The Footsteps of Kings and Legends

Note: All prices are provided as a guide only and were correct as of May 2026.

 

This trip will take you through the heart of the former Kingdom of Hungary. This route is defined by Gothic grandeur, royal history and some of Central Europe’s most impressive fortifications, including the renowned ‘King of Castles’.

• Total Driving Time: Approximately 5 hours 30 minutes
• Total Distance: ~380 km
• Theme: Gothic grandeur, royal history and UNESCO-listed fortifications

 

Stop 1: Košice – The City of Queens

Leaving Budapest, you’ll head north-east to Košice, once the second most important city in the Kingdom of Hungary. Today, its historic centre is a long, spindle-shaped pedestrian zone that takes on an almost Mediterranean atmosphere in July.

• Make sure not to miss St. Elisabeth’s Cathedral, the easternmost Gothic cathedral of its kind in Europe.
• Use the Aupark Shopping Center Garage or the Hotel Hilton parking. Both are right at the edge of the pedestrian zone.
• Parking Fee: EUR 2.00/hour
• Entry Fee: EUR 5.00 for the cathedral, EUR 4.00 to climb the North Tower for a view of the city

 

Stop 2: Spiš Castle – The Largest Fortress in Central Europe (Spišský hrad)

Continuing north from Košice, you will spot the silhouette of Spiš Castle long before you arrive. Perched dramatically on a travertine hill, this UNESCO-listed fortress is one of the most impressive landmarks in Central Europe.

• Walk through the ruins of this giant stronghold, which feels more like a movie set than a historic monument.
• There are two parking areas. Use the southern parking area (from the village of Žehra) to get closer to the main gate.
• Parking is usually free, but some private car parks nearby may charge EUR 3.00.
• Castle Entry Fee: EUR 12.00 per adult
• It is a steep 10-minute walk from the parking area to the gate. In the July sun, this can be intense, so make sure to bring water with you!

 

Stop 3: Levoča – The Town of Master Paul

Just 15 minutes from Spiš Castle lies Levoča, a beautifully preserved medieval walled town and another highlight of the route.

• Levoča is home to the highest wooden Gothic altar in the world.
• Don’t miss St. James Church. The altar by Master Paul stands 18.6 metres high and is crafted from gold and limewood. It is a masterpiece of the late Gothic period.
• Park on Námestie Majstra Pavla (the main square). It is a pay-and-display zone.
• Parking Fee: EUR 1.50/hour
• Entry Fee: EUR 5.00 for the church tour
• Access to the altar is often provided through guided entry slots every 30 minutes. You may have to wait a few minutes for the next tour.

 

Final Destination: Grand Hotel Kempinski High Tatras

From Levoča, it is a smooth 40-minute drive on the D1 highway into the High Tatras, where your journey concludes at Grand Hotel Kempinski High Tatras.

 

Summary of Costs & Logistics
 

Location	Adult Entry Fee	Parking	Note
Košice (Cathedral)	EUR 5.00	Moderate	It is best to use a garage (Aupark).
Spiš Castle	EUR 12.00	Easy/Busy	—
Levoča (Church)	EUR 5.00	Easy	Park right on the main square.
Total Fees	~EUR 22.00	—	(Per person)

 

Essential Information for This Route
 

1. This route involves a lot of walking on stone streets in Košice and on open hillsides at Spiš Castle.
2. Highway Vignettes: You will need the Hungarian (e-Matrica) and Slovak (e- Známka) vignettes.
3. In Levoča, dine at Restaurant U Leva on the main square. It is housed in a historic building and serves great local cuisine within cool, thick stone walls.
4. St. James Church in Levoča is very strict about photography of the altar. Flash photography is generally prohibited and, in some cases, a special permit (usually a small sticker costing a few euros) may be required.
    

Feature	Route A: Traditions & Folklore	Route B: Kings & Legends
Vibe	Rural, wooden, intimate and scenic	Grand, Gothic, dramatic and royal
Major Stops	Banská Štiavnica, Vlkolínec, Pribylina	Košice, Spiš Castle, Levoča
Total Driving	~4 hours 30 mins (direct)	~5 hours 30 mins (direct)
Best For	Lovers of nature and village life	History buffs and architecture fans