Pistian: Hotels between culture, thermal baths and the Váh

The Colonnade Bridge, also known as the Glass Bridge, is a national cultural monument spanning the Váh River and is considered one of the outstanding examples of Slovak functionalist architecture. At the same time, it is the longest covered bridge in Slovakia.

Culture and history

The Imrich Winter Balneological Museum is headquartered in the town park, with its most important exhibitions located in the Kúpeľná dvorana. There is an exhibition about General Milan Rastislav Štefánik, an outstanding figure in modern Slovak history. There are also permanent exhibitions on the history of spas and spa treatment in Slovakia, as well as sacred art; temporary exhibitions are held regularly.

On the banks of the Váh, the Dom umenia Piešťany is set in an extensive park. It is a centre of Piešťany’s cultural and social life and is one of the most important co-organisers of the international Piešťany Festival, which has been held every year during the summer months since 1955.

The preserved Napoleonské kúpele complex comprises Piešťany’s oldest spa buildings. The Elektrárňa Piešťany provides a different historical accent: the restored industrial monument from 1906 served as a municipal diesel power station for the town of Piešťany and the surrounding municipalities until 1946. The renovated former generator hall houses a permanent interactive exhibition about energy transformations and various aspects of their use. Guided tours with commentary are offered there for tourists.

The Piešťany Military History Museum has permanent exhibitions on the armament of the Czechoslovak Army from 1945 to 1992, as well as on Slovaks in uniform from 1848 to 2020. Stará lekáreň focuses on Slovak utilitarian design, including glass, ceramics, jewellery, three-dimensional works for interiors, graphic art, paintings and sculptures for interiors. Krajinský most is a cultural monument dating from 1931; a footbridge was later added on its upstream side.

Nature

Thermal mineral water and unique sulphurous healing mud formed the basis for the establishment of Kúpele Piešťany. A 9-hole course is located on Kúpeľný ostrov, as is the Eva thermal outdoor pool. The spa park on Kúpeľný ostrov offers walking paths among trees and flower beds. The freely accessible mini-zoo is home to, among other animals, owls and peacocks.

An approximately 2.8 km-long branch of the Váh runs around Kúpeľný ostrov. It is important for overwintering birds and aquatic plants.

Paths and water

The Vážska cyklomagistrála begins at the Colonnade Bridge and leads towards Trenčín; the section to Trenčín is approximately 50 km long. The Cyklochodník Dubová leads towards the Sĺňava reservoir. At Lodenica, it connects to the Kolookruh Sĺňava. This paved recreational and educational circular route around the Sĺňava reservoir is suitable for cycling, walking and inline skating.

The entire Kolookruh Sĺňava can be circumnavigated on foot in approximately three hours and by bicycle in approximately 45 minutes. Sightseeing cruises on the Váh depart from the beginning of the Colonnade Bridge and last 55 or 80 minutes. Lodenica Piešťany is a sports and leisure centre at the Sĺňava reservoir, used for sporting events, competitions, leisure activities and outdoor events.

The Piešťanské informačné centrum has locations at the Colonnade Bridge and at Pribinova 2 in Piešťany.

Other places

Ducové, Chtelnica, Prasnik, Krakovany, Sokolovce, Rakovice, Ostrov, Banka

To the higher-level travel overview: Piešťany District.