Planning to play at Chess Slovak Open® 2026? This travel guide covers everything you need to know about getting to Skalica, Slovakia — flights, trains, accommodation, and what to expect during your stay at one of Central Europe’s finest chess festivals.
Where is Skalica?
Skalica is a historic medieval town in the Záhorie region of western Slovakia, situated near the Slovak-Czech border. It sits in a strategic location that makes it easily accessible from several major European cities — ideal for chess players travelling from across the continent.
Getting to Skalica — Your Options
By Plane
The two most convenient airports are:
- Vienna International Airport (VIE) — 80 km from Skalica. The largest hub in the region with connections from almost everywhere in Europe and beyond. Take a shuttle or train to Vienna Hauptbahnhof, then a regional train towards Bratislava, and change at Kúty or Skalica na Slovensku.
- Bratislava Airport (BTS) — 70 km from Skalica. Served by Ryanair, Wizz Air, and other budget carriers. Direct bus or taxi connections to Skalica.
By Train
Skalica has its own train station (Skalica na Slovensku) with direct connections:
- From Bratislava: approx. 1.5 hours, multiple daily connections
- From Brno (Czech Republic): approx. 1.5 hours
- From Vienna: approx. 2 hours (change at Hohenau or Kúty)
By Car
- From Bratislava (SK): 70 km via D2 motorway — approx. 50 minutes
- From Brno (CZ): 60 km via D2 motorway — approx. 45 minutes
- From Vienna (AT): 80 km via A5 and D2 — approx. 60 minutes
- From Prague (CZ): 290 km — approx. 2.5 hours
- From Budapest (HU): 280 km — approx. 2.5 hours
Free parking is available near the playing venue.
Accommodation in Skalica
Skalica offers a good range of accommodation options within walking distance of the Dom kultúry playing venue, all at prices significantly lower than in Bratislava or Vienna:
- Hotels: Several 3-star hotels in the town centre, €40–80/night
- Guesthouses and pensions: Family-run accommodation, €25–50/night
- Apartments: Available via Booking.com and Airbnb, good for longer stays
Tip: Book early — accommodation in Skalica fills up during the chess festival week. The tournament runs from 22 to 30 August 2026.
The Playing Venue
The tournament is held at Dom kultúry (Cultural House), Námestie slobody, in the heart of Skalica. The playing hall features:
- Air conditioning throughout
- Professional DGT chess equipment
- Live game broadcasting online
- Spectator area
- Cafeteria and nearby restaurants
Skalica — More Than Chess
Skalica is a charming town with a rich history dating back to the 13th century. Between rounds, explore:
- Námestie slobody — the beautiful historic main square, steps from the playing venue
- Rotunda svätého Juraja — a Romanesque rotunda from the 11th century
- Local cuisine: Try skalický trdelník (a local pastry delicacy) and regional Záhorie wines
- Cycling routes through the Záhorie lowlands and along the Morava river
Useful Information
- Currency: Euro (€) — Slovakia is in the Eurozone
- Language: Slovak (Czech, English, German widely understood)
- Weather in August: Warm and sunny, 25–32°C typically
- Visas: Slovakia is in the Schengen Area — EU/EEA citizens need only an ID card
Register Now
Registration for Chess Slovak Open® 2026 is open at chessslovakopen.sk/registration-2026.
Questions about travel or accommodation? Contact us at info@chessslovakopen.sk