Are you ready for a fun drive in Slovakia? This trip takes you from Nitra, a city full of history, to Bojnice Castle, one of the most beautiful castles in the country. Along the way, you can pass through small towns, stop at scenic spots, and try local food. It’s an adventure with a lot to see and enjoy. Renting a car in Slovakia is the best way to do this trip. Buses don’t stop at the hidden places, and tours move too fast. Our guide will show you how to explore freely, take side roads, and enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.
Nitra is one of the oldest cities in Slovakia, with roots going back to the 9th century. It played a role in early Slavic history and was once the seat of the first Christian bishop in the region. Before you start driving, explore the best sights in Nitra. These places are all close to the city center.
Nitra Castle stands on Castle Hill and dates back to the 11th century, though parts of it were built even earlier. It includes Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque elements due to centuries of rebuilding. Inside the complex, you’ll find St. Emmeram’s Cathedral, which has three connected churches from different time periods. The oldest part was built in the 11th century. You can walk up a stone path to reach the courtyard. It’s free to enter the outer areas, and the views over the city are fantastic. From the top, you can spot the river, town squares, and Zobor mountain in the background.
This square is in Nitra’s old town. It is named after Prince Pribina, a Slavic ruler associated with Nitra’s early history. The square is a lovely place to stroll. You’ll find a statue of Pribina, fountains, and cafes.
The old synagogue is just a short walk from Pribina Square. It’s a beautiful historical building with distinctive architecture, which is a mix of Moorish and Art Nouveau stles. The synagogue is no longer used for worship, but it hosts cultural events and exhibitions. Even if it’s closed, the exterior is worth a look for its intricate design and serene ambience.
This is Nitra’s main theatre, named after a famous Slovak actor, Andrej Bagar. The theatre building is modern and stands on Svätopluk Square, which is another central square in Nitra. In front of the theatre, you often see people relaxing or children playing. It’s a cultural hub of the city. If you have time, check out the area and maybe peek at the theatre’s program or the interesting statues around it.
The drive from Nitra to Bojnice Castle takes around 1 hour and 16 minutes, covering a distance of 80.8 kilometers via Route 593. It’s a smooth and scenic trip with several well-marked roads along the way.
Start in Nitra and head north on Železničiarska. Follow the signs through Hollého, Párovská, Ďurková, and Mostná, passing a few roundabouts. Continue to Napervillská, then take the third exit at the next roundabout onto Chrenovská, which becomes Route 51/Route 64. Follow Route 64 and watch for signs pointing to Prievidza and Topoľčany. Merge onto the ramp and continue along Route 64. You’ll pass through a series of roundabouts—stay on Route 64 and follow signs toward Topoľčany and Partizánske.
Eventually, switch to Route 593. This is a quieter road with nice countryside views. Drive along it for about 30 kilometers, then turn onto Mostová, then Bielická/Route 579, and finally onto Route 9. As you approach Prievidza, follow Andreja Hlinku/Route 64, then drive through Novácka, Bojnická, and continue onto Route 1773 and 1776. Keep following the signs to Bojnice, and eventually turn onto Rekreačná, where the castle is located.
The journey from Nitra to Bojnice goes through a region filled with charming towns and natural beauty. Here are five scenic stops worth visiting along the way:
After leaving Nitra, a worthwhile detour is the village of Topoľčianky. It’s a bit off the main route, but only by a few kilometers. Topoľčianky is famous for its chateau. The Topoľčianky Chateau is an elegant white manor house set in a large English-stle park. The palace is known for its beautiful Neo-Classical architecture and an extensive library. You can walk around the lovely gardens even if you don’t tour inside. Topoľčianky is also known for its horse farm – one of Europe’s well-known stud farms with Lipizzaner horses. And if you like wine, this area has vineyards and offers local wine tasting.
Continuing north, your next notable town is Partizánske. This small city is along the Nitra River. There’s a pleasant view of the river and the surrounding hills as you drive by or stop in town. If you need a break, you can park near the town center and take a short walk. Partizánske has a nice central square (SNP Square) with a fountain and greenery. Nearby, you can find the Šimonovany Castle, also known as the Water Castle, a modest medieval manor house located by a river branch. It’s a 14th-century building that has been turned into a small art gallery. Partizánske itself has an interesting history.
If you choose a slightly different path via R1, you can go to the town of Žarnovica. This region sits at the foothills of the Štiavnica Mountains. As you drive, you’ll see gentle, green hills all around. The drive has a pleasant rural feel here, with fields, forests, and small villages tucked in the valleys. If you stop in Žarnovica, you’ll find a typical small Slovak town. There isn’t a major attraction in town, but the atmosphere is nice for a short walk. There are a few cafes, and you can get a good cup of coffee or kofola at a roadside restaurant.
As you get very close to Bojnice, you’ll pass through Opatovce nad Nitrou. It’s a small village that offers a last glimpse of rural life before reaching Bojnice town. Opatovce nad Nitrou has traditional houses, gardens, and some locals riding bicycles. The village church tower is a quaint sight against the backdrop of hills. If you have a few minutes, you can take a short detour through the side streets. They often lead to open fields or streams.
