Korlátka
Hrad Korlátka
Parking available
Shelter
Discover Korlátka, a 13th-century Gothic castle ruin in Slovakia's Malé Karpaty, offering rich history, unique architecture, and scenic views.

📜 A 13th-century Gothic castle ruin in the Malé Karpaty mountains, Korlátka once guarded the historic Czech Road.
🔍 Explore remnants of its unique cylindrical tower, palace fragments, and a well-preserved farm building.

Why Go

🏰 Discover a significant historical site with fascinating architecture
🚶‍♀️ Enjoy easy access via several short hiking routes, suitable for families
🌳 Take in scenic views of the surrounding countryside, partly featuring wind turbines
🆓 Freely accessible year-round with no entry fee

Why Avoid

⚠️ Limited views in one direction due to trees and wind turbines
👶 Terrain on the castle grounds is not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs

💰 Cost

Entry to Korlátka castle is free.

🅿️ Parking

Free parking is available near the cemetery in Rozbehy, just 600 meters from the castle.

🏕️ Bivouac/Shelter

A large, luxurious tourist shelter is located below the castle, suitable for bivouacking. Note that there is no natural water source nearby, so bring your own.

🚶‍♀️ Getting There

Access is straightforward from Rozbehy (part of Cerová), with the shortest route being only 5-10 minutes. Longer trails are available from Prievaly (1h 15 min) via a yellow marked tourist trail, or from Buková via a blue or green marked trail.

🏛️ Architecture

The ruins feature parts of a unique cylindrical tower, remnants of the palace and fortifications, and a well-preserved outbuilding. Notable are the well-preserved lower castle remains with a four-sided building, perimeter walls, and a clear castle moat with a supporting wall for a drawbridge. The upper, older Gothic section reveals several architectural details.

📜 History

Built in the second half of the 13th century to guard the Czech Road, Korlátka was first mentioned in 1289. It played a significant role in the conflicts between Matúš Čák Trenčiansky and Charles I of Hungary, becoming royal property in 1321. The castle was inhabited until the early 18th century when the nobility moved to more comfortable manors, leading to its gradual abandonment.

👻 Legends

Local legends include tales of hidden treasures in the castle cellars, requiring a backwards recitation of the Lord's Prayer to uncover, and a story of Jánošík and his bandits forcing a cruel lord to treat his serfs better.