The Real Site of Count Orlok's Castle

Orava Castle 10ricardo (cc by-sa 4.0)

Orava Castle is an eerie and majestic place, built high up on a rocky cliff over the winding Orava river. It is one of the most beautiful and well-preserved medieval castles in Slovakia, dating back to the 13th century.

Its long history starts as a military barracks built after a Mongol invasion to defend what was then the Kingdom of Hungary. Seven centuries later it still stands, now an elaborate neo-Gothic castle that holds many unique myths and legends.

Notably, the striking exterior was used as the filming location for Count Orlok’s Transylvanian castle in the 1922 silent film Nosferatu, a claim to fame that adds to its haunting appeal.

Inside, a tour of the castle museum takes visitors through the knights’ room, paintings gallery, weapons room, and a collection of many scientific and archaeological artifacts.

Know Before You Go

Price of admission is about 8 euros per person, if you like to take photos on your tour it will cost an extra 3 euros. Special group rates are available. During the main Tourist season they do some great haunted night tours.