Introduction to Slovakia
Slovakia is a small country with very convenient location right in the heart of Europe. It offers its visitors alluring mix of tourist activities, unique food and great history, yet it is often overlooked by international visitors, who wander around Central Europe. It is usually Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary and Austria that appear on their itineraries and if they visit Slovakia, it is only the capital Bratislava that they come to see only for one day. best things to do in Slovakia
Slovakia offers such a wide array of activities and I am sure it will surprise you. It is my home, and although I moved away several years ago, I am always thrilled to come back and explore it over and over again. In this article I’ll give you some top tips what to do here and reasons why you should give Slovakia a chance during your next Europe trip.
General Travel Information
Currency
Euro
Language
Slovak Language, but you should be able to communicate in English or German.
Visa
Slovakia is a member state of the European Union, so you need the Schengen visa to be able to enter the country (if you, of course, travel from outside the EU).
Transport
The easiest way to get around is by car. We drive on the right-hand side. If you don’t like driving, trains and buses run through the country regularly and the prices are much less than in other European countries.
Budget
Cheap to mid-range
Electric sockets
For Slovakia there are two associated plug types – C and E.
Geography
Slovakia is landlocked country surrounded by Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary, Ukraine and Poland. Even though it’s small in size, you can find here a great variety of different landscapes and natural sceneries – from green meadows, through wild forests, to high mountains, deep caves, stunning lakes and culturally rich cities, Slovakia has something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit
Slovakia lies in moderate zone and has four seasons throughout the year. It is enjoyable at any time, it just depends on your personal preferences. things to do in slovakia
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Spring
meadows and valleys are in bloom full of wild flowers, the temperatures are mild, however, don’t be surprised by occasional rain; -
Summer
can be very hot and most of the tourist places are very busy due to school holidays (July and August). In summer, the whole country becomes alive with music festivals, people are hiking in the mountains, swimming in lakes and spending time outside -
Fall
in fall you can enjoy some impressive autumn foliage and experience our Slovak take on Halloween when we visit cemeteries and lit up candles everywhere. September is a great time experience some authentic wine festivals -
Winter
is quite cold, but you can look forward to some good quality snow on our slopes and sipping mulled wine on the Christmas Markets
Top Things to Do
Get lost in the streets of Old Town of Bratislava
Bratislava is the capital of Slovakia and it will be most probably your entering point to the country. In comparison to other European capitals, Bratislava is quite small and walkable in one day, especially the Old Town which is the most charming part of the city. Here are some spots not to miss when wandering around
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Bratislava Castle
the castle is the pride of Bratislava sitting on a hill overlooking the city. Unfortunately the castle is not open to public, but you can visit the baroque gardens and enjoy some really spectacular views on Danube River and rest of the city. -
Blue Church
this art novena church in baby blue color looks like from a fairy tale and it is also featured in Mini Europe Park in Brussels. -
St.Martin's Cathedral
Gothic cathedral in the city center. -
Michael's Gate
Former Medieval entrance to the city -
The Main Square (Hlavné Námestie)
Numerous historical landmarks with beautiful views of Bratislava old town from Old Town hall tower ( Stara Radnica). -
The UFO Tower and Observation Deck
belongs to the World Federation of Great Towers and it offers the best panoramic views over the old town, Bratislava Castle and Danube River. You can enjoy a cocktail or a nice meal in the restaurant while waiting for the sunset, the more adventurous ones can try 85 m high sky-walk.
Hike in High Tatras
High Tatra Mountains are our national pride and a true hiking paradise for all outdoors enthusiasts. The first visitors started to come here in the 16th century in search for leisure and relax in nature. Today, High Tatras National Park has something for everyone – from easy walks for families, to multi-days tracks, when you sleep in wooden mountain lodges on bunk beds with complete strangers. The villages nearby offer accommodation for all budgets and the locals can best help you, which hike would be the most suitable for you.
Most popular hikes in High Tatras:
- Hike to Popradské Pleso Lake – about 10 km long but the terrain is mostly flat
- From Štrbské Pleso Lake to Skok waterfall – about 11 km long
- 14,5 km long hike to Sliezsky Dom Lodge when you are passing by several mountain lakes
- 13,8 km hike to the lodge nearby Zelené Pleso Lake
- Hike to Rysy in 2499 metres height
- Hike to Gerlach Mountain – the highest peak of Slovakia which is 2654 metres tall (the trek takes approximately 9 hours)
If hiking is not really your cup of tea, High Tatras offer an array of different activities to enjoy, for example Aqua Parks Tatralandia and Bešeňová, museum of illusions Tricklandia, cable car to the top of Lomnický Štít Mountain, Zoo Kontakt where you can pet animals etc.
