A small village at the foot of the Little Carpathians near Trnava offers a variety of attractions – Smolenice Castle, a honey café, a vast park, the mysterious Driny Cave, and the Molpír hillfort. Join us on a virtual walk through this charming place and discover why Smolenice should be on your travel list.
Smolenice Castle – the jewel of the Little Carpathians
The fairy-tale Smolenice Castle, towering over the village, is an unmissable landmark of Smolenice. Its history dates back to the 14th century, but it only gained its current appearance in the early 20th century. A guided tour will take you through richly decorated interiors, where Gothic, Renaissance, and Art Nouveau styles blend beautifully. You can also enjoy a stay with wellness and dining options, and the castle hosts weddings and conferences. A walk through the beautifully maintained gardens or a picnic in the castle park, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, is an unforgettable experience.
The honey café offers sweet temptations
After touring the castle, treat yourself to something sweet at the unique honey café right below the castle. In a cozy setting with a beautiful view, you can enjoy various honey desserts and mead. The menu also includes honey lemonades, craft beer, honey cider, and other delicacies. Additionally, you can learn interesting facts about beekeeping and purchase high-quality honey products.
Driny Cave takes you into a mysterious underground world
Just a short distance from Smolenice lies the only publicly accessible cave in the Little Carpathians – Driny Cave. During the tour, you will admire stunning stalactite formations. Be sure to bring warm clothing, as the cave maintains a constant temperature of around 7°C. Opening hours and entrance fees can be found on the official website of the cave.
The stunning castle park is the pride of Smolenice
The Smolenice park, featuring an artificial pond, is an ideal spot for relaxing on a blanket or bench. It is freely accessible and, unlike most castle parks, has never been fenced off. If you’re looking for a more challenging hike, head to the peak of Záruby, the highest mountain of the Little Carpathians, or visit the Slavic hillfort of Molpír.
Practical information for visitors
Smolenice is easily accessible by car and bus, but the train station is inconveniently located 3 km from the village center. Parking is available near the castle and in the village center. The best time to visit is in autumn or spring when the landscape is full of color. Additionally, various cultural events take place here, such as Smolenice fairs, the “Haunted Smolenice Castle” event, classical music concerts, and a fairy-tale forest adventure on Children’s Day.