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Spiš Castle, Slovensko - Things to Do in Spiš Castle

Things to Do in Spiš Castle

Spiš Castle, Slovensko - Complete Travel Guide

Spiš Castle, located in eastern Slovakia near the town of Spišské Podhradie, is one of Europe's largest castle complexes and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This magnificent medieval fortress, perched dramatically on a hilltop overlooking the Spiš region, dates back to the 12th century and represents nearly 800 years of architectural evolution. The castle complex covers over 4 hectares and includes multiple courtyards, residential buildings, defensive walls, and a Romanesque palace. The surrounding Spiš region offers visitors a unique glimpse into medieval Slovakia, with the nearby town of Spišské Podhradie featuring charming cobblestone streets and traditional architecture. The area is also home to the Gothic St. Martin's Cathedral and the spiritual town of Spišská Kapitula, often called the 'Slovak Vatican.' Together, these sites form part of the Spiš Castle cultural monument, creating one of Slovakia's most important historical and cultural destinations.

Top Things to Do in Spiš Castle

Explore Spiš Castle Complex

Tour the extensive medieval castle ruins, including the upper castle, middle castle, and lower castle sections. The complex features impressive defensive walls, residential quarters, and archaeological exhibitions that showcase the castle's rich history from the 12th to 18th centuries.

Booking Tip: Entry tickets cost around €8-12 for adults, with guided tours available for an additional fee. Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and fewer crowds. Book guided tours in advance during summer months.

Visit Spišská Kapitula

Explore this well-preserved ecclesiastical town, known as the 'Slovak Vatican,' featuring the impressive St. Martin's Cathedral and bishop's palace. The town has remained virtually unchanged since the Middle Ages and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Booking Tip: Cathedral visits are typically free, but donations are appreciated. Check opening hours as they vary seasonally. Combined tickets with Spiš Castle are available for €15-18 and offer good value.

Hike the Castle Hill Trail

Take the scenic walking path from Spišské Podhradie town center up to the castle, enjoying panoramic views of the Spiš region and High Tatras mountains. The moderately challenging hike takes about 20-30 minutes and passes through beautiful countryside.

Booking Tip: The trail is free and accessible year-round, though proper footwear is essential. Start early in summer to avoid heat, and bring water. The path can be slippery in wet conditions.

Discover Spišské Podhradie Old Town

Wander through the charming medieval town center with its Gothic and Renaissance buildings, traditional Slovak architecture, and local craft shops. The town square features historic buildings and provides an authentic Slovak small-town experience.

Booking Tip: Free to explore on foot. Local restaurants offer traditional Slovak meals for €8-15. Visit the tourist information center near the main square for maps and local recommendations.

Experience Medieval Festival Events

Attend seasonal medieval festivals and reenactment events held at the castle, featuring period costumes, traditional crafts, medieval music, and historical demonstrations. These events bring the castle's history to life with authentic medieval atmosphere.

Booking Tip: Festival tickets range from €10-25 depending on the event. Check the castle's official website for dates, typically held in summer months. Book accommodation early as these events are popular.

Getting There

Spiš Castle is located near Spišské Podhradie in eastern Slovakia, about 20km from the city of Levoča and 90km from Košice. The nearest major airport is Košice International Airport, about 1.5 hours by car. From Bratislava, the journey takes approximately 4-5 hours by car via the D1 and E50 highways. Public transportation options include taking a train to Spišské Vlachy station (the closest railway station) and then a local bus or taxi to Spišské Podhradie. Several tour companies offer day trips from major Slovak cities including Košice, Poprad, and even Bratislava.

Getting Around

The Spiš Castle area is best explored on foot, with the main sites within walking distance of each other. From Spišské Podhradie town center, it's a 20-30 minute uphill walk to the castle entrance. Local buses connect Spišské Podhradie with nearby towns, though service can be limited. Taxis are available for short distances, and many visitors find renting a car provides the most flexibility for exploring the broader Spiš region. The area is bicycle-friendly, with several rental shops in town offering bikes for exploring the countryside and connecting the various historical sites.

Where to Stay

Spišské Podhradie town center
Levoča historic center
Poprad city center
Spišská Nová Ves
Kežmarok old town
Spišské Vlachy village

Food & Dining

The Spiš region offers traditional Slovak cuisine with hearty dishes like bryndzové halušky (potato dumplings with sheep cheese), schnitzel, and goulash. Spišské Podhradie has several family-run restaurants serving authentic local specialties, with meals typically costing €8-15. The nearby town of Levoča offers more dining variety, including upscale restaurants in historic buildings. Local specialties include Spiš cheese, traditional Slovak pastries, and regional wines. Many restaurants feature outdoor terraces with views of the castle, and several establishments in the area focus on farm-to-table dining using local ingredients from the fertile Spiš region.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Slovakia

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

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Reštaurácia ITALIANA

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Le Due Sicilie

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Le Torri Pizza Pasta

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Certo Zuckermandel

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Restaurant Kazumi

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Don Saro Cucina Siciliana

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When to Visit

The best time to visit Spiš Castle is from May to September when the weather is mild and all facilities are fully operational. Summer months (June-August) offer the warmest weather and longest daylight hours, but also the largest crowds and highest accommodation prices. Spring (April-May) and early autumn (September-October) provide pleasant weather with fewer tourists and beautiful scenery. Winter visits are possible but some castle sections may have limited access due to weather conditions, and daylight hours are shorter. The castle hosts special medieval festivals during summer months, making this period particularly atmospheric for history enthusiasts.

Insider Tips

Purchase the combined ticket for Spiš Castle, Spišská Kapitula, and nearby attractions to save money and skip some ticket lines
Wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip as the castle grounds include uneven medieval stones and steep paths that can be slippery when wet
Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best photography lighting and to avoid tour groups, plus the castle looks particularly dramatic during golden hour

Explore Activities in Spiš Castle