Marvel inside breathtaking caves
Slovakia is truly beautiful on the surface but the real gems are hiding underground. There are actually over 7 thousand caves within Slovakia and 13 of them are open to public. Most of these remarkable caves are located in Slovak Karst National Park and they are listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites. To mention a few best things to do in Slovakia
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Ochtinská Aragonite Cave
is one of the three caves in the world with such a rich natural decorations of aragonite – the two others are located in Mexico and Argentina. -
Dobšinská Ice Cave
is covered in ice all year round and is rated as one of the most remarkable ice caves in the world. Ondrej Nepela, famous Slovak figure skater and an Olympic winner from 1972, used to train in this cave! Today the cave is national protected area so ice skating is not possible anymore. -
Domica
is part of the 25 km long cave system, which ends up in Hungary. When the underground waters are high enough, you can sail in small motor-less boats on an underground river all the way to Hungarian cave Baradla. -
Demänovská Cave of Liberty
is part of the longest cave system in Slovakia and is also the most visited cave because of its rich natural limestone decorations.
Soak in hot springs
Slovakia is very rich in natural water resources. It is second only to Austria in largest natural freshwater supplies and you can find here more than 1500 officially registered natural springs. You can buy many different types of mineral water which it literally flows from our taps as well (good quality water is something I really miss overseas). Apart from the drinking water, many of the springs are used as thermal spas with healing effects. Here are some of the most popular and beneficial ones:
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Podhájska
Hot springs that have more beneficial waters than Dead Sea. -
Sklenné Teplice
for everyone who likes the water particularly hot. -
Piešťany
Slovakias best know SPA town. -
Bojnice
besides good quality spa, the town of Bojnice has also a charming castle and a ZOO located right in the city center. -
Bardejov
on the east of Slovakia. Bardejov is lovely historical town with unique architecture
For the full information about all the spas in Slovakia head to link HERE.
Visit old villages with traditional architecture
There are quite a few picturesque villages in Slovakia where you will feel like you stepped back in time, but Vlkolínec and Čičmany are both like straight from a fairy tale. You will find here small wooden houses from 13th-14th century that are built solely in architecture style typical for their region. Vlkolínec is part of UNESCO Natural Heritage Site, set on the mountain backdrop surrounded by meadows and Čičmany villages looks like they are made of ginger bread, with typical folk drawings on them. best things to do in Slovakia
Try typical Slovak cuisine
Slovak cuisine has been influenced by surrounding countries over the history when we used to be the part of the Austrian-Hungarian Kingdom. However, Slovak people always took a special twist on the local cuisine and created dishes typical for their region. If you are all about healthy diet, you probably won’t find anything suitable, because Slovak food is quite heavy, very hearty, but above all super delicious!
When travelling to Slovakia, you have to try our national dish which we are very proud of. It’s called bryndzové halušky and it is kind of gnocchi with sheep cheese and bacon. Among other significant dishes to try, I would like to mention:
- Creamy garlic soup served in bread (Slovak bread is the best!),
- Savory potato pancakes lokše that you eat with sour cabbage and roasted goose or duck,
- Sweet steamed buns buchty filled with jam, walnuts or poppy seeds,
- Pirohy that are similar to Polish pierogi but in Slovakia they are often eaten sweet,
- Goulash soup made outdoors over open fire,
- Chimney cake from Skalica (trdelník) – you can find this type of chimney cake in other countries but Slovak city Skalica actually has patent for the recipe,
- Cabbage soup – it’s a staple Christmas dish in many households, but can be eaten all year round.
These are just couple of my favorites, but there are many amazing local foods in Slovakia. best things to do in Slovakia
Visit other historic cities full of architectural treasures
Old city centers of Slovak towns are architectural gems. They are often hundreds years old, their streets are paved with cobble stones and the old buildings are breathing with history. In summer, cafes and restaurants open their terraces outside so you can enjoy the relaxing vibe while sipping on iced coffee or cocktail. Here are some cities in central and eastern Slovakia that I always like to visit:
- Banská Štiavnica – is a popular getaway for many Slovak people. The whole city centre is UNESCO World Heritage listed with many hidden beautiful alleyways and you can also find here the world’s only Epicentre of Love. The whole idea behind this unique place came from the love poem ‘Marína’ by Slovak author Andrej Sládkovič published in 1846. With its 2910 lines, it is the longest love poem in the world. Even though the love of Marína and Andrej didn’t find their happy-ending, you can save your love here forever in the unique archive of love with mirror floors and verses of the poem on the walls.
