Trencin guide 
The city's landmark, the majestic Trenčín Castle, rises on a rock above the city and is one of the largest castles in Europe. Below the castle you will find a unique Roman inscription from 179 AD, commemorating the victory of the Roman legions. Stroll along the picturesque Mierové náměstí, visit the Executioner's House or take a walk in the Brezina Forest Park. And if you're in the mood for romance, the legendary Well of Love at the castle will draw you into the story of Omar and Fatima.
Sights and attractions - What to visit in Trenčín? Trenčín Castle, executioner's house,...
Accommodation - Tips for popular accommodation in a guesthouse with a garden or close to the station, in a luxurious 4* hotel or in an apartment.
Typical food and drink - What you should try in Trenčín - Živana roast or perhaps bean soup with cream.
Practical tips - Here you will learn the best way to get to Trenčín, about local customs and festivals.
Weather - What temperatures can you expect in Trenčín during the year? When does it rain the most and when do the fogs appear?
Celebrities - Which famous hockey players come from Trenčín? What about other celebrities?
Trenčín is located in the northwestern part of Slovakia, close to the border with the Czech Republic. The city lies on the Váh River and is surrounded by the Strážovské vrchy and Považský Inovec.
Trenčín is one of the oldest cities in Slovakia. The first written mention dates back to 1111. The city has a rich history, dating back to the days of the Roman Empire, as evidenced by the famous inscription on the castle rock from 179 AD, when the Roman legions stayed here.
The city is dominated by Trenčín Castle, which rises on a rocky hill above the city. One of the largest and best-preserved castles in Slovakia dates from the period of the Great Moravian Empire. The castle complex contains several buildings, including Matthew's Tower, from where you can enjoy a wonderful view of the city and its surroundings.
In the city, you can admire historical monuments such as the city gate, the Piaristic church from the 18th century, a Moorish-style synagogue and the executioner's house.
Various cultural events and festivals are also organized in Trenčín. The Pohoda music festival, one of the largest and most famous music festivals in Slovakia, takes place here every year. The city also hosts various markets, exhibitions and theater performances.
Trenčín is an important economic center of the region with a developed industry, including engineering, textile and food industry. The city also benefits from tourism thanks to its rich history and cultural monuments. The surroundings of Trenčín also attract tourists. The nearby Strážovské vrchy and Považský Inovec offer many hiking and cycling routes. In winter, many skiers head to the area.
There are several primary and secondary schools in Trenčín, as well as the Alexander Dubček University of Trenčín, which offers a wide range of study programs.
Trenčín is an important transport hub. You can get here easily by both road and rail transport. The D1 highway connects Trenčín with Bratislava and Žilina. Several railway lines also pass through the city, which ensure good connections with other parts of Slovakia and the Czech Republic.
Sights and attractions
Trenčín Castle - The massive castle rises on a rocky hill above the city. It dates back to the 11th century and is one of the largest and best-preserved castles in Slovakia. The most significant chapter of its history was during the reign of Matúš Čák Trenčianský, nicknamed "Lord of the Váh and the Tatras", who owned it at the turn of the 13th and 14th centuries and significantly expanded the castle complex. Here you can see Matúš's tower, barracks, palaces, the Well of Love or perhaps the observation terrace with a panoramic view of the city and its surroundings. The castle also hosts various cultural events and exhibitions. The museum displays exhibits on the history of the region, archaeology and aristocratic life.
Address: Matúšova 19, Trenčín.
Matúš's Tower - The highest tower of Trenčín Castle, named after Matúš Čák of Trenčín, a prominent Hungarian nobleman and ruler of western Slovakia. It offers breathtaking views of the city and its surroundings. It was built in the 11th century as a 16-meter defensive tower and later increased to 39 meters. The tower can be reached by an original narrow staircase, where the exit from each floor leads in a different direction - this construction was created by the builders to make it difficult for potential conquerors to find their way.
Address: Matúšova 19, Trenčín.
