Going from Spišská Nová Ves to Spiš Castle is a short trip, but there’s a lot packed in between. This route is one of the easiest ways to enjoy the countryside and learn about Slovakia’s past, without feeling rushed or lost. Many travelers choose renting a car in Slovakia for this drive, especially if you are arriving from Belgrade. You won’t have to wait for a tour or worry about missing the bus. What you’ll find along the way is more than just a castle at the end. There are quiet towns, open views, and little moments that make the drive unforgettable.
Renting a car in Bratislava is a smart choice if you are planning to explore eastern Slovakia on your own. The city has many international and local car rental companies. You’ll find rental desks at Bratislava Airport, the main train station, and in the city center. Most companies require a valid driver’s license, a passport, and a credit card for the deposit. If your license is not in Latin script, bring an International Driving Permit. It’s best to book online in advance, especially during busy travel months, to get lower prices and more vehicle choices.
When choosing a car, think about your route. The drive from Bratislava to Spiš Castle takes 4 hours. A compact car is enough, but if you’re traveling with family or carrying luggage, go for a mid-size or SUV. Make sure your car has GPS or download offline maps. Some rental companies include a motorway vignette (toll sticker) in the rental price. Ask about this before you drive off. Fuel stations are easy to find on the highway, and most take card payments. Always return the car with the same fuel level it had at pick-up. Check for damage and take photos before leaving the lot.
Spišská Nová Ves is a town in eastern Slovakia. It sits at the edge of the Slovak Paradise National Park. This section will help you make the most of your time.
Spišská Nová Ves is one of the best starting points for Slovak Paradise National Park. This area is filled with hiking trails, canyons, and waterfalls. The Suchá Belá and Prielom Hornádu routes are two of the most popular treks. You’ll walk across ladders, bridges, and forest paths. The Tomášovský View, a cliff viewpoint, gives you one of the best photo spots in the region. Make sure to wear good hiking shoes. Some paths are wet and steep. Also, bring snacks and water, as most trails don’t have shops along the way. You can access many trailheads just 10 to 15 minutes from town by car.
If you enjoy a challenge, the Ferrata Kyseľ is a top pick. This trail is not for beginners. It’s a fixed rope route deep into a narrow gorge of waterfalls and mossy cliffs. You’ll climb metal ladders and walk along cables fixed to the rock walls. The complete circuit takes around 4 hours. You must rent proper gear, including a helmet, harness, and via ferrata set. Rentals are available in Čingov or Podlesok, both close to town. This route is open in summer only from June 15 to October 31 and has a small entry fee of €5.
At the heart of the national park lies Klastorisko, a scenic rest stop with mountain views. It once held a Carthusian monastery. Today you can still see some stone ruins nearby. Hikers often stop here for lunch or shelter from rain. There’s a cozy wooden hut offering soup, drinks, and a warm place to sit. The area has picnic benches and a peaceful forest atmosphere. It’s a good halfway point if you’re doing longer hikes like the loop from Podlesok.
On the edge of town sits the Schulerloch Lookout Tower. It’s an easy uphill walk, perfect for late afternoon or early morning. Once you reach the top, you’ll get wide views over Spišská Nová Ves and the forests beyond. The trail is short but quiet, ideal for families or anyone needing a break from more intense hikes. It's also a great spot to watch the sunset before heading back into town.
In town, the main square is one of the longest squares in Slovakia. It’s surrounded by shops, cafés, and pastel-colored buildings. In the middle, you’ll find the Church of the Virgin Mary's Assumption, which has the tallest church tower in Slovakia at 87 meters. You can climb the tower for a great view of the town and the hills. Another stop is the Galeria Umelcov Spiša, a local art gallery that displays works by Slovak artists. The Zoo of Spišská Nová Ves is also nearby and great for a short visit, especially if you're traveling with kids.
Spišská Nová Ves has local and casual places to eat. At Restaurant Slovenka, you can enjoy kapustnica (sauerkraut soup), pork schnitzel, and homemade lokše. For grilled meats and comfort food, Rock N Roll Steak Pub serves BBQ ribs, cheeseburgers, steak with pepper sauce, and loaded fries. The place has a fun, music-themed atmosphere with rock decor.
For something lighter, visit La Creperie – Palacinkaren u Priatelov, where you can enjoy sweet crepes filled with Nutella and bananas, or savory ones with ham, cheese, and mushrooms, paired with local coffee or lemonade.
For your stay, Hotel Metropol offers large rooms, a wellness center with a sauna, and a breakfast buffet. It’s ideal for travelers who want comfort in the town center. Penzion Safran features cozy rooms, private parking, and a quiet garden area perfect for relaxing after day trips. If you prefer nature, Hotel Čingov sits right next to Slovak Paradise and has a wellness spa, indoor pool, and guided hiking packages. All are good choices, especially in summer.
