Little Carpathians Protected Landscape Area, Slovakia

Little Carpathians Protected Landscape Area Travel Guide

Trek Zone

National park

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the Bratislavský region of Slovakia, the Little Carpathians Protected Landscape Area is a haven for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Spanning over 700 square kilometers, this picturesque region offers a diverse range of experiences that will captivate visitors.

One of the highlights of the Little Carpathians is its stunning natural beauty. Towering peaks, lush forests, and meandering rivers create a breathtaking backdrop for outdoor activities. Hiking trails wind their way through the landscape, leading visitors to hidden gems and panoramic viewpoints. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a casual nature lover, there are trails suited to all levels of fitness and experience.

For those seeking a more adrenaline-fueled adventure, the Little Carpathians offer thrilling opportunities for mountain biking and rock climbing. The rugged terrain and challenging trails provide the perfect playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Strap on your helmet, hop on your bike, and let the adrenaline rush through your veins as you navigate the winding paths and steep descents.

History buffs will also find plenty to explore in the Little Carpathians. Dotting the landscape are numerous medieval castles and ruins, each with its own fascinating story to tell. Step back in time as you wander through the ancient corridors and imagine the lives of the people who once inhabited these impressive fortresses. One such castle is the majestic Červený Kameň, known for its well-preserved interiors and stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

After a day of adventure and discovery, be sure to indulge in the region's culinary delights. The Little Carpathians are renowned for their wine production, with vineyards dotting the hillsides. Take a tour of a local winery, sample the region's finest vintages, and learn about the art of winemaking. Pair your wine with local delicacies such as bryndzové halušky (potato dumplings with sheep cheese) or šúľance (rolled dumplings with poppy seeds).

Local name: Chránená krajinná oblasť Malé Karpaty Established: 1976 (48 years ago)Area: 24946.02 mi²Elevation: 1811 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 48°25'60"N, 17°16'0"E

Location

BratislavskýSlovakia

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Little Carpathians Protected Landscape Area Top Attractions

Little Carpathians Protected Landscape Area Attractions - What to See and Explore

Little Carpathians Protected Landscape Area offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Čachtice Castle, Plavecký Castle, Smolenice Castle, Červený Kameň Castle. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Forts and castles • Ruins • Historical place
Čachtice Castle
Nestled in the heart of the Little Carpathians Protected Landscape Area, Čachtice Castle stands as a hauntingly beautiful ruin with a past shrouded in legend and darkness. This castle, located in the village of Čachtice in Slovakia, is steeped in history and infamy...
Forts and castles • Historical place
Plavecký Castle
Perched atop a steep hill in the picturesque Little Carpathians Protected Landscape Area, Slovakia, lies the historical gem of Plavecký Castle. This majestic ruin, dating back to the 13th century, offers a glimpse into the country's medieval past and presents a...
Forts and castles • Historical place • History museum
Smolenice Castle
Smolenice Castle is a castle in the eastern slope of the Little Carpathians, near the town of Smolenice, Slovakia.