Piarist Church of St. Francis Xavier - A Baroque church built in the 18th century, one of the most important sacral buildings in Trenčín. Above the nave you can admire the illusory painting of the dome. In fact, there is no real dome above the nave - the fresco is painted so masterfully that it creates the impression of three-dimensional space and a real dome. It is a masterpiece by Christoph Tausch from 1712, which belongs to the peaks of Baroque art in Slovakia.
Address: Mierové námestie 43, Trenčín.
City tower - The historic tower and part of the original city fortifications reaches a height of 32 meters. It was built at the end of the 14th century. It served as the main entrance to the city, a defensive tower and a watchtower. When you climb up to the top of the tower, you will be greeted by a magnificent view of the historic center of Trenčín. Inside there is a gallery of contemporary art and an original mechanical clock from the 16th century.
Address: Mierové námestie 9, Trenčín.
Parish Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary - The Gothic church, one of the oldest in Trenčín, was built in 1324 on Mariánské hora. Visitors can admire the original Gothic elements, frescoes and altar. In 1364, the church received a rare gift from Charles IV – a gilded Gothic monstrance. The emperor gave it to the church on the occasion of the peace negotiations at Trenčín Castle. This reliquary is one of the most valuable jewels in the church’s inventory.
Address: Mariánske námestie 2, Trenčín.
Trenčin Synagogue - Synagogue built at the beginning of the 20th century in the style of Moorish architecture. Visitors are attracted by the beautiful facade, interior and exhibitions dedicated to Jewish history and culture. The main hall has preserved the original blue painting of the dome and a historical chandelier. During World War II, the building was severely damaged - Nazi troops destroyed the equipment and part of the heritage of the Trenčín Jewish community. After the war, the synagogue was repaired and today serves as the city's cultural center. There are memorial plaques with the names of Holocaust victims.
Address: Hviezdová 127/3, Trenčín.
Executioner's House - The historic building served as the home of the city executioner. He is said to have lived here in the 16th and 17th centuries and also had his prison here. Later, at the end of the 19th century, the house served as the home of the city bailiff and prison. Today, the house is part of the Trenčín Museum and you can visit exhibitions focused on the administration of justice, the law of suffering, the history of the city police and traditional crafts. The biggest attractions include original executioner's swords, torture devices, shackles or a replica of a vice.
Address: Matúšova ulica 14, Trenčín.
Roman inscription - An ancient Roman inscription on the castle rock commemorates the stay of the Roman legions in 179 AD. The inscription was carved to commemorate the victory of the 2nd Roman legion (Legio II Adiutrix) over the Germanic tribe of the Quadi during the Marcomannic Wars. The inscription, protected by glass, can be seen from the terrace of the Elizabeth Hotel.
Address: Hotel Elizabeth, Ul. gen. M. R. Štefánika 2, Trenčín.
Trenčianske múzeum - The museum houses over 170,000 collection items, including unique paintings by the Ilešházi family (prominent lords of Trenčín Castle in the 16th–19th centuries), a rich natural history collection, and important items from regional history and folk culture of the Trenčín region. In addition to the main building, the museum also manages the Trenčín Castle, the Executioner's House, and the St. Michael's Carcase.
Address: Mierové námestie 46, Trenčín.
Forest park Brezina - The forest park is located on a hill next to the city on an area of approximately 200 hectares. Visitors can use hiking, cycling and cross-country skiing trails, viewpoints, sports facilities, fireplaces and children's playgrounds. There are two educational trails in the area: "The Origin and Development of the Forest" and "The North", which introduce visitors to the local nature and history, including the period of World War II.
Address: Lesopark Brezina, Trenčín.
Tip for a trip to the area
Trenčianské Teplice – a picturesque spa town famous for its thermal springs is located not far from Trenčín. The spa area is beautifully set in the natural environment of the Strážovské vrchy, which offers visitors not only health, but also recreational experiences in the form of walks and tourist trips. The architecture of the city combines historical buildings with modern spa facilities, among the most famous are the Turkish baths Hammam, built in the style of oriental luxury.
Accommodations
In Trenčín, you can stay in one of more than 80 accommodations. Apartments are the most represented, followed by guest houses and hotels. You will also find several accommodations with a swimming pool.
