Hrad Šariš
Hrad Šariš above Veľký Šariš, one of the largest castle complexes in Slovakia, offers a permanent exhibition, a guided climb of the Donjon observation tower, and an exhibition on alchemy and brewing.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Hrad Šariš is a royal castle first mentioned in writing in 1245. It stands on a hill of volcanic origin north-west of the town of Veľký Šariš and is one of the largest castle complexes in Slovakia. It is a national cultural monument and part of the Šarišský hradný vrch National Nature Reserve. The castle is owned by the town of Veľký Šariš, which runs it.
The castle's history spans from its first mention to the arrest of Prince Rákóczi. Kings, Hussite captains, the Štúr circle and well-known Slovak writers are associated with the castle, as well as the legend of Alžbetka and Svätobor and other Šariš legends. From the beginning, craft workshops operated at the castle alongside its officials.
Today the castle hosts a permanent exhibition on the castle's arms and inventory, as well as a guiding service. On the Donjon observation tower, a guided tour covers the castle's history, medieval life and building methods; in the oldest bastion, Alžbetka, there is an exhibition on alchemy and brewing. Archaeological research at the castle continues.
Highlights
- Donjon observation tower with guided tour
- Oldest bastion Alžbetka with exhibition on alchemy and brewing
- Permanent exhibition on the castle's arms and inventory
- Wooden bridge without nails to the Donjon
- Šarišský hradný vrch National Nature Reserve
Permanent exhibitions
- Výzbroj a inventár hradu – Permanent exhibition on the castle's arms and inventory and on life in the Middle Ages.
- Alžbetka – alchýmia a pivovarníctvo – Exhibition in the castle's oldest bastion on alchemy and brewing.
- Operated by
- Mesto Veľký Šariš
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €3 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €2children aged 6–18, university students, seniors over 60, holders of a ZŤP card |
| Children & teens | €2Children aged 6 to 18: €2; younger children are not listed in the price list. |
| Seniors | €2Seniors over 60. |
| Visitors with disabilities | €2On presentation of a ZŤP card. |
| Students & apprentices | €2University students. |
| Groups | €2 per personSchool groups: €2 per person; the group must be registered in advance. |
| Families | €6Two adults and 1 to 3 children under 18 (courtyard). |
| Donjon tower (with guide) | €2€2 for all categories of visitors. |
The amounts stated are the current contribution towards partially covering the castle's operating costs (courtyard: adults €3).
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
From the car park below the castle, a path leads up to the castle: the first section is a gentle climb, after which the path becomes steeper and more demanding; the walk takes about 40–45 minutes. The castle does not publish information on step-free access.
Kids & families
| Family ticket | €6 · Two adults and 1 to 3 children under 18 (courtyard). |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
The castle offers activities for both children and adults, as well as family tickets.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
By train to Veľký Šariš station, then on foot along the yellow hiking trail through the town to the final stop of the local transport and on to the car park below the castle; by local bus to the final stop in town.
By car
Parking available
The public car park is below the castle (enter “Hrad Šariš parkovisko pre verejnosť” in your navigation app).
From the car park, a paved path follows the yellow hiking trail up to the castle; the walk takes about 40–45 minutes without a break.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
The buffet is open on Saturdays and Sundays.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Corporate events
The castle offers spaces for companies and events; conditions are set out in the operating rules.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 30 min |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Guiding services take place on the Donjon observation tower (25–35 minutes) and in the Alžbetka bastion (10–20 minutes), both for a fee. Visitor rules apply at the castle all year round. Groups and schools must register in advance. |