The short drive from Spišská Nová Ves to Spiš Castle takes 20 to 25 minutes, but there are great places to explore along the way.
You’ll find Markušovce Manor House just 6 km south of Spišská Nová Ves. The Rococo-stle garden pavilion and manor date back to the 17th century. Inside, there's a music museum showcasing period instruments. The peaceful garden has walking paths, benches, and well-kept greenery perfect for a quick break. It’s a relaxing stop with light historical depth, great for photos and learning about local nobility.
Located at the foot of Spiš Castle, Spišské Podhradie is a small town with charming streets, old stone houses, and a peaceful vibe. You can explore baroque churches, visit the Evangelical Church with its carved altar, or stop at local cafés offering Slovak pastries and espresso. There’s a designated parking area here for castle visitors, and a scenic walking path leads you uphill to the castle.
Right beside Spišské Podhradie is Spišská Kapitula, often called the "Slovak Vatican." It’s a fortified complex of Romanesque and Gothic buildings, including St. Martin’s Cathedral. The area is peaceful, with cobbled streets and medieval walls. You can walk freely and enjoy views over the Hornád Valley, where farmland, villages, and low hills stretch toward the horizon.
Spiš Castle is one of the largest medieval castles in Central Europe, spreading across 41,000 square meters on a high limestone hill. Originally built in the 12th century in Romanesque stle, it guarded key trade routes in the Spiš region. Over the centuries, Gothic towers and Renaissance living quarters were added by noble families like the Zápolya, Thurzo, and Csáky. Though a major fire in 1780 damaged much of the upper castle, many sections have since been restored. In 1993, it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site, honoring its importance in Slovak history.
Your visit begins at the lower courtyard, once used for storing supplies and sheltering animals. From there, you can walk into the middle courtyard, where the Gothic palace and noble residences were built. Don’t miss the 22-meter watchtower—climbing to the top gives you sweeping views of the Hornád Valley, the town of Spišské Podhradie, and even the distant High Tatras on clear days. This is the perfect place for panoramic photos.
Several castle rooms have been recreated to show how people lived in medieval times. Inside the castle kitchen, you’ll see stone ovens, wood counters, and old cooking tools. The bedroom and washroom feature wooden furniture and early ceramic basins. A small but detailed torture chamber shows replicas of medieval punishment devices. In the armory, you’ll find chainmail, swords, and crossbows once used by castle guards.
The Spiš Museum, managed by the Slovak National Museum, holds many of its exhibits in the upper castle. Here you’ll see Roman coins, pottery from the Puchov culture, and full sets of knight armor from the 13th century. Signs in English and Slovak explain the castle’s role in major events like the Tatar invasions and the rise of Hungarian nobility. The museum also highlights artifacts from underground caves beneath the castle hill, where early traders once took shelter.
Look closely at the stonework and you’ll spot original Romanesque arches, Gothic windows, and defensive arrow slits. Some walls include drainage systems and vaulted ceilings built to withstand long sieges. These preserved features show how the castle evolved from a basic stronghold into a noble residence with complex design and function.
Allow at least two to three hours to see the full site. Wear sturdy walking shoes—the paths are uneven and uphill. Entry tickets include museum access and use of audio guides in several languages. For fewer crowds and better photos, visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Photography is allowed throughout the site, especially from the battlements and tower platforms.
Large-scale restoration began in the 20th century. These efforts further stopped damage and made areas safe for visitors. Alongside construction, archaeologists uncovered Roman-era items and early medieval tools. Some of these are displayed in the museum, while others remain part of ongoing research. The site also includes underground caves and traces of much older settlements, showing that this hilltop has been important for thousands of years.
When planning your trip, try to visit between late spring and early autumn. From May to September, the weather is mild, and most historical sites are fully open. Summer also brings special events like medieval festivals and reenactments at castles. Be prepared for cooler temperatures in the morning, especially if you’re heading into higher elevations. Pack layered clothing, a windbreaker, and sturdy walking shoes, as many paths are cobbled or uphill.
Before setting off, plan your route to include nearby points of interest like Levoča, Žehra, or Slovenský Raj National Park. These sites are close enough to visit on the same day. Bring some cash in euros for entry fees, snacks, or local shops, as smaller venues may not accept cards. Always check opening hours in advance, as some museums and historical sites close earlier outside the summer season.
Traveling from Spišská Nová Ves to Spiš Castle is a journey through open countryside, quiet towns, and centuries of history. You’ll see noble mansions, stone churches, and panoramic views that feel untouched by time. Whether you're into castles, local food, or nature, this trip brings it all together in one neat experience.
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