Planning a road trip from Bratislava to Čičmany is one of the best ways to experience Slovakia’s countryside beyond the usual city stops. This scenic route takes you through rolling hills, spa towns, and castle-topped ridges before arriving in one of the country’s most charming villages. Čičmany is known for its dark timber cottages covered in white folk patterns nestled in the Žilina Region in Northern Slovakia.
Renting a car in Slovakia gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. Skip the bus schedules and take your time. Whether you want to stop in Trnava, enjoy views from Trenčín Castle, or soak in hot springs at Rajecké Teplice, this trip has plenty of options. Our Čičmany travel guide will help you plan the perfect drive.
Driving from Bratislava to Čičmany is one of the easiest ways to explore the northern part of Slovakia. The distance between the two places is around 175 kilometers, and the trip takes 2 hours by car. In contrast, taking public transport usually means switching between two or more buses, which can take up to four hours or more. With a car, you save time, avoid transfers, and have the flexibility to make scenic stops along the way.
Before you rent a car in Slovakia, make sure you meet the basic requirements. Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, though some ask for a minimum age of 23 or 25 for larger vehicles. A valid driver’s license is needed, and if yours is not in Roman script, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is also required. Basic insurance is usually included in the rental, but you can also choose extra coverage for added protection.
It’s best to rent your car at Bratislava Airport, especially if you're arriving by plane. This location offers a wide selection of vehicles and often has longer operating hours than city branches. Several international and local rental agencies operate there, making it easy to compare prices and options. Booking your rental in advance online is also a smart idea, as it guarantees availability, and you may even avail of discounts.
Start your road trip in Bratislava. Head southwest from Hodžovo námestie and follow signs toward Most SNP. This will lead you to the Panónska cesta, where you'll connect to the D1 highway via ramps signposted for Žilina, Komárno, and the airport. Once you’re on the D1/E75, continue east for about 10 kilometers, then stay on E75 for around 129 kilometers. This is a toll road, so make sure your rental car includes a valid toll sticker (vignette).
Take the exit for Ladce or Ilava (Route 574), then follow signs for Route 61. Drive through Ladce, and at the roundabouts, continue on Route 61 for a couple more kilometers. Next, turn onto Route 1912, which offers scenic countryside views. After about 18 kilometers, take a left onto Route 2112, followed by a short drive on Route 2113. Once you see signs for Čičmany, take a small turn, and you'll soon arrive in this charming village known for its white-painted wooden houses and mountain backdrop.
Driving from Bratislava to Čičmany only takes 2 hours, which means you will have to make some stops. Make the most of your journey by stopping at some of the most charming spots along the way.
Only about 45 minutes from Bratislava, Trnava is often called “Little Rome” thanks to its 11 churches packed within the old city walls. It’s one of Slovakia’s oldest towns and a perfect place to kick off your road trip. The walk around the historic center starts at Trojičné námestie, the city’s main square and a popular meeting spot for locals. From here, you can explore quiet lanes, charming courtyards, and centuries-old landmarks.
The old town is compact and easy to navigate on foot. You’ll find cozy cafés, local bakeries, and a relaxed pace that sets the tone for the journey ahead. Don’t miss the chance to walk along the city walls, which are among the best-preserved in Slovakia. Plan to spend 1 to 1.5 hours enjoying Trnava’s peaceful charm and photo-friendly streets.
Hlohovec is a peaceful town about an hour from Bratislava, perfect for a short stop on your road trip. Its main highlight is Hlohovec Castle, which once served as a medieval fortress. Today, the site features a manor house, a Baroque chapel, and the Empire Theatre, considered the oldest theatre building in Slovakia. The surrounding park has rare sycamore trees.
In the town center, you’ll find St. Michael’s Church, a Gothic structure from the 15th century. The nearby Chapel of St. Anna and the Franciscan Monastery, which now holds the Homeland Studies Museum, add more depth to Hlohovec’s rich religious and cultural history. The walk through these quiet streets gives a real sense of the town’s past.
For great views, drive up to the Šianec lookout on the road to Bojničky. You can also visit the local observatory and planetarium on Svinná Hora hill. It’s a relaxing 15-minute walk from the main square. Plan to spend around 1.5 to 2 hours exploring the highlights of Hlohovec before continuing your journey.
Trenčín Castle rises above the town of Trenčín. Built in the 11th century, it was a royal fortress guarding trade routes along the Váh River. The castle's most notable owner was Matúš Čák, who controlled much of western Slovakia in the early 14th century. His legacy lives on in the Matúš Tower, the castle's highest point, providing panoramic views of the surrounding region.
The castle complex includes several palaces, towers, and courtyards. Among its features is the "Well of Love," an 80-meter-deep well tied to the legend of a Turkish prince named Omar, who, according to folklore, dug the well to free his beloved Fatima. In reality, the well was excavated by soldiers in the 16th century and took decades to complete
Visitors can explore exhibitions showcasing historical artifacts, including medieval weapons, furniture, and artwork. The castle also hosts events such as medieval reenactments and night tours. A Roman inscription from 179 AD is carved into the rock below the castle, marking the northernmost known presence of Roman soldiers in Central Europe.
