Slovakia - Eastern Europe - page 624

Trencín Castle Worth the climb for the marvelous views and a close-up look
at the rambling structures that make up the castle complex. The restored interiors are
only accessible via guided tour (though English tours are a rarity behind Slovak and
German).
Hrad. No phone. May-Oct daily 8am-6pm; Nov-Apr daily 9am-3:30pm.
AFTER DARK
Tr e n c ín nightlife is laid-back and usually follows one of two patterns. The first is a
comfortable meal at the Slovenská Re s taurácia at the Hotel Tatra, followed by a stroll
around the central square or maybe a climb to the castle to work off some of those
calories. The second option is to have a couple more drinks and line up at one of the
clubs that line the main squares. The action starts around 10pm and goes until around
2 or 3am. It is not sophisticated in the slightest, but it can be fun if you're in the mood
to dance.
ZILINA
80km (50 miles) N of Trencín; 180km (110 miles) N of Bratislava
Z ilina is a brawny industrial town that's better known as the home of some of Slova-
kia's more conservative politicians than anything worthwhile for tourists. On the other
hand, it's an important bus and train junction, as well as a major stopping-off point
on the main east-west highway, so many visitors find themselves here for one reason
or another. And if you have your own transportation, Z ilina makes for a comfortable
base to explore the Malá Fatra National Park. The town of Terchová, the center of the
Malá Fatra region, is a 25km (15-mile) drive down the highway.
ESSENTIALS
GETTING THERE Z ilina lies on the main east-west highway and is a relatively
easy drive along some four-lane highway from both Tren c ín and Bratislava. Figure on
an hour's drive from Tren c ín and 2 to 3 hours, depending on traffic, from Bratislava.
Z ilina is also a major train and bus depot. There are frequent train connections to
both Tren c ín (70 min.) and Bratislava (2-3 hr.). The train is also the best bet for
reaching Poprad and the High Tatras. The train station is a 10-minute walk from the
main central square along Národná Street. If you're planning on heading to the Malá
Fatra, the bus is the best bet. There are frequent bus connections to Terchová; figure
on a ride of about 45 minutes. The bus station is east of the city center, about a 10-
minute walk from the train station and from the center of the city.
GETTING AROUND The inner city is relatively compact and most of it has been
restricted to automobile traffic, so walking is the only option.
VISITOR INFORMATION Z ilina's tourist information office (Burianova
medzierka 4; & 041/562 - 0789; www.selinan.sk) is situated in a private travel agency
called Selinan on a small street just off of Mariánske nám. They'll generally do their
best to help you sort out the train and bus schedules, as well as recommend lodging
and dining options. The office is open Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5pm.
WHERE TO STAY & DINE
Z ilina has two decent hotels, both offering the same level of comfort and convenience
at similar prices. Book at whichever has a free room. Another option, recommended if
you have a car, is to continue on in the direction of Terchová for more rustic lodging