Vienna to Bratislava and Devin Castle: Private day trip

Enjoy a blend of historic charm and quirky culture in Slovakia’s capital city, Bratislava. In Bratislava, you can enjoy strolls through the cobbled old town, admiring the historic buildings and popping into cafes at your leisure. Here, you’ll also spot several of the city’s iconic quirky bronze statues and be mesmerized by colorful medieval squares. You can also choose to visit the hilltop castle for sweeping views across the city and the Danube River below. Be sure to take photos at St. Martin’s Cathedral, the historic coronation church of Hungarian kings, and stroll through the local markets for traditional craft souvenirs.

Enjoy unmatched views at the ruins of Devin Castle, overlooking the Danube and Morava. Head to Devin Castle for a foray into the past. These impressively preserved ruins are situated dramatically above the Danube and Morava rivers, and acted as a border fortress dating back to Roman times. Learn more about the castle’s fascinating history and its strategic location while taking in spectacular panoramic views across the surrounding landscape. Capture photos of the confluence of the Danube and Morava rivers and meander along the ancient walls. The castle is open Tuesday through Sunday, and the hours vary slightly seasonally. Tickets and opening hours are available online: https://hraddevin.mmb.sk/en/visit-us/practical-information/opening-hours/

Originally a 12th century castle, Schloss Hof was a relatively obscure noble home until the 18th century when Prince Eugene of Savoy acquired the single-storey Renaissance fortification, and had it a Baroque hunting lodge built in its place. The estate was further enlarged by Empress Maria Theresa, who made it into a royal residence. Today, visitors can take a guided tour of the interior to see the lavish decor and period furniture, and learn about the castle’s royal residents. Surrounding the castle, the sprawling gardens, built onto seven terraces, are a beautiful example of baroque landscape where visitors can get lost in the elegant combination of greenery and waterworks. The castle also has its own Baroque farm, which is one of the largest in Central Europe, where a variety of gardens, farm animals, and even an interactive bakery give showcase how the castle sustained itself.