Forts and castles • Historical place • History museum
Červený Kameň Castle
Červený Kameň Castle is a 13th-century castle in southwestern Slovakia in the Little Carpathians near the village of Častá.
Natural attraction • Park • Cave
Driny
Driny is a limestone cave in West Slovakia in the Little Carpathians Mountains. It is located around 2 km southwest of the village of Smolenice. The cave's entrance altitude is 399 m.
Forts and castles • Historical place
Pajštún Castle
Pajštún Castle or Pajštún is a ruined medieval castle in the municipality of Borinka in the Bratislava region of Slovakia. It is located on the western edge of the Little Carpathians at an altitude of 486 m. Because of its proximity to Bratislava, the castle is a popular hiking destination for the city's inhabitants.
Monastery • Baroque architecture
Katarínka
Katarínka are the ruins of a Franciscan monastery and church dating back to the early 17th century, located deep in the forests of the Little Carpathians in western Slovakia, 20 km north of Trnava over Dubovský creek, close to the villages of Dechtice, Naháč and Dobrá Voda.
Forested peak with an old military base
Devínska Kobyla
Devínska Kobyla is the highest peak in the Devín Carpathians, part of the Little Carpathians mountain range, and the highest point of Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. It is located between the boroughs of Devínska Nová Ves, Devín and Dúbravka, close to the border with Austria.
Forts and castles • Ruins • Lookout
Ostrý Kameň
Ostrý Kameň Castle is a ruined castle in the municipality of Buková in the Trnava region of Slovakia.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Záruby
Záruby is the highest hill of the Little Carpathians. It is located at an altitude of 768 m, near the village of Smolenice.
Observation decks and towers • Lookout • Tower
Kamzík TV Tower
The Kamzík TV Tower is a 196-metre tall television transmission tower in the Koliba area of Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. The tower sits 437 m above sea level on the Kamzík hill, part of the Little Carpathians, overlooking much of the city. The tower lies within the territory of the Bratislava Forest Park.
Forts and castles
Dobrá Voda castle
Dobrá Voda Castle is a ruined castle in the municipality of Dobrá Voda in the Trnava region of Slovakia.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Vysoká
Vysoká is the second-highest mountain in the Little Carpathians mountains, part of the Carpathians mountain range, located above the village Kuchyňa in Slovakia. The mountain is part of Nature Reserve Vysoká protected area.
Nature • Natural attraction • Natural feature
Little Carpathians
The Little Carpathians are a low, about 100 km long, mountain range, part of the Carpathian Mountains. The mountains are situated in Western Slovakia, covering the area from Bratislava to Nové Mesto nad Váhom, and northeastern Austria, where a very small part called Hundsheimer Berge is located south of the Devín Gate.
Observatories and planetariums
Modra Observatory
The Astronomical Observatory of Modra, also known as Modra Observatory or the Astronomical and Geophysical observatory in Modra, is an astronomical observatory located in Modra, Slovakia. It is owned and operated by the Comenius University in Bratislava.
Natural attraction • Protected area
Jurské jazero
Jurské jazero is a nature reserve in the Slovak municipality of Svätý Jur in the Bratislava region. The area is located at am altitude of 550m above sea level in the south-western part of the Little Carpathians. Jurské jazero covers an area of 27,49 ha between the summits of Malý Javorník and Velký Javorník.
Nature • Natural attraction • Natural feature
Devín Carpathians
Devín Carpathians is a subdivision of the Little Carpathians mountain range, located entirely within Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. It is bordered by the city boroughs of Devín from the west, Devínska Nová Ves from the north, Dúbravka from the east and Karlova Ves from the south.
Natural attraction • Protected area
Pod Pajštúnom
Pod Pajštúnom is a nature reserve in the Slovak municipalities of Stupava and Borinka in the Malacky District. The nature reserve covers an area of 141 hectares of forests in the Little Carpathians. It has a protection level of 5 under the Slovak nature protection system.
Natural attraction • Protected area
Strmina
Strmina is a nature reserve in the Slovak municipalities of Stupava and Borinka in the Malacky District. The nature reserve covers an area of 196 hectares of forests in the Little Carpathians.

Day trips

Little Carpathians Protected Landscape Area – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Little Carpathians Protected Landscape Area, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Bratislava Castle (Bratislava), Grassalkovich Palace (Bratislava), Devín Castle (Bratislava).

22 milesS
Restored hilltop Baroque castle
Bratislava Castle, Bratislava
Perched atop a hill overlooking the Danube River, Bratislava Castle is an emblematic monument that dominates the skyline of Bratislava, Slovakia. With its origins dating back to the 9th century, this historic castle serves as a testament to the city's storied past...
21 milesS
Baroque architecture, Palace
Grassalkovich Palace, Bratislava
Grassalkovich Palace, a majestic baroque edifice nestled in the heart of Bratislava, Slovakia, serves as the presidential residence and a beacon of historical grandeur. Constructed in 1760, the palace was originally built for Count Antal Grassalkovich, a prominent...
22 milesSW
Castle ruins with Danube views
Devín Castle, Bratislava
Perched atop a rocky hill at the confluence of the Danube and Morava rivers, Devín Castle is a remarkable historical site in Bratislava, Slovakia. This ancient fortress, with origins dating back to the Roman times, has been a sentinel at the border of many empires...
21 milesS
Gothic-style Catholic cathedral
St Martin's Cathedral, Bratislava
St Martin's Cathedral stands as a historic beacon in the heart of Bratislava, the capital city of Slovakia. This Gothic church, which dates back to the 15th century, is not only an architectural marvel but also a significant emblem of the country's storied past.
38 milesNE
Forts and castles, Historical place
Beckov Castle, Trenčianske Bohuslavice
Perched on a majestic limestone cliff overlooking the village of Trenčianske Bohuslavice, Beckov Castle is a striking historical landmark in Slovakia that captivates visitors with its medieval charm and dramatic ruins. With a history that dates back to the 13th...