nave, and sanctuary. An iconostasis separates the sanctuary from the rest of the church. You’ll also notice wood carvings, painted icons, and even Byzantine-stle frescos. Most churches were placed on hillsides, surrounded by forests or cemeteries, making the setting just as powerful as the architecture.
These eight churches were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2008. They represent the best examples of the three architectural types and showcase the craftsmanship, faith, and traditions of the Carpathian region.
Church of St. Francis of Assisi is the oldest wooden church in Slovakia, built in the late 15th century. Located near Bardejov, it stands on a small hill and is made of red spruce. The church has Gothic elements and a stone wall surrounding it. Inside, you’ll see original murals, a wooden altar, and paintings from 1665.
Situated in the Orava region, this Roman Catholic church was built in the 15th century and later renovated in the Renaissance stle. The baroque altar, arch murals, and peaceful setting make it one of the best churches to visit in Slovakia. You shouldn’t miss this church when visiting northern Slovakia.
Kežmarok is a wooden church was built in 1717 in the shape of a Greek cross. It’s known for its ship-like ceiling, inspired by Swedish sailors, and round windows that look like portholes. Inside, you’ll find unique wood carvings, a massive altar, and a rare organ with wooden pipes. Next to it, there's a stone Evangelical church.
Close to Dolný Kubín, this church was built in 1688. It still holds Sunday services and features painted walls, a finely decorated pulpit, and a beautiful Baroque altar. It’s one of the oldest articled churches and showcases the high level of folk craftsmanship.
Built in 1726, this church has an amphitheater-stle interior, colorful altar panels, and amazing acoustics. Next to it is a wooden belfry in the same architectural stle. The church stands near Banská Bystrica and makes a great stop on your road trip to Slovak wooden churches.
This Greek Catholic church was built in 1658 and features a three-part log design. During World War II, it survived a shell strike that did not explode. The women of the village saved the church by carrying the shell away. Today, the roof still shows signs of that event. The iconostasis inside is beautifully painted on both sides.
Built in 1742, this Greek Catholic church was constructed without a single metal nail. It follows the Lemko stle, with an octagonal dome and bell tower. Inside, the Byzantine murals and 18th-century icons give a deep sense of spiritual tradition.
Located near the Ukraine border, this 1730 church is known for its different structure and rare Crucifixion icon. The church has a strong Eastern Orthodox character, and the interior artworks reflect this spiritual depth.
Each wooden church shows the talent of Slovak folk builders. These men used only wood and built structures that still stand today. The beams, carvings, and paintings reflect not just skill but faith, identity, and connection to nature. Builders placed churches near forests or on hills, using red spruce, yew, and fir. The joints were often held together with wooden pegs instead of nails.
Inside, you’ll see iconostases. These wooden screens filled with icons represent a spiritual doorway. Some churches have vivid Byzantine-stle frescos; others show folk art painting stles. This blend of east and west makes these buildings unique. Their preservation today is thanks to locals and historians who value them as symbols of resistance, unity, and artistry.
Many other wooden churches in Slovakia are not on the UNESCO list but are still open to visitors. Most are in eastern Slovakia and easy to reach by car.
This church is now in the open-air museum near the spa town of Bardejovské Kúpele. It was moved to protect it and still has its original steeples, icons, and faux-painted clock. Nearby you can stay at Hotel Alexander or take a break at the wellness area of Spa Bardejov.
Built in 1706, the church in Zboj features onion domes and a hand-painted interior from the 18th century. The ceiling opens to a tall dome, drawing your eyes to the painted altar. The beams still show ax marks, and the interior feels like a wooden cabin fused with a sacred space.
Built in 1763, this small church sits on the edge of a hamlet and is surrounded by crooked gravestones. The contrast between old and new wood shows its many repairs. The setting and design give the church a homemade, deeply authentic look.
This is the only wooden church in the Prešov district. It was built in 1727 and remains active today. The iconostasis is special because it leaves out the typical crucifix. Roman Catholic believers use it now, but it still belongs to the Greek Catholic Church.
Built in 1770, this church was badly damaged in WWII but quickly repaired. The gate and structure remain original, and the iconostasis shows a rich variety of colors. Its wooden gate and peaceful setting make it worth a visit.
Bardejov is the perfect base for visiting many of these wooden churches in Slovakia. The town has a stunning square filled with pastel-colored buildings, a Gothic basilica, and the historic town hall. You can visit the Basilica of St. Egidius, walk the cobblestone streets, or relax at one of the cafes. Close by, the Bardejov Spa (Bardejovské Kúpele) has a museum where some churches, like Mikulášová, have been moved. Staying in Bardejov also gives you access to countryside roads with views of the Carpathian Mountains.
Wooden churches in Slovakia are more than tourist sites. They are proof of what simple tools, strong faith, and a deep connection to nature can create. You don’t need to be religious to feel something when you step inside these buildings. They offer quiet, beauty, and a break from the modern world. Final Rentals is a trusted car rental service that helps you explore these places with ease. You can pick up a car in Bratislava and drive through scenic routes to reach these hidden gems.
