Spreadeagled over a cliff above the old town, Trenčín's castle ranks as one of Slovakia's most impressive. Added to over virtually a millennium, much of what you see today is reconstruction – most recently from the 20th century – although there are remnants aplenty dating to earlier (medieval) days. The lower echelons can be explored solo but to enter the keep and other furnished buildings you'll need a guide.
From the town, climb stairs to reach the lowest level of fortifications and commanding views of the Váh River plain. Afterwards, via a shop and eateries, you ascend to the towers and furnished palaces with one of the frequent tours (75 minutes, in Slovak only; call two days ahead to arrange English-speaking guides). The most evocative time to visit is during festivals or on one of the castle's summer evening torchlight tours – complete with medieval sword fighting and staged frolics.
