Smolenice Castle is located in the Little Carpathians, Slovakia, less than 1 hour from Bratislava. Considered the most romantic castle in the Slovak Highlands, the building was built in the 15th century above the agricultural village of Smolenice.

You can only visit the castle on a guided tour. Afterwards, you can go to the English Garden or take a walk in the picturesque countryside surrounding the castle.

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Tip: There are several forts and castles in the area, the most famous of which is perhaps the Hrad Červený Kameň (the Red Stone Castle).

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Overview

Smolenice Castle Details
Country Slovakia
Area Little-Carpathians
Slovak name Smolenice
Distance from Bratislava 1 hour / 60 km
Address 18, Zámocká 1, 919 04 Smolenice, Slovakia
Season July - Aug
Opening hours 10:00 - 17:00 / 18:00
Prices EUR 1-3
Visiting Tours only
Barrier-free? No
Dog-friendly? No
Website Website

Photos

The beautiful Castle of Smolenice

Where is Smolenice Castle located?

Map, address, distance, parking, entrance, approach

The castle is above the village of Smolenice, 1-hour drive from Bratislava and 2 hours from Vienna. The castle is on the top of a hill just north of the village. Zámocká Street leads up here.

  • Distance from Vienna: 2 hours / 140 km
  • Distance from Bratislava: 1 hour / 60 km

Parking

You can find a free car park next to the castle, but it is worth noting that the car park cannot handle weekend and summer traffic, so you may have to wait or find an alternative.

More about the castle

The castle was built in the 14th century according to some sources and in the 15th century according to others. Its purpose was to protect the passage of the Little Carpathians - which is hard to believe considering its ornate form today. The castle was originally built as a royal castle.

Throughout history, it was owned by several noble families. Its most notable owners in the 18th century were the Counts of Pálffy. At that time the castle was already in a very poor state when architect Josef Hubert took care of it.

He rebuilt the castle in the Romantic and neo-Gothic style - just as you can see it today. Work began in 1900 and lasted 45 years. Unfortunately, the construction of the castle was completed only when it was taken from the Pálffy family. It was claimed by the government.

The castle has tall, slender, round towers and an imposing palace building. Smolenice castle also has an English garden with a pond.

The building is currently owned by the Slovak Academy of Sciences. This is why the castle can only be visited for 2 months in summer.

Smolenice Castle, Slovakia

Opening hours

The castle is only open during the summer high season, July and August. During these two months, the castle is open every day. The park and the English Garden can be visited all year round.

  • Closed: Sep-Jun
  • Season: July - Aug
  • Opening hours: every day from 10:00 to 18:00 (Sunday: 10:00 to 17:00)

Visiting the castle

Visiting the castle is only possible with a guide, which starts every hour. The tours are held in Slovak, but you can request information leaflet in German or English.

  • Guided tours: start every hour
  • Driving length: approx. 1 hour
  • Language: Slovak

It is worth noting that those who have already visited the castle report that the interiors are not very attractive to tourists. If you look at the castle, let's see the beauty in the countryside - which you will have the opportunity to admire from the castle tower.

Prices and tickets

It is not possible to buy tickets online, only n the spot. Have cash with you.

  • Adult ticket: 2 euros
  • Child ticket: 1 euro
Read more: Castles of Slovakia

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