In 2026, Šariš will once again be a place of castles, history and a unique atmosphere after dark. Night of the Castle Ruins 2026 will take place on Saturday 15 August 2026 and will offer visitors the chance to experience the region’s historic monuments in a slightly different way – in the evening, under a starry sky and in the company of other castle enthusiasts.
The symbolic highlight of the event will be a light signal linking the various castle sites. The idea draws on the historical function of castles, which in the past were able to convey messages over great distances using light signals. Today, however, the light primarily conveys a message of cooperation, a sense of belonging and pride in the region’s cultural heritage.
The event also shows that Šariš Castle Route It is not merely a map of historical monuments. It weaves together the castles, ruins and other historical sites of Šariš into a single narrative and provides an opportunity to explore them through excursions, experiences and events.
Experiences during the Night of Castle Ruins
Up to [number] people from the Šariš region and the surrounding area are taking part in the ‘Night of the Castle Ruins’ event 16 castles. In addition to the light display itself, many of them have organised a programme of accompanying events for visitors, which will make their time at the castle even more enjoyable. The following castles, for example, have also put together a unique experience:
Šariš Castle
At Šariš Castle On Saturday 15 August, there will be a programme for young and old alike from early afternoon. Children can look forward to a treasure hunt, creative workshops and a photo corner with a throne. Later on, there will be a communal barbecue, a visual projection inspired by the castle’s history, and a torchlight procession followed by stargazing.
You can find more information about the programme A Night Among the Castle Ruins
Kapušian Castle
Kapušany Castle will come to life thanks to a packed programme. You can try out face painting, take part in competitions, rescue a princess and go on a treasure hunt. Of course, there’ll be a castle barbecue, the chance to pitch a tent, and the opportunity to watch the light signals at castles stretching from Bardejov to Stará Ľubovňa. A new addition this year is a screening of the family film *Cukrkandl* after dark, right at the castle.
You can find more information about the programme A Night at Kapušany Castle
Kamenica Castle
During the event Night of the Castle Ruins 2026 Visitors to Kamenica Castle will enjoy an evening full of atmosphere, fire and light. A barbecue awaits them in the lower courtyard, where they can enjoy a pleasant evening amidst the historic castle ruins.
The programme will be enlivened by a fire show A show presented by the Alimah Fusion Alchemy Theatre, offering a striking blend of movement, fire and visual spectacle. The highlight of the evening will be the linking of the castles through light signals.
You can find more information about the programme A Night Among the Castle Ruins at Kamenica Castle
Šariš Castle Route invites you to explore at night
The Night of the Castle Ruins is an example of how Šariš Castle Route to weave the individual historic sites into one grand narrative. Each castle has its own history, atmosphere and character, yet for one evening they symbolically become part of a shared network of castles.
And that’s exactly what makes this event so special. You don’t have to limit yourself to just one castle. You can plan your own the castle trail through Šariš, visit one of the sites and watch as light signals appear on the surrounding hills in the evening.
For history buffs, families with children, tourists and photographers alike, this is also a brilliant opportunity to discover Šariš from a completely different perspective.
Traffic lights from Bardejov to Stará Ľubovňa
When, after dark on 15 August, the lights on the castle hills come on, Šariš Castle Route will symbolically link the castles and ruins from From Bardejov to Stará Ľubovňa.
The lights at the individual castle sites will form an imaginary line, evoking the ancient method of communication between castles whilst also demonstrating that the historic monuments of Šariš have something to say to today’s visitors too. The individual castles will send out a light signal at the following times:
Night of the Castle Ruins 2026 So it won’t just be an evening of events at the castles, but also a great shared experience that will bring the whole region together – from one light display to the next.
Source: OOCR RŠ
Source of photographs: OOCR RŠ
