Castles and Manors

Budatín Castle

There is no need to go so far out of Žilina. A pleasant stroll brings you to the suburb of Budatín, whose castle was one of the watchtowers of Slovakia. As soon as you arrive at the estate, you will be charmed its beautiful English landscape park – an ideal place for families with children, romantic couples or groups of friends, not forgetting the four-legged members of the family.

A rich history

The first records of Budatín date from the 13th century. It is interesting to learn how the original watchtower was built. The site began as a small rocky outcrop in a swamp, on which clay was piled up to make an artificial hill. There are many legends about its history. Did you know that it changed owner several times? The owners included famous names in our history such as Matúš Čák of Trenčín and Sigismund of Luxembourg, who gave the castle to his wife. At times the castle was described as an abandoned ruin.

Unique wire craft exhibition

Tinkers’ wire craft is a Slovak folk art closely associated with the Kysuce region. Budatín Castle is a good place to learn about this craft. You can see the history and the works of the tinkers from their itinerant beginnings to factory production. Your children will enjoy the collection of large figures of people, animals, fairy-tale beings and models of means of transport all made out of wire.

A picnic on the castle lawn

If you are the sort of person who prefers taking it easy or having a romantic stroll when you are on holiday, you should not miss the 50,000 m² park in the English style around Budatín Castle. And why not put together a little picnic? One of the most beautiful parks in Žilina has many private spots for picnics under the crowns of the trees with views of the castle. While walking in the park, you will be sure to notice the majestic linden tree, a symbol of the Slav peoples, which has dominated the park for over 350 years. Another feature of the park is a wooden model of raft with two sailors of the sort that used to sail around Budatín.

Strečno Castle

On its limestone crag on the left bank of the River Váh, Strečno Castle stands proudly above the village of the same name. It could have been created as a destination for outings with children. We are sure that a few dozen steps will not deter you from visiting one of the most heavily fortified castles on the upper Váh. Will you manage to conquer this fortress?

Great views come as a bonus

Once you have climbed all the steps, you will be greeted by a view that is really one of its kind. Probably no one who has visited Strečno has left without a photograph from its bird’s-eye perspective on the River Váh.

Interesting exhibitions

The tour of the castle includes an archaeological exhibition, a historical section and the castle kitchen. The latest exhibit to be added is a blacksmith’s workshop. The most important figure in the history of Strečno is Žofia Bosniaková. Her good deeds and kindness to the poor and the sick earned her the nickname of the saint from Strečno. She died at age 35 and later her body was found to be incorrupt in the castle crypt. It was later transferred to the church at Teplička nad Váhom, where it is possible to visit her grave. A clay effigy of Žofia is now displayed in the castle crypt.

How to get to the castle

Start from the carpark under the cliff and follow the steps up to the castle. The exact number of steps is our little secret.

Paseka Medieval Village

When you step into the village of Paseka at the foot of Strečno Castle, you will feel like you have stepped into the real middle ages. The village is based on authentic medieval buildings. You will find there the cottages of a baker, a fisher and a folk healer, and a pilgrims’ shelter. All the cottages are fully furnished and have thatched roofs. The village also has a working bell tower and well. Tradition was considered when choosing the building materials – mainly wood and reeds in this case. Near the village is picnic site with a firepit for barbecues, so if you get hungry you can cook up a tasty snack and have a fun family day out at the castle. There is a wooden playground for younger visitors.

Starhrad

Starhrad Castle, also known as Starý hrad or “Old Castle”, can be found on the opposite bank of the River Váh, a short walk from Strečno Castle. The walk to the castle is easy and enjoyable for families with children. Don’t forget to pack something good to eat in case you get hungry on the way or you spot a good place for a barbecue. When you find a safe firepit, cooking over an open fire is great addition to a stroll or a hike. Holidays in the Malá Fatra Mountains offer many ways to get to know the beauties of our region.

From Varín Castle to Old Castle

Did you know that the Old Castle was the first to perform the guard function of Strečno Castle? The castle was built to protect the trade route along the Váh, not far from a ford where the old road crossed from the right to the left bank. It belonged the manor of Varín and was called Varín Castle at first. It became known as the Old Castle after Strečno was built and took over its function.

Access to the castle

Follow the red-marked hiking trail starting in the village of Nezbudská Lúčka. It is about an hour’s walk but there are fantastic views along the way so you might want to extend it. Allow plenty of time at the destination to enjoy the unique view of the Domašínsky Meander, where the River Váh loops around.