- Levoča – another UNESCO Heritage listed town with the highest Gothic altar in the world located in the Basilica of St. Jacob.
- Kremnica – small, well-preserved medieval town with long mining history located in central Slovakia.
- Banská Bystrica – biggest city in central Slovakia. It is an old mining town with long history. You can visit here Museum of Slovak National Uprising full of memoires of WW II.
- Košice – second biggest city in Slovakia (after Bratislava) located on the east of the country. It is famous for its beautiful Cathedral of St. Elizabeth and the oldest marathon in Europe (second oldest in the world) being held here non-stop every year on the first Sunday in October since 1924.
Explore beautiful medevial castles
Slovakia has the highest number of castles and chateaux per capita! You can find here about 180 castles and 425 chateaux. These numbers are quite impressive when you consider how small my country is. I don’t know a person who would visit all of them, moreover, some of them are just ruins, but here are few majestic castles that deserve your attention:
- Spišský Castle – is the largest fortified castle in Central Europe and no trip to Slovakia is complete without wandering around this magnificent complex from the 12th century. You can climb up its walls to see the views wide and far, or visit the dungeons where medieval torture chambres used to be.
- Orava Castle – was built on high rocks overlooking the Orava region. It was featured in many traditional Slovak movies and fairy tales.
- Trenčiansky Castle – magnificent castle from 10th century, one of the largest in Central Europe.
- Bojnický Castle – the most beautiful castle in Slovakia that reminds of Cinderella’s castle from Disney movies.
- Červený Kameň Castle – not only the cellars under this castle create the largest underground complex in Central Europe, but also the oldest pharmacy was established here in 1649. This is my favorite castle in Slovakia, only about an hour drive from Bratislava. There’s a lovely park surrounding it and you can also visit a birds of prey show with eagles, hawks, ravens etc. best things to do in Slovakia
Try some local beers and wines
Besides the delicious cuisine, Slovakia also takes pride to be home to some world-class wineries and breweries. The tradition of wine making in Slovakia dates back 3000 years and today there are six main wine regions that are worth every wine lover’s attention. I grew up near the vineyards of Malokarpatská, or Lesser Carpathian Wine Region in southwestern part of Slovakia (it spreads between cities Bratislava and Trnava). Every year in September there are many wine festivals taking place in smaller cities of this region. Besides of driking wine, you can shop for some local arts and crafts, eat delicious food and enjoy some live music. The wine festivals last all weekend and they are usually happening right in the streets!
If you consider yourself more of a beer person, there are quite a few microbreweries around Slovakia making refreshing beers. I would highly recommend visiting brewery Erb in Banská Štiavnica, which was also mentioned in Lonely Planet’s Global Beer Tour publication. Erb is not only a brewery, but also a hotel, restaurant and a theater!
And if you don’t like alcoholic beverages at all, try local soft drinks Vinea – a grape lemonade, or Kofola – Slovak take on Coca Cola but with herbs.
Sail down the Dunajec River on traditional flat wooden rafts
Dunajec River Gorge creates a natural border between Slovakia and Poland. The gorge is characterized as one of the most interesting geological structures and is listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Dunajec River flows through Pieniny National Park and you can participate on a tour on the river that is taken on traditional rafts and your guide is dressed in Slovak folk costume. It’s a truly unique experience that will leave you with amazing memories. best things to do in Slovakia
More off-the-beaten-path places to see and other interesting things to do
- Danubiana Art Museum – museum of modern art situated on the banks of Danube River
- Wooden Churches around city of Bardejov – Bardejov is also a spa town with underground waters rich with minerals. The wooden churches are unique in the world from17th century.
- Čachtice Castle – today there are only ruins left, yet the castle is still famous as being the prison of Elizabeth Bathory known as the „bloody countess“. She liked to bath in the blood of young virgins as she believed it’ll give her infinite youth, but after the people found out, they built her alive into one of the walls of the castle.
- Kláštor pod Znievom – lovely town on the north of Slovakia in the close proximity to Mala Fatra Mountains full of hiking possibilities.
- Pezinok Chateau – Pezinok is part of the Malokarpatská Wine Route, famous for it’s newly renovated chateau, lovely park with peacocks and of course vineyards
- Devín Castle and Sandberg sand dune – only 12 km from the city center of Bratislava you can visit this breathtaking fortress/castle with incredible history and gorgeous views on Austria on the other side of Danube River. Not far from there lies the only sand dune in Slovakia which is millions of years old and shows us today where was shore of the Mediterranean in the past.
