tourism on slovakia

15 Top-Rated Things to Do in Slovakia

Written by Diana Bocco Updated Feb 15, 2022

Once part of Czechoslovakia, this mountainous, somewhat sparsely populated country has much to offer visitors. Known for its national parks, scenic hiking trails, and hundreds of caves – some of which are UNESCO-protected sites – Slovakia is a dream destination for outdoor lovers . History buffs and foodies will be equally pleased to visit, however, as there's a wealth of opportunities to jump right into exploring and tasting delicacies.

Slovakia's open-air museums offer a unique chance to discover the folk traditions of the country, while a visit to Bratislava will give you a chance to experience a vibrant city touched by a dark history.

Whether you're almost ready to go or just trying to get inspired, here's a list of the top things to see and do in Slovakia.

1. Get Your Fill of Fairy-Tale Castles and Palaces

2. try alpine skiing with a twist, 3. visit open-air museums, 4. indulge your taste buds, 5. discover nature at slovak paradise, 6. walk the streets of bratislava, 7. hike the high tatras, 8. climb up to the largest fortified castle in europe, 9. visit an old mining town, 10. go deep into the dobšinská ice cave, 11. discover communist-time slovakia, 12. explore little-known špania dolina, 13. discover forgotten and hidden bunkers, 14. lose yourself in the slovak karst national park, 15. marvel at the traces left by old aristocracy.

Slovakia is home to more than 100 castles – some still standing in all their glory, some in ruins, and many somewhere in between.

A popular filming stage for historical and fairy-tale movies, the 12th-century Bojnice Castle started life as a fortress, and over the centuries became a stunning Romanesque royal residence with Gothic and Renaissance touches. Bojnice stands on a hill that overlooks the town and is one of the most visited castles in Europe .

Another stunning example is the neo-Gothic Orava Castle, considered one of the most beautiful castles in the country and famous for being the location used in the 1922 silent vampire film, Nosferatu .

Devin Castle, just outside Bratislava and near the border with Austria, has been partially reconstructed and now houses exhibitions of the Bratislava City Museum . The ruins of Strecno Castle, Blatnický Castle, and Brekov Castle are popular sights along limestone cliffs and hiking routes in Slovakia.

Many castles, palaces, and manor houses in Slovakia allow overnight stays for an experience you will never forget and a chance to feel like royalty for a night.

With so many snow-covered peaks around, it's no surprise that Alpine skiing is very popular in Slovakia. In many ski resorts around the country, however, sports aficionados are combining their love for sliding down slopes with climbing up. Known as uphill skiing , the practice requires people to walk up the snow-covered slopes before they slide back down at full speed. This requires special bindings added to the skis to avoid sliding, more or less transforming the skis into long snowshoes.

Both the Low Tatras and the High Tatras mountain ranges are popular skiing destinations. The largest ski resort in the country , with 49 kilometers of marked trails, Jasná is located in the Low Tatras. Tatranská Lomnica, in the High Tatras, has the steepest slopes in the country and separate, higher trails for advanced skiers.

Also in the High Tatras, Štrbské Pleso is a popular destination for its night skiing and cross-country trails.

There's no better way to learn about the cultures that shaped a nation than through living museums, where history truly comes alive, and you get a chance to step back in time.

The largest ethnographic open-air exposition in the country, the Museum of the Slovak Village is a stunning example of traditional folk architecture. Home to 129 buildings – including everything from a firehouse and a church to a village store and a pub – and technical objects, the museum helps visitors understand what life was like in rural Slovakia in the 19 th century. Agricultural exhibitions, whole-day events, and live shows are held here year-round.

Surrounded by mountains and lush green meadows, the Cicmany Village is famous for its hand-painted log houses , while the rock dwellings of the Brhlovce village date back to the 16 th -century Turkish raids and were originally used as hiding places.

Like its closest neighbors (Austria, Hungary, and the Czech Republic), Slovak cuisine relies heavily on just a few staples : potatoes, lots of cheese and dairy products, wild mushrooms, and sauerkraut. Luckily for foodies, Slovaks have figured out a way to combine these few ingredients into some mouthwatering dishes. So if potatoes sound boring, don't worry – here, you'll get a chance to taste Bryndzové halušky (potato dumplings with sheep cheese) and Lokše (potato pancakes).

Potatoes are often also added to stews and goulashes, and there are so many types of mushroom soups available, it would take you weeks to try them all. Of all Slovak traditional sweets, perhaps the most famous is Trdelník, a type of grilled dough topped with a walnut and sugar mix.

The Slovak Paradise National Park might not be the largest park in Slovakia, but it's certainly one of the most famous and should be at the top of the places to visit while in the country. A whopping 19 nature reserves, over 350 caves, and hundreds of canyons and gorges are located within the park.

Most visitors arrive here for the 300 kilometers of hiking trails , famous for their difficulty and their rugged paths that often include hanging bridges, ladders, and plank walkways . The 15-kilometer-long Prielom Hornádu route is particularly popular, partly because of its uneven terrain, which must be navigated by holding on to chains, climbing precarious ladders, and crossing footbridges; in winter, the creek beds freeze and can be crossed using snowshoes rather than using the bridges.

Another famous trail is the one leading to the 75-meter-tall Zavojovy waterfall, which can only be reached after navigating a not-for-the-faint-of-heart vertical metal ladder and bridge suspended in mid-air.

Slovakia's capital is a small city of just half a million residents, but that doesn't mean there isn't a lot to see and do here. In fact, Bratislava is well known as a great destination for art and history lovers , a great place for foodies to visit, and a photographer's dream.

The city is home to two palaces (the Rococo Presidential Palace and the Primate's Palace and its famous Hall of Mirrors), the ruins of Devin Castle, a bridge topped by a flying saucer-shaped observation deck, and a number of quirky statues that pop out of sewers or top their hats at passersby.

Sitting at the top of an isolated rocky hill, the Bratislava Castle is the city's most prominent sight and one of the most visited tourist attractions . Visitors can tour the gardens and discover the collections at the Slovak National Museum branch housed inside the castle.

Other main photo destinations in the city include the aptly named Blue Church; the 14 th -century complex of buildings that make up the Old Town Hall; and the 1,000-year-old Hviezdoslavovo Square, surrounded by prominent buildings and structures.

The High Tatras are a massive mountain range and the tallest range in the Carpathian Mountains in northern Slovakia – a chain that's home to tall cliffs, alpine habitats, and over a hundred mountain lakes.

With an elevation of 2,655 meters, Gerlachovský štít is the highest peak and a favorite among hikers and climbers because it's relatively easy to climb with a certified mountain guide, and hikers don't seem to experience altitude sickness as they normally would at this elevation. Lomnicky Stit, at a close 2,634 meters high, is a more popular destination because it can be partially ascended via cable car.

Above all, the High Tatras are famous for their rugged hiking trails surrounded by limestone mountains and pristine alpine lakes. Most trails close in either September or October, as the mountains receive a lot of snow and become impassable after that. The Kriván trail is one of the most picturesque – it takes you up through mountain paths for stunning views over the park, and it's one of the few long climbs (about 7.5 kilometers) that doesn't require a guide.

In winter, the Tatras are a prime destination for Alpine skiing.

The ruins of 12th-century Spiš Castle sit upon a soft, rolling hill and cover an area of over 41,000 square meters, making it the largest castle complex in Europe . Spiš is a UNESCO World Heritage site that started as a simple Romanesque stone castle and kept growing and expanding over the centuries.

By the 14 th century, a two-story palace and a basilica had been added, and an expansive wall built around the land, doubling the size of the complex. The castle was partially destroyed by a fire in 1790 and never inhabited again after that, although certain sections have been restored, and more are under reconstruction.

Today, the castle houses an exhibit of torture devices once used at the castle, as well as artifacts from the Spiš Museum, which include archaeological and ethnographic displays. The kitchen washroom and armory of the castle have also been restored, offering a unique peek into the life of 18 th -century royalty.

UNESCO-protected Banská Štiavnica is a preserved medieval town that sits on an ancient volcano. The Celts were already mining for silver ore in the area as far back as the 3rd century BC, and the town's popularity as a producer of silver and gold only grew from there. By the 15 th century, the town was building fortifications to protect its mines, and by the mid-1600s, they were using the newly discovered gunpowder in the mines.

To help with mining and prevent flooding, a complex system of artificial water reservoirs and over 100 kilometers of interconnected channels and tunnels were set up – today, many of them have been transformed into recreational areas perfect for swimming. And while mining has long been abandoned in Banská Štiavnica, visitors can don helmets and headlamps to head down into the Earth at the open-air mining museum to explore a 17th-century mine.

While in town, make sure you don't miss the Old Town Square, home to a number of medieval buildings, as well as a plague column, a mineralogical museum, and a town hall dating back to the 14 th century.

Located near a mining town inside the Slovak Paradise area, the Dobšinská Ice Cave is a UNESCO Heritage site. Reaching the cave requires a hike up a hill to an altitude of over 900 meters, then a slow descent into the mountain itself. Only the first 500 meters of the cave (out of the almost 1,500 meters in total length) are open to the public between May and September, and visitors must stick to designated pathways and stairs at all times.

If you're looking for things to do on a hot summer afternoon, this is it. Inside, the cave stays at a temperature of around 0 degrees Celsius all year long, with ice covering walls, ceilings, and floors. In some areas, the thickness of the ice is estimated to be over 26 meters .

Because the cave can only be visited as part of a guided tour, you're guaranteed to catch sight of the most stunning natural formations here, including ice stalagmites, semi-frozen waterfalls, and colorful swirls of light on the icy walls.

Czechoslovakia was under the rule of the Communist Party from 1948 to 1989 – a time where there was no freedom of the press, homes were regularly bugged in the search for traitors, religion was abolished, and common items like toilet paper and sugar were often hard to come by. Slovakia and the Czech Republic split and became separate countries in 1993, just a few years after the fall of the Iron Curtain and the return of democracy.

Communism shaped and changed the two nations forever, and visitors can get a glimpse of what life was like "back then" by searching for communist-era architecture in Bratislava; visiting an underground bunker; stopping by former concentration camp Sered (today a museum of the Holocaust); and visiting the Museum of Slovak National Uprising in the town of Banska Bystrica, which played a key role in the resistance against Nazis.

In recent years, the Iron Curtain border zone (which starts in the Nordic countries and ends in Turkey) has become a popular trail and cycling route , and a number of companies offer tours (or bike rentals) for those who want to see part of it up close and personal.

A well-kept secret mainly enjoyed by the locals, tiny Špania Dolina (which has only 200 permanent residents) is a former mining town filled with Renaissance buildings and well-preserved 17th-century wooden houses that once belonged to the miners that called the town home. The town's stunning white church rules over the view as you approach Špania Dolina.

Surrounded by the Staré Hory and Veľká Fatra mountains in central Slovakia, Špania Dolina offers plenty of options for outdoor pursuits, including hiking trails, cross-country skiing, and mountain biking.

A trail that starts right next to the town square takes visitors to the educational Mine Trail, which offers information about the history of the town and great panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. There's also a Copper Museum in town if you want to learn more about the history of mining in Špania Dolina.

Eastern European countries have a long and complicated military history that includes Nazi invasions, Soviet takeovers, and bloody conflicts that extended for well over a century – and Slovakia is no exception.

An unusual result of this is a massive number of now-abandoned concrete bunkers scattered across fields or hidden in cities. In Slovakia, the largest conglomeration of bunkers is right in Bratislava, spread on a large field on the right bank of the river Danube.

Built in the 1930s to defend the country against Nazi Germany, the bunkers were never actually used. The largest of the bunkers, known as B-S 4, is now a museum showcasing original machine guns and firearms, an engine room, and plenty of photographs and documentation. Volunteers conduct tours on Saturdays during the warmer months.

Nearby bunkers B-S 6 (that originally house a soldier crew) and B-S 8 (the most heavily armed in the back defense line) can also be visited. B-S 8 is located near a military cemetery, where memorial services and special celebrations are held to honor those fallen defending their country.

The Slovak Karst is one of Slovakia's most unique national parks. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is famous for its caves (over 700 of them are spread throughout the park's massive karst plains and plateaus). Stunning Domica cave is part of a large complex of caves that extends across the border into Hungary, and can be explored through guided sightseeing tours.

The park also attracts adventurers that want to hike unique trails that feature wooden paths and bridges, castle ruins, small waterfalls, and amazing gorges. There are a total of over 500 kilometers of cycling trails and hiking trails within the park.

Slovakia was once part of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy empire – and reminders of this are present everywhere today in the form of magnificent chateaus and palaces. A good example of this is the historic manor-house chateau Appony in the village Oponice. Originally built in the 16th century as a fortified chateau, it has gone through significant changes over the years, including a major reconstruction in the 1840s.

The towns of Topoľčianky, Mojmírovce, and Belá also have plenty to offer in this regard. For example, the Baroque-classical Manor-house Mojmírovce dates back to the 18th century and once belonged to Hungary's house of Hunyadi,

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Discovering Slovakia: The historical capital city of Bratislava is a great starting point to discover the country. Before you make any plans, take a look at the must-see attractions and things to do in Bratislava for some tips.

Across the Borders: Bratislava's close foreign neighbor, Vienna, is just one hour away and filled with lots of things to see and do. Check out our article on the Attractions & Things to Do in Vienna for ideas and tips to plan a visit. Heading to the Czech Republic instead? Prague is just a few hours away, and traveling between the two cities is quick and easy, as you'll find out in our Prague to Bratislava: Best Ways to Get There article.

Must-see attractions in Slovakia

Spiš Castle

Eastern Slovakia

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Danubiana Meulensteen Art Museum

The windswept location of this world-class art gallery is as invigorating as the works on display. On a promontory jutting into the Danube, the…

Orava Castle

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Slovenský Raj National Park

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Hlavné Námestie

The nucleus for Bratislava's history, festivals and chic cafe culture is Hlavné nám (Main Sq). There's architectural finery in almost every direction,…

Blue Church

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Museum of the Slovak Village

This picturesque recreated village – Slovakia's largest skanzen (open-air museum) – showcases over 120 faithfully reconstructed 19th-century dwellings in…

Vrátna Valley

Limestone pinnacles and thick forest conspire to make Vrátna Valley one of Slovakia's most majestic areas to hike or ski. A scenic road winds south from…

Cathedral of St Elizabeth

This 14th-century cathedral dominates Košice's main square, its gables bristling above tall, stained-glass windows while colourful roof tiles evoke a…

Museum of City History

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Tokaj Macik

Set among expansive vineyards and pastures, Macik winery is a delightful place to experience the region's famous Tokaj wine. A little advance notice is…

Basilica of St Egídius

With tall Gothic windows and a spear-like tower rising over the main square, this 15th-century three-nave basilica is the jewel of Bardejov's Unesco…

Bratislava Castle

Magnificently rebuilt in Renaissance style, Bratislava Castle looks as though it has been transplanted from a children's picture book. Inside is a history…

St Martin's Cathedral

The coronations of 19 royals have taken place within three-nave St Martin's Cathedral, alluded to by the 300kg replica crown atop its spire. The interior…

A museum dedicated to WWII history and Banská Bystrica's role as the beating heart of the country's anti-fascist resistance is harboured in a looming…

Vlkolínec's squat, colourful houses evoke medieval Europe with just a hint of Hobbiton. This tiny mountain hamlet, dating to the 14th century, has…

Rodošto & Mikluš Prison

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Tatra Gallery

Poprad's former steam-power plant is now the atmospheric setting for an excellent art gallery. The industrial building, capped with a brick tower, is…

Devín Castle

Perched between Slovakia and Austria, rugged Devín Castle makes a popular day trip from Bratislava. From the ramparts there are admirable views of rivers…

Andy Warhol Museum of Modern Art

Pop-art pioneer and provocateur Andy Warhol (1928–87) would perhaps have wryly approved of Slovakia's peculiar museum in his name. The neon-splashed…

Bojnice Castle

Gazing at fairy-tale Bojnice Castle stirs fantasies of knights and maidens in even the world-weariest travellers. Blushing sandstone towers and…

Trenčín Castle

Trenčín's fearsome castle has surveyed the surrounding hills for centuries. Its oldest walls date to the 11th century, when it was constructed to watch…

Strečno Castle

Folded into a bend in the Strečno River, this medieval castle offers stupendous views over the surrounding valleys. Written mentions of Strečno Castle…

The apex of baroque art in Slovakia is on a volcanic hill, 2km northeast of Banská Štiavnica's old town. Ornate chapels guard artwork showing scenes from…

Dobšinská Ice Cave

More than 110,000 cubic metres of ice are packed into the gleaming walls of this Unesco-listed ice cave, near the southern edge of Slovenský Raj National…

Spišská Sobota

Formerly a distinct town, Poprad's Spišská Sobota neighbourhood is lined with attractive burgher houses. Settled by German colonists around the 13th…

Church of Mariánska Hora

Glowing beatifically from a hill 2km north of Levoča, the Church of Mariánska Hora is Slovakia's most famous Catholic pilgrimage site. It's thought that a…

Marching around this noble stronghold is a riveting history lesson. Visitors scale stairs and stride across rampart walkways, peering into the 13th…

Much of Košice's finery is assembled along Hlavné nám, a long plaza with flower gardens, fountains and cafes on either side. Stroll past the central…

Hervartov Church

Resembling a pointed witch's hat, this fascinating little church squats in a tree-shaded spot in Hervartov village, 7km southwest of central Bardejov…

Church of St Jacob

The spindles-and-spires Church of St Jacob, built in the 14th and 15th centuries, elevates the spirits with its soaring arches and precious art. The main…

Town Gate Tower

Views are sublime from this octagonal tower, part of a 15th-century fortification. An inconspicuous glass elevator carries you most of the way, then there…

Art studios and traditional workshops line quaint Hrnčiarska, including herbalists, blacksmiths, potters and purveyors of precious stones. Some of their…

Wooden Church

This Protestant wooden church was built in 1717 without a single nail. Its impressive baroque interior is carved from yew and spruce, even the huge church…

Majstra Pavla Nám

Gothic and Renaissance eye-candy abound on Levoča's main square, including the Historic Town Hall and private Thurzov House, at No 7, with a…

The sci-fi silhouette of Bratislava's 'UFO bridge' came at a heavy cost. Period mansions and an old synagogue were sacrificed for the construction of the…

Pieniny National Park

Pyramidal mountains furred with evergreen forests form the majestic terrain of Pieniny National Park, shared between Slovakia and Poland. On the Slovak…

Red Monastery

Its enigmatic atmosphere amplified by a forested backdrop, this fortified monastery has undergone enormous change (and destruction) since it was…

Hrad Červený Kameň

This manicured site offers a thoroughly genteel castle experience. Stroll past old draw wells and boulevards shaded by chestnut trees to reach the castle …

Spiš Chapter

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Home » Travel Guides » Slovakia » 15 Best Places to Visit in Slovakia

15 Best Places to Visit in Slovakia

Slovakia, in Central Europe, borders the Czech Republic , Poland , Hungary , Austria , and Ukraine , and is a vibrant mix of leisurely cafe culture and winding streets, and picture-perfect towns with rugged castles, Gothic churches, and sprawling lush forests.

