Bardejov

Photos: Doko Ing. Mgr. Jozef Kotulič, CC BY-SA 3.0 (Wikimedia Commons); Andrzej Otrębski, CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons); Rakoon, CC0 (Wikimedia Commons); Leibniz-Institut für Ost- und Südosteuropaforschung (IOS) GeoPortOst, Public domain (Wikimedia Commons); Draceane, CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons); EfreetSK, CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)

Bardejov is a town in eastern Slovakia, situated on the southern slopes of the Low Beskids, on the Topľa River, near the border with Poland. Located in the Prešov Region, Bardejov District, at an elevation of 323 m, the town is renowned for its authentic medieval center, which is almost entirely preserved. Bardejov is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The first written mention of Bardejov dates back to 1241. The town was part of the Ruthenian Kingdom for a long time, joining the Kingdom of Hungary in 1321. In the 14th and 15th centuries, Bardejov became an important center for trade and crafts, reaching its peak in the 15th century. After a period of decline, the 20th century saw restoration efforts that brought European recognition to the town.

Bardejov is known for its historical center with medieval architecture, the 13th-century Basilica of St. Giles, a 16th-century town hall, and a complex of Jewish baths and synagogues. Nearby is the Bardejovské Kúpele spa and several wooden churches. The town is also famous for its cultural heritage, including the icon exhibition of the Šariš Museum.

Visitors can explore the historic center and the Basilica of St. Giles, the icon exhibition at the Šariš Museum, the open-air museum in Bardejovské Kúpele, and the wooden Church of St. Francis in Hervartov. There are 11 hiking trails in and around the town, such as Bardejov Spa – Dlhá Lúka or the route to Stebnícka Magura peak. For relaxation, Bardejovské Kúpele offers Wellness Spa Ozón and a summer swimming pool.

Getting there from Ukraine

From Uzhhorod ≈138 km, ≈2 h 30 min without queues: Uzhhorod – Vyšné Nemecké → I/19 to Michalovce → I/18 via Vranov nad Topľou towards Prešov → I/545 to Bardejov (≈133 km, ≈2 h 20 min from the border). From Lviv it is faster through Poland: M-10 → Krakovets – Korczowa → A4 to Dębica → DK73 to Jasło → DK28 to Gorlice → DW977 over the internal Schengen crossing Konieczna – Becherov → I/545 to Bardejov: ≈329 km, ≈5 h 10 min (≈251 km, ≈3 h 40 min from the border). Via the Uzhok Pass and Ubľa ≈345 km, ≈6 h 20 min.

Sources: Wikipedia, Wikidata, OpenStreetMap, Karpaty.rocks data. More on Wikipedia

Trails nearby

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Peaks nearby

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Craft nearby

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Spas and thermal pools nearby

Huts, shelters and springs nearby

All springs of the CarpathiansAll Carpathian huts

Getting there from Ukraine

Border crossings

  • Uzhhorod – Vyšné Nemecké — road, 24/7
  • Malyi Bereznyi – Ubľa — road, 24/7 For cars and buses; pedestrians not confirmed by the Ukrainian border service, lorries up to 3.5 t.
  • Mali Selmentsi – Veľké Slemence (pedestrian) — pedestrian, 09:00–21:00 Kyiv time Pedestrians and cyclists only; inconvenient for the Tatras without onward transport.
  • Chop – Čierna nad Tisou (rail) — rail, 24/7

By car

From Uzhhorod ≈138 km, ≈2 h 30 min without queues: Uzhhorod – Vyšné Nemecké → I/19 to Michalovce → I/18 via Vranov nad Topľou towards Prešov → I/545 to Bardejov (≈133 km, ≈2 h 20 min from the border). From Lviv it is faster through Poland: M-10 → Krakovets – Korczowa → A4 to Dębica → DK73 to Jasło → DK28 to Gorlice → DW977 over the internal Schengen crossing Konieczna – Becherov → I/545 to Bardejov: ≈329 km, ≈5 h 10 min (≈251 km, ≈3 h 40 min from the border). Via the Uzhok Pass and Ubľa ≈345 km, ≈6 h 20 min.

Checked 23.10.2026; border crossing hours and timetables change — check before you travel.

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