Kežmarok Castle

A Renaissance mansion full of stories beyond the Tatra Mountains

Kežmarok
www.kezmarok.com
Kežmarok
Kežmarok
1463

The first written mention of the castle

1931

Year the first museum exhibits opened

1

The only fully preserved castle in the Spiš region

Kežmarok Castle is a place where the town's history comes to life within its original walls

Kežmarok Castle stands right in the historic center of Kežmarok and is one of the most significant landmarks in the Spiš region. The first written mention of it dates back to 1463, and its first owners were the brothers Imrich and Štefan Zápoľský. The Thököly family later converted the original Gothic fortress into a magnificent Renaissance residence and, between 1657 and 1658, built a Baroque castle chapel on the grounds.

In 1702, the town of Kežmarok purchased the castle. Its premises subsequently served as granaries, barracks, and workshops, and were damaged by fire on several occasions. The first museum exhibitions opened in 1931. Today, visitors can learn about the town’s history, guilds and crafts, historical weapons, the Thököly family, the Kežmarok Shooting Club, the development of pharmacy, and the life of Vojtech Alexander, a pioneer of radiology.

Monday–Sunday: 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Lunch break: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
The guided tour lasts about 60 minutes
What We Offer
Guided Tour of the Castle Exhibits
Exhibition of Guilds and Crafts
A Collection of Historical Weapons
An exhibition dedicated to the Thököly family
The Historic Pharmacy
The Castle Chapel
The Starvation Cell and the Observation Tower
The "Kežmarok and the High Tatras" Exhibition
Exhibition of Historic Vehicles in the Courtyard
What do you need to know before you arrive?
You can visit the castle exhibits only with a guide
Tours begin every hour on the hour
Please allow about 60 minutes for the tour
There are no tours during the lunch break from 12:00 to 13:00
Larger groups should make a reservation in advance
The tour includes stairs and historic rooms
Please check the current opening hours before your visit
Paid parking is available near the castle
From the train and bus stations, it takes about 15 minutes to walk to the castle

Please read this before your visit

Castle Tours and Reservations

Kežmarok Castle can only be visited as part of a guided tour. Tours begin every hour on the hour and last approximately 60 minutes. Larger groups are advised to make reservations in advance by phone or via the online form.

Hours and Admission

Kežmarok Castle is currently open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with a lunch break from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. The standard admission price for adults is €10, the discounted admission price is €5, and a family ticket for two adults and one to four children under 15 costs €20. Opening hours are subject to change throughout the year.

Parking and Events

Parking is available in designated spots on Hradné Square and in the surrounding area. During festivals and major cultural events, traffic near the castle may be restricted. During the summer season, the courtyard hosts concerts, theater performances, an outdoor movie theater, and other themed events.

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Everything You Need to Know Before Your Trip

Answers to the most frequently asked questions about the High Tatras region.

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    The High Tatras have something to offer all year round. The best time for high-altitude hiking is from June to October, when the hiking trails at higher elevations are open. Fall brings more stable weather, pleasant temperatures, and beautiful views. Winter is ideal for skiing, winter walks, and visiting locations that are accessible year-round. Before setting out on a trip, always check the current weather conditions and any trail closures.

    You do not need a special permit for regular hiking on marked trails. However, you must comply with TANAP’s visitor regulations and seasonal closures, and you may only hike on open trails. Special rules apply, for example, to rock climbing, ski mountaineering, hiking off marked trails, or bringing a dog into the park.

    You can easily reach the main Tatra resorts by train. The Tatra Electric Railways connect Poprad, Starý Smokovec, Štrbské Pleso, and Tatranská Lomnica. A cog railway runs from Štrba to Štrbské Pleso. You can also take advantage of regular bus routes and seasonal shuttle services in the region.

    You can park in designated parking lots in the various Tatra villages. During peak periods, we recommend using the P+R park-and-ride lot at Eurocamp in Tatranská Lomnica and continuing by shuttle bus. From this parking lot, you can take public transportation to destinations such as Tatranská Lomnica, Tatranské Matliare, Biela Voda, or the Belianska Cave.

    For hiking, choose sturdy hiking boots with non-slip soles that stabilize your feet and protect them on rocky or wet terrain. Your gear should also include weather-appropriate clothing and a rain jacket. Sandals and regular city shoes are not suitable for more demanding hikes.

    When a storm is approaching, leave peaks, ridges, saddles, mountain passes, and open areas as soon as possible. Descend to lower elevations, avoid standing near isolated trees or metal objects, and keep your distance from other members of your group. If possible, take shelter in a mountain hut or a safe building. The best prevention is to check the weather forecast, set out early in the morning, and shorten or cancel your hike in a timely manner if conditions take a turn for the worse. Safety must take precedence over reaching your destination.