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Bardejov, in north-eastern Slovakia close to the Polish border, has a history of more than 780 years. Its historic centre is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Central Europe – so well preserved that it is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Add a world-famous spa, wooden churches, castle ruins and quiet hills with lookout towers, and you have one of the most underrated destinations in Slovakia.
In a nutshell: Bardejov is a UNESCO-listed medieval town in north-eastern Slovakia, about 40 minutes from Prešov. Expect a Gothic square with a unique basilica, a rare Jewish suburb, a historic spa with the oldest open-air museum in Slovakia and wooden churches nearby. Plan one day for the town, or 2–3 days with the surroundings.
If you want to buy Slovak gifts or useful Slovak products, you can find them by clicking here (Amazon link).
Here is a list of places worth visiting directly in Bardejov and in its surroundings:
| # | Place | Where | Time needed | Adult ticket | Map |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Town Hall Square & Town Hall | in town | 1–2 h | square free, museum €6 | map |
| 2 | Basilica of St. Giles | in town | 45 min | €1.50 (tower extra) | map |
| 3 | Icons Exhibition | in town | 45 min | €6 | map |
| 4 | Town Fortifications | in town | 1 h | free | map |
| 5 | Jewish Suburb | in town | 30–60 min | visits by arrangement | map |
| 6 | Singing Fountain | in town | 30 min | free | map |
| 7 | Calvary | edge of town | 1 h | free | map |
| 8 | Orthodox Church of St. Seraphim of Sarov | in town | 30 min | free | map |
| 9 | Šariš Open-Air Museum (Skanzen) | Bardejovské Kúpele | 1.5 h | €5 | map |
| 10 | Bardejov Spa | Bardejovské Kúpele | half a day | free (pool extra) | map |
| 11 | Kamenná Hora Lookout Tower | between town and spa | 2 h | free | map |
| 12 | Zborov Castle | around town | half a day | free | map |
| 13 | Wooden Church in Hervartov | around town | 1 h | interior by arrangement | map |
| 14 | Žobrák Lookout Towers | around town | half a day | free | map |
With the best places laid out, we will go through each of them separately and add useful tips on how to enjoy your trip to Bardejov to the fullest.
Facts and History of Bardejov
| Region | Prešov Region, north-eastern Slovakia (Upper Šariš) |
| Population | approx. 30,000 |
| First written mention | 1241 |
| UNESCO World Heritage Site | since 2000 (historic centre and Jewish suburb) |
| Distance | approx. 40 km from Prešov, 80 km from Košice, 20 km from the Polish border |
| Location on the map | Open in Mapy.com |
Bardejov was first mentioned in 1241, when its name appeared in connection with the Tatar invasion. After the invasion, German colonists settled here and the market settlement grew into a prosperous medieval town of craftsmen and merchants, thanks to its position on the trade route to Poland. In 1376 King Louis I made Bardejov a royal town, and in the 15th century it was one of the richest towns of the Kingdom of Hungary.
Thanks to careful restoration of its Gothic and Renaissance buildings, Bardejov received the European Gold Medal for the preservation of historic monuments in 1986 – as the first town in the former Czechoslovakia. In 2000 the historic centre, together with the Jewish suburb, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The town keeps its traditions alive too – every year at the end of August the streets fill up for the big Bardejov Fair.
Useful links:
- Tourist information centre – tik.bardejov.travel
- Official website of the city – bardejov.sk
- Local public transport – ubian.sk
Is Bardejov Worth Visiting and Is It Safe?
Yes. A UNESCO-listed Gothic square that is not overrun by tourists, a historic spa just a few kilometres away and wooden churches in the surrounding villages make Bardejov one of the most rewarding towns in eastern Slovakia. It is also a great base for exploring the north-east of the country. As for safety, Bardejov – like the rest of Slovakia – is a safe place to visit, whether you travel alone, as a couple or with a family. Wondering about costs? Read Is Slovakia expensive to visit?.
Walk the highlights: The historic centre is compact and easy to explore on foot. This route links the main town-centre sights in a logical order. The Calvary is a 15-minute walk east of the square, and Bardejovské Kúpele (the spa) is about 5 km north – a short bus or car ride. The whole route is about 1 km and takes roughly 18 minutes of walking, plus time for the visits. Open the walking route in Mapy.com
Route: Jewish Suburb (Old Synagogue) → Singing Fountain → Basilica of St. Giles → Town Hall → Icons Exhibition → Thick Bastion
TIP: Check out my list of recommended Slovak products. They are perfect as gifts, or you will use them during your visit to Slovakia (Amazon links)
- Slovakia Flag
- The book about Slovak History
- Slovak Travel Guide
- Slovakia Adventure Map (by National Geographic)
- T-shirt with Slovakia Flag
- Slovakia Shot Glass
- Legendary Horalky Biscuit (Original)
What to See and Do in Bardejov (Town)
Now let’s take a closer look at each place from the list above. At the start of each one, you will find a short overview of practical information.