Known for its spas and geothermal waters, you can relax in an aqua park, or take to the mighty Carpathian Mountains and indulge in a whole host of winter sports. Follow us as we take you on a journey through this fascinating undiscovered country, with stops at spa towns, protected villages, open-air museums, collapsed volcanoes, frozen lakes, and much more.

Lets explore the best places to visit in Slovakia :

1. Bratislava

The largest city in Slovakia, as well as being the capital, Bratislava lies on the River Danube and borders both Austria and Hungary. Come here for a trip to the imposing Bratislava Castle, perched on a plateau above the city and originally built in the 10th century. The city is located in an area of lush vegetation so there are a wealth of parks, open spaces, and lakes in and around Bratislava, including Rusovce Lake, although if you choose to venture there, be forewarned, it is also famous as an area for nudists!

If you head into Old Town in Bratislava be sure to take a ride around on the tourist train that will give you a whistle-stop tour of the city so that you can take in the history and culture from the comfort of a seat. Bratislava is also known for its eclectic music scene, from underground clubs that feature up and coming experimental artists, to its annual Bratislava Music Festival and jazz festival known as Jazz Days.

The region of Liptov is considered by many locals and one of the jewels in the crown of Slovakia, and as such it is one of the most visited areas of the country. The largest ski resort in Slovakia, Jasná, is found in the Liptov region, and if you enjoy winter sports then there are a wealth of trails here for all different abilities to try, including both skiing and snowboarding options.

If you prefer water to snow then you can visit Aquapark Tatralandia, one of the largest water parks in all of Central Europe, where all the water comes from thermal springs, said to have healing properties. For those interested in the local folklore, a trip to the sleepy village of Vikolínec, a UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-do, and you will find log houses, a quaint wooden chapel, and a folklore museum.

3. Slovak Karst Caves

Slovakia is home to almost 2,500 caves, and more are being discovered as time goes on, with some 400 having been explored to date. The entire Slovak Karst region of caves has UNESCO World Heritage Site status, and if you like spelunking then you can’t miss a trip to one of the spectacular caves in the region.

If you want to see one of only three Aragonite caves in the world then you should head to Ochtinská Aragonite Cave. If you are feeling brave, you can also visit a section of Domica Cave that features boat rides on a river known as the River Styx, the river in Greek mythology that passengers had to cross to reach the Underworld.

The charming city of Košice was named the European Capital of Culture in 2013 and has a cosmopolitan feel to it that expertly mixes the old with the new. Explore the Old Town where you will find medieval architecture and many of the buildings here are protected.

For a fine example of Gothic style, head to St Elisabth Cathedral, built in the 14th century, as well as the St Michael Chapel that also dates from the same period. If you like culture then you can spend an afternoon in the East Slovak Gallery that pays tribute to Slovak art, or the East Slovak Museum to learn more about the history of Slovakia.

Come to the town of Levoca if you are a fan of Renaissance architecture, which the city has in abundance, including the Roman Catholic Church of St James whose claim to fame is that it has the highest carved wooden alter in Europe. The Old Town is still encircled by the original town walls, and has been named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In the town square you will find the Old Town Hall which is now a museum for those who want to learn more about the region, as well as the iron cage that still sits in the square with the rather alarming name, ‘The Cage of Shame’ which was used in days gone by to punish criminals.

6. Pieštàny

Known predominantly as a spa town, come to Pieštàny for some rest and relaxation as you bathe in the medicinal thermal waters as well as the sulphuric mud, said to cure a number of ills. The spa is located on the aptly named Spa Island and features a range of treatments and baths that make use of the geothermal properties created by mineral deposits from the surrounding mountains.

In addition to the spa itself, there are hiking trails and exercise areas, and if guests want to experience the local flora and fauna they can walk through the park area on Spa Island and take in the fountains and statues, and there is also a Social Centre that features galleries and museums.

Found near the borders of the Czech Republic and Poland, the city of Žilina has a pretty historic centre famous for its quaint churches as well as the spectacular views of the surrounding Mala Fatra Mountains. For art lovers, there is the powerhouse Museum of Art Žilina which features both classic and contemporary pieces that give an insight into the folk traditions of the region.

If you want to experience more of the local scenery, then head for Žilina Dam where you will find walking and running trails, skating and cycling paths, and even volleyball and basketball courts. You can even try your hand and paragliding at the nearby Stranik Hill.

The city of Trencín near the border with the Czech Republic is historic region known for the dominating yet beautiful Trencín Castle that lies atop a rock and which is medieval in style and is split into two sites, the upper and lower parts of the castle.

The city also features a traditional town square which faces Baroque buildings and churches, and visitors can spend an afternoon exploring the winding streets that lead off the square and are home to boutiques, galleries, and local arts and crafts shops perfect for stocking up on souvenirs. Not just offering a glimpse of the past however, a large music festival, said to be the most popular in Slovakia, is held every year in the city.

Well loved in Slovakia due to its status as a holiday resort, this city in the north of Slovakia is also known as an entry point to the High Tatra Mountains via the Tatra Electric Railway that begins in Poprad. The city is also known for its historic centre that features Baroque and Renaissance architecture in the form of the Church of John the Baptist and the Renaissance Bell Tower.

To take in all that the city has to offer head to the Aqua City Poprad where you can enjoy the thermal waters and the local saunas, as well as a whole host of other fun activities such as water tobogganing and playgrounds. For those looking for something more energetic, there are biking paths all over the city and you can even use these to indulge in another favourite activity in the city – roller-skating.

• 10.  Stará Lubovna

This city is perhaps best known as the home of the famous Stará Lubovna Open Air Museum, also known as the Museum of Folk Architecture, which encompasses the nearby Lubovna Castle as well as traditional smaller dwellings and picturesque period houses.

Many of the dwellings are made from logs and visitors can tour the site to learn about life in Slovakia at the beginning of the 19th century. As well as the log cabins there are also working buildings such as blacksmith’s, a water mill, and a village school so that visitors can earn about the local crafts of days gone by, as well as a Catholic Church also made entirely of wood. At Lubovna Castle there are views across the city from the preserved observation towers as well as a dedicated on-site museum and tours provided for visitors.

• 11.  Banská Štiavnica

The town of Banská Štiavnica is nestled in a caldera that was the result of a collapsed volcano that now forms the Štiavnica Mountains. The town has an abundance of picturesque ancient buildings, including two castles known as New Castle and Old Castle. Built into the side of the volcanic scenery for which the town is famous, is The Cavalry, a large complex that is mostly Baroque in style and features over twenty chapels and churches that dot the area and in which visitors can view lovingly restored murals and frescoes.

Also of note in Banská Štiavnica is the town square, named the Holy Trinity Square due to the statue of the Holy Trinity, and the square comes alive with markets and events throughout the year such as music performances and folk dancing.

The region of Spiš lies near to the border with Poland, and is most famed for the mighty Spiš Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates from the 12th century. The castle has its origins in the Romanesque style and is made of stone with fortifications to protect it from marauders, and the site is now open to the public who can tour the building which also features the castle museum. For those interested in history, the museum is not to be missed and even has medieval torture devices on display.

• 13.  Slovak Paradise National Park

One of nine national parks in Slovakia, Slovak Paradise National Park is the perfect place to take in the local flora and fauna, and has forests, lush park lands, and chilly caves. There are over 300 kilometres of hiking trails to choose from for hikers of all levels of fitness, and bird watching and cycling are also popular pursuits in the park.

There are also canyons, ravines, lakes, and gorges in the park as well as the famous UNESCO World Heritage Site Dobšinská Ice Cave, which is basically an area of frozen water inside a cave, and one of the few caves in the region that is open to the public.

• 14.  Bardejov

Bardejov, located in the foothills of the Beskyd Mountains is a UNESCO World Heritage Site largely due to its preserved medieval town centre. History buffs and architecture fiends will enjoy visiting the town square which still features traditional burgher houses in period styles, as well as the town hall, a mix of Gothic and Renaissance architecture that now operates as a museum, also the oldest museum in the entire country.

The fortifications of the town and the original city walls dating from the 15th century also still stand and have been lovingly preserved for visitors to explore.

• 15.  Slovak Carpathians

The Slovak Carpathians form a mountain range that runs through Slovakia and the neighbouring Czech Republic, and consists of the mighty White Carpathians on the Slovak side, including the White Carpathians Protected Landscape Area.

The Carpathians are mainly forested and are perfect for those who enjoy communing with nature as there are opportunities for rambling, hiking, and climbing in the region. In the upper regions of the Carpathians there are nine ski resorts to choose from with skiing and snowboarding opportunities that run throughout the winter season.

15 Best Places to Visit in Slovakia:

• Slovak Karst Caves

• 3 Other destinations
• 4.1 Terrain
• 4.2 History
• 4.3 Ethnicities
• 4.4 Climate
• 4.5 Holidays and festivals
• 6.1 By plane
• 6.2.1 From the Czech Republic
• 6.2.2 From Germany
• 6.2.3 From Austria
• 6.2.4 From Poland
• 6.2.5 From Hungary
• 6.2.6 From Ukraine and Russia
• 6.5 By foot
• 7.1.1 Discounts and tickets
• 7.3 By taxi
• 7.4.1 Driving
• 7.4.2 Parking
• 7.4.3 Renting
• 7.5 Hitchhiking
• 7.6 On foot
• 9.2 Banking
• 9.3 Tipping
• 10.1 Slovak food
• 10.2 International Cuisine
• 11.1.1 Soft drinks
• 11.1.2 Mineral waters
• 11.1.3 Hot drinks
• 11.2.1 Beers (pivo)
• 11.2.2 Wines (víno)
• 11.2.3 Spirits
• 11.2.4 Others
• 12.1 Cultural events
• 12.2 Music events
• 16.1 Police
• 16.2 Road safety
• 16.3 Outdoor safety
• 16.4.1 Bears
• 17 Stay healthy
• 18.1 Culture
• 18.2 History
• 18.3 Societal relations

Slovakia ( Slovak : Slovensko ) or the Slovak Republic ( Slovenská republika ) is a country in Central Europe . The main reasons to visit Slovakia are its natural beauty, vivid history and great opportunities for relaxation (and due to the small size of the country, it is quite easy to combine all three).

Slovakia has nine national parks, which cover a relatively large portion of the country and feature the tallest part of the Carpathian Mountain Range, the High Tatras , which offer great opportunities for mountain and winter sports as well as great vistas. Geologically, a sizable part of Slovakia is made out of limestone, which in combination with many springs and rivers has resulted in formation of numerous caves (12 open to the public, several of which are UNESCO listed) and the beautiful rocky formations, canyons and waterfalls of the Slovak Paradise and Slovak Karst . Even outside these areas, there are some beautiful landscapes, and all of Slovakia is covered by thousands of well-marked hiking trails.

For history lovers, Slovakia has the highest number of castles and chateaux per capita in the world, ranging from simple ruins to well-preserved habitable castles with furnishings, so if you are a fan of medieval history, look no further. There are also numerous Gothic and Baroque cities and towns across Slovakia, including the capital. There are also well-preserved examples of wooden folk architecture, including churches made entirely out of wood and the tallest wooden altar in the world.

There are numerous mineral and thermal springs in Slovakia, and around some of these world-famous spas have been built that offer great curative therapies or just simple relaxation. You can also chill out, swim and sunbathe at the shores of several local lakes and pools or try AquaCity waterpark if you are feeling more adventurous. In particular, Bratislava boasts a lively nightlife as well and is a popular partying destination.

Regions [ edit ]

Cities [ edit ]

• 48.144722 17.112778 1 Bratislava — capital and the largest city of Slovakia with a beautifully restored historical centre full of Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance churches, houses and palaces, cobblestone streets, fountains, pleasant cafes and lively and cosmopolitan atmosphere
• 48.735278 19.145278 2 Banská Bystrica — was one of the most important mining towns of Hungarian part of Austro-Hungarian Empire; beautiful restored square, many churches, castles and museums and memorial of the Slovak National Uprising
• 48.716667 21.25 3 Košice — metropolis of the east, second biggest city of the country with the easternmost situated Gothic Cathedral in the World, the oldest European coat of arms, a great historical city centre with the Cathedral Complex, numerous churches, palaces and interesting museums.
• 48.314722 18.0875 4 Nitra — the oldest Slovak town, with beautiful castle and number of fairs
• 49.05 20.3 5 Poprad — the entryway into High Tatras
• 49.133333 18.683333 6 Rajecké Teplice — very peaceful spa town surrounded by magnificent Mala Fatra National Park
• 48.894167 18.040556 7 Trenčín — one of the most beautiful Slovak towns with a castle lying above the city overlooking the historical centre and the river Váh
• 48.37775 17.586211 8 Trnava — old Slovak town with the highest number of churches (12) and well preserved baroque architecture
• 49.216667 18.733333 9 Žilina — Fourth biggest city with a well preserved historical city centre influenced by German architecture and unique museum of the tinker´s culture located at the Budatín castle

Other destinations [ edit ]

• 48.908333 20.4 1 Slovak Paradise National Park — Slovenský Raj consists of deep ravines and canyons created by the water cascading in waterfalls through the limestone.
• 49.166667 20.133333 2 High Tatras — Vysoké Tatry is the biggest national park in Slovakia and a centre of winter sports and hiking.
• 48.579 20.544 4 Slovak Karst National Park - Slovenský kras , known for its cave systems, part of UNESCO world heritage
• 49.022778 20.590556 5 Levoča — magnificent medieval pearl of the Spis region surrounded by town walls with a unique renaissance town hall, burger´s houses, numerous churches and St. James Cathedral where the biggest gothic wooden altar of the world is situated
• 48.782222 18.586111 6 Bojnice — the most visited castle in Slovakia, almost intact with beautifully preserved interiors.
• 48.583333 17.833333 7 Piešťany — the most famous spa town in Slovakia
• 48.998889 20.753056 8 Spiš castle — one of the largest castles in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• 49.295 21.275833 9 Bardejov — is a spa town in North-Eastern Slovakia that exhibits numerous cultural monuments in its completely intact medieval town center and is one of UNESCO 's World Heritage Sites.

Understand [ edit ]

Slovakia is a modern democratic country and is a member of the European Union.

Terrain [ edit ]

Much of the central and northern part of Slovakia is rugged and mountainous. Gerlachovský štít at 2,655 m (8,711 ft) in the High Tatras is the highest peak. The Tatra Mountains in the north, shared with Poland, are interspersed with many scenic lakes and valleys. These areas experience lower temperatures and traditionally people here lived off sheep grazing.

The lowlands are in the south with the lowest point of the Bodrog River being 94 m (308 ft) above sea level. The soil here is much more fertile, especially the area between Small Danube and Danube, and was more agricultural. The weather is gentler and especially summers can get surprisingly warm.

History [ edit ]

The area that is present-day Slovakia has been settled since the early Paleolithic era. Before the inward migration of Slavs and Huns, the most important cultures were the Celts and Romans. To this day, artefacts and evidence of the presence of these cultures can be found.

The Slavic tribes that invaded the area in the 5th century created a succession of influential kingdoms here. During this era, lasting until the 10th century when the Great Moravian Empire disintegrated, Slavs adopted Christianity and many medieval fort castles were built, ruins of some of which remain to this day.

In the 10th century, Slovakia became a part of the Kingdom of Hungary, which, after 1867, formed an union with the Austrian Empire and became the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy . This union, lasting until 1918, was a great influence on the shaping of the entire region. It was a multinational state with many cultures living together, and forms a common cultural history shared by many Central European nations.

In 1918 the Slovaks joined the closely related Czechs to form the republic of Czechoslovakia. Interbellum Czechoslovakia was also a very diverse state with big ethnic minorities including Hungarians, Jews and German-speakers. There were even more native speakers of German in this country than there were ethnic Slovaks. During World War II, Czechoslovakia briefly split, with the Czech regions being occupied by the Nazis and Slovakia becoming a puppet state that collaborated with the Nazis under the leadership of Father Jozef Tiso. Following the chaos of World War II, Czechoslovakia became a communist country within the Soviet-ruled Eastern Bloc. Soviet influence collapsed in 1989 and Czechoslovakia once again became free.

For many years overshadowed by their north-western Czech neighbors, political representatives of Czechs and Slovaks decided to strike out on their own. The Slovaks and the Czechs agreed to separate peacefully on 1 January 1993 and Slovakia became a country in its own right. This is known as the Velvet Divorce . Both countries remain close culturally and there is a high level of political and economic cooperation between the two.