Reaching the castle involves a steep walk from the town center, but the effort is rewarded with rich history and stunning views. Plan to spend about 2 to 3 hours exploring the site and its surroundings.
Bojnice Castle is one of Slovakia’s most romantic and visited landmarks. It sits atop a travertine hill in the town of Bojnice and dates back to 1113. Originally a wooden fort, it was rebuilt in stone during the 13th century. In the late 19th century, Count Ján Pálffy transformed it into a romantic castle inspired by French châteaux. He filled it with art, antiques, and ornate furnishings. Today, the castle is part of the Slovak National Museum and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
Visitors can explore richly decorated rooms, including the Golden Hall with its gilded ceiling and the chapel housing a 14th-century Florentine altar. A highlight of the tour is the natural travertine cave located 26 meters beneath the castle, featuring two small lakes. The castle hosts events like the International Festival of Ghosts and Spirits from April to May.
Surrounding the castle is a landscaped park with ancient trees, including the 700-year-old King Matthias Linden Tree. Nearby attractions include the Bojnice Zoo, the oldest in Slovakia, and the Bojnice Spa, known for its thermal springs. Plan to spend about 2 to 3 hours exploring the castle and its grounds.
Rajecké Teplice is a serene spa town nestled in the Rajčanka River Valley, surrounded by the Malá Fatra and Strážovské Hills. Its history dates back to 1376, when it was known as Villa Tapolcha. The town's development as a spa destination began under the reign of Palatine George Thurzo, who enhanced the natural springs and built facilities for visitors.
The town's centerpiece is the Aphrodite Spa, renowned for its thermal waters, which are rich in calcium and magnesium and maintained at a soothing 38°C. These waters are believed to benefit the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. The spa complex features indoor and outdoor pools set amidst classical architecture, offering a tranquil atmosphere for visitors. Guests can indulge in various treatments, including massages, hydrotherapy, and beauty services, all aimed at promoting relaxation and well-being.
Beyond the spa, Rajecké Teplice offers attractions like the neo-Gothic Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, notable for its wooden carved altar. Stroll around Swan Lake, with its fountains and sculptures.
Čičmany is a small Slovak village that is famous for its wooden houses painted with white folk patterns. Surrounded by forested hills, Čičmany offers a peaceful escape from busy city life. Here are the best things to do in Čičmany.
One of the most iconic sights in Čičmany is its collection of painted wooden houses. These black timber cottages are decorated with striking white geometric patterns inspired by local folk embroidery. The painted wooden houses are located throughout the village in the Žilina Region of northern Slovakia. These patterns carry symbolic meanings related to nature, family, and harmony. Originally, villagers used lime-based paint to protect the wood, but over time, it became a cultural statement. Plan your visit during daylight hours to enjoy the visual richness of each façade.
Located in the heart of Čičmany, the Radenov dom (Raden’s House) is a beautifully preserved example of a traditional wooden home. It is part of Slovakia’s largest open-air museum, with two houses. Inside one of the houses, you'll find an exhibition that shows how villagers once lived. It includes displays of traditional clothing, hairstles, burial customs, and everyday tools.
The rooms are filled with original furniture, embroidery, and folk costumes from the 19th and early 20th centuries. This site also explains the history behind the painted white decorations. With over 120 faithfully reconstructed wooden dwellings, this picturesque museum gives visitors a deeper understanding of how people adapted to mountain life.
For travelers who enjoy the outdoors, hiking to Strážov Peak is rewarding. At 1,213 meters, this peak is the highest in the Strážov Mountains. The trail from Čičmany to the summit takes about 3 to 4 hours, depending on pace. Along the way, you’ll pass through forests, meadows, and panoramic viewpoints. In spring and summer, wildflowers line the path. In autumn, the forest glows with red and gold leaves. The view from the top is breathtaking, offering a broad sweep of the surrounding hills and valleys. Be sure to bring water, good shoes, and your camera.
Winter in Čičmany brings a different charm. Soft snow blankets the village and turns it into a quiet retreat. The Čičmany Ski Resort is small but perfect for families and beginners. It has a few gentle slopes, ski lifts, and options for sledding or snowboarding. The peaceful atmosphere means you won’t have to deal with large crowds or long waits. There’s also a ski rental on-site, so getting gear is easy. After a day on the slopes, you can warm up with tea or mulled wine in one of the nearby wooden inns.
This small but meaningful baroque church is one of Čičmany’s oldest landmarks. Originally built in the 17th century, it was reconstructed in the 20th century while keeping its traditional stle. Inside, the church features warm wooden paneling, hand-painted details, and classic village furnishings. These elements reflect the craftsmanship of the region and give the space a peaceful, humble beauty. The church is dedicated to the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, a Christian holiday celebrated on September 14. Local services and events still take place here, showing how closely the community is tied to its faith and Slovak traditions.
If you’ve made it this far, you already know that the road trip from Bratislava to Čičmany is packed with great stops. There is so much to see, such as castles, spa towns, and painted houses. Plus, it’s way better when you’re not stuck on a bus schedule. That’s why renting a car with FinalRentals just makes sense. You can pick a ride that fits your trip—small car, SUV, or something fancy—and book it in a few clicks. No hidden fees, easy pickup, and you're good to go.
