A medieval town in central Slovakia, known for its 12th-century castle with white towers and cone-shaped roofs. The local thermal springs reach 28-52°C.
In western Slovakia, Bojnice draws visitors to its medieval castle, where steep towers and Gothic-Renaissance architecture rise above the town. You can watch falconry displays in the castle courtyard, swim in thermal pools heated to 52°C, or walk through a 42-hectare zoo to see African elephants and chimpanzees. The town comes alive during the International Festival of Ghosts and Spirits, when performers in costume roam the castle halls.
Exploring Bojnice Castle
The 12th-century Bojnice Castle sits atop a travertine rock formation. As you walk through its rooms, you'll see pressed gold ceilings, Turkish tiles, and Chinese vases. The castle museum contains the original Pálffy family furniture and a Late-Gothic altar created by Nardo di Cione Ortagna. Visit between 9:00 and 17:00 in summer or 10:00 to 15:00 in winter, with guides speaking Slovak, English, and German.
Natural Cave System
A travertine cave runs 26 meters beneath the castle's fourth courtyard, where you'll find two connected ponds under 6-meter-high ceilings. The cave maintains steady temperatures year-round, and you can explore it during the castle's guided tours. The travertine formation extends beyond the castle, creating a network of underground spaces throughout the area.
Thermal Springs and Wellness
The town's thermal springs, first documented in 1549, heat water to temperatures between 28-52°C. Seven thermal pools make up the spa complex, where medical staff treat spine disorders, rheumatic diseases, and help with post-traumatic rehabilitation. You can try traditional thermal water therapy or modern treatments like electrotherapy and salt cave sessions.
Slovakia's Largest Zoo
Walk through 42 hectares of Bojnice Zoo to see more than 1,800 animals from 355 species. You'll encounter Royal Condors, African Military Monkeys, chimpanzees, and African Elephants. Connected walking paths lead from the zoo to the castle park, and you can join year-round educational programs about endangered species conservation and animal behavior.
Cultural Events
Each spring, typically in late April, actors dressed as ghosts and spirits perform throughout the castle during the International Festival of Ghosts and Spirits. The Bojník group demonstrates historical fencing skills, while the Aquila team conducts falconry shows with birds of prey. In late June, musicians perform traditional songs at the Folk Festival of Upper Nitra in the town's amphitheater, and in December, you can hear Christmas carols throughout town.