1. Town Hall Square and the Town Hall
| Time needed | 1–2 hours |
| Physical difficulty | easy |
| Suitable for | everyone |
| Admission (adult) | square free; Town Hall exhibition €6 (combined ticket for 3 town exhibitions €13) |
| Opening hours | museum Tue–Sun; May–Sept 9:00–17:00, Oct–Apr 8:30–16:00 (lunch break 12:00–12:30) |
| Official website | muzeumbardejov.sk |
| Map | Town Hall Square | Town Hall |
Town Hall Square (Radničné námestie) is the heart of the historic town and one of the most beautiful squares in Slovakia. It is lined with colourful burgher houses with tall gables, most of them with medieval foundations, and it has kept its original layout since the Middle Ages.
In the middle of the square stands the Town Hall, built in 1505–1509 in the Gothic style with early Renaissance details – its windows, arcades and stone portals are among the first Renaissance elements in Slovakia. The statue of the knight Roland on its gable, a symbol of town rights, is a replica; the original from 1641 is on display inside. Since 1903 the Town Hall has housed the Šariš Museum with the exhibition “Bardejov – Free Royal Town”, presenting the history of the town, its guilds and its most valuable works of art.
| My Personal Experience |
|---|
| For me, Town Hall Square with the basilica and the Town Hall – and in fact the whole historic centre of Bardejov – is one of the most beautiful places in Slovakia. That alone makes Bardejov worth the trip and worth spending some time here, not just a quick stop. And if you want to experience even more, come during the Bardejov Fair, one of the largest and best-known fairs in Slovakia (more about it below, in the section on events). All of this applies to the whole historic centre, including the sights you are about to read about. |
2. Basilica of St. Giles
| Time needed | about 45 minutes |
| Physical difficulty | easy (the tower has many steps) |
| Suitable for | everyone |
| Admission | adults €1.50, students €1, children €0.50; tower extra; photo permit €2 |
| Opening hours | Mon–Fri 10:00–16:00, Sat 10:00–15:00, Sun 11:30–15:00 (except during services, weddings and baptisms) |
| Map | Open in Mapy.com |
The Gothic Basilica of St. Giles dominates the northern side of the square. Construction began in the mid-14th century and the church was completed in the early 15th century; today it is a minor basilica and part of the UNESCO site. The real treasure is inside: eleven late-Gothic winged altars from 1460–1520 – a collection you will hardly find anywhere else in Central Europe. One of the most remarkable works is the sculpture of the Throne of Grace in the altar of St. Barbara, probably made in the workshop of Master Paul of Levoča.
3. Icons Exhibition
| Time needed | about 45 minutes |
| Physical difficulty | easy |
| Suitable for | everyone |
| Admission (adult) | €6 (combined ticket for 3 town exhibitions €13) |
| Opening hours | Tue–Sun, same as the Town Hall exhibition |
| Address | Radničné námestie 27 |
| Map | Open in Mapy.com |
The Icons Exhibition of the Šariš Museum is the only independent exhibition of Eastern-rite icons in Slovakia. It presents rare icons – sacred images painted on wood – from the 16th to the mid-19th century, mostly from the wooden churches of north-eastern Slovakia. You can follow how the distinctive style of Carpathian icons developed over three centuries. It is the perfect preparation for the wooden churches around Bardejov.
4. Town Fortifications
| Time needed | about 1 hour |
| Physical difficulty | easy |
| Suitable for | everyone |
| Admission | free |
| Map | Thick Bastion |
Bardejov’s town walls were first mentioned in 1352 and are among the most complete medieval fortifications in Slovakia. Long sections of the walls and several bastions have survived – the largest is the Thick Bastion (Hrubá bašta) in the south-east corner. A walk around the walls and through the park along them is one of the nicest ways to see the old town.
Near the Thick Bastion, on Veterná Street, look out for the Executioner’s House (Katov dom) – an early Renaissance house from the late 16th century that served as the home of the town executioner and as a prison. It was deliberately built in an inconspicuous place, away from the eyes of the townspeople.