Historical, political, and geographic factors caused Slovakia to experience more difficulty in developing a modern market economy than some of its Central European neighbors, but now it boasts one of the fastest growing economies in Europe and has been a member of the European Union and the NATO since 2004. This rapid economic growth has led to Slovakia being dubbed he Tatra Tiger , and it is now widely regarded as having advanced to developed country status, having been recognised by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as an "advanced economy" since 2009. Slovakia is now a member of the Schengen agreement, and the country adopted the Euro on 1 January 2009.

Ethnicities [ edit ]

There are some similarities between the Czech and Slovak cultures but the two nationalities remain distinct. One of the most striking differences is that while Czechs are largely atheists, Slovaks are largely Catholics, like their Polish neighbours.

Slovakia was a part of the Hungarian empire for almost a millennium, and a strong Hungarian-speaking minority of 9.7% remains, concentrated mostly in southern Slovakia. Historic German populations were uprooted and expelled after World War II but their historical influence remains.

In the eastern part of the country, there are many Romanis and some Rusnacs/Rusins and Ukrainians. There are also some Czechs, Poles and still some Germans living in Slovakia.

Climate [ edit ]

Slovakia has a temperate climate with sunny hot summers and cold, cloudy, humid and snowy winters. The climate is continental, with four seasons, and while the overall climate is mild, there is a considerable temperature difference between summer and winter months.

It is generally warmer in southern regions and the lowlands, where summer temperatures can climb above 30°C (86°F) on hotter days, and where rain is more common in winters than snow, which usually melts in a few days.

Northern, and especially mountainous regions have a colder climate, with summer temperatures not exceeding 25°C (77°F). Especially in the mountains, snow is common in winters and it can get quite cold, with temperatures dropping as low as -20°C (-4°F).

In the mountains, the weather can change dramatically in a matter of minutes and it can rain or snow even in summer. Take appropriate equipment and don't underestimate the weather.

Holidays and festivals [ edit ]

Slovakia is a predominantly Catholic Country, so major Christian holidays are observed, as well as some other holidays. Unless indicated otherwise, these days are public holidays and banks and most amenities and shops will be closed:

• Slovak Republic Day - 1 January - Czechoslovakia split into two on the 1st of January, so New Year's Day is a national holiday. It is traditionally celebrated by sleeping until midday.
• Epiphany - 6 January - Celebrates the arrival of the Three Magi into Betlehem. Shops and banks are closed.
• Mardi Gras period ('Fasiangy') - this is not a national holiday, but rather a festival season. Some villages will hold a traditional market with food and drinks offered, and there might be a march through the city in masks, and numerous balls, dances and carnivals are held. 6 January till Ash Wednesday (February or March).
• Religious people will go to mass, and it might be the only time when it is likely to see people in traditional clothing in some villages; however, this is increasingly less common. Everyone will be dressed up, though.
• Throughout Slovakia, kraslice are prepared, which are egg shells adorned with ornaments and painted over with colours. These, along with sweets and money, are given to boys, who visit friends' and neighbours' houses, where it is their job to make sure the women will be healthy and prosperous the following year by spraying them with water or perfume and beating them with a willow wand adorned with ribbons. It is called oblievacka and sibacka . It tends to involve copious amounts of alcohol, food and wet T-shirts, and is not taken seriously by anyone. Its popularity has declined, however. If you are female, do not wear clothes you like when venturing outside on Easter Monday as you might have water thrown or perfume sprayed at you. If you want to protest this clearly barbaric tradition, make sure to do so in waterproof clothing.
• International Labour Day - 1 May - This is celebrated by not working.
• Day of Victory over Fascism - 8 May - Celebration of the end of World War II in Europe.
• International Children's Day - 1 June - Not a national holiday, but children might have time off school and various activities will be organised for them, and they usually get treats.
• St. Cyril and Methodius Day - 5 July- feast of the arrival of the great Christian missionaries to Slovakia (in 863). They translated the Gospels into the Slavic language spoken at the time, devised a new alphabet to write Slavic-specific sounds and translated the liturgical texts (like the Missal and the Psalms) thus enabling a Slavic tongue to be the fourth liturgical language to be accepted by Rome (after Hebrew, Greek and Latin). St. Cyril also wrote the first poem in the Slavic language, Proglas, underlining the importance of a written language for every nation.
• Slovak National Uprising Memorial Day - 29 August - Holiday to commemorate uprising against Nazis during World War II.
• Constitution Day - 1 September - Children love this one as school starts one day later.
• Day of Blessed Virgin Mary - 15 September - A patron saint of Slovakia.
• Vinobranie This is not a national holiday, but a festival that celebrates the wine harvest, usually held in October in wine-making regions. Cities cooperate so it is held on different weekends in different places and you can visit several. This includes open air markets selling street food, drinks (especially young wine), and various handicrafts.
• All Saints Day - 1 November - This is a day to remember those that have passed away. Halloween is not celebrated in Slovakia, and this is quite a serious religious holiday. All shops are closed and many people go to cemeteries to light a candle for their loved ones.
• Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day - 17 November - Commemorates the student demonstration that brought about the end of Communism.
• St Nicolaus' Day - 6 December - This is not a national holiday, but is seen as a start of the Christmas period. Traditionally, St Nicholaus leaves some sweets (if the child was good) or coal/onion (if the child misbehaved that year) in their shoe overnight (surprisingly enough, most children get sweets, not onion). Celebrations are held in towns, where someone dressed as St nicolaus (think Santa Claus) and his helpers angels/devils help him distribute sweets among crowds of eager kids. Christmas markets open and Christmas lights are turned on.
• Feast of St Lucy - 13 December - Not a national holiday, but many traditions are connected with this day, varying by the region. For example, you can take 13 pieces of paper, leave one blank and write names of 12 boys on the others if you are a girl. One is burned every day until Christmas Eve, what remains is a name of your future husband (blank = single forever).

• Christmas - Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day (24-26 of December) are national holidays. In Slovakia, Christmas is mainly celebrated during Christmas Eve, when a traditional family dinner is held, after which presents are opened. As Christmas Eve is meant to be a fast in the Christian calendar, no meat is eaten that day. A traditional dinner starts with a thin wafer, eaten with garlic (for health) and honey (for happiness and prosperity). This is followed by a soup (either mushroom or cabbage soup), and a main of fried carp and special potato salad. Many varieties of Christmas cakes (e.g. gingerbread) are also eaten. Traditions differ, however.
• Silvester - 31 December - New Year's Eve is not a national holiday, but is widely celebrated, mostly by partying. At midnight, people toast the New Year with a glass of champagne. Many cities will have a firework display to celebrate New Year. Fireworks and drunk people abound.

Talk [ edit ]

The official and most widely-spoken language is Slovak . Slovaks are very proud of their language, and thus, even in Bratislava you will not find many signs written in English outside of the main tourist areas. In some parts of the country, especially in the east, dialects are used which may sound quite different from the codified language. However, understanding the official language should rarely be a problem and attempts to speak Slovak will be appreciated.

Slovak is written using the same Roman characters that English uses, with some added accents or diacritics, so Western travellers won't have any trouble reading signs and maps. While some words are tongue twisters, the knowledge of the alphabet including the letters with diacritics will go a long way as Slovaks pronounce every letter of a word with the stress always on the first syllable (it may be on the second syllable in some eastern dialects).

Czech and Slovak are mutually intelligible, yet distinct languages. At first, one might think they are dialects of each other — older people in both countries tend to understand the other language better than younger people who were born after the breakup of Czechoslovakia .

Since the territory of Slovakia was under Hungarian influence for centuries, there is a significant Hungarian -speaking minority of 9.7%. Most of the Hungarians live in southern regions of the country and some of them speak no Slovak. Other Slovaks however normally do not speak or understand the Hungarian language.

English is widely spoken by younger adults who grew up after the fall of communism, but rarely by older people who grew up under communist rule. Older residents, as well as people working in the tourism industry, may know some German and Russian. People born between 1935 and 1980 will have learned Russian in school, though few Slovaks will appreciate being spoken to in Russian as this language has some negative connotations due to the Soviet domination. Due to significant tourism growth in the north and east of Slovakia, English is becoming more widely used and you may try Polish . Other Slavic languages, especially Russian, Serbian, Croatian, and Slovene may also work. In the east Rusyn, an East Slavic language closely related to Ukrainian, is spoken. It is also intelligible with Russian to some extent.

Get in [ edit ]

Slovakia is a member of the Schengen Agreement . See Travelling around the Schengen Area for more information on how the scheme works, which countries are members and what the requirements are for your nationality. In summary:

• There are normally no immigration controls between countries that have signed and implemented the treaty.
• There are usually identity checks before boarding international flights or boats entering the Schengen Area. Sometimes there are temporary border controls at land borders.
• A visa granted for any Schengen member is valid in all other countries that have signed and implemented the treaty.

Recognised refugees in possession of a valid travel document issued by the government of any one of the above countries/territories are exempt from obtaining a visa for Slovakia (but no other Schengen country, except Germany and Hungary ) for a maximum stay of 90 days in a 180-day period.

You should have ID with you anyway, but to avoid hassle, make sure to keep an ID on you in border regions.

If you need a visa, always apply at an embassy beforehand. There is no chance you will get a visa at a Slovak border, no matter how you enter or what your nationality is.

By plane [ edit ]

The alternative is Vienna Airport ( VIE  IATA ), which is just 37 km (23 mi) from Bratislava. It provides a more convenient way of getting to Slovakia by the major airlines, but can be more expensive. It also receives a much greater number of long-haul flights. Direct buses to Bratislava's main bus station depart from the airport hourly. Alternatively, you can take a taxi which will cost around €70.

Smaller international airports are:

Other options include airports in Prague ( PRG  IATA ) and Budapest ( BUD  IATA ). You can also fly to Kraków ( KRK  IATA ) or Katowice ( KTW  IATA ) if you want to go to the Tatra Mountains . Buses from Kraków run to several Slovak towns around the Tatra mountains and Orava.

By train [ edit ]

From the czech republic [ edit ].

As parts of former Czechoslovakia, the trains between the Czech Republic and Slovakia are frequent. EC trains operate every two hours from Prague to Bratislava and Žilina . There is one daily train from Prague to Banská Bystrica , Zvolen , Poprad and Košice . All these cities have a direct overnight sleeper car connection from Prague.

Cheap tickets SporoTiket Evropa can be bought at the Czech Railways e-shop , at least 3 days in advance. The price begins at €15 for seat or €26 for couchette. An e-ticket is valid only on the train indicated on the ticket.

If you want greater flexibility or cannot buy in advance over the Internet, you can get a significant discount at a railway station if you buy a return ticket called CityStar . Such international return ticket is valid for one month on any train (and cannot be bought over the Internet at all).

From Germany [ edit ]

There are two-hourly daytime and one overnight train from Berlin to Bratislava. Cheap tickets can be bought at the website of the German national railway , even though the night train is now marketed by the Austrian national railways as Nightjet . Tickets start at €39 depending mostly on demand. Early bird tickets are only valid for the precise train you book. Nightjet trains have further connections from other German cities to Vienna from where you can change onto local trains for the 60 km (1 hour) trip to Bratislava.

From Austria [ edit ]

Hourly regional expresses operate from Vienna to Bratislava. You can use the EURegio ticket for €16 – a return ticket valid 4 days.

From Poland [ edit ]

There is an overnight through car from Warszawa to Bratislava via Czech territory. Direct train connection from Poland is very poor, a bus is generally a better alternative. There are only few local trains going just over the border line – one train Zwardoń (PL)–Skalité (SK). There's no international passenger traffic at Nowy Sącz – Prešov (since Dec 2010) and Lupków - Medzilaborce line (since Dec 2009).

If you really want to travel from Poland by train, prepare for a full-day trip with a lot of train changes. It's cheaper to buy Polish ticket only to border point (Skalité Gr.) and then buy a Slovak domestic ticket at conductor (€1.30 surcharge).

From Hungary [ edit ]

There are EC trains from Budapest to Bratislava running every two hours and two IC trains a day from Budapest and Miskolc to Košice . Unlike trip from Poland, it wouldn't be cheaper to buy the Slovak section at conductor. Instead, there is a bilateral return discount of 60% (i.e. a return ticket is cheaper that a one-way ticket).

From Ukraine and Russia [ edit ]

There is a daily direct sleeper car from Moscow , Kyiv and Lviv to Košice, Poprad and Bratislava. The journey is very long – 2 nights from Moscow and Kyiv and 1 day and night from Lviv – because of state of the rail network in western Ukraine, the lengthy customs process at the border as well as the break of gauge between Ukraine (Russian broad gauge) and Slovakia (standard gauge).

It is much cheaper to buy a Ukrainian or Russian ticket only to the Ukrainian border station Chop , then buy a ticket from Chop to the first Slovak station Čierna nad Tisou , and then buy a Slovak domestic ticket from the conductor (€1.30 surcharge). But then you have no berth reservation for the Slovak section and you have to change to seat car in Chop.

Another option is to buy a CityStar ticket in Russia (or Slovakia were its prices are cheaper) which can be however is valid only for group up to 5 members. CityStar ticket than servers as one-month valid two-way ticket between the stations and is offered with a discount for each next passenger on the ticket. Of course you have to buy berth ticket additionally as well.

By bus [ edit ]

Among many others, there are regular services from Vienna, Prague and Budapest to Bratislava; and from Uzhhorod , Ukraine to the eastern Slovak town of Michalovce and from Kraków , Poland through Zakopane , Poland to Poprad.

Taking a bus from Prague to Bratislava is slower but cheaper than train if you buy a ticket in advance, e.g. at Student Agency [dead link] , Slovak Lines [dead link] , or using the common bus reservation system AMSBus .

Buses from Poland and Ukraine are the best option, they are faster and more frequent than trains.

From Budapest the travel is 4 hours, the bus stop for 5 minutes at Györ and in a small restaurant in the road.

By car [ edit ]

Slovakia has a highway network connected to neighboring countries.

By foot [ edit ]

• There's a pontoon ferry accessible to car-drivers and pedestrians between Angern an der March (Austria) and Záhorská Ves (Slovakia). 05:00-22:00.

Get around [ edit ]

CP offers an exceptionally useful website and smartphone app with integrated timetables for all trains and buses in Slovakia, including all intra-city and inter-city transports, even indicating from which lane your bus will depart. It is also useful for international travel from/to Slovakia.

Train is by far the best option to travel across Slovakia, provided you don't have a private vehicle. Frequent fast trains connect all important cities, but there are less local trains, even at main lines. For local transport a bus is generally a better alternative. Trains are fairly priced, with the prices competitive with buses, and cheap by western standards. They are reliable and clean.

Opt for an InterCity service if you want Western-style comfort; IC trains link Bratislava, Žilina, The High Tatras and Košice and have compulsory reservations. These can save you from the crowds: ordinary trains do get crowded, usually on Fridays and Sundays or around holidays. Watch out for pickpockets at major stations and steer clear of money scams. Also, sporadic robberies occur to sleeping passengers travelling the overnight longliners.

Most train services within country is provided by ZSSK [dead link] , other train operators are Leo Expres and Regiojet both offering long distance trains and Regiojet also regional trains between Bratislava and Komarno .

Discounts and tickets [ edit ]

• Internet tickets by ZSSK [dead link] - with 5% discount can be bought using credit account. Internet tickets in electronic or printed form for domestic trains are valid on the selected train and date or on any next train (though you lost your seat reservation) on the same route on the first day of validity (except all IC trains and Ex 1502 Chopok train). Tickets bought at stations are valid for any one journey on the given route within a specified time period (usually one or two days, depending on the distance), and thus very flexible. Some international tickets can only be bought at stations - if you can't find station using ZSSK website, try using target country language (Wien instead of Vienna; Praha instead of Prague etc.)
• Free transport [dead link] - children under 16 years of age and seniors over 62 years of age regardless of citizenship or residence status; and students under 26 years of age and pensioners under 62 years of age (including ill health retirement) who are citizens or permanent residents of EU member states. You need registration at train company; do not forget photograph sized 2x3 cm (up-to-date, unused, professional, sharp and bright enough, depicted from the front, without any headwear or background).
• Klasik Railplus by ZSSK [dead link] - costs €35 offering 25% discount from a standard domestic fare for one year. Worth it if you plan to spend more than €140 of the standard fare in a year (approximately five return tickets Bratislava - Košice). Do not forget photograph sized 2x3 cm for registration. Can be combined with 5% discount using credit account.
• Leo Expres and Regiojet long distance trains - they're cheapest when booking in advance online and are tied to a specific train and time.

Bus connections are usually slower than trains, but can get you where trains cannot, and some private companies also offer discounts for travellers with a foreign ISIC card (state-run companies do not, unless you're a Slovak citizen). Tickets for long-haul routes- 100 km+ (including to/from the Czech Republic or within the Czech Republic) can be bought from AMSBus after compulsory registration (English version is also available). The travel from Bratislava to Nitra is a rare example of a route where buses are significantly faster and cheaper than trains.

Buses are punctual, and it is therefore advisable to arrive at the bus station in advance, the time specified in the timetable is the time it leaves the station. Most tickets are bought directly from the driver, so you will probably need cash. Though the bus driver will give you change, especially for shorter (cheaper) journeys, it is advisable to have some smaller denominations. You can expect to pay a small extra fee if you are carrying a big bag.

Turancar , Student Agency and Slovak Lines are good examples of private bus companies which are pretty reliable, comfortable (as they use new buses often with on-board entertainment LCD screens), running on time and offering student discounts for foreigners with ISIC.

imhd.sk journey planner includes local transport schedules of various cities and towns.

