Today is the last ride of the 9-day tour through Slovakia. Looking back on the past few days, hopefully you have discovered the most beautiful side of Slovakia. National parks, towns with a rich cultural history and special places of interest have all been reviewed.

This drive will take you back to close to Bratislava, where the journey began. The road leads you through some beautiful forest areas towards the Southeast. Along the way you can experience one last time that Slovakia indeed has the highest density of castles in Europe and you have the chance to admire a special animal: the European Bison. And that of course with enough restaurants where you can eat and drink to gain energy for the last kilometers.

As you reached Inovec Cottage yesterday, you will again drive the same road down the mountain today. Enjoy the narrow mountain road through the woods for a while, before you drive back onto the main road. Keep in mind that today the first gas station directly on the route can only be found after 133 kilometers. If you did not refuel yesterday, it is wise to deviate from the route for a while and to look for the gas station along road 9.

Once through the town of Trenčianske Jastrabie, the route starts towards the South. The main road glides quietly through the landscape, allowing you to take in the surroundings once again. The wide main roads slowly turn into increasingly narrow forest paths. After about 30 kilometers you will see a shimmer through the trees. The water of the Nemečky dam comes into view. This dam protects the region against flooding. The water here is so exceptionally clean that a picky resident has taken up residence here: the freshwater jellyfish. Despite (or perhaps because of) the presence of this jellyfish, the local brewery manages to brew a delicious beer from the water of this reservoir.

After passing this reservoir, a little further on the route, you have the opportunity to visit a castle (ruins). After the village of Prašice you can turn right towards Podhradie. This village is located at the foot of a hill topped by the castle (hrad) Topoľčiansky. Dating back to the 13th century, the castle was once built to defend against the Turkish invasion. Today the ruin is open to visitors. The walk from the village to the ruin is about 500 meters with 75 meters of elevation. A tough climb, but well worth it. Even if it is for the beautiful views. If you prefer to skip the walk: at the bottom of the review you will find a link to a virtual tour of the castle.

Back on the route you pass through the village of Závada. From here the route leads you towards Nové mlyny. This road is partly unpaved. In principle it is passable, but if you prefer asphalt under your wheels, it is best to continue on the road to Velušovce and Jacovce. In Jacovce you can pick up the original route again. Those who continue to follow the route can stop in Nové mlyny at the beautiful mountain refuge Koliba Nové Mlyny. The hut serves delicious local specialties. When the weather is nice, you can enjoy the forest around you outside on the terrace. The people who stay on the asphalt can take a break a little further on in Topoľčany. Right along the route, almost immediately after you drive into town, you can stop at Coffee House.

From the valley where Topoľčany is located (at 170 meters), another modest climb starts to an altitude of about 500 meters. During this climb you will pass Renesančný kaštieľ. The castle was built in the 16th century by order of the Novoveský family. It served to protect the family from outside enemies. Later it got a more noble function: brewing beer. Today the castle has a ceremonial function. You can stop here to take a picture and then continue the climb. Don't be surprised by that one hairpin bend on the way! The road follows the slope of the hills, making it easy to shift your focus to everything around you, except the road itself. The descent is as easy and noteworthy as the climb.

To also create a bit of confusion today, you arrive in Topolcianky after the descent. For a moment you would think that you have done a round and are back in Topoľčany. If you look closely at the place name, you can see a difference. In this town you also have the opportunity to take a break at one of the restaurants: stand in the castle restaurant or something simpler at the local pizzeria. You can also take a walk through the park around the Topoľčany castle.

During your tour of Slovakia, you might have seen the Wisent (European Bison) in Poloniny National Park. This is the only place in Slovakia where this protected species lives in the wild. By the end of the 15th century, the animal was already so rare that hunting restrictions were imposed. In the 20th century, the animal was almost extinct, so several countries decided to set up breeding programs. Slovakia also contributed to this. If you are interested, you can visit one of these locations. After the village of Lovce you can turn right towards Zubria Zvernica. Here you will find the “Bison Zoo” (Topoľčianska zubria zvernica). The zoo was established in 1958 and has bred at least 175 bison since then. For reference, at the time of the zoo's founding, there were only 150 bison left in the world!

Culture lovers can indulge themselves in Nitra. Nitra is the fourth largest city in Slovakia and has a rich history. It is an ancient episcopal see and has played an important role in resisting the Mongol invasion. Traces of this history can be found in the old castle, the many churches and a cathedral. You can also visit an old historical library or delve into Jewish culture in Nitra by visiting the synagogue in the center.

After Nitra you start the second half of the route. You notice that you leave the hills behind and the landscape becomes flatter. The well-maintained main roads take you along a number of beautiful streams. First you cross the Váh. With 406 kilometers this river is the longest river in Slovakia.

The straight roads will eventually take you to the Little Danube (Malý Dunaj). This river connects the Váh with the Danube. Just past Bratislava the river arises from the Danube, to eventually flow into the Váh 128 kilometers later at Kolárovo. The Little Danube is an excellent place to take a break. At restaurant De Molen (Reštaurácia Malom Csárda) you have a magnificent view of the river and the old wooden water mill.

The last part of the route has arrived. Via the main road you come closer and closer to the starting point of this journey: Bratislava. There is, however, one small obstacle to overcome: the mighty Danube. Fortunately, you can take the ferry across the river at Kyselica. The ferry sails between the two banks about twice an hour. For exact times you can consult the website. Normally, crossing the Danube would mean entering Hungary. Especially in this part of Slovakia, the river regularly forms a natural border between the two countries. This route takes you over a narrow landmass close to the Hungarian border.

Your trip ends in the village of Rusovce. You can stay overnight at Rusovský Penzión. Also, take some time in the evening to visit Rusovce Castle. People with a predilection for urbex photography can indulge themselves here. The castle has not been maintained for some time and has fallen into disrepair. It is gated, but (at your own risk) you can enter and even enter the grounds.

Rusovce is a beautiful location to end the tour through Slovakia. It is centrally located so you can go in all directions. From here you can easily visit Bratislava and Vienna. But the nature reserve of the Neusiedler See is also nearby.