🏰 Discover Uhrovec Castle, a captivating 13th-century ruin nestled in the Strážovské vrchy mountains above Uhrovské Podhradie, Slovakia.
📜 This historic fortress, once held by figures like Matúš Čák and Zikmund Lucemburský, offers a unique blend of medieval architecture and ongoing restoration.
🏞️ Explore partially restored ruins and a unique Romanesque chapel
🚶♀️ Enjoy scenic hiking trails with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape
📚 Learn about its turbulent history, from strategic fortress to a prison
🛠️ Witness active preservation efforts by local volunteers since 2015
⛰️ Some hiking routes are steep and challenging, with roots and fallen trees
🚧 Access to the upper castle may have irregular opening hours
🚶♂️ Recommended Route (Green Trail): Start from Uhrovské Podhradie, pass the former quarry to a spacious parking lot. Continue on foot to an info board, then right over a bridge. For a shorter but steeper path, take a subtle left turn between fences. This route is challenging, with constant uphill climbs over roots and occasional obstacles. It connects to the blue trail 300m below the castle. (Approx. 40 min, +276m/-46m elevation)
🚶♀️ Longer, Easier Route (Blue Trail): From the same starting point, continue straight past the bridge (don't turn left). This unmarked path eventually connects to the blue trail on the left. (Approx. 1 hour, +247m/-32m elevation)
🅿️ Free parking is available at the end of Uhrovské Podhradie village, near the former quarry (GPS: 48.76203, 18.38222).
🤝 Since 2015, the civic association 'Hrad Uhrovec' (OZ Hrad Uhrovec) has been dedicated to the castle's reconstruction using original methods.