Among the most luxurious accommodations is the 4* Hotel Magnus Trenčín, which is located a short distance from the city center and the castle. In addition to a rich breakfast, you can enjoy the wellness center with steam sauna and whirlpool, bowling or parking in the garage for free. The local restaurant offers both local specialties and international dishes.
Penzión Tiberia is among the most popular accommodations. You can find it less than a kilometer from the city center. The pension is surrounded by a summer garden with barbecue facilities. At the 24/7 reception, they will be happy to advise you on where to go on a trip, rent a bike or arrange an airport transfer. The Březina forest park begins a short distance from the guesthouse.
A cheaper accommodation option is offered, for example, by Penzion Pri Parku. It is located next to the city park, a short distance from the center and only 100 meters from the bus and train station, which makes it ideal for those arriving by train or bus.
If you prefer to stay in apartments with your own kitchen, check out Dohnanyi Villa by Chors. In the villa you can admire temporary art exhibitions. Guests have at their disposal a garden with a sun terrace, a garden fireplace or perhaps a sauna.
For a complete offer of accommodation in Trenčín, we recommend using A-HOTEL.com or Booking.com.
Typical food and drink
In addition to the typical Slovak food as brynz dumplings, cabbage stew or goulash, which we wrote about in the Bratislava guide, we can mention here, for example:
Živaň roast – a dish made from pork, potatoes, sausage, bacon, onions and possibly other vegetables. Everything is baked or grilled together, wrapped in foil. One variant is the Živáňská needle.
Bean soup - Traditional bean soup often cooked with smoked meat and vegetables, usually with the addition of cream.
She also often cooks sweet dishes here, such as buns or lox.
Practical advice for the trip
How to get to Trenčín? The city is located on the D1 highway, which connects Bratislava and Žilina. The journey from Bratislava takes approximately 1.5 hours. Trenčín is an important railway junction with regular connections to Bratislava, Žilina and other cities. The main train station is located near the city center, as well as the bus station. Buses take you to other Slovak cities as well as to foreign destinations.
Visit the tourist information center in the city center where you can get maps, brochures and other useful information about sights and activities in Trenčín.
You can also arrange the services of local guides who will guide you around the city's main attractions and provide interesting information about history and culture.
Visit the Trenčianske Museum, which offers exhibits on the history of the city and the region.
For nature lovers, they have prepared beautiful hiking and cycling routes around the city, for example in the Strážovské vrchy.
In Slovakia, payment is made in euros (EUR). ATMs and exchange offices can be found in the city center.
Shops and services are normally open from 9:00 to 18:00, excluding Sundays and public holidays.
During the year, you can enjoy various music festivals here, such as Jazz under the castle, Pohoda festival or Theater festival Alone on stage. The local exhibition center hosts various fairs throughout the year, such as the Beauty Forum or CAR AT, an international automobile exhibition.
In the vicinity of Trenčianské Teplice, the international film festival Art Film Fest takes place, which attracts artists and film lovers from all over the world.
Weather
Trenčín has a mild continental climate with significant seasonal changes. Summers are warm and pleasant, with average temperatures around 25°C, but can reach up to 30°C. Winters, on the other hand, are cold, with average temperatures around 0 °C, while temperatures often drop below freezing. It rains occasionally throughout the year, with slightly higher rainfall in spring and summer. In autumn and winter, fogs often occur, especially in the Váh river valley.
Celebrities
Matúš Čák Trenčanský (1260-1321) - A powerful Hungarian nobleman and one of the most important magnates of medieval Slovakia, known as "Lord of river Váh and Tatra mountains". He was based at Trenčín Castle and controlled a large area.
Martin Škrtel (1984) - Slovak football defender, known mainly for his work in the English club Liverpool FC and the Slovak national team. He comes from the nearby town of Handlová.
Marián Gáborík (1982) - Slovak ice hockey player who was born in Trenčín. He played in the NHL for teams such as the Minnesota Wild, New York Rangers and Los Angeles Kings.
Zdeno Chára (1977) - Slovak ice hockey defenseman who comes from Trenčín. He played in the NHL for the Boston Bruins and is among the most successful Slovak hockey players. He also won the Stanley Cup.
