// Kingdom of Šariš
A tourist destination in north-eastern Slovakia
Šariš is a historic region with castles, the largest concentration of wooden churches in Slovakia, and the town of Bardejov, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover what this region has to offer — from medieval landmarks to spas and mountain nature.
Šariš lies in north-eastern Slovakia and comprises the districts of Bardejov, Prešov, Sabinov, Stropkov and Svidník. The region is traditionally divided into Upper Šariš, centered on Bardejov, and Lower Šariš, centered on Prešov. The landscape is moderately mountainous, with lowlands alternating with mountain ranges crossed by the Torysa, Topľa, Ondava, Poprad and Hornád rivers.
For centuries Šariš was an independent county of the Kingdom of Hungary, with its administrative center first at Šariš Castle and later in Prešov.
Bardejov develops into a significant royal town with a thriving crafts and trading base — this history is still visible in its historic center today.
After the fall of Austria-Hungary, Šariš becomes part of the newly formed Czechoslovakia, and later independent Slovakia.
Today Šariš is one of the regions with the richest concentration of preserved castles, chateaus and wooden churches in Slovakia — in 2019 the Šariš Castle Route project was launched, connecting these landmarks along a single tourist route.
One of the most beautiful towns in Slovakia, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its exceptionally preserved medieval town center.
One of the largest castle complexes in Slovakia, rising above the town of Veľký Šariš with views over the surrounding countryside.
Šariš has the largest concentration of wooden churches in Slovakia — several are part of the UNESCO World Heritage list.
A spa town surrounded by fir and beech forests, once visited by Empress Elisabeth of Austria (Sisi). It's also home to an open-air museum of folk architecture.
A tourism project linking the region's castles, ruins and chateaus into a single trail for visitors.
A popular forest nature trail near Bardejovské Kúpele, suitable for easy hiking in nature.
The center of Lower Šariš and the third-largest city in Slovakia.
The center of Upper Šariš, its historic core protected by UNESCO.
A town beneath Šariš Castle with a rich history.
A medieval royal town with a well-preserved historic center.
The gateway to the Low Beskids, a center of Rusyn and Ukrainian culture in the region.
A town on the Ondava river with a Renaissance chateau.
The region is served by roads and rail connecting Prešov, Bardejov and other towns. The nearest airport is in Košice.
Up-to-date information, maps and trip tips are available at the TICs in Prešov and Bardejov.
Summer is ideal for hiking and the castle route, while winter offers a quieter atmosphere in the historic towns and spas.