An iconic rectangular castle dominates Bratislava from a rocky hill of the Little Carpathians. It's an impressive sight and the main symbol of the city. Since it overlooks the Danube, its reflection in the water from above the trees at night is spellbinding. 
One can admire the overwhelming beauty of the Bratislava Castle from every corner of the city. The castle, today a museum and headquarters for the National Council of the Slovak Republic, is surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens that remind of its former glory. Nature lovers will enjoy exploring the grounds. Besides a stroll where the Slovak royalty used to roam, you can escape to nature in many other places when you visit Bratislava.
Bratislava Forest Park (Bratislavský lesný park) is the city forest that stretches at the foothills of the Little Carpathians in several boroughs, including the Old Town and the New Town, Dúbravka, Karlova Ves, Záhorská Bystrica, Vinohrady, and Rača. The locals enjoy strolls through the forest, but also taking the chairlift from Zelezna Studienka to Kamzik Hill (Koliba), which is also the location of the famous Kamzík TV Tower. The lift travels above the forest on a distance of 988 meters and reaches the altitude of 186 meters in about 15 minutes. The area is ideal for hikes, as there are many routes to explore. Bikers prefer the area known as Zelezma studienka. On the Kamzik Hill, there's even a summer bobsleigh run for the more adventurous types.
Alternatively, you can visit the Koliba Rope Center (Lanoland), which has no less than 42 obstacles and four cable cars. They have a special area for children (with a low ropes course, swing, and climbing wall), as well as courses for experienced users. The courses are color coded so they are easy to follow. 
An area in the Partizánska lúka part of the Bratislava Forest Park was designed for sports enthusiasts. You recreational football, volleyball, basketball, Pétanque, and table tennis.
The forest is dense, with many oak and beech trees, shrubs, maple trees, and elderberries. With over 50 bird species inhabiting these woods, the Bratislava Forest Park is a paradise for bird watchers too. The forest is an active hunting ground for Red deer and Roe deer, boasting 16 hunter's watchtowers. Hunting tickets are available from the Bratislava City Forests (Mestské lesy v Bratislave).
Visitors will also find military bunkers as they explore the forest. These are defense fortifications from the World War I.