By taxi [ edit ]

Ride-hailing is available in Slovakia and the following are the most anticipated providers:

• Bolt . Includes many towns. ( updated Jul 2020 )
• Uber . Works in Bratislava. ( updated Jul 2020 )

The road network is extensive and in an overall good condition. Most major roads (especially in the Western parts) are two lane and in good repair, however the majority of the minor roads are one lane, and maintenance standard of this can vary from good to rather bumpy. Along major routes and highways fuel stops and restaurants ( odpočívadlo or čerpacia stanica ) are quite frequently and in smaller towns, you'll most likely find small kiosks ( stánok ) or fruit or cheese stands ( ovocný stánok for fruit, stánok so syrom for cheese) next to the road, presenting local delicacies at low prices. The driving style in Slovakia is, especially compared to countries in Western Europe, more aggressive and of lower standard. One should be aware of other cars speeding, which is quite frequent, and overtaking on your side of the road, especially in the more mountainous areas of the country.

Driving [ edit ]

Vehicles drive on the right side of the road and the speed limits are in general 50 kmh (31 mph) in a village/town, 90 kmh (56 mph) outside build-up areas and 130 kmh (81 mph) on motorways. However trucks and cars with caravans/trailers are limited to 80 km/h (50 mph) outside build-up areas or on motorways and motorcycles are limited to 90 km/h (56 mph) on motorways.

Wearing seatbelts in cars and vans is compulsory and children aged 11 or younger or lower than 150 cm must be placed on the rear seat.

Headlights must be switched on when driving at all times, regardless of weather conditions or whether it is a night or day, so switch them on.

In winter, snow and ice is common on the roads, and winter tires are recommended. In extreme weather some minor mountain roads might require snow chains.

Slovakia has a zero tolerance policy towards alcohol. Do not drink and drive. If nothing else, then because the penalties are severe.

Wearing helmets is compulsory for both driver and passenger on motorcycles of any size, and goggles must also be worn by the driver of motorcycles with engines larger than 50cc.

Police presence is frequent on the roads, and especially the major roads, in both marked and unmarked vehicles.

If you intend to drive on the motorways please note that vehicles must show a mandatory sticker ( vignette ) covering road toll, in the upper right corner on the car's windshield (mandatory location as this is mostly checked by fixed electronic camera system). The vignette can be purchased from most petrol stations and is valid for ten days (€10), for a month (€14) or longer. Please note that the vignette is compulsory on all motorways from the point of entry, and if you are caught without one you will be subject to a fine. If you are renting a car, it most likely is included in the rental, but remember to check or inquire when renting/booking.

If you understand Slovak, many private radio stations include a great traffic coverage as a part of their news, which will inform you about any obstructions on the road, car accidents, traffic jams and even police presence so it is certainly worth tuning in. There is also a website called Stellacentrum , where you can find general information about traffic and police patrols (they even inform, where the police patrols actually are).

Parking [ edit ]

Most places offer free parking, however in the central areas of the bigger cities, there may be fees for parking. In the cities outside of Bratislava, the most common method for paid parking, is a closed area, where you enter and receives a slip from a machine. On the way out you'll have to return the slip and pay to a person. The person most likely do not speak English, but if you look confused enough he or she will hand you a handwritten note with the amount. Try to pay the exact amount with cash, and avoid paying with large bills, as these places rarely have much cash at hand. In central Bratislava you can find places, where you have to get a parking slip from a vending machine and pre-pay for your parking. The slip then has to be placed behind the wind shield of the car and must be visible from the outside.

Renting [ edit ]

Renting a car is a convenient, efficient and relatively cheap (prices start at approx. €65/day at car rental chains with free mileage) way to explore Slovakia, especially if you intend to visit more remote areas, where train and bus services may be more sporadic. Don't expect neither GPS nor road map to be included and remember to check if highway vignette (see above) is included; it most likely, is but not always. Ask when booking and if it is not, then they can most likely easily include it without any handling charges.

Hitchhiking [ edit ]

Hitchhiking in Slovakia is best done by asking around at gas stations. It used to be that most people only speak Slovak (and possibly understand other Slavic languages) so it was difficult for foreigners who don't speak Slavic languages. However, nowadays most of the young people speak English and almost as many speak German.

Keep in mind that trains and buses in Slovakia are cheap for Westerners, and (apart from extremely rural areas where people are generally less wary of hitchhikers) it might take a while for someone to pick you up. You can find some offers if you travel from Slovakia and into Slovakia as well on specialized web pages. The biggest hitchhikers page in Slovakia is stopar.sk [dead link] . There you can find offers in English, German, French, Polish, Czech and Hungarian language and it is free.

On foot [ edit ]

There is a long tradition of hiking and mountain walking in Slovakia, and it is an extremely popular sport. Most people you meet will have gone on a hike at least once in their life, and many do so regularly, and can give you advice about the most interesting local trails. The trail network is also very well maintained. The quality and efficiency of the sign-posting system is unique in European (and probably World) context.

Every route is marked and signposted, different trails being given a different colour. There are four colours used - red, blue, green and yellow. Longest and most sternous trails are usually marked red, and it is possible to traverse from north-eastern Dukla Pass all the way to the west (Bradlo, near Bratislava ) along the Slovak National Uprising Heroes trail (750 km) along one such red-marked path. However, the trails are numerous, suitable for various levels of fitness, and many lead through beautiful scenery. In towns, you will usually see a signpost, with arrows pointing in different directions, marking the colour of the path and the average walking times to the nearest set of destinations. All you need to do is to follow the colour, there will be a mark every hundred metres or so, and consists of a 10-cm-by-10-cm square three-section mark where the edges are white and the chosen path's colour in the middle.

It is also possible (and highly recommended) to purchase 'tourist maps' of smaller Slovak regions. These are based on sets of former military maps, have a very good resolution (1:50000) and can be purchased from most kiosks, information centres and book stores for bargain price of between €1.50-2.50. These are published by the Slovak Tourist Club (KST), which maintains all the trails, and show all the marked trails in the area, including the average walking times, which makes route planning very easy and efficient. You can also use hiking websites such as Freemap Slovakia (based on OpenStreetMap data) or HIKING.SK .

See [ edit ]

Slovakia combines all the typical features of a grand European history with highly attractive nature and a traveller-friendly modern atmosphere. Its fairly small capital Bratislava may not have the majestic sights you'll find in some other Eastern European capitals, but it has an energetic vibe to it, a lovely Old Town, Bratislava Castle and endless options to have a great time. The city as a whole is a quaint mix of 18th-century rococo and concrete Communist building blocks. An afternoon coffee in one of the countless street cafés along the famous Danube river is an absolute must and a good chance to people-watch and absorb the ambience. For a touch of grandeur, take a river tour down to Devin Castle , an excellent example of Slovakia's record-high number of castles and chateaux . Some of them are little more than a pile of stones hidden in a deep forest, others are luxurious baroque mansions or citadels in the middle of towns. Other worthwhile examples are Spiš Castle (one of the largest castle sites in all of Europe) and the 19th century Bojnice Castle , a favourite tourism destination for the Slovaks. Almost equally popular is the beautiful Orava Castle near Dolný Kubín , high up on a rock overlooking the Orava river. Other good picks for large historic city centres include the old towns of Košice , Trnava and Levoča . Banská Štiavnica is a fabulously preserved medieval mining town and one of the country's World Heritage Sites. Where Banská Štiavnica mined for silver ore, the smaller but equally well-preserved medieval town of Kremnica was built above gold mines and boasts the oldest still-working mint in the world.

If you love nature, Slovakia will be great for you. Large parts of the country are covered with dense forests and the abundance of wildlife includes brown bears, wolves, and lynxes. The Tatra Mountains , more specifically the High Tatras , are a prime attraction and offer impressive mountainous panoramas as well as great opportunities for skiing and other outdoor sports. In the large karst areas throughout the country there's an impressive number of caves . A dozen or so are accessible for tourists. The Ochtinská Aragonite Cave near Rožňava stands out, as it is one of the only three aragyonite caves in the world. Together with other caves of the Slovak Karst , it is listed on UNESCO's World Heritage list. If you enjoy hiking, try the Slovak Paradise National Park , famous for its beautiful canyons and ravines with many waterfalls and rocky formations. For a more relaxing encounter with Slovakia's natural environments, head to one of the many mineral springs and spas . Piešťany is one of the best-known ones, but your options are countless.

If you get the chance, travel a bit through Slovakia's countryside. It's dotted with historical villages, sometimes seemingly untouched by time, and often a good way to catch a glimpse of the country's folk traditions. The hamlet of Vlkolínec is considered a prime example of folk countryside architecture, but Čičmany and Brhlovce are lovely villages too.

Historic churches are impossible to miss, as you'll find them in every village, town and city. Especially well-known are the many wooden churches in the northern and north-eastern parts of the country.

Buy [ edit ]

Money [ edit ].

Slovakia uses the euro , like several other European countries . One euro is divided into 100 cents. The official symbol for the euro is €, and its ISO code is EUR. There is no official symbol for the cent.

All banknotes and coins of this common currency are legal tender within all the countries, except that low-denomination coins (one and two cent) are phased out in some of them. The banknotes look the same across countries, while coins have a standard common design on the reverse, expressing the value, and a national country-specific design on the obverse. The obverse is also used for different designs of commemorative coins. The design of the obverse does not affect the coin's acceptability.

Until 2009, the official currency was the koruna ("crown", sk) which can still be exchanged by the National Bank of Slovakia at a rate of 30.126 sk to €1.

Banking [ edit ]

Automatic teller machines (ATM, "bankomat" in Slovak, pl. "bankomaty") are widely available in Slovakia except in smaller villages, and obtaining money there should not present a problem. In most of small villages you can gain money at local postal offices (cashback). Credit cards and debit cards such as Visa, MasterCard, Visa Electron, Cirrus Maestro are widely accepted both in shops and restaurants in bigger cities.

Tipping [ edit ]

Tipping is not compulsory in Slovakia, but in practice it is common in establishments where you sit in (cafes and restaurants), where rounding up the bill or leaving around 10% tip is common. The tip is given directly to the waiter (i.e. tell him/her how much to give you back), not left on the table in most establishments. Tips are not included in the bill, if there is a percentage shown on your bill, this is usually the VAT. Tip is added to the bill and should be handed to the waiter while you pay, before you leave the table. Tipping is not compulsory, so if you are not satisfied with the service, don't feel obliged to tip! You will not be hassled if you don't.

Tipping is not common in over-the-counter establishments, bars or for other services.

Eat [ edit ]

Slovak cuisine focuses mostly on simple and hearty recipes. Historically, what is now considered genuinely Slovak has been the traditional food in the northern villages where people lived off sheep grazing and limited agriculture - in the harsh conditions many crops don't grow, and herbs are more accessible than true spices. Therefore, the staple foods mostly involve (smoked) meat, cheese, potatoes and flour. This does not make the food bland, however, and much of it is quite filling and flavoursome, though can be a bit heavy. As no strong spices or truly exotic ingredients are used, sampling local wares is a safe and rewarding experience.

Some dishes are authentically Slovak, many others are variations on a regional theme. A lot of cheese is typically consumed, out of meats pork and poultry products are the most common, with some beef and game dishes, most common accompaniments being potatoes and various types of dumplings. Since Slovakia is a land-locked country, fish and seafood options are limited (carp is served at Christmas, trout is the most common fish). Soups are quite common both as an appetiser and, as some are quite filling, as a main dish.

If you are a vegetarian , the variety of food in the cities should be decent. However, when venturing out into the countryside, the offer may be limited as vegetables are mostly considered a side and/or eaten mostly raw or in salads. Also, be aware that even though some dishes will be in the vegetarian section of the menu, this merely means that they're not predominantly meat-based and still might be prepared using animal fats or even contain small pieces of meat, so make your requirements clear. Fried cheese with ham or Cesar salad(!) are good examples. Still, almost every restaurant in the country will serve at least the staple choice of fried cheese (the normal, non-ham variety) with fries, which is a universally popular. There should be a good selection of sweet dishes as well, with pancakes, dumplings filled with fruits, jams or chocolate and sweet noodles with nuts/poppy seeds/sweet cottage cheese most common. Seeking out the nearest pizzeria is also a good and accessible option mostly everywhere.

The main meal of the day is traditionally lunch, though this is changing especially in cities due to work schedules, and dinner is increasingly becoming the main meal there.

In all but the most exclusive restaurants it is not customary to be shown to your table by the staff. So when you enter, do not hang out by the door, but simply pick a table of your choice and enjoy. Once you are comfortably seated, waiting staff will be over shortly to give you the menu and let you order drinks.

Again with the possible exception of the most exclusive establishments, there is mostly no dress code enforced in restaurants and informal clothing is fine. Hauling yourself into a restaurant for a well-deserved meal after a day of hiking/skiing in your sporty clothes might attract a few frowns, but you certainly won't be turned away. Generally, anything you would wear for a stroll in town is perfectly fine. You don't need a jacket or closed shoes and in summer shorts are also acceptable.

Slovak food [ edit ]

Bryndzové halušky is a Slovak national dish made out of potato dumplings and a special kind of unpasteurized fermented sheep cheese called 'bryndza'. This meal is unique to Slovakia and quite appetising (and surprisingly filling), and you should not leave Slovakia without trying it. Please note that while this dish will usually be listed in the vegetarian section of the menu, it is served with pieces of fried meaty bacon on top, so if you are a vegetarian make sure to ask for halušky without the bacon. Halušky can be found in many restaurants; however, the quality varies as it is not an easy dish to prepare. If you at all can, seek out an ethnic Slovak restaurant (this can be harder than it sounds), or at least ask locals for the best place in the vicinity. In the northern regions you will also find authentic restaurants called 'Salaš' (this word means sheep farm in Slovak and many take produce directly from these), which serve the most delicious and fresh variety. Sometimes, a variety with smoked cheese added on the top is available. A separate dish called strapačky might also be available where sauerkraut is served instead of bryndza, but it is not as typical (this will also come with bacon on top).

A salaš will usually serve also other typical Slovak dishes, and many will offer several varieties of sheep cheese to buy as well. They are all locally produced, delicious, and well worth buying if you are a cheese fan. Verieties include bryndza (primarily used to make 'Bryndzové halušky', but it is a soft spreadable cheese which is very healthy and often used as a spread), blocks of sheep cheese (soft and malleable, delicious on its own or with salt), parenica (cheese curled in layers into a small peelable roll, sold smoked or unsmoked) and korbáčiky (this word means hair braids in Slovak, and korbáčiky are threads of cheese woven into a pattern resembling a basic braid). Some of these cheeses are available to buy in supermarkets as well but these are mass-produced and not as good.

Most other dishes are regional, and their varieties can be found elsewhere in Central Europe. These include kapustnica , a sauerkraut soup typically eaten at Christmas but served all year round in restaurants. It is flavoursome and can be mildly spicy based on what sausage is used. Depending on the recipe it may also include smoked meat and/or dried mushrooms.

Various large dumplings called pirohy can be found and depending on the filling can be salty or sweet. Fillings include sauerkraut, various types of cheese or meat or simply fruits or jam. They closely resemble Polish pierogi.

Goulash is a regional dish made with cuts of beef, onions, vegetables and squashed potatoes with spices, which is very hearty and filling. Depending on the thickness it can be served as a soup (with bread) or as a stew (served with dumplings). Goulash can be sometimes found outdoors during BBQs or at festival markets, where it is prepared in a big cauldron, sometimes with game instead of beef - this is the most authentic. A variety called Segedin goulash also exists, which is quite distinct and prepared with sauerkraut. Goulash can be quite spicy.

Apart from kapustnica and goulash, which are more of a main dish, other soups are quite popular as an appetiser. Mushroom soup is a typical Christmas dish in many parts, and there are several soups made out of beans or bean sprouts. In restaurants, the most common soups are normal chicken and (sometimes) beef broth, and tomato soup and garlic broth (served with croutons, very tasty, but don't go kissing people afterwards) are also very common. Some restaurants offer certain soups to be served in a small loaf of bread ('v bochníku'), which can be an interesting and tasty experience.

Other typical streetfood includes lokše, potato pancakes (crepes) served with various fillings (popular varieties include duck fat and/or duck liver pate, poppy seeds or jam) and langoš , which is a big deep fried flat bread most commonly served with garlic, cheese and ketchup/sour cream on top. A local version of a burger is also common, called cigánska pečienka (or simply cigánska). This is not made out of beef, however, but instead pork or chicken is used and is served in a bun with mustard/ketchup, onions and sometimes chilies and/or diced cabbage. If you are looking for something sweet, in spa cities such as Piešťany , Trenčianske Teplice or Rajecké Teplice you will find stands selling spa wafers , which are usually two plate-sized thin wafers with various fillings. Try the chocolate or hazelnut ones.

Especially in the western parts, lokše can be found in a restaurant as well, where they are served as side for a roasted goose/duck ( husacina ), which is a local delicacy. The village of Slovenský Grob, located near Bratislava, is in particular known for its restaurants that serve goose meat.

Other foods worth trying are chicken in paprika sauce with dumplings ( 'paprikáš' ), Schnitzel (' rezeň ' in Slovak, very common dish. 'Čiernohorsky rezeň' is a variety that is made with potato dumpling coating used instead of batter and is very good) and sviečková (sirloin beef with special vegetable sauce, served with dumplings; it is, however, originally a Czech dish). From the dessert section of the menu, try makové šúľance (small potato rolls sprinkled with poppy seeds and sugar) or parené buchty (plum dumplings; sometimes other fruit is used, but plums are traditional); this is a good and quite filling dish on its own as well. These meals are usually served as a main course even in most of the restaurants - as a matter of fact, in Slovakia, it is very common to eat sweet dishes as the main course.

In some parts of the countryside, there is a tradition called zabíjačka , where a pig is killed and its various meat and parts are consumed in a BBQ-like event. This is a lot more historic celebration than you are likely to find it in mostly modern Slovakia, but if you have an opportunity to attend, it may be an interesting experience, and the meat and sausages are home-made, delicious and full of flavour. If you can find home-made jaternica (pork meat and liver sausage with rice) or krvavničky (similar to hurka, but with pork blood) on offer elsewhere, they are both very good. There is also tlačenka (cold meat pressed together with some vegetables, served similar to ham), which is served cold with vinegar and onion on top, and can be bought in supermarkets as well. Various other type of sausages and smoked meats are available commercially.