5. Jewish Suburb
| Time needed | 30–60 minutes |
| Physical difficulty | easy |
| Suitable for | everyone |
| Admission | exterior free; interior visits by arrangement |
| Address | Mlynská 13 |
| Official website | suburbiumbardejov.sk |
| Map | Old Synagogue compound |
Just west of the town walls lies a part of Bardejov that many visitors miss – although it is part of the UNESCO site. The Jewish suburb (suburbium) is a rare complex of Jewish ritual buildings: the Old Synagogue from 1836, a house of study (beit midrash), a ritual bath (mikveh) and the original heating plant. Before the Second World War, Jews made up a large part of the town’s population; almost the entire community was deported in 1942.
For decades the synagogue served as a warehouse and a hardware store. Today it has been restored with the support of EEA grants, and local volunteers run educational and cultural activities here. If you would like to see the interior, contact them in advance through the website.
6. Singing Fountain
| Time needed | about 30 minutes (evening) |
| Physical difficulty | easy |
| Suitable for | everyone, especially families |
| Admission | free |
| Map | Open in Mapy.com |
The Promenade Park on the edge of the historic centre is where locals come to relax, and since 2012 it has had its own singing fountain. It has 43 water jets and 92 coloured lights, and in the evenings of the warmer months it plays a programme of 12 melodies. The light show looks best after dark. In the same park you will find the Bench of Closeness (Lavička zblíženia) – its curved shape slowly pushes the people sitting at each end towards the middle.
7. Calvary
| Time needed | about 1 hour |
| Physical difficulty | easy (short uphill walk) |
| Suitable for | everyone |
| Admission | free |
| Map | Open in Mapy.com |
On a hill east of the centre stands the Bardejov Calvary, with the twin-towered neo-Romanesque Church of the Holy Cross. The church rests on a high wall on its western side, and inside the wall is the entrance to a surprisingly large underground chapel of St. Mary Magdalene. Around the church, 13 chapels represent the 14 Stations of the Cross (two stations share one double chapel). From the hill you have a nice view of the old town.
| My Personal Experience |
|---|
| Bardejov’s Calvary is one of the most beautiful in Slovakia – a kind of little sister of the famous Calvary in Banská Štiavnica. The setting is lovely and it is only a short walk from the historic centre, so I definitely recommend going up. |
8. Orthodox Church of St. Seraphim of Sarov
| Time needed | about 30 minutes |
| Physical difficulty | easy |
| Suitable for | everyone |
| Admission | free (the interior is usually open around services) |
| Map | Open in Mapy.com |
North-eastern Slovakia is where the Latin West meets the Byzantine East, and many people here belong to the Orthodox or Greek Catholic Church (more in our article about religions in Slovakia). The Orthodox church in Bardejov is a modern building from around the turn of the millennium, but it is unique – it has two churches under one roof. The upper church is dedicated to St. Seraphim of Sarov, and his relics are kept here; the lower one is dedicated to Saints Cyril and Methodius.
Places to Visit Around Bardejov
Some of the best places of the Bardejov region are just outside the town – the spa, the open-air museum, castles and wooden churches are all within about 20 minutes’ drive.
9. Šariš Open-Air Museum (Skanzen)
| Time needed | about 1.5 hours |
| Physical difficulty | easy |
| Suitable for | everyone, great for kids |
| Admission (adult) | €5 (combined ticket with Vila Rákoci €7) |
| Opening hours | Tue–Sun; May–Sept 10:00–18:00, Oct–Apr 9:00–15:30 (lunch break) |
| Official website | muzeumbardejov.sk |
| Map | Open in Mapy.com |
At the edge of Bardejovské Kúpele, under a forested hill, lies the oldest open-air museum in Slovakia. It opened in 1965 and presents the folk architecture of Upper Šariš and northern Zemplín – houses, farm buildings, bell towers and workshops furnished as they were at the end of the 19th century. The highlights are two wooden churches moved here from the villages of Zboj and Mikulášová. The museum celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2025, and it has just gone through a major renovation of 20 of its buildings. If you like it, see also our article about the traditional Slovak folk costume.
| My Personal Experience |
|---|
| If you don’t have time to drive around the region, visit this open-air museum first. Its wooden churches are unique architecture and an important part of Slovak heritage – and here you can see them in one place, without travelling from village to village. My tip: after the skanzen, continue to the spa (the next stop on this list) and treat yourself to a mineral bath. |
10. Bardejov Spa (Bardejovské Kúpele)
| Time needed | half a day (or a whole day with the pool) |
| Physical difficulty | easy |
| Suitable for | everyone |
| Admission | spa park free; summer pool and spa treatments paid – check the website |
| Distance from Bardejov | approx. 5 km |
| Official website | kupele-bj.sk |
| Map | Bardejovské Kúpele | Summer pool |
Bardejovské Kúpele lies in a forested valley on the slopes of the Low Beskids and is one of the oldest and most beautiful spa resorts in Slovakia. Its mineral springs are used mainly for drinking cures and inhalations, especially for digestive, respiratory and circulatory problems. The spa has welcomed famous guests – Marie Louise (Napoleon’s second wife), Tsar Alexander I and Empress Elisabeth of Austria, better known as Sisi. You will find her statue in the spa park, and an educational trail follows her footsteps.
