Slavín

The basics

A visit to the Slavin memorial and cemetery offers a nice break from the busyness of the historical center. Along with the cemetery and large spire, this National Cultural Monument has statues and inscriptions you can view in a hall. You’ll find other tourists here, but don’t be surprised if many of the visitors are locals simply enjoying a calm walk and appreciating the views of the city stretched out in all directions.

Things to know before you go

• April 4 is Bratislava’s liberation anniversary; expect large crowds.

• Check the forecast as there’s very limited cover from the elements here.

• There are multiple stairs to climb to the base of the monument.

How to get there

Slavín is located at Pažického, 811 04 Staré Mesto, in the Slavín neighborhood of Bratislava. It’s northwest of the Old Town, best accessed by bus #147 at the Havlíčkova stop. If arriving from the train station, take the #1 tram to Pod Stanicou and consider walking approximately 15 minutes to the monument.

When to get there

This memorial is open 24 hours a day, so there’s no rush to see it at a specific time. Because it’s outside of the city center, it’s recommended to visit during the day, especially if relying on the bus schedule or walking. Be mindful that on certain holidays, the cemetery may have more visitors.

Hike to find another wartime memorial

The forested area north of Bratislava is known for its hiking trails, but many visitors miss seeing the monument dedicated to the Battle of Lamač. It’s a modest monument in the Železná Studnička hiking area: a simple plaque on a rock enclosed by a black metal gate. It’s on the hiking trail but is also easily accessible from bus route 43 at the Železná Studnička stop.