A thick fried slice of cheese served with French fries (vyprážaný syr s hranolkami) and a salad is also a common Slovak dish. It is served in most restaurants, and worth trying out, especially the local variety made from smoked cheese ('údený syr'/'oštiepok') or 'hermelín' (local cheese similar to Camembert). This is not considered a substitute for meat.

There is a good variety of bakery products, including various sweet pastries - try the local fillings of poppy seeds and/or (sweet) cottage cheese ( tvaroh ). Strudel (štrúdla) is also popular, try the traditional apple and raisins filling or fancier sweet poppy seeds and sour cherries version. For something savoury, try oškvarkový pagáč , which is a puff pastry with little pork cracklings. Local bread is excellent, but please note that some of the several varieties are sprinkled with caraway seeds. You may or may not like this! Baguettes and baguette shops/stands are very common and you will be able to choose from a variety of fillings.

For dessert, visit the local cukráreň . These establishments, though slowly merging into cafes, exclusively specialise in appeasing your sweet tooth and serve a variety of cakes, as well as hot and cold drinks and (sometimes) ice-cream. The cakes resemble similar fare in the Czech Republic or their Viennese cousins. The selection is diverse and on display, so just pick one you like the look of, perhaps a ' krémeš ' (a bit of pastry at the bottom, thick filling of vanilla custard, topped with a layer of cream or just chocolate) or ' veterník ' (think huge profiterole coated in caramel), selection of tarts etc.

When you are shopping in the supermarket, remember to pick up Tatranky and/or Horalky , two brands of similar wafers with hazelnut filling and lightly coated in chocolate that the locals swear by.

International Cuisine [ edit ]

Italian restaurants and pizzerias are extremely popular in Slovakia, and have become ubiquitous. Even if you don't go to an ethnic Italian restaurant, there will be a pizza or pasta dish on almost every restaurant menu. Italian (and generally Mediterranean) ice cream is also very popular.

Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine is also becoming more common everywhere, and kebab/gyros (a bun with sliced bits of meat) stands are very common.

In bigger cities, you will find a selection of ethnic restaurants including Chinese, Thai, Japanese, Italian, French and many others. Moreover, as mentioned above, many Austrian, Czech, Hungarian and Polish dishes with a Slovakian twist are commonplace.

Fast food establishments can be found in Slovakia as anywhere else in the world, McDonalds (colloquially referred to as "mekdonald" or "mekáč") can be found in many bigger and smaller cities. However, due to the other food being relatively cheap in comparison to the Western prices of fast foods, this is not usually considered the truly budget option. A food in a cheaper restaurant will cost 1-1.5x the price of a meal combo (sometimes even less) and might prove a better value. Still, these establishments are reasonably popular, especially with the younger generation.

Drink [ edit ]

Non-alcoholic drinks [ edit ]

For non-alcoholic drinks try these:

Soft drinks [ edit ]

Mineral waters [ edit ].

Mineral waters are some of the best in the World, come in numerous varieties and each has unique positive health effects (e.g. getting rid of heartburn, improving digestion etc.) depending on the type of minerals naturally found in the water.

There are many types available from shops and supermarkets, for example, Budiš, Mitická, Slatina, Rajec, Dobrá Voda, Zlatá studňa, Fatra etc. Others are only available directly from the many natural mineral springs common all across the country. As these are true 'mineral' waters, they will invariably contain minerals, and the taste will differ according to the brand/spring. If you don't like one, try a different brand! You may also try mineral waters with various flavourings, ranging from raspberry to 'mojito'.

In contrast to what you might be used to, sparkling water is the default option, so if you prefer still you might have to look for this specifically. The level of carbonation is marked by the label. Dark blue or Red label usually indicates carbonated ones ("perlivá"), a green label indicates mildly carbonated ones ("mierne perlivá") and white, pink or baby blue indicates those without carbon dioxide ("neperlivá"). Due to the excellent local choice and quality of the water, international brands are not as common.

In restaurants, serving a free glass of water is not a part of the culture, so remember that if you ask for one it is quite likely that you will be brought (most likely sparkling) mineral water instead (and charged for it).

Hot drinks [ edit ]

• Coffee . Out of hot drinks coffee is available everywhere, mostly in three varieties (cafes in cities will offer more) - espresso, 'normal' coffee which is served medium-sized, small and black and Viennese coffee which is 'normal' coffee with a dollop of cream on top. Cappuccinos are quite common as well. Coffee is served with sugar and cream/milk on the side. ( updated Dec 2023 )
• Hot chocolate . Hot chocolate is popular as well. ( updated Dec 2023 )
• Tea . Tea rooms are quite popular as a place to chill out in major cities. These usually have a laid-back, vaguely oriental ambiance, and offer a great variety of black, green, white and fruit teas. Schisha might be on offer as well. A part of this culture spread to the other catering establishments, most of which will now offer a choice at least between fruit and black tea. Note that black tea is served with sugar and lemon in Slovakia, serving of milk or cream is not common. ( updated Dec 2023 )
• Hot apple . Some places may offer a beverage called 'hot apple', which tastes a bit like softer hot apple juice. ( updated Dec 2023 )

Alcoholic beverages [ edit ]

Drinking is very much a part of the Slovak culture and some form of alcohol will be served at most social occasions. However, the locals mostly hold their liquor well and being visibly drunk is frowned upon, so be aware of your limits. Note that some locally brewed spirits may be stronger than what you are used to, and that the standard shot glass in Slovakia is 50ml , which may be more than you are used to if arriving from Western Europe. If you order double vodka, you will get 1dl of it! Alcohol in general is cheap compared to Western Europe or the US. There are no special shops, and alcoholic beverages can be purchased in practically any local supermarket or food store. You can legally drink and purchase alcohol if you are 18 years or older, but this is not very strictly enforced. You still might be IDed in some city clubs if you look very young, however.

Beers (pivo) [ edit ]

For beer (Slovak: pivo ), there is a great variety of excellent local brews that are similar in style and quality to Czech beers (which are also widely available), and beer is mostly the local drink of choice. Try out the Zlatý Bažant , Smädný Mních , Topvar and Šariš . Šariš is also available in a dark version that is thicker and heavier on your stomach. If the local tastes are not satisfactory, "Western" beers are sold in the bigger restaurants and pubs.

Wines (víno) [ edit ]

Slovakia has also some great local wines (Slovak: víno ), many similar to Germanic Riesling styles. There are several wine-growing regions in the south with centuries worth of tradition, including the area just outside Bratislava. If you can, try to visit one of the local producer's wine cellars, as many are historical and it is a cultural experience in itself. You might also be offered homemade wine if you are visiting these areas, as many locals ferment their own wines. The quality obviously varies. Every year at the end of May and beginning of November, an event called Small Carpathian Wine Road [dead link] takes place in Small Carpathian Wine Region (between Bratislava and Trnava ), where all the local producers open their cellars to the public. Buy a ticket in the nearest cellar and you will receive a wine glass and admission into any cellar in the region, where you can sample the best produce from the previous year.

There are also sweeter wines grown in Southeastern border regions called Tokaj . Tokaj is fermented out of the special Tokaj grape variety endemic to the region (part of which is in Hungary and part in Slovakia) and it is a sweet dessert wine. Tokaj is considered a premium brand with a worldwide reputation and is arguably some of the best Central Europe has to offer. Other Slovak wines might not be widely known outside the region but they are certainly worth a try. Around the harvest time in the autumn, in the wine-producing regions, a young wine called burčiak is often sold and popular among the locals. As burčiak strengthens with fermentation (as it becomes actual wine), its alcohol content can vary quite wildly.

Spirits [ edit ]

Slovakia produces good spirits . Excellent is the plum brandy ( Slivovica ), pear brandy ( Hruškovica ) or herb liquor Demänovka . Czech Fernet , a type of aromatic bitter spirit is also very popular.

In some shops you may try a 25 or 50 ml shot for very little money, to avoid buying a big bottle of something of unknown flavour, then decide whether to buy or not to buy. International brands are also available, but at a price premium (still cheaper than in most Western countries, however).

If you are a more adventurous type, you can try some homemade fruit brandys that the locals sometimes offer to foreigners. Slivovica is the most common, but also pear brandy, apricot brandy, or raspberry brandy can be found. Drinking is a part of the tradition, especially in the countryside. If you are visiting locals, don't be surprised if you are offered home-made spirit as a welcome drink nor that the host may be quite proud of this private stock. The homemade liquors are very strong (up to 60% alcohol), so be careful. If Slivovica is matured for 12 or more years, it can become a pleasant digestive drink.

Others [ edit ]

In winter months, mulled wine is available at all winter markets and mulled mead is also common. A mixed hot drink called grog , which consists of black tea and a shot of local 'rum' is very popular, especially in the skiing resorts, and it really warms you up.

Do [ edit ]

• Visit the nearest chateau/castle - many of them are hundreds of years old, some preserved in a habitable state with period furnishing. Many guided tours are offered as well.
• Go hiking! The entirety of Slovakia (except for the flatlands) is covered with hundreds of miles of extremely well-marked hiking trails, that, especially in the national parks, lead though gorgeous landscapes. Get the idea here .
• Visit one of the traditional wooden churches, they're unique to the region. These might not be readily accessible without a car, however.
• Go spelunking - caves are interspersed around Slovakia and as many are open to general public they are some of the most accessible in the world. Many are UNESCO listed, including Dobšinská Ice Cave (in the Slovak Paradise), and Ochtinská Aragonite Cave, Domica, Jasovská Cave and Gombasecká Cave (all in the Slovak Karst)

• Visit a local festival - in the early spring 'Fašiangy' (Mardi Gras) is celebrated, especially in the countryside, and in early autumn the end of the harvest period is celebrated in wine-producing regions. The centre of the town will usually be closed and a traditional market will be available, mostly with local produce and handicrafts for sale and plenty to eat and drink. In bigger cities, similar Christmas markets open during the Advent season.
• Ski and snowboard in the mountains, especially the High Tatras and the Low Tatras . Smaller ranges are also very suitable for cross-country skiing
• Navigate down the rivers Váh or Dunajec on a raft through picturesque gorges. For a more gentle ride, raft down the Small Danube.
• If you're into railway history or would like to spend a day romantically, Slovakia offers a number of phased-out railway tracks, which were once used for transporting wood, but now transport only tourists in cosy steam trains through forests and valleys. The best-preserved of them all is ČHŽ near the town of Brezno . Some normal routes that are still used by passenger trains offer stunning views as well - try for example the train from Margecany to Banská Bystrica, which runs through the Slovak Paradise.
• Slovakia offers many excellent spas. If you enjoy stinking mud and are willing to pay for it, the best, most famous (and most expensive) spa is located in Piešťany . Important spas are also in Trenčianske Teplice , Rajecké Teplice , Bardejov , Dudince and Podhájska.
• If the above is too sedate for you and you'd welcome some water slides and fun, try water parks in Bešeňová , Liptovský Mikuláš , Poprad , Turčianske Teplice , Oravice , Senec . Significantly cheaper are classical open-air pools, some of the best ones are in Veľký Meder and Štúrovo .

Cultural events [ edit ]

• Comics-Salón - A event dedicated to Japanese Anime & Manga, Fantasy and SciFi and its fans, but not only them! Great atmosphere, friendly folk and lots of fun awaits you there. The roots of this event stretch back to 2004, when it was held in "Súza" for the first time. Now, once every year early in September Bratislava enjoys the rush of fine individuals from all over Europe to participate in this unique event. For the past 2 years, the location was moved to "Istropolis" exhibition halls due to space constraints.

Music events [ edit ]

• Pohoda Music Festival . One of the biggest Slovak music festivals, critically acclaimed and recognised on European scale. Yearly in July in Trenčín . Hosts mostly alternative music.  
• Grape Music Festival . Another great smaller alternative music festival. Yearly in August in Piešťany .  

Sleep [ edit ]

There is a wide range of accommodation available in Slovakia. These range from AquaCity, based in Poprad, through to budget priced rooms in rental chalets.

The most luxurious hotels can mostly be found in major cities such as Bratislava and Košice and in the major tourist destinations like the High Tatras or the spa towns (the situation here is unique as the price of the hotel usually includes some of the spa procedures). These hotels offer Western style comfort and prices.

There will be at least one hotel available in every major town or tourist area, but the quality varies. Some of the mid-range hotels were built during the Communist era in the corresponding architecture style, which might make them look less appealing from the outside, though the interiors might be perfectly adequate.

Budget hostels are mostly concentrated in the major cities, and you can expect typical hostel prices as in the rest of (Central) Europe. If you are venturing outside of cities, there are numerous mountain huts available for short-term rent in the mountain areas. Especially in touristy areas there will be many private rooms available for rent, look out for 'Zimmer Frei' signs. This typically does not include breakfast.

When hiking, official maintained mountain cabins offer cheap accommodation for hikers on trails in all of the national parks and a lot of the national conservation areas. They have a limited number of beds (if any) and generally limited capacity, so for the more frequented places during the high season an advance booking might be necessary and is recommended. If you don't manage to book a bed, you might be allowed to still stay overnight, sleeping on the floor in designated areas. Either way, you will probably want to bring your own sleeping bag. The facilities, due to the location, are limited, but there will be a shared toilet and possibly a shower. There's usually a kitchen that serves several hearty hot dishes and a number of drinks at pretty reasonable prices.

It is only legal to pitch a tent in Slovakia outside national parks and protected natural zones (where should be signposts but there might not depending on how and where you enter these), but camping is reasonably popular in summer. Camping grounds in Slovakia (non-exhaustive list) :

Learn [ edit ]

A number of Slovak language courses and/or private tutors should be available in most major cities.

There are several excellent centers for higher education in the country, with courses offered in English. This includes Comenius University in Bratislava , Slovakia's oldest and most prestigious university, along with Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice , Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica and the Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava. More information about studying in Slovakia can be found here [dead link] .

Work [ edit ]

Slovakia is a member of the European Union, so if you are a citizen of another member state, you can legally reside and work in Slovakia without restrictions. The most popular website for job listings is profesia.sk

Most embassy offices will advise European Citizens as well. Average salary in 2023 was €1327 a month.

If you are from outside the EU, you will need a visa to work in Slovakia, and it's best to contact your and/or Slovak embassy for more information. Teaching English as a second language is a popular work option. Note that unless you are applying for certain positions in international firms and similar organisations where English/German might do, you will probably need a working knowledge of Slovak for most other jobs.

Stay safe [ edit ]

Slovakia is a very safe country, even by European standards. As a visitor you are unlikely to encounter any problems whatsoever. Violent crime is especially uncommon, and Slovakia sees less violent crime per capita than many other European countries.

In case of an emergency , dial 112 , the universal European emergency number. You may also dial 150 for the fire brigade, 155 for an ambulance, and 158 for the police.

When visiting cities , exercise the same caution as you would in any other European city - use common sense, be extra careful after the dark, stay aware of your surroundings, keep your belongings in sight, and avoid drunks and young men. Pickpockets can sometimes be found in bigger crowds and at major transit stations.

Attitudes towards LGBT travellers are fairly tolerant, especially so in the Bratislava region. In other parts of the country you might get weird stares for open displays of homosexuality, however, you are at no real risk of violent crime. Nevertheless, exercise caution, especially so due to the 2022 Bratislava terrorist attack, which unfortunately inspired more open displays of hostility - but also empathy.

Attitudes towards other races and ethnicities (i.e., not white) are generally very tolerant for much of the population. You might be stared upon if very "foreign-looking," but this is often simple curiosity. Nonetheless, the situation can differ in places with high support for neo-Nazi groups and movements, which can mostly be found in rural and central Slovakia. Hate speech and racist behaviour may happen. Still, violent crime is very rare and the most "passionate" display of hostility is usually shouting racist remarks, as most Slovaks keep to themselves.

Police [ edit ]

The Slovak police you'll see in the street consist of two different police forces - state police and municipal police.

The Slovak Police Force , or the state police, deals with the majority of crimes, whether infractions or felonies. The emergency number to reach state police is 158. Old state police cars can be recognized by their green-yellow stripes on the side. New cars, however, use a pattern and colors similar to that of Czechia, the UK or Germany.

Municipal police forces usually deal with traffic and are not equipped to deal with felonies. Their uniforms and cars can differ from municipality to municipality, and not every municipality may have a police force. The emergency number to reach the local municipal police force is 159.

Road safety [ edit ]

Rural roads can be poorly lighted and can get very narrow and tricky to drive, especially in the hilly and mountainous parts of the country.

If you plan to drive you must not be under the influence of alcohol. Penalties can be very severe if caught.

Outdoor safety [ edit ]

Outdoor safety is one of the few things taken extremely seriously in Slovakia.

When visiting mountainous regions of Slovakia, especially the High Tatras , it is customary to let hotel personnel know where exactly you are going and when you'll return. The Mountain Rescue Service is called in case you don't return.

The relative small area and height of the High Tatras is very deceptive - it is steep and difficult terrain with unpredictable weather, especially during spring and autumn. Never hike alone and use proper gear.

The Mountain Rescue Service is a good source of additional and up-to-date information. Take all warnings seriously. In the event of an emergency they can be contacted by dialing 18300 or the universal 112. Make sure your medical insurance coverage includes mountain activities before you venture forth, as a rescue mission in inaccessible terrain may well prove expensive.

Wild animals [ edit ]

Slovakia is blessed with a variety of species rare in some other parts of the continent; bears and wolves still live in the country in relatively high numbers .

Despite the constant coverage in local media, bear attacks are statistically infrequent, and deadly attacks extremely rare. The possibly most dangerous animal in Slovakia (and likely much of Europe) is the wild boar . Unlike bears, they do not stray from humans and will happily attack you.