Even if you don’t stay for treatment, a walk through the spa park, along the colonnade with the springs and past the historic spa houses is lovely. In summer you can also cool off in the summer pool at the end of the spa – a smaller, family-friendly place with a heated 33-metre pool, a children’s pool and a lawn by the forest. Looking for more spas? See our list of the best Slovak spas and thermal parks.
| My Personal Experience |
|---|
| The mineral springs here are unique, and even a single bath will do your health good. I recommend the mineral bath with additives and rose petals, called Elisabeth’s Bath (Alžbetin kúpeľ), or the mineral bath with sea lye, called Power of the Sea (Sila mora). If you can, check in advance whether the procedure is available on the day of your visit. |
11. Kamenná Hora Lookout Tower
| Time needed | about 2 hours |
| Physical difficulty | easy |
| Suitable for | everyone, including small children |
| Admission | free |
| Route | red trail from Bardejov or from Bardejovské Kúpele |
| Map | Open in Mapy.com |
Kamenná Hora rises between the town and the spa, and its wooden lookout tower offers a wide view of Bardejov and the surrounding hills. The tower was restored in 2017; its first floor now has educational boards about local trees, animal tracks and nature reserves. Next to the tower there is a fireplace with benches, so pack something to grill – this is a perfect half-day family trip.
12. Zborov Castle
| Time needed | half a day |
| Physical difficulty | easy to moderate |
| Suitable for | everyone |
| Admission | free |
| Routes | from Zborov approx. 40 minutes; circular educational trail from Bardejovské Kúpele approx. 4 hours |
| Official website | hradzborov.sk |
| Map | Open in Mapy.com |
The ruins of Zborov Castle, also called Makovica, stand on a forested hill above the village of Zborov, north of Bardejov. The castle was first mentioned at the beginning of the 14th century and guarded the border of the Kingdom of Hungary and the trade route to Poland. In the 18th century it was abandoned, and during the First World War, when the front ran through this area, the ruins were badly damaged. Today volunteers are gradually securing and restoring them. For more castle trips, see our guide to castles in Slovakia.
| My Personal Experience |
|---|
| Zborov Castle is worth a visit if you have more time – kids will love it here. The castle is very well looked after and it sits in beautiful nature. |
13. Wooden Church of St. Francis of Assisi in Hervartov
| Time needed | about 1 hour (including the drive) |
| Physical difficulty | easy |
| Suitable for | everyone |
| Admission | exterior free; the interior can be visited by arrangement – call the parish office in advance (+421 918 678 260) |
| Distance from Bardejov | approx. 10 km |
| Map | Open in Mapy.com |
Hervartov is a small village with a big treasure: the Roman Catholic wooden church of St. Francis of Assisi, built around 1500 and considered the oldest preserved wooden church in Slovakia. In 2008 it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List together with seven other wooden churches of the Slovak part of the Carpathians. The church is built of red spruce in the Gothic style, recognisable by its slender windows and steep, high roof. Inside, the walls are covered with paintings from the 16th and 17th centuries, including Adam and Eve in Paradise and St. George fighting the dragon.
| My Personal Experience |
|---|
| You can combine your visit to the wooden church in Hervartov with a hike to the Žobrák lookout towers (the next stop on this list). It is a bit of a demanding walk, but the views from the top are worth it. Kids can manage it too – just take enough water and a snack for the top. |
14. Žobrák Lookout Towers
| Time needed | half a day |
| Physical difficulty | moderate (approx. 430 m of ascent) |
| Suitable for | hikers and active families |
| Admission | free |
| Routes | from Hervartov on the red trail approx. 1.5 hours; from Kríže on the blue trail approx. 1 hour |
| Map | Open in Mapy.com |
If you prefer quiet trails, climb Žobrák (893 m) in the Čergov mountains. At the top, about 80 metres apart, stand two wooden lookout towers – an old one and a new one. They offer views of the Čergov ridge and the Bardejov basin. The hike combines perfectly with a visit to the wooden church in Hervartov, which is the starting point of the trail.