If your route takes you slightly west of Prievidza before Bojnice, you might go by the town of Nováky. Nováky is known for its industry, but it also has a small lake area that locals enjoy. Just outside the town, there’s Nováky Lake, which is a water reservoir. On warm days, you might see people fishing or having a picnic by the water. It’s a nice spot to take a quick break and see another slice of local life, such as kids feeding ducks or anglers waiting for a catch. The scenery around Nováky includes plains with distant hills and the tall cooling towers of a power plant.
Arriving in Bojnice, you will immediately see why this castle is so famous. Bojnice Castle has high turrets, romantic spires, and stone walls. The castle’s design is unique because it blends Gothic, Renaissance, and Romantic stles. In fact, it was originally a medieval fortress dating back to the 12th century with Gothic and Renaissance elements. Later in the late 1800s, a count from the Pálffy family rebuilt it into the Romantic, fairy-tale castle we see today, inspired by the castles of France’s Loire Valley. Here’s what to expect when you get to the castle:
You’ll enter through the castle gate into the courtyard. The castle is surrounded by a landscaped park and a moat-like lake. There’s a water-filled moat (or pond) around part of the castle, and you might spot swans gliding on the water and even turtles sunning on rocks.
Bojnice Castle operates as a museum under the Slovak National Museum. To see the interior, you’ll join a guided tour. Tours are available in Slovak, but they offer English guides in summer. Check the opening hours. It is typically daily except Mondays, but it can vary by season. You can buy tickets at the castle ticket office, and they accept cash or a card. Better yet, you have the option to buy tickets online in advance for a chosen date and time.
Inside the castle, you’ll walk through lavishly decorated rooms and halls. One famous room is the Golden Hall, which is truly stunning. Its ceiling is carved from wood and covered in gold leaf, creating a shimmering golden glow. Another highlight is the castle chapel, often referred to as the Rococo Chapel because of its ornate 18th-century stle. It features a beautifully carved wood altar and elegant frescoes.
As you move through, you’ll also see the Knight’s Hall, libraries, and many antique furnishings and artworks collected by the Pálffy count. Every room has its story, and the guide will share legends like the story of the cursed Black Lady or the tale of King Matthias and his beloved linden tree.
Bojnice Castle’s unique feature is the natural cave underneath it. As part of the tour, you will descend a staircase into this cave. It’s a travertine limestone cave right under the castle’s courtyard. Inside, you’ll find two small underground lakes with clear water. Long ago, this cave and its water well provided a safe water source for the castle residents. The guide will point out the well connecting to the castle courtyard 26 meters above.
After your castle tour, don’t rush off. There’s a castle park with many benches and old trees, including King Matthias' Linden, a famous lime tree over 700 years old. Right next to the castle is the Bojnice Zoo, which is the oldest zoo in Slovakia. The zoo entrance is just a few minutes’ walk from the castle gate. If you have kids or are an animal lover, the zoo is a fantastic add-on to your trip. It’s not huge, but it hosts a variety of animals (from big cats to reptiles) and is set in a hillside park. Bojnice Zoo opened in 1955 and remains the most visited zoo in the country.
After exploring Bojnice Castle and nearby sights, you’ll probably want a good meal and a cozy place to rest. The town may be small, but there is plenty of tasty food and comfortable accommodations near Bojnice.
Trying local food is one of the best parts of traveling. In Bojnice, you can enjoy hearty Slovak meals. One dish you should try is bryndzové halušky. These are soft potato dumplings with creamy sheep cheese and crispy bacon on top. It’s Slovakia’s national dish and very filling.
Another local favorite is kapustnica, a rich sauerkraut soup with smoked meat and sausage. It’s especially good in cold months. You’ll also find goulash (a beef stew often served in a bread bowl) and schnitzel with potato salad. These dishes show the mix of Central European flavors. For dessert, look out for štrúdľa (apple strudel) or palacinky (thin pancakes with jam or Nutella). To drink, try local Slovak beers like Šariš or Zlatý Bažant. For something non-alcoholic, locals love Kofola, a herbal soda that tastes different from Coke.
If you want to stay close to Bojnice Castle, Hotel Pod Zámkom is a top choice. It sits right at the base of the castle hill. Some rooms even have views of the castle. It’s a four-star hotel with its own restaurant. Another great option is Hotel Bojnický Vínny Dom. It’s a small hotel and wine house in the center of town. You can enjoy a glass of wine in a cozy cellar.
For a more home-like stay, there are many guesthouses (penzións) nearby. Penzión Hujer is close to the castle and the zoo. If you like modern stle, check out Hotel Belassi in nearby Prievidza. It’s only five minutes away by car and has boutique rooms right in the pedestrian zone.
Bojnice is also known for its spa. Kúpele Bojnice has thermal waters that many say have healing effects. Some visitors choose to stay at the spa resort itself. That way, you can relax with wellness treatments and walk to the castle.
By the end of your road trip from Nitra to Bojnice Castle, you will fully appreciate this part of Slovakia. In one day, you can see ancient history in Nitra, enjoy the open road, and visit the fairy-tale charm of Bojnice Castle. You can explore real Slovak towns before reaching one of the country's top sights. When you travel by car, you control the time, the stops, and the pace. FinalRentals is a trusted car rental platform that offers pick-up and drop-off points in Bratislava Airport, Košice, Poprad, or city centers. We offer flexible rental options and a quick booking process, so you can get on the road without stress.