Bears [ edit ]

Most bears are encountered in remote areas, however they can also be seen in the urbanized areas of High Tatras and also other towns and villages in the northern and central part of the country. Bears may feed on corn, oat and other agricultural plants. For this reason, use only track roads or paths when biking or hiking through fields. It may also be illegal to roam freely across fields even if not fenced.

A bear will usually avoid you if it knows you're there, so the best way to avoid this is by making your presence known by talking loudly/singing/clapping etc., especially in an area where it can't readily see you from a distance. Of course, this has limited usage during strong wind or near loud water streams.

If you see a bear, do not run, but leave the area slowly in the opposite direction. Do not approach bears and never approach bear cubs even if they seem to be alone or injured - bear mothers are extremely protective . If possible, wait until they leave the area or return back. You may also dial 112 in case the situation is dangerous.

Stay healthy [ edit ]

No vaccination is necessary to visit or stay in Slovakia, although if you plan to visit countryside areas, a tick vaccination is recommended. Hepatitis A and B vaccination is also advisable as with all European countries.

Despite its many issues, the standard of healthcare is relatively high, but the language barrier might be a problem as not many doctors speak English. However, this should not be a problem in major towns, which have a Fakultná nemocnica .

The huge majority of foods and drinks are perfectly safe, and the hygiene standards in Slovakia are the same as elsewhere in the European Union .

Tap water is drinkable everywhere - according to one study, water used as tap water in the Bratislava-Vienna region is the cleanest in the world. If you prefer mineral waters, you can choose from a multitude of brands, since Slovakia has quite possibly the highest number of natural mineral water springs per capita.

The High Tatras might not be the biggest or tallest mountain range, but some trails may feature strenuous climbs, and rocky terrain, and the weather may prove unpredictable. Take proper gear, do not overestimate your abilities, and use common sense.

If you decide to swim in the local rivers/natural pools/lakes, as many locals do, remember that unless expressly stated otherwise, these activities are not supervised by a lifeguard, and you are doing so at your own risk.

Ticks can be found in the countryside forests and also sometimes in larger parks, and in some areas they may carry tick-borne encephalitis . When going hiking try to avoid thick undergrowth and always check all over your body when you return (ticks tend to seek warm spots), as ticks reside in bushes and tall grass. Remove the tick as soon as possible, by gently wiggling it out of the bite by its head (never break off or squeeze the body as the head will stay lodged in the skin and might become infected). Do not touch the tick at any stage with bare hands, use tweezers and latex gloves.

There are no over-the-counter drugs sold in Slovakia in supermarkets or drug stores, you will need to head to a pharmacy even if you just need an aspirin. Even in smaller cities, there should be one open 24/7. Look out for the nearest green cross sign - even if this particular pharmacy is closed, a sign in the door will point you towards the nearest open one. If you need a specific medicine, make sure you have your prescription ready as many drugs require it.

Respect [ edit ]

Slovaks are friendly and peaceful people living in a free, democratic state. There is not a single issue that would provoke real hostility or trouble. Usually the worst thing that can happen is that you would be thought a bit boorish and have the history explained to you over a beer. However, it pays to be respectful and sensitive when discussing certain topics.

Culture [ edit ]

Slovaks are quite hospitable, and if they invite you into their home, expect to be well looked after and offered a variety of food and drinks. If you are invited in for lunch, expect a 2-3 course meal just as for dinner, as lunch is traditionally the main meal of the day. It is considered polite to bring a small gift for the host, such as a bottle of wine or good spirit, a box of chocolates, or a small bouquet of flowers, but never give money as it would be felt that you are trying to pay for the hospitality.

Most people do not use their outdoor shoes inside for hygienic reasons, so take your shoes off in the hallway when entering somebody's home. Don't worry, they will find you a spare pair of slippers to keep your feet warm.

When dining in a restaurant with the host's family, it is customary for them to pick the bill. This might not happen, but don't be surprised if they do.

When being introduced to or meeting someone, even of the opposite sex, and even for the first time, it is not uncommon to kiss each other on the cheek once or twice (depending on the region) instead of shaking hands. It is not common between two males, but is quite normal for women. Do not be alarmed, and remember that this is not a sexual gesture.

Remember that Slovakia is a separate nation that has been independent since 1993, when Czechoslovakia split into the Slovak Republic and the Czech Republic. For most of its history it was a part of other multinational states, especially the Austrian Empire, Austria-Hungary and lastly Czechoslovakia. Therefore, some people may be sensitive when it comes to nationality issues. There is no hostility or resentment when it comes to the Velvet divorce that split Czechoslovakia, and the two nations remain very amicable, if not having some rivalry in soccer and ice hockey. Do not refer to Slovakia as a part of another state and you should be fine.

Slovakia's position during World War II was quite complex, and this topic is best avoided when speaking to nationalists. Similarly, the decades of communism left its mark on the country and this can be a sensitive topic like the Slovak State during World War II. Slovakia, while formerly a part of the Soviet bloc, has never been a part of the USSR or the Russian Empire. Many Slovaks still harbour much resentment against Russia due to the decades of Soviet rule and domination. You should avoid being overly enthusiastic about Russia even if you are the most ardent Russophile in the world, as doing so may arouse strong emotions among the locals.

Societal relations [ edit ]

The relations with the Roma minority are sometimes quite strained and some people may hold strong views on the subject. It's best to educate yourself about the situation of minorities in Slovakia before getting into any kind of conversation or debate.

Like in many Central European countries, the use of the Nazi salute is a criminal offence . Denying, approving of or justifying the Holocaust or other crimes against humanity committed by either the fascist or communist regimes of Europe is also a criminal offence and punishable by up to 3 years of imprisonment.

Despite the rise of neo-fascism in the 2010s, the majority of the population condemns any behaviour or remarks that even remotely resemble fascist views or opinions. Unfortunately, the seriousness of the topic is flouted by much of the younger generation, especially due to the poor quality of the education system. As such, you might be able to get away with remarks or opinions that would never be tolerated elsewhere. Do not come into Slovakia with such expectations, however.

Connect [ edit ]

The international calling code for Slovakia is +421.

You may dial emergency numbers from any phone for free. The universal European emergency number is 112. You may also dial 150 for the fire brigade, 155 for an ambulance, and 158 for the police. Dial 18300 for the Mountain Rescue Service or 18155 for the Air Rescue Service.

Slovak phones operate on the GSM standard , which covers practically all of the country. Mobile network operators use the 900 and 1800MHz GSM frequency bands, which might not be compatible with some US phones operating on 1900MHz.

Cellular network coverage of the three major networks (Slovak Telekom, Orange, and O 2 ) is mostly excellent throughout the country. 4G (LTE) is available in the huge majority of the country, including the countryside, with some 5G coverage primarily in urban areas.

They all (along with some virtual operators, biggest of which are Funfón and Tesco Mobile) offer a variety of prepaid cards with various "pay as you go" schemes (some market research is advised, if you want the best deal) and incentives. If you have an unlocked phone, these are easy to pick up in any phone shop, or you can purchase a cheap phone with a prepaid card included.

There are still some phone boxes available, but with mobile phones now commonplace, they are declining in number. Also note that you might need to purchase a prepaid card to use some of them.

Wi-Fi and broadband can be found more or less everywhere, and there will be an internet cafe/gaming room available somewhere even in smaller towns. Also, hostels, pubs, cafes, and some public institutions such as libraries or government buildings offer (free) Wi-Fi.

Cope [ edit ]

All foreign embassies are located in the city centre of Bratislava.

A list of embassies in Slovakia with contact information can be found on the EmbassyPages website . If your home country does not have an embassy in Slovakia, the nearest embassy can probably be found in Vienna ; it is readily accessible by train, boat, bus, car, or even bike, from Bratislava.

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Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

Slovakia Travel Guide

Last Updated: September 1, 2023

Slovakia is a Central European country known for its dramatic mountainous landscapes, medieval history, and stunning architecture. As a land-locked country, it’s been part of numerous empires and governments throughout its history, all of which have left their own unique influence on the region.

I’ve visited Slovakia several times over the years and I’m always amazed at how much is packed into such a small country (as well as how few people visit beyond the capital). While Bratislava gets plenty of attention, the country as a whole sees a fraction of the crowds compared to its neighbors.

But their loss is your gain!

Slovakia is filled with beautiful rivers, lakes, national parks, tiny towns, and castle ruins. And compared to its neighbors it’s also quite affordable. It’s the perfect place to hike, road trip, and escape Europe’s summer crowds — all while on a budget!

This travel guide to Slovakia can help you save money, plan your visit, and make the most of your trip to this underrated gem!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Slovakia

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Slovakia

1. Explore Bratislava

Bratislava is Slovakia’s capital and largest city. Bordering both Austria and Hungary, its position on the banks of the Danube make it an obvious point of entry for most travelers. Don’t miss the city’s Old Town and Bratislava Castle. There’s also an eclectic music scene here.

2. Visit Košice

Košice is the second-largest city in Slovakia, dating back to the 13th century. The city center encompasses the historic part of town and has the largest number of historical monuments in the country. Be sure to visit the 13th-century St. Elisabeth Cathedral.

3. See Banská Štiavnica

This well-preserved UNESCO medieval town sits in a valley formed after an ancient volcano collapsed. Be sure to visit the open-air mining museum, where you can walk more than a kilometer underground (10 EUR, an additional 15 EUR for a tour in English).

4. Hike Slovak Paradise National Park

Slovak Paradise National Park boasts over 100 kilometers (62-miles) of hiking trails, passing through canyons, meadows, and more waterfalls than you can count. The hiking isn’t difficult, but you must navigate narrow passages, climb steep ladders, and use chains above ravines.

5. Take a wine tour

Not far from Bratislava lies Modra, which is the place to go for wine tours and tastings. Look out for the annual Modra Wine Cellars Day, when many of the wine cellars in the area organize a day-long tasting for visitors. Expect to pay at least 40 EUR for a tour.

Other Things to See and Do in Slovakia

1. visit the slovak karst caves.

There are almost 2,500 caves in Slovakia — and only 400 of them have been explored. In the southern Slovak Karst region, there are plenty of options but if you want a truly unique experience, visit a section of Domica Cave where you can take an underground boat ride on the River Styx (trip to Hades not included). Admission including the boat ride is 9 EUR. Other caves worth checking out are Dobšinská Ice Cave, Harmanecka, and Gombasecka.

2. Go rock climbing

Head to the mountains around Terchová in the north or Slovenský Raj in the east for some world-class rock climbing. You’ll find beautiful gorges that you can climb for free thanks to the ropes and ladders already in place. If you’re new to rock climbing and would rather do a guided trip, expect to pay around 80 EUR per person.

3. Run the oldest marathon in Europe

The Košice Peace Marathon is the oldest marathon in Europe (and the second oldest marathon in the world). Held in Košice each year since 1924, the city is completely overtaken by the event as thousands come to take part, watch, and celebrate. The marathon happens on the first Sunday in October. If you want to run the race yourself, registration is 37 EUR. Be sure to book your accommodation far in advance as the entire city fills up.

4. Relax in a thermal cave bath

For a uniquely Slovakian experience, visit the Parenica cave bath at the Sklené Teplice spa. Located in Central Slovakia, these natural hot springs have been in use for centuries. The water is a constant 42°C (107°F) and is perfect for relaxing (especially if you’re visiting in the winter). Bath visits last 20 minutes and are included in your stay at the spa, which costs around 70 EUR per night.

5. Tour the Nedbalka Gallery

The Nedbalka Gallery in Bratislava has a spectacular award-winning design that resembles the Guggenheim Museum in New York City and is a stark contrast to the more traditional medieval buildings that make up the city’s Old Town. The gallery, which was heavily remodeled in 2012, spans five floors and is home to over 1,000 works depicting Slovak culture. Admission is 5 EUR and includes a coffee or tea at the gallery’s café.

6. Hike the smallest alpine mountain range in Europe

The most famous national park in Slovakia, High Tatras is located in the north of the country along the border with Poland . Stretching 53 kilometers (33 miles), it’s the smallest alpine mountain range in Europe. If you want to reach the peak of the High Tatras, Gerlachovsky Stit, you need to hire a mountain guide as the ascent is extremely challenging and not to be attempted alone. If you don’t want to hike (or want an easier option), Lomnicky Stit is slightly lower and far more accessible thanks to the cable car to the top. During the winter, there are several ski resorts here. Round-trip cable car tickets are expensive at 59 EUR, however, you can hike up part way and then take the cable car for half price.

7. Explore an ice cave

One of the most popular caves in the country is Dobšinská, an ice cave located near Dobšiná in Central Slovakia. Discovered in 1870, the caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the first caves in Europe to be lit by electricity. The cave spans over 1,500 acres and is full of all kinds of stunning natural ice formations. Admission is 9 EUR for a 30-minute visit.

8. Visit the Old Market Hall (Stará tržnica)

Each Saturday between 9am-3pm the Old Market Hall in Bratislava hosts its weekly market where you can buy food and goods from regional farmers and producers. There’s also a children’s theater performance and book fair every Saturday. The current building dates to 1910, however, there were medieval fortifications here dating back to the 16th century. In addition to foods and produce, the market also hosts cultural events, music performances, two cafes, a brewery, and a cooking school. The Old Market Hall also hosts an annual beer festival (called Salón Piva) where you can sample the locally produced beer.

9. Go hiking

Slovakia is one of the best countries in Europe for hiking. There are hundreds of trails, including dozens of long-distance routes as well as easy, moderate, and challenging day hikes. Some hikes to check out are Rysy Mountain, near the border of Poland (20km, 10 hours); Kriván, considered Slovakia’s most beautiful mountain (6km, 4 hours); and Popradske Pleso, a picturesque alpine hike (4km, 2 hours). If you’re going hiking in the mountains, be sure to check the weather in advance as conditions can change rapidly. Always make sure you have the proper gear and plenty of water too.

10. Hit the slopes

The Tatra mountain range rivals the Alps when it comes to beauty. However, when it comes to skiing, there are fewer skiers and cheaper prices in Slovakia (lift tickets are upwards of 75% cheaper than in neighboring Austria). Some ski resorts to visit are Jasná Nízke Tatry (Liptovský Mikuláš), Relax Center Plejsy (Krompachy), Tale (Bystra), and Malinô Brdo (Ružomberok). Expect to pay around 49 EUR for a lift pass, however, you can find passes for as little as 8-16 EUR in places like Moštenica, Zliechov, and Skorušina.

Slovakia Travel Costs

Outside of Bratislava, budget hotel rooms start around 25-40 EUR per night. In Bratislava, expect to pay closer to double that.

Airbnb is a budget-friendly option available around the country with private rooms starting at 25 EUR per night. For an entire home or apartment, expect to pay at least 50 EUR per night.

For anyone traveling with a tent, camping is available around the country. Wild camping is legal but be sure to double-check as it is illegal in certain protected areas (no camping in the High Tatras or national parks, for example). You’re also not allowed to camp in forested areas and should use caution when lighting fires as this is generally prohibited. Official campgrounds are scattered around the country with basic plots for two without electricity costing 14-16 EUR per night.

Food – Slovakian cuisine is based on three main staples: pork, cabbage, and potatoes (much like many of its neighbors). Polish and Hungarian influences abound, so expect lots of soups, sauerkraut, breaded meats, and dumplings. Lunch is the main meal of the day, with soup being the most common main course. A popular local delicacy is jaternica , a blood sausage made with pig’s blood and buckwheat. Halušky (soft ptato dumplings) and schnitzel are two other popular traditional choices.

For an inexpensive meal of traditional cuisine, expect to pay around 7-12 EUR. Fast food (think McDonald’s) costs 5-7 EUR for a combo meal. Thai and Indian food can be found in a couple of the larger cities in the country, costing 8-13 EUR for a main dish.

If you want to splash out, a three-course meal of traditional cuisine costs around 20 EUR, including a drink.

Expect to pay between 1.50-2.50 EUR for a beer and about the same for a latte or cappuccino (if you buy beer at the grocery store it’s just 1-1.50 EUR). A glass of wine generally costs around 2.50-4 EUR.

If you are planning to cook your own food, a week’s worth of groceries costs around 20-35 EUR for basic staples like pasta, rice, seasonal produce, and some meat. A medium-sized bag of pasta is less than 1 EUR, fresh buns (like croissants) are around .50 EUR while a loaf of bread is around 2 EUR. Cereal is around 1.50 EUR while a large bag of potato chips is 1.50-2 EUR.

If you’re vegan or vegetarian, Bratislava has tons of options. Beyond the large supermarkets (which have things like soy meat and alternative kinds of milk), there are a handful of vegan and vegan-friendly restaurants around the city, including Šmak (vegan sushi), Vegan Kiosk (vegan burgers and wraps), and La Donuteria (vegan and non-vegan donuts).

Other suggested places to eat in Bratislava include U Sedliaka (traditional Slovakian food), Mezcalli (Mexican food), and Next Apache (a small cafe that sells used books).

Backpacking Slovakia Suggested Budgets

If you are backpacking Slovakia, my suggested budget is 45 EUR per day. This assumes you’re staying in a hostel dorm, cooking all of your meals, doing free activities like walking tours and hiking, limiting your drinking, visiting some cheap attractions like museums or galleries, and using public transportation to get around.

On a mid-range budget of 105 EUR per day, you can stay in a private Airbnb apartment, eat out for most of your meals at budget-friendly restaurants serving traditional cuisine, go out for some drinks, take some guided tours, visit more paid attractions like the caves, and take the occasional taxi to get around.

On a “luxury” budget of 200 EUR, you can stay in a hotel, eat out at any restaurant you want, rent a car, drink as much as you want, and see as many castles and museums as you can handle! This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in EUR.