Best Time to Visit Bardejov and Events
Bardejov is pleasant all year round, but late spring to early autumn is the best time – the fountain plays, the summer pool is open and the hills are perfect for walking.
| Season | What to expect | Events |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (April–May) | Fewer visitors, fresh green hills, open-air museum starts its summer hours | – |
| Summer (June–August) | Main season, summer pool in the spa, evenings at the singing fountain | Bardejov Fair (Bardejovský jarmok) – the town’s biggest event, with crafts, food and concerts (last weekend of August) |
| Autumn (September–October) | Colourful forests, ideal hiking weather, quiet town | – |
| Winter (November–March) | Quiet season, spa stays, shorter museum hours | Christmas market on Town Hall Square (December) |
The highlight of the year is the Bardejov Fair at the end of August, when Town Hall Square and the surrounding streets fill with stalls of traditional crafts and food and with concerts. Our tip: come in late spring or September for the best combination of good weather and few tourists. If you love Christmas atmosphere, see also our guide to the best Christmas markets in Slovakia.
How Many Days to Spend in Bardejov
One full day is enough for the historic town. To enjoy the spa, the open-air museum and the wooden churches as well, plan 2–3 days. If you come for a spa stay, Bardejov is a great base for a whole week of trips around north-eastern Slovakia.
| Day | Suggested plan |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Walking route through the centre: Jewish suburb, Basilica of St. Giles, Town Hall, Icons Exhibition, fortifications; evening at the singing fountain |
| Day 2 | Bardejovské Kúpele: spa park, open-air museum, walk to Kamenná Hora lookout tower (in summer, the pool) |
| Day 3 | Wooden church in Hervartov and the hike to Žobrák, or Zborov Castle |
How to Get to Bardejov
Bardejov is in the far north-east of Slovakia, so the easiest way to get here is by car. The nearest big cities are Prešov (about 40 minutes by car) and Košice (about 1 hour 15 minutes), and the nearest international airport is Košice – more in our article about airports in Slovakia. By public transport, take a train or bus to Prešov and continue by regional train or bus to Bardejov; there are also direct long-distance buses from other Slovak cities.
| From | By car | By public transport |
|---|---|---|
| Prešov | approx. 40 minutes – route | bus approx. 1 hour, train approx. 1.5 hours |
| Košice | approx. 1 h 15 min – route | bus or train via Prešov approx. 2 hours |
| Bratislava | approx. 5 hours (D1 motorway) – route | train to Prešov + bus or train, approx. 6–7 hours |
Plan your journey: cp.sk (all trains and buses in Slovakia) | ZSSK – Slovak railways
FAQ about Bardejov
Here are quick answers to the questions visitors ask most often about Bardejov.
Is Bardejov worth visiting?
Yes. Its Gothic and Renaissance centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Basilica of St. Giles has eleven medieval winged altars, and the spa, open-air museum and wooden churches nearby make it a great trip for several days.
Why is Bardejov a UNESCO site?
Because of its exceptionally well-preserved medieval town with fortifications, and its Jewish suburb with its 19th-century complex of Jewish ritual buildings. Both were inscribed on the UNESCO list in 2000.
How many days do you need in Bardejov?
One day for the town, 2–3 days if you also want to see the spa, the open-air museum and the wooden churches.
How far is Bardejov Spa from the town?
About 5 km north of the centre – a few minutes by car or a short ride on the local bus. You can also walk there via the Kamenná Hora lookout tower.
Which wooden church near Bardejov is on the UNESCO list?
The Roman Catholic church of St. Francis of Assisi in Hervartov, about 10 km from Bardejov, considered the oldest preserved wooden church in Slovakia.
How do I get to Bardejov from Košice?
By car in about 1 hour 15 minutes, or by bus or train via Prešov in about 2 hours.
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Photo credits
- Town Hall Square in Bardejov: Robert Jahoda / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped and resized)
- The Town Hall on Town Hall Square: Robert Jahoda / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 (resized)
- Basilica of St. Giles: Robert Jahoda / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 (resized)
- Bardejov’s town walls and bastions: Robert Jahoda / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 (resized)
- The restored Old Synagogue: Wanfried-Dublin / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0 (resized)
- The church on the Bardejov Calvary: Ing.Mgr.Jozef Kotulič / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 (resized)
- The Orthodox Church of St. Seraphim of Sarov: Rapas / Wikimedia Commons, Public domain (resized)
- The open-air museum in Bardejovské Kúpele: Ľuboš Repta / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 (resized)
- Hotel Astoria in Bardejovské Kúpele: Henryk Bielamowicz / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 (resized)
- Zborov Castle above the village of Zborov: Pudelek / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 (resized)
- The wooden church in Hervartov: SchiDD / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 (resized)
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