- Ruins of old monastery Katarínka – located in the forests in south-western Slovakia, this place is perfect for an afternoon picnic with some fire pits available and the ruins of old monastery in the backdrop.
- Bachledka Canopy Walkway – walk on the top of the trees not far from the High Tatra Mountains.
- Stay over-night in Smolenice Castle – one of the best preserved castles in Slovakia. Part of it was turned into a hotel and it is surrounded by peaceful meadows and forests.
- Geyser in Herľany – spouts water in the 15-20 m height every 32-34 hours. It just as powerful as geysers in Iceland.
- Solar Horologe in Stará Bystrica – it is the only solar horologe in the world that shows the true solar time.
- Detva – this small town under the Poľana Mountain is the hub of Slovak folk art and dance. Every year in July there’s a big folk festival in Detva’s amphitheatre that attracts visitors from nearby countries.
Interesting facts about Slovakia
- Slovakia is the geographical midpoint of Europe. best things to do in Slovakia
- Slovakia and Slovenia are often mistaken to be the same country (they are not!). Due to this general confusion staff of the Slovak and Slovenian embassies meet once a month to exchange wrongly addressed mail.
- Slovakia is a young country – The split between Czech Republic and Slovakia happened on the 1st January 1993 based on mutual agreement.
- Bratislava is the only capital in the world bordering two countries – Austria and Hungary.
- Vienna and Bratislava are only 60 km apart which makes them two closest capitals in the world (it takes only one hour by bus or train).
- Both parents of the pop up artist Andy Warhol were from a small town Miková on the north-east of Slovakia and you can find here his museum and gallery today.
- Grandfather of Angelina Jolie was born in Košice.
- Slovak movie The Shop on Main Street about Nazi-occupied Slovak State during the WW II. won an Oscar in 1965 and the Oscar is still in the window of the shop on the main street in the city of Sabinov on the east of Slovakia.
- The world’s highest cave column listed in the Guinness World records is in Krasnohorska Cave in Slovak Karst National Park.
- National musical instrument of Slovakia is fujara [fuu-ya-rah]. It’s similar to a flute but it can be up to 2 meters tall and it makes very natural, soothing sound. It’s also a great souvenir to bring with you home as a reminder of your good times in Slovakia.
Souvenirs to buy in Slovakia
When wandering around Slovakia, you will most probably come across many artisans and craftsmen selling traditional hand-made Slovak souvenirs. Here are some tips what to buy to remind you of your time spent in my lovely country:
- Ceramics – cups, candle holders, mugs, plates, jugs and jars. Slovak ceramics is cute and unique.
- Cheese – there are many European countries famous for their different types of cheese. Slovakia may not be as rich in cheese variety as for example France, but Slovak cheese can be just as delicious! Try some samples of soft sheep cheese or smoked salty cheese and I am sure you will be in love!
- Decorative dolls made of corn husks – another example of unique Slovak craftsmanship.
- Wooden utensils – high-quality chopping boards or wooden spoons for cooking.
- Musical instrument ‘fujara’ [fu-yah-raah] – ‘fujara’ is traditional Slovak musical instrument with very smooth natural sounds. It looks similar to Australian didgeridoo but it actually a very long flute.
- Slovak alcohol Tatratea or juniper gin ‘borovička’ – Tatratea brand has a wide variety of flavors, from coconut to hibiscus to traditional black tea flavor. The bottles are fun and colorful and they make a great gift! You can drink it straight, or mix it in hot or cold cocktails. ‘Borovička’ is a type of gin with earthy flavors. It is quite strong and should be drunk straight in shots. There are many different brands selling this alcohol and you can find it in any supermarket.
- Folk embroidered clothing – Slovakia is famous for its beautiful detailed embroidery.
- Shepherd’s axe ‘valaška’ – long in the past, Slovak people were mostly shepherds, living close to nature and taking care of sheep. They used to carry a small axe ‘valaška’ as a weapon that also could serve as a walking stick. Today, ‘valaška’ is only a decorative object.
- Sweets – Horalky, Mila, Deva – all of these are sweets and chocolates that you cannot find anywhere else in the world. They are very popular not only among Slovak people and they have been in production for over half of a century!
Nowadays it can be quite difficult to find a unique destination. Slovakia is still undiscovered by masses of tourists which makes it pretty unique. I believe that it’s only a matter of time, when more and more travelers will discover its beauty and start to visit. It may be small, but the natural and historical treasures give you endless possibilities to explore it! best things to do in Slovakia
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