Slovakia Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Slovakia is one of the cheaper Central European countries and it’s easy here to travel on a budget. That said, if you’re looking for ways to trim your expenses, here are my favorite ways to save money in the country:

• Take a free walking tour – Bratislava offers a handful of free walking tours which are a great way to get familiar with the city and its culture on a budget. Be Free Tours is the most popular tour company. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!
• Ride Flixbus – Flixbus is a budget-friendly way to get around the country (as well as the region). They have Wi-Fi, electrical outlets, and decent enough seats for overnight and long-haul bus journeys.
• Cook your own meals – Book accommodation with a kitchen so you can cook your own meals. Buying your own groceries may not be as glamorous as going out to eat, but it does save money.
• Get outdoors – The easiest way to keep active and save money is to get outdoors and explore Slovakia’s national parks. Most don’t charge an entry fee. Nature fills your days and avoids slimming your wallet!
• Wild camp – If you really want to save money in Slovakia, bring your tent as wild camping is legal. You can pitch your tent on almost all public land throughout Slovakia. Just avoid national parks and forests.
• Stay with a local – Staying with a local via Couchsurfing is a great way to not only save money, but you’ll also connect with a knowledgeable local who can help you better understand the country and its people.
• Bring a reusable water bottle – The tap water in Slovakia is safe so bring a reusable water bottle to avoid single-use plastic. A filtered bottle like LifeStraw ensures your water is safe and clean. It’s perfect for anyone planning to hike or explore the country’s national parks.

Where to Stay in Slovakia

The hostel scene in Slovakia does not disappoint. Most have reliable Wi-Fi, kitchens, and are clean and modern. Here are some of my favorite places to stay in Slovakia:

• Hostel Folks (Bratislava)
• Wild Elephants Hostel (Bratislava)
• The Ginger Monkey (High Tatras)
• Happy Bull (Kosice)
• Nitra Glycerin Hostel (Nitra)

How to Get Around Slovakia

Public transportation – For public transportation around cities, the fare is generally proportional to the duration of the journey. For example, in Bratislava, a 30-minute ride costs 0.90 EUR while a 60-minute ride costs 1.20 EUR. Day passes are available in most of the cities for around 4.50 EUR.

Bus – Flixbus is the most budget-friendly option to explore the country. The bus from Bratislava to Košice costs 22 EUR for the 6.5-hour journey. For Bratislava to Budapest, Hungary, the 2.5-hour bus ride ranges from 12-26 EUR while the one-hour trip from Bratislava to Vienna, Austria can be done for 9 EUR.

Trains – Trains are more expensive than buses and don’t reach as many destinations in the country. However, they’re a lot quicker. Bratislava to Poprad takes around 4 hours and costs 15 EUR. The 5.5-hour journey to Košice costs 18 EUR. The 2.5-hour trip to Budapest, Hungary costs 10 EUR while the 90-minute ride to Vienna, Austria costs 5 EUR.

Budget Airlines – There are no domestic flights around Slovakia.

Car Rental – Car rentals can be as low as 25 EUR per day for a multi-day rental. You need an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) to rent a vehicle.

When to Go to Slovakia

Slovakia has four distinct seasons. The summers are sunny and hot and see the biggest influx of visitors. July-August is the most popular time to visit, with daily highs around 27°C (81°F).

During the shoulder seasons, you avoid both the heat and the crowds. The best months to visit are between May-June or September-October, especially if you’re hiking. There are cooler temperatures and, in the fall, you get to see the leaves change. Expect temperatures around 20°C (68°F).

Winter is cold and snowy with temperatures dropping below freezing so I’d only visit if you plan on doing some winter sports, such as skiing.

How to Stay Safe in Slovakia

Slovakia is a very safe country to visit; it’s the 19th safest country in the world. Violent crime against tourists is virtually nonexistent. Pickpocketing can occur, however, especially in high-traffic areas such as Bratislava’s Old Town. Keep your valuables safely tucked away when in public just to be safe.

Solo female travelers should feel safe here, though the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.).

If someone strikes up a conversation with you trying to sell something or if young children approach you, be on alert — their friend may be reaching for your wallet while you’re distracted.

If you’re worried about getting scammed, read this post on common travel scams to avoid.

If you rent a car, don’t leave any valuables in it while you’re hiking or overnight. Break-ins are rare but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

If you’re hiking here (especially doing alpine hiking in the mountains), make sure you let your hostel/hotel staff know just in case. Always bring a first aid kit as well as basic gear like a flashlight, raincoat, and extra food just in case.

If you experience an emergency, dial 158 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Slovakia Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!

Slovakia Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Europe and continue planning your trip:

The 6 Best Hotels in Copenhagen

The 6 Best Hotels in Florence

The 7 Best Hotels in Madrid

The 6 Best Hotels in Vienna

The Best Walking Tours in Barcelona

How to Be a Digital Nomad in Europe

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35 Amazing Places to Visit in Slovakia

Slovakia is often overlooked by tourists who prefer to focus on neighboring countries like Poland and the Czech Republic or who only visit Bratislava , the capital. Yet this underrated country really offers a lot and, as you will see below, the list of best places to visit in Slovakia is long and diverse.

You can find there vibrant cities and charming medieval towns, fairytale castles and impressive ruins, numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and breathtaking mountains. If you are looking for a less known yet exciting destination you definitely should consider visiting Slovakia!

I can’t count how many times I’ve been to Slovakia but every visit is a treat for me. This is one of my favorite destinations in Europe and every time I’m really excited to return there, discover new places or revisit those that I enjoy.

And today I’m more than happy to share the best places to visit in Slovakia with you.

Planning a trip to Slovakia?

Here are the services I always use and personally recommend:

• Accommodation : I always book a place to stay on Booking.com
• Tours: when I decide to go on a tour I use either Viator or Get Your Guide .
• For transportation and booking tickets online , I usually use 12Go or Omio
• Looking for the airport pickup ? Check Welcome Pickups!
• If you plan to rent a car during your trip to Slovakia check Discover Cars to compare prices and find the best deals
• Get insured for your trip to Slovakia with SafetyWing

Table of Contents

Why visit Slovakia

Even if the independent Slovak state was created only in 1993 (when Czechoslovakia was divided, before it was briefly independent during WW2) the area has been an important spot in Central European history since medieval times. You will find numerous places (cities, towns, castles) that date back to that time and still are full of historical remnants from a few centuries ago.

Slovak cities, especially Bratislava and Kosice, are vibrant and besides numerous monuments, you can also enjoy there a great food scene and cultural life.

But the main reason to visit Slovakia is its nature, especially the mountains. The most popular are the High Tatras but there are a few more mountain ranges worth your attention. Other interesting natural wonders include caves, gorges, and waterfalls.

For such a small country, there are surprisingly many UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Slovakia and those include medieval towns, wooden churches or impressive caves. If you like visiting those, you are in for a treat in Slovakia.

Slovakia is also a great destination for a cultural trip. There are a few good open-air folk museums as well as old folk villages you can visit.

The traditional Slovak food is really tasty and has some fine vegetarian options. And if you are lucky you can experience some local traditions that are always interesting to see.

Places to visit in Slovakia

If you are wondering what to see in Slovakia I’ve prepared this long and extensive list of the best destinations in Slovakia you might want to visit. I based it on my numerous trips to Slovakia as well as on my personal list of places to visit in Slovakia that are still waiting for me.

• Are you planning a trip to Slovakia? Be sure to join my Facebook group about traveling in Central Europe and be part of the amazing community of like-minded travelers. Click here for the access!
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Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, is such an underrated city that is often considered only as a day trip from Vienna or Budapest . But the city really has a lot to offer and all the things to do in Bratislava will keep you busy for at least the weekend.

You will wander the small yet very charming Old Town where, besides winding lanes and beautiful townhouses, you can find some quirky sculptures such as Cumil. The castle towering above the city offers a beautiful panorama of Bratislava (especially its Petrzalka district with colorful blocks of flats) but is an interesting place to visit itself too.

You can get an even better view of Bratislava from one of the iconic structures of the city – the UFO-shaped bridge over the Danube river. Just a short walk away from the Old Town you will find some less known yet still impressive attractions of Bratislava – the fairy-tale alike art-nouveau Blue Church or the brutalist masterpiece – the radio broadcast building that looks like the reverse pyramid.

For lunch head to the beautiful Bratislava Flagship Restaurant to try some of the delicious Slovak dishes. Bratislava also has a very impressive cafe scene with numerous great cafes to choose from for your coffee and cake break.

Overall, this is a really charming and laid-back city that doesn’t really feel like the capital, where you can slow down a bit during your travels and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Central Europe . You can also use Bratislava as a base for numerous day trips around Slovakia and beyond.

Read more about Bratislava in my articles:

• The ultimate list of things to do in Bratislava, Slovakia
• Bratislava-more than just a day trip from Vienna
• 17 Great Day Trips from Bratislava, Slovakia
• Best cafes in Bratislava, Slovakia

Devin castle

Devin Castle, located just outside of Bratislava, is mostly in ruins today but you still can appreciate the impressive structure towering above the Danube river as the keeper of the capital.

Originally it dates back to the 9th century but this place was used already in ancient times as the Roman border post. Over the centuries it played an important role in the region until it was eventually blown up by the Napoleon army in 1809.

Today you can visit the remnants of the castle and learn more about its history (including the ancient times) in the interesting exhibition.

Trnava is among the most underrated places to visit in Slovakia and even if it is often overlooked by tourists, the city is full of attractions.

With its history dating back to the Middle Ages (when Trnava was the first place in Slovakia that was granted the right of a free royal town), the place is often called “the Little Rome” due to the numerous churches that you can still see there today. You will find most of them within the Old Town, surrounded by the longest remaining defending walls in Europe.

The center is mostly pedestrian and is a perfect place to wander around, enjoy one of the cafes or attend some city events. It is especially vibrant in the summertime when locals hang out there, taking advantage of the warm weather.

To get a good view of the center and beyond you should go up to the 16th-century town tower. One of the most unique attractions of Trnava is a 19th-century synagogue that was turned into a popular cafe where you can enjoy a drink in beautiful surroundings.

Smolenice castle

A fairytale castle of Smolenice, located not far from Trnava, was built in the place of the 14th-century sentry castle. Over the years it was rebuilt a few times to eventually get its current look in the 19th century.

Today this is the best example of Roman architecture in Slovakia since the castle is based on the best examples of similar architecture from France. Its most notable feature is the impressive tower from where you can admire a beautiful vista of the surrounding area.

The Smolenice castle is home to the Slovak Academy of Sciences and is open to the public only in July and August.

With a history dating back to the early medieval times, Nitra is the oldest city in Slovakia, founded around the 9th century. Still today you can find there numerous monuments and attractions from the old times, including the Nitra Castle (originally from the 11th century) with the impressive Cathedral of St Emeram (a mix of three temples with the oldest one being the Romanesque church from the 11th century) dominating above the city.

The pleasant center is lined with colorful townhouses and winding lanes, a scenery so typical for Central Europe. Nitra has also a strong position on the cultural map of Slovakia, with events like the Theatre Festival of Nitra taking place there. The Nitra region is also known locally for its wine production.

Komarno is a small city on the Danube, right on the border between Slovakia and Hungary (the twin city across the river is names Komarom), which makes a perfect stop when you travel from Budapest to Bratislava.

Even if the city has a long history, with the town rights granted in 1265) you won’t find many historical attractions there. Yet it’s still a pleasant place to visit, with the Central European charm and the architecture typical for the region. The biggest attraction is probably the well-preserved fortress that was built already in the 16th century and developed until the 19th century.

Don’t miss Europe Square, known also as Courtyard of Europe, where each of the 36 buildings here represents a different country and is built in the style typical for that country. It is a peculiar and quirky yet really interesting place to see.

Read more about Komarno in my article: Komarno, Slovakia – a perfect stop between Budapest and Bratislava

Kosice, the second-largest city in Slovakia, is among the most underrated cities to visit in Europe (I personally prefer it over Bratislava and visited the place countless times). Kosice offers a variety of attractions and is a perfect place for a weekend trip.

You can see here the easternmost Gothic cathedral in Europe, wander around the charming old town or attend a play in a beautiful State Theater from the end of the 19th century. In the East Slovak Museum, one of the oldest and most important museums in the country, you can admire the impressive gold treasure – one of the largest collections of that kind, found during the renovations of Main Street in 1935. The heart of the city is Hlavna street (literally, the Main Street) where most of the Kosice attractions are located.

In 2013 Kosice had the title of the European Capital of Culture and still today you can enjoy numerous cultural institutions like the former tobacco factory turned into a creative hub or the old swimming pool that serves as the art gallery.

When you want to take a rest from all the sightseeing you can enjoy a great culinary scene with numerous restaurants, cafes, or wine bars (where you can try local wines from the nearby Tokaj region).

Read more about Kosice in my articles:

• 30 Great Things to do in Kosice, Slovakia
• 21 Most Instagrammable Places in Kosice, Slovakia
• Best Cafes in Kosice, Slovakia
• Amazing Kosice, Slovakia in pictures
• Kosice travel tips – all you need to know about visiting Kosice, Slovakia
• Culture in Kosice
• Kosice street art – an urban gallery in Slovakia

Bardejov can easily be named one of the most charming places to visit in Slovakia. The UNESCO-listed town (granted the title as the perfect example of a fortified medieval town) is located not far from the border with Poland, in the northeast part of the country.

It’s very easy to fall for Bardejov. The historic part of the town, surrounded by the city walls (until now 9 towers and 2 gates remained, giving Bardejov the nickname “Slovak Carcassonne”) is the prettiest with rows of colorful houses, interesting museums (like The Exposition of Icons) and the Saint Giles church dominating over the area. Be sure to climb the church’s tower for the best views of Bardejov and beyond.

Bardejov, and especially its spa part Bardejovske Kupele is also a perfect place to relax. The place was among the favorite destinations of the famous Empress Elisabeth of Austria, known as Sisi, who used to come here – among many beautiful buildings you can see the place where she always stayed.

Read more about Bardejov in my article: Bardejov – the most enjoyable town in Slovakia

Slovak Paradise

Slovak Paradise National Park is, just as the name indicates, a real paradise. Located in the eastern part of the country, just south of Poprad, the area is known for its gorges, waterfalls, and sometimes extreme paths to get around (with ladders and such).

The national park offers numerous hiking trails with a total length of around 300 km, many of them will definitely be a thrilling experience. The most popular trail is a picturesque “Prielom Hornádu” (the only trail where you can go in both directions, the rest is one-way) that will take you along the Hornad river through bridges and sometimes even narrow metal steps glued into the rocks.

Another attraction that can’t be missed in the Slovak Paradise is Dobšinská ľadová jaskyňa (Dobšiná Ice Cave), a spectacular cave that is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

High Tatras

The Tatra Mountains, located at the border of Slovakia and Poland, are among the most beautiful mountains you will find in Europe yet somehow they are still not widely recognized internationally. The scenery here is simply breathtaking and you don’t need to be an experienced hiker to enjoy what the area has to offer.

The highest peak of Tatras (and Slovakia) – Gerlachovský štít (2,655 meters above sea level) might be a bit challenging to reach but there are other breathtaking mountains available for many, including Lomnický štít (2,632 meters above sea level) where you can get by the system of three cable cars.

There are also a few nice towns in the High Tatras, with the three most popular ones being Tatranská Lomnica, Starý Smokovec, and Štrbské Pleso. I definitely recommend the last one as that’s where you will get the most picturesque views of the lake and spectacular mountains in the background.

Poprad is conveniently located on the main railway corridor of Slovakia (connecting Kosice with Bratislava via Zilina and Trnava), in the Basin under Tatras, and is often considered a getaway to the Tatra mountains (with frequent train connections to the popular mountain resorts there). But the city itself, with a history reaching the 13th century, is worth your visit too.

The center of Poprad is really pleasant, with the beautifully restored main square (St. Egidius square) surrounded by Baroque and Classicist townhouses and with the 13th-century Church of St. Egidius.

The most interesting part of Poprad is the district Spišská Sobota that in the past used to be a separate city. That’s where you will find most of Poprad’s historic monuments, including a well-preserved center.

Poprad is also known for its aquapark – Aqua City Poprad – where you can enjoy numerous indoor and outdoor pools, also in the wintertime. You can stay there at the highly-rated Aqua City Hotel with views over the Tatra Mountains.

Spišské Podhradie

Spišské Podhradie is a small town packed with attractions, including two UNESCO World Heritage Sites that you don’t want to miss.

The biggest and most impressive one is the Spiš Castle towering above the area. It is one of the largest castle complexes in Europe, dating back to the 12th century, and even if it is mostly in ruins today it still takes your breath away with its magnitude. This is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Slovakia and it is popular for a reason – the grandness of the place really takes your breath away.

On the other side of the town, you will find Spišská Kapitula with a former monastery and St. Martin’s Cathedral from 1245. Spišské Podhradie itself is a sleepy yet nice town with a pretty town square (that is especially picturesque with the castle in the background).

The sleepy town of Levoča is home to numerous monuments and attractions, located mostly in the historic center surrounded by a well-preserved wall.

Inside the walls, it feels like time has stopped. Narrow streets with small, colorful houses led to the main square – Namestie Majstra Pavla – where you will find most of the attractions of Levoča.

The main one is St. James church dominating the surrounding. It might not look extraordinary from the outside but the interior is a real gem, with the incredible altar carved by Master Pavol of Levoča – the highest wooden altar in the world and the reason why the town was granted the UNESCO World Heritage Site title in 2009.

Another impressive building you won’t miss is the Renaissance Town Hall with the attached tower from the mid-17th century.

The Main Square itself is a really charming place with the most beautiful townhouses you can see in Levoča and some cafes and restaurants where you can sit down and enjoy the place.

On the hill above the town, you can visit the Basilica of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary from where you can also enjoy amazing views of Levoča and beyond.

