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Central Slovakia: castles and old mining towns
Bojnice’s fairy-tale castle, the gold and silver towns of Kremnica and Banská Štiavnica, and the caves of the Low Tatras.
- Distance
- 341 km (212 mi)
- Driving
- 4 h 42 min
- Suggested days
- 4
- Stops
- 8
- Countries
- Slovakia
- Updated
- June 19, 2026
At a glance: 4-day road trip of about 341 km (212 mi) with 8 stops, from Bratislava to Liptovský Mikuláš. About 4 h 42 min of driving in total.
More road trips in Slovakia · More road trips from Vienna
Route description
From Bratislava the R1 and then road 64 lead north-east to Bojnice, whose turreted castle looks like a set from a fairy tale. Bojnice is also a spa town, and the zoo next to the castle makes an easy stop with children.
Road 50 over the Handlová hills and then road 65 lead to Kremnica, where the mint has struck coins since the 14th century and the old town sits tight within its walls. From there it is a hilly half-hour south to Banská Štiavnica, a UNESCO town of steep lanes, burghers’ houses and artificial mining lakes built to power the mines.
Walk up to the Baroque calvary for the view, and swim in one of the tajchy lakes in summer. Then drive to Banská Bystrica, a lively regional capital with a sloping square and a castle quarter.
The last leg crosses the Low Tatras by the Donovaly pass to the Demänovská valley, where the Cave of Liberty is the best known of several show caves. End in Liptovský Mikuláš, by the Liptovská Mara reservoir, with the Tatras on the horizon; the pass roads are well kept but can be snowy from November to March.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Bratislava
Slovakia - 2161 km
Bojnice Castle
HistoryBojnice, SlovakiaA fairy-tale castle of turrets and steep roofs, rebuilt in romantic style in the late 19th century. The zoo next door makes it an easy family stop.
- 333 km
Kremnica
Slovakia - 435 km
Banská Štiavnica
Slovakia - 51 km
Banská Štiavnica Calvary
HistoryBanská Štiavnica, SlovakiaA Baroque calvary of chapels and churches climbing a volcanic hill, with a wide view over the old silver-mining town. Walk up from the centre in about 20 minutes.
- 644 km
Banská Bystrica
Slovakia - 756 km
Demänovská Cave of Liberty
NatureDemänovská Dolina, SlovakiaThe best-known of the Low Tatras caves, with coloured dripstones, underground lakes and a river. Guided tours start from a short uphill walk off the valley road.
- 810 km
Liptovský Mikuláš
Slovakia
Suggested stages and overnight stops
4 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Bratislava → Bojnice Castle · 161 km · 2 h 14 minOvernight nearby, for example: Karavan camp Bojnice (< 1 km); Camp Chalmová (13 km).
- Day 2: Bojnice Castle → Kremnica · 33 km · 0 h 27 minOvernight nearby, for example: Autocamping Tajov (11 km); Fort Geronimo (17 km).
- Day 3: Kremnica → Banská Bystrica · 81 km · 1 h 07 minOn the way: Banská Štiavnica, Banská Štiavnica Calvary.Overnight nearby, for example: Fort Geronimo (7 km); Autocamping Tajov (7 km).
- Day 4: Banská Bystrica → Liptovský Mikuláš · 65 km · 0 h 54 minOn the way: Demänovská Cave of Liberty.Overnight nearby, for example: Autocamping Vavrišovo (11 km); Minicamp Jana (15 km).
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June–August. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and September. Cold, short days in November–March. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
Practical notes for the road
- Slovakia: Vignette needed for motorways. Buy the e-vignette online before you drive on motorways. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
FAQs
How long is Central Slovakia: castles and old mining towns?
4-day road trip of about 341 km (212 mi) with 8 stops, from Bratislava to Liptovský Mikuláš. About 4 h 42 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Central Slovakia: castles and old mining towns?
We suggest 4 days: about 4 h 42 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Central Slovakia: castles and old mining towns start and end?
It starts in Bratislava and ends in Liptovský Mikuláš.
Which countries does Central Slovakia: castles and old mining towns pass through?
Slovakia.
Where can you camp along Central Slovakia: castles and old mining towns?
OpenStreetMap lists 42 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Huntry camp Bratislava, Zlaté Piesky and Camping Peiritsch.
When is the best time for Central Slovakia: castles and old mining towns?
The most pleasant months are usually June–August. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
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