Gazing at fairy-tale Bojnice Castle stirs fantasies of knights and maidens in even the world-weariest travellers. Blushing sandstone towers and crenellated turrets make this romantic castle the most visited in Slovakia. Only foundations remain of the original 12th-century fortification, but an early-20th-century reconstruction by the P谩lffy family took inspiration from the castles of France鈥檚 Loire Valley, lifting Bojnice to the neo-baroque splendour that stands today.
Visits are by 75-minute guided tour only and taking photos carries an extra charge (鈧2).
If you're hungry before or after a castle tour, Alej is a much better choice than the food stalls around the castle.
Prievidza, 4km east of Bojnice Castle, has bus connections to 沤ilina (鈧3.40, 1陆 hours, 10 daily) and Bratislava (鈧10.50, 3录 to 4录 hours, three daily or change at Pie拧钮any or 沤iar nad Hronom). From Prievidza bus station, regular local buses run to Bojnice (鈧0.60, 10 minutes).
For additional atmosphere, book a few days ahead for a night tour and consider visiting during the International Festival of Ghosts & Spirits.