Spišská Nová Ves

Spišská Nová Ves is home to the highest church tower in Slovakia (86,6 meters) but the town located just at the edge of the Slovak Paradise has more to offer.

The center is really pleasant, focused around Letna and Zimna streets where you can find most of the city’s attractions, including the mentioned above church, the Reduta Theatre from the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, Spiš Museum or the town hall.

Kežmarok, a small town not far from the Tatra Mountains, is often overlooked by tourists yet it’s such an interesting destination. The town was founded in the 13th century and today you can find there numerous historical places dating back to the old times.

The biggest attraction of Kežmarok is probably the UNESCO-listed wooden articular church, built by the local Lutherans in 1717. Other places worth visiting in the town include the 15th-century castle (that was later on rebuilt a few times), the Basilica of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross from the 13th century, and the remnants of the medieval city walls.

Kežmarok is also a very pleasant town with a charming center and beautiful views of the nearby Tatra Mountains.

Stará Ľubovňa

A small town located right at the border with Poland, known especially for the impressive ruins of the 14th-century castle. Just below it, you can find the open-air folk museum with wooden architecture from the region: houses, a church, a mill, and more – most of them come from the 19th or early 20th century.

Other interesting sights of Stará Ľubovňa include the Gothic 13th-century church and the medieval main square with Renaissance townhouses.

When going by train from Bratislava towards northern Slovakia you will notice a magnificent castle towering over the surroundings some 1,5 hours into your journey. That’s Trencin castle, one of the most impressive places to visit in Slovakia.

The medieval castle is one of the largest in Slovakia and served as the seat of the royals already in the 11th century (and later was used by noble families). It is a bit of a climb to reach the castle but it is definitely worth the effort.

But the castle isn’t the only reason to visit Trencin . The city has a long history, with the first settlements here dating back to the 4th century BC – a reminder of how old the place is can be seen in a Roman inscription from the year 179.

The main square of Trencin, Mierové námestie, is a charming place lined with colorful townhouses, with the Holy Trinity Plague Column from 1712 right in the middle. For a great view of the city and the castle go up to the City Tower, at the edge of the Main Square.

Bojnice Castle

Bojnice Castle is yet another of Slovakia’s top places to visit and one of the oldest monuments in the country.

The Romanesque castle (with some Gothic and Renaissance elements) was originally built in the 12th century as a wooden fort. Over the years it has changed its look and eventually turned into a stunning romantic location at the end of the 19th century.

Since this is one of the most popular destinations in Slovakia it’s better to go to the castle outside of weekends.

Besides the castle, you can also visit the local zoo (the oldest one in Slovakia) as well as the park surrounding the castle, with one of the oldest trees in the country (some 700 years old King Matthias Linden Tree).

Piestany, known also as “Queen of the spa towns“, is one of the most popular spa towns in Slovakia, located some 80km north of Bratislava.

The center of the town is Spa Island with numerous curing houses, swimming pools, natural springs, and fountains. It’s a perfect place to visit if you want to relax a bit and enjoy a laid-back atmosphere that you can find only in spa towns.

Zilina, the fourth-largest city in Slovakia and an important transport hub in the country, is located near the border with the Czech Republic and Poland and is yet another Slovak city with long and interesting history, dating back to the early 13th century.

The historic center might be small but it’s really pretty. The heart of it is Mariánske námestie – a former marketplace that is now surrounded by Renaissance and Baroque townhouses with arcade-covered passages that hide a few restaurants and cafes.

The most iconic monument of Zilina is Holy Trinity Cathedral, with its origins in the 15th century. A short walk away from the center you can also visit the Budatín Castle, originally built in the 13th century.

Zilina is also a good getaway to explore more of northwest Slovakia.

Čičmany, a small village located some 170 km north of Bratislava, is among the most unique Slovakia attractions and one of the few intact folk villages in Central Europe. What makes it so special are the original log houses with the typical white ornamentation.

The painting started in the 19th century but the beautiful decor you can see today was added after the 1921 fire. There were added to the buildings not only for decorative reasons but mostly to protect the logs from the sun’s rays.

As a result, the village is such a beautiful gem! All 136 historical houses in Čičmany are now protected monuments. Among them, the most valuable ones are the Radenov dom and the neighboring Gregorov dom.

Banska Stiavnica

Banska Stiavnica is probably the prettiest and most charming town you can visit in Slovakia, appreciated by UNESCO which included the place on the World Heritage List in 1993.

Dating back to the Middle Ages, Banska Stiavnica is among the oldest and most important historical mining towns in Europe. With the picturesque location, hidden in the valley and surrounded by gently rolling hills, the town looks unreal, like taken straight from a fairy tale.

For such a small town, the place is packed with attractions. You will find there numerous archeological sites connected with the old mining traditions, as well as a beautiful center with two castles, a few churches, and the heart of the town – the Holy Trinity Square.

Wandering around winding, cobbled lanes, and admiring colorful houses and churches towering above the city are the main reason why it’s so easy to fall for Banska Stiavnica.

If you have time you can also go hiking in the surrounding hills, it takes only a short walk from the center to get to nature. You might also stumble across some old mining remnants on the hills around the town.

Read more about Banska Stiavnica in my article: Banska Stiavnica – one of the most beautiful towns in Europe

Nestled between lush hills in Central Slovakia, Kremnica is yet another charming town with an old mining history dating back to the 10th century. The place is known mostly for gold mines as well as the oldest still-operating mint in the world.

The old town is well-preserved and full of old historical buildings even from medieval times. The biggest attraction of Kremnica is the castle from the 13th century with double defensive walls – a unique example of the fortification system in Central Europe.

The heart of the city is the main square with the impressive Baroque plague column from 1765. The local Gothic Church of St. Catherine dominates the area, this is also where you can attend the popular European Organ Festival.

Banska Bystrica

Banska Bystrica , the sixth-largest city in Slovakia, is located right in the center of the country, surrounded by mountains (including a few national parks). The place was built as a Slavic settlement in the 12th century but the first traces here date back to the Stone Age.

This is yet another pleasant Slovak city with charming Main Square surrounded by numerous historical monuments: the Town Hall, remnants of the castle, Central Slovakia Museum, or the Marian`s Pillar from the beginning of the 18th century.

Banska Bystrica is also home to the most impressive brutalist structure in Slovakia that is home to the Slovak National Uprising Memorial – a concrete bowl-shaped building from 1969.

In the summertime, the city is alive until late at night and it is a pure pleasure to be here and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.

Špania Dolina

Located only a few kilometers outside of Banska Bystrica, Špania Dolina is a former mining town where it seems like time has stopped. It is also one of the most picturesque places to visit in Slovakia, hidden in the valley surrounded by rolling hills of the Low Tatras mountains.

The place has a long tradition of mining, for centuries, until 1888, copper and silver ores were exploited here. Today Špania Dolina is a sleepy village with only a handful of houses, many of them from the 19th century, as well as the church of Conversion of the Lord that you can see in the majority of pictures.

The place is also a good starting point for numerous hikes around that would take you through pristine mountains where you can also find mining remnants from the old times.

Low Tatras Mountains

Another perfect alternative to the High Tatras is the Low Tatras range, with the highest peak Ďumbier (2042 meters above sea level). The Low Tatras National Park is the largest national park in Slovakia, popular among tourists who enjoy hiking.

There are over a thousand kilometers of hiking trails here, the most popular ones are near Demänovská dolina. Besides hiking, you can also visit some amazing caves here, such as Demänovská Cave of Liberty, Demänovská Ice Cave, and Važecká Cave.

Vlkolinec is yet another old folk village that remained intact until today and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (granted this title for the traditional features of a Central European village).

It was first mentioned in 1376 and slowly developed over the centuries until part of the village was burnt down by Nazis during World War 2. What remained is a perfect example of the typical Slovak secluded mountainous settlement.

Today the folk village consists of 43 houses (you can visit two of them inside) as well as a church and a school, most of the buildings date back to the 19th century. Vlkolinec is located just south of Ružomberok, you can get to the village by car or by one of the hiking trails.

Liptovský Mikuláš

The city is mostly known as the getaway to the surrounding Tatra Mountains (both High and Low) but it’s worth stopping here too.

Liptovský Mikuláš was founded in medieval times and today you can visit here a pleasant center with historical monuments such as the Gothic Church of Saint Nicolaus (the oldest monument in the city), a beautiful synagogue, and a few interesting museums.

Orava Castle

Orava Castle is one of the most impressive castles in Slovakia.

Located in the northern part of the country, not far from the border with Poland, on the high rock above the Orava river the castle was first mentioned in the 13th century as a royal property. Over the years it used to belong to numerous noble families.

Today you can visit the castle, including the interiors that are a mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Romanticism styles. Orava Castle has been also a popular filming location for many movies, including “Nosferatu” from 1922.

Fatra Mountains

If you enjoy hiking but are looking for a good alternative to the Tatra Mountains – Fatra Mountains might be a good option. There are actually two Fatra mountain ranges: Great Fatra (Veľká Fatra) and Little Fatra (Malá Fatra) and they are less touristy and much easier to hike in than Tatras, a perfect place for less experienced tourists.

Most of the area is covered in forest but once you get to the upper parts of the mountains the views are really splendid. The highest peak is Veľký Kriváň (1,709 meters above sea level), located in Little Fatra range.

UNESCO-listed wooden churches

In the northern part of Slovakia, you will find nine historic Carpathian Wooden Churches that were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2008.

They were built between the 16th and 18th centuries and include Roman Catholic, Protestant, and Greek Catholic churches. UNESCO awarded these historic structures as “good examples of a rich local tradition of religious architecture, marked by the meeting of Latin and Byzantine cultures”.

You can find the churches in Hervartov, Tvrdošín, Kežmarok, Leštiny, Hronsek, Bodružal, Ladomirová, and Ruská Bystrá. Each and every one of them is beautiful and definitely worth visiting.

Besides UNESCO-listed churches, you can find around 50 other old wooden churches in Slovakia, mostly in its northeast part near the border with Poland.

Domica Cave

Domica Cave, located right at the border of Slovakia and Hungary, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest cave in the Slovak Karst region, part of the 25 km long cave system (most of it lies in Hungary, though).

The over 5 km long cave was discovered in 1932 and today you can visit a big part of it (around 1600 meters). During your visit, you will also take the boat tour on the underground river Styx.

Medzilaborce

Medzilaborce might not be the most exciting place to visit in Slovakia but there is one solid reason to go there, especially for fans of art. Even is he was born in the US, Andy Warhol’s family originally came from the Medzilaborce region.

Since 1991 the town has been home to the only European museum dedicated to the famous artist and his works as well as modern art.

Poloniny National Park

Located in the very northeast of Slovakia, right at the border with Poland and Ukraine, Poloniny National Park is a truly off-the-path place to visit. It focuses on the Bukovské vrchy mountains, with the highest peak Kremenec (1221 meters above sea level).

This is a perfect area for hiking or cross country skiing in winter, you will also find some beautiful wooden churches there.

Parts of the Poloniny National Park are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List as Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians.

Wine regions

It might be a surprise to many by Slovakia has a long wine tradition, dating back to medieval times. The local wine isn’t widely recognized internationally (yet) but it has a strong position within Slovakia and neighboring countries.

You can find six wine regions in the country, all of them located in the southern part of Slovakia.

The most popular one, easily reachable from Bratislava, is the Little Carpathians Wine Region where, besides numerous family-owned wine cellars, you can also visit old royal towns, such as Svätý Jur, Pezinok, or Modra. The best time to visit the region is during Wine Cellars Open Day, happening twice a year, in May and November.

On the other side of the country, not far from Kosice, you will find the Tokaj region (usually associated with Hungary since its larger part lies there).

Travel Resources

Below you can find the brands I trust and use when planning trips:

• You can find the best accommodation options at Booking . They have many discounts and excellent customer service. Click here to look for the place to stay in Slovakia
• I recommend joining organized tours to get to know the place better and to visit more places during your trip. You can find a great selection of tours at Viator or Get Your Guide .
• To always stay connected I use Airalo eSim cards – click here to get yours!
• Never travel without travel insurance , you never know what might happen and better safe than sorry. You can check the insurance policy for Slovakia here.
• Make sure to have the offline map always installed on your phone, they can save you so many troubles. I always use the free app Maps.Me .

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That is a great list of most beautifull places in Slovakia. But it is easily to add many more interesting places. I will suggest some of them. Lakes: Sun lakes (near Senec), Zemplinska Širava, Liptovska Mara (both artificial lakes). Towns: Skalica, Kysucke Nove Mesto, Prešov, Rožnava, Senec, Zvolen, Humenne, Levice, Hlohovec, Galanta. Brezova pod Bradlom, Castles: Červeny Kamen, Betliar, Snina, Slovenska Lupča, Oponice, Budmerice Castle ruins: Beckov, Čachtice, Branč, Jasenov, Považsky, Brekov, Divin (not Devin, but there is also Divin), Šašov, Lietava, Likava, Plavecky, Pajštun, Tematin, Čabrad, Revište, Šomoška, Filakovo, Kapušany, Šariš, Slanec. Caves: Gombasek, Driny, Ochtina Aragonit. Ski resorts: Donovaly, Zuberec, Oščadnica Open air museums: Svidnik, Zuberec. I have been to all of these places and they are all nice.

Thanks. I know many of the places you’ve mentioned but it’s impossible to list them all and I’ve decided to focus only on the best ones. But hopefully your comment will be an inspiration to others. Thanks again.

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10 Best places to visit in Slovakia

Martin Talač

1. bratislava – capital city of slovakia.

The capital city of Slovakia – Bratislava, is the gateway to Slovakia and indeed one of the places you have to visit on your tour to Slovakia. The most beautiful part is  the Old Town , even though it is not very big. My favourite activity is an evening summer walk through the old and narrow streets of the Old Town, followed by a walk to the Bratislava castle, from where you will see the evening silhouette of the city.

Apart of that, Bratislava has a rich history. Since it was founded in the year 907, a lot of happened in this area. It´s because of the strategic place, which has often played a big role in the history of central Europe. In the medieval times, Bratislava was the capital of  the Kingdom of Hungary , the seat of the Hungarian Diet, central administration and the  coronation town  of the Hungarian Kings and Queens.

Bratislava now is the modern city and the seat of most important political, economic, social and scientific bodies and institutions.

Places to see in Bratislava

Bratislava Castle – the monumental building, looking like a table turned upside down, has been dominating the landscape of Bratislava for centuries. The existence of the castle was mentioned for the first time in 907 in written documents. Since then it has undergone numerous reconstructions. The last one happened just recently, couple of years ago, when the castle´s gardens were refurbished and reopened.

Slavin memorial – The Slavin monument reminisces the lives of more than 6800 Soviet soldiers who died in the WWII, during the liberation of Bratislava in April 1945. Many of fallen soldiers are buried directly in Slavin. Slavin memorial was built in late 1950´s. It offers spectacular views of the whole city of Bratislava.

St Martin´s Cathedral – is the biggest Gothic church in Bratislava. It played especially important role from 1563 till 1830, as the location where 19 monarchs of the Hungarian Kingdom were crowned. Probably the most significant coronation took place in 1741, when Maria Theresa was crowned It´s history goes back to 13th centuries and similar as other sites, the cathedral has undergone numerous reconstructions throughout the centuries.

The Blue Church – built at the beginning of 20th century, represents the art nouveau architecture in Bratislava. It has become famous mainly due to it´s color and shape resembling a gingerbread house. Nowadays it still remains in use and is popular for weddings by locals. Therefore it´s uneasy to get inside of the church.

2. THE HIGH TATRAS

The High Tatras range is part of the Tatra Mountains , which, in turn, are part of the Carpathian Mountains. The range lies on the border between northern Slovakia and Poland, and is preserved in both countries with National Park and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve listing. With its abundance of high peaks, rugged valleys, alpine tarns and wildlife, the High Tatras are often likened to the Alps, but smaller and more personal.

There are 26 mountains in the High Tatras that rise to 2500m or higher. The highest (Gerlachovsky Peak, 2655m) and second highest (Lomnicky Peak, 2654m) are both located just outside Tatranska Lomnica, the town where your apartment-hotel is, providing incredible views in every direction.

Places to visit in Tatra mountains

Strbske pleso – very famous place in Tatras because of the lake of the same name. Lake Strbske pleso is part of the village. It´s very easy reachable, because no hiking is required. Just a short stroll from the car park or train station. The panorama of the Tatra mountains behind the lake is breathtaking and beautiful in each season. Strbske pleso changes into a center of winter sports in winter. You can go skiing, ski touring or cross country skiing.

Skalnate pleso – Skalnate pleso is a lake situated 1700m asl. But don´t worry, you don´t have to hike there, you can just hop on a cable car and make the way really easy. The bottom station of the cable car is in Tatranska Lomnica. The price of return ticket for an adult person is 19 EUR in 2020. There is a cafe and restaurant right next to the lake where you can enjoy a cup of coffee or lunch.

Peak Lomnicky stit – is the second highest peak of Slovakia with the height of 2634m asl. Good news is that you can get to the top with a cable car. To get there you need to get the tickets first. You can do so on the website of Tatra Mountain resorts . The cable car goes to the top from Tatranska Lomnica and you have to change at Skalnate pleso.

Little disadvantage is that you have to buy the tickets in advance for certain hour, but you don´t know what the weather will be like in that time. You should buy the tickets for the cable car to peak Lomnicky stit couple of days in advance in the summer season, because the demand is high and the tickets are sold quickly.

Hrebienok – A crossroad of many hiking trails heading to Big or Small cold valleys, to Peak Slavkovsky stit or to Skalnate pleso start here. It´s easily reachable by a funicular which operates from Stary Smokovec or by foot. It takes about 5 mins by funicular and 40-60 mins by foot. Once you are there, lot of people tend to go and see the waterfalls situated nearby or to see the Ice Dome in winter.

Tatranska Lomnica – