Zbojnícký Castle, Gothic castle ruins in Ruská Nová Ves, Slovakia.
Zbojnícký Castle sits atop a rhyolite rock outcrop near Ruská Nová Ves, displaying the remains of medieval defensive construction. Partially preserved walls and stone foundations reveal how builders used the natural rock formation as part of the fortification.
The fortress was built in 1390 as a watchtower to monitor salt trade routes and defend against raids on the region. It gradually fell into abandonment and decay over the following centuries, leaving only the ruins visible today.
The ruins mark a point where regional powers once asserted control over the surrounding land and trade activities. Walking through the site today, visitors can sense how the stronghold shaped movement and settlement patterns in the valley below.
The castle is accessible by a marked trail starting from Ruská Nová Ves village, taking about 30 minutes through forest paths. Sturdy walking shoes are recommended, as the terrain is uneven and can be slippery in places, especially after rain.
From the ruins, visitors can see across to the Kamenná mountain range, which provided defenders with views across the entire valley. This sightline was as important to the castle's defensive purpose as its walls and fortifications.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
