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Published on January 13, 2026

How to Get to Spiš Castle: Transportation & Visitor Information

Dominating the landscape of eastern Slovakia,Spiš Castle stands as one of Central Europe's largest and most impressive castle complexes, a UNESCO World Heritage site that transports visitors back in time. Planning your journey to this historical marvel is key to a rewarding experience. This guide provides comprehensive information on reaching the castle and making the most of your visit.

Why Visit Spiš Castle?

Perched majestically on a travertine hill,Spiš Castle is not just a ruin; it's a sprawling complex that chronicles centuries of Slovak history. Its sheer scale and dramatic setting make it an unforgettable destination, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Spiš region. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, it holds significant cultural and historical value, drawing visitors from across the globe keen to explore its courtyards, towers, and exhibitions.

Did you know?Spiš Castle, along with the adjacent medieval towns of Spišské Podhradie and Spišská Kapitula, and the Church of the Holy Spirit in Žehra, forms part of a larger UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized for its exceptional testimony to medieval life and architecture in Central Europe.

Getting to Spiš Castle: Overview

Spiš Castle is located in eastern Slovakia, near the towns of Spišské Podhradie and Žehra. While it feels wonderfully remote, it's accessible via various modes of transport. The most common gateways are the larger towns of Poprad or Spišská Nová Ves, which have better rail and bus connections. From these points, local buses or taxis complete the journey to the castle grounds.

Reaching Spiš Castle by Car

Driving offers the most flexibility and is often the preferred method for those exploring Slovakia's wider regions, such as the High Tatras or Slovak Paradise National Park. The castle is well-signposted from the main E50 road (D1 motorway), which connects Bratislava to Košice.

  • From Bratislava:The journey takes approximately 4-5 hours (around 350-400 km) via the D1 motorway.
  • From Košice:A shorter drive, approximately 1 hour (around 70 km) via the E50.
  • From Poprad:Around 30-40 minutes (approximately 30 km).
  • From Spišská Nová Ves:Approximately 15-20 minutes (around 15 km).

There is ample parking available at the base of the castle hill, usually a short walk up to the main entrance. Be prepared for a moderate uphill walk from the parking area to the castle entrance itself.

Public Transportation to Spiš Castle

While less direct than driving, public transport is a viable and often scenic option. The key is to reach a major hub like Poprad-Tatry or Spišská Nová Ves, and then connect to the castle.

From Bratislava

Traveling from Slovakia's capital,Bratislava, typically involves a train journey to Poprad-Tatry or Spišská Nová Ves. Train services from Bratislava's main station (Hlavná Stanica) are frequent, with direct connections to Poprad-Tatry taking approximately 4-5 hours. From Poprad, you'll need to take a local bus or taxi. Alternatively, you can take a train to Spišská Nová Ves, which is slightly closer to the castle.

While in Bratislava, consider exploring the Primatial Palace or enjoying views from the UFO Observation Deck before heading east.

From Košice

Košice, a major city in eastern Slovakia, offers more convenient connections. Regular direct trains and buses run from Košice to Spišská Nová Ves (approximately 30-45 minutes by train, 1 hour by bus) or Poprad-Tatry (approximately 1 hour by train, 1.5 hours by bus). From either of these towns, onward travel to the castle is required.

Before or after your castle visit, take time to appreciate Košice's stunning Cathedral of St. Elizabeth.

From Poprad-Tatry

Poprad is a crucial transport hub, especially if you're combining your castle visit with exploring the High Tatras or places like Štrbské Pleso. From Poprad-Tatry train station (which also houses the main bus station), look for local bus services heading towards Spišské Podhradie or Žehra. These buses are less frequent, especially on weekends, so checking schedules in advance is essential. Alternatively, taxis are readily available.

From Spišská Nová Ves

Spišská Nová Ves is arguably the most convenient train station for reaching Spiš Castle by public transport. From the Spišská Nová Ves train station (which is adjacent to the bus station), there are local bus connections directly to Spišské Podhradie. From Spišské Podhradie, you can either walk up to the castle or take a short taxi ride. Again, check bus schedules, particularly outside of peak season.

On Foot to the Castle

For those who enjoy hiking, it's possible to walk to the castle from the nearby villages.

  • From Spišské Podhradie:This is the most common walking route. It's an uphill but well-marked path, taking approximately 30-45 minutes depending on your pace. The views along the ascent are spectacular.
  • From Žehra:A longer, more scenic hike can be undertaken from the village of Žehra, passing by the UNESCO-listed Church of the Holy Spirit. This route offers a different perspective of the castle and the surrounding landscape, taking about 1-1.5 hours.

Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, especially if you plan to explore the extensive castle grounds on foot.

Visitor Information & Tips

Best Time to Visit

Spiš Castle is typically open from April to October. The peak season is during the summer months (July and August), when the weather is warmest and all facilities are fully operational. Spring and autumn offer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, making for a more relaxed visit. Always check the official website for current opening hours and specific seasonal events, as these can vary.

Accessibility

Due to its historical nature and hilltop location, Spiš Castle presents some accessibility challenges. The path from the parking lot to the entrance is uphill and can be uneven. Inside the castle, there are numerous stairs, cobblestones, and irregular surfaces. Visitors with mobility issues should be aware of these conditions and plan accordingly. Some areas may not be accessible for wheelchairs or strollers.

Nearby Attractions

Your visit to Spiš Castle can be part of a broader exploration of eastern Slovakia:

  • Spišská Kapitula:Often called the "Slovak Vatican," this remarkably preserved ecclesiastical town is just a short drive from the castle and also part of the UNESCO site.
  • Slovak Paradise National Park: Located south of Spišská Nová Ves, this national park is renowned for its thrilling gorges, waterfalls, and hiking trails featuring ladders and bridges.
  • High Tatras: Slovakia's majestic alpine mountains are easily reachable from Poprad, offering stunning scenery, hiking, and ski resorts like Jasna Ski Resort and beautiful glacial lakes like Štrbské Pleso. The Walkway canopy Bachledka is also a popular attraction in the region.
  • Levoča:Another UNESCO-listed town, famous for its beautifully preserved medieval square and the largest wooden Gothic altar in the world, crafted by Master Pavol.
  • Other Castles:If you enjoy castles, consider visiting Bojnice Castle in western Slovakia for a completely different fairytale experience, or even the small but charming Čičmany Ethno Village for unique folk architecture.

Accommodation

While there are no hotels directly at the castle, the nearby towns of Spišské Podhradie, Žehra, Spišská Nová Ves, and Poprad offer a range of accommodation options, from guesthouses and apartments to larger hotels. Staying in Poprad provides access to more amenities and direct transport links to the High Tatras.

Planning Your Visit

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit to Spiš Castle, we recommend:

  • Checking Opening Hours:Always verify the latest information on the official castle website before your trip.
  • Comfortable Footwear:Essential for exploring the castle and its surroundings.
  • Layered Clothing:The weather at the castle, especially on the exposed hill, can change rapidly.
  • Allow Ample Time:The castle is vast; dedicate at least 2-3 hours to fully explore it.
  • Cash:While some places accept cards, having local currency for smaller purchases or local transport can be helpful.

Whether you choose the convenience of a car or the adventure of public transport, reaching Spiš Castle is an integral part of the experience, leading you to one of Slovakia's most magnificent historical treasures.