Gothic architecture and fortifications
Eleven late Gothic altars give the Church of St. Giles in Bardejov a distinctive character. It is a three-aisled Gothic basilica, with both its architecture and furnishings at the heart of its appeal. If you are interested in church architecture, this building offers a tangible introduction to the city’s cultural history.
The town fortifications offer another perspective. The historic town centre was declared an urban conservation area in 1950. More than half of the fortifications have survived and are well maintained. This places sacred architecture and urban fortifications side by side as distinct facets of the town’s history.
Town history and exhibitions
Zborov Castle, also known as Makovica, offers another perspective on castles. It stands as a castle ruin above the village of Zborov in the Bardejov District. It was built in the 14th century to protect the trade route to Poland. Unlike the town’s fortifications, its specific defensive purpose—to secure a trade route to Poland—comes into focus here.
The exhibition “Slobodné kráľovské mesto Bardejov” presents the town’s history from its first written mention in 1241 to the end of the 18th century. The exhibition “Príroda severovýchodného Slovenska a jej ochrana” offers a different perspective. It covers the Čergov, Ondavská vrchovina, Pieniny, Busov and Ľubovnianska vrchovina orographic units, and includes more than 1,700 exhibits from the region’s natural world. Together, the two exhibition themes offer a contrast between urban history and natural history.
An annual event is also part of the visitor experience: Bardejov hosts the Bardejovský jarmok. If you would like to plan your trip around it, check the event dates.
Valley, nature and winter
Bardejov lies in the valley of the Topľa River, bounded by the Čergov and Busov mountain ranges and the Ondavská vrchovina highlands. The Topľa drains Bardejov and its surroundings. One notable elevation in the Čergov is Čergovský Minčol: at 1,157 metres, it is the highest point in the mountain range. These geographical landmarks add a specific elevation to the landscape units covered in the nature exhibition.
The Lesnícky náučný chodník Čierna mláka offers another nature-focused experience. This forest educational trail has 18 themed stops. As trail infrastructure can change, check the current trail conditions before setting out.
The Regetovka ski centre has two ski lifts; check whether they are currently operating before you travel. The slopes are 1.04 kilometres long in total and are fully covered by artificial snow; the ski centre also has five kilometres of cross-country ski trails. This offers two distinct winter sports options: downhill skiing and cross-country skiing. Check current operations and the seasonal availability of the trails before you travel.
Plan your visit
Outside the summer season, visits to the Church of St. Francis of Assisi in Hervartov should be arranged in advance. Organised groups can visit all the exhibitions of the Šarišské múzeum Bardejov outside regular opening hours by prior arrangement.
According to the timetable valid from 1 January 2026, bus route 5 runs via Mihaľov, Dlhý rad, Slovenská and Duklianska to Bardejovské Kúpele. The timetable states that it is valid from 1 January 2026; check departure times before you travel. The tourist information offices in Bardejov provide free promotional materials about the town.
Discover more destinations: Zborov, Bartfeld, Bardejovské Kúpele, Regetovka, Smilno, Fričkovce, Stebnícka Huta, Bartošovce, Malcov.
For the broader travel overview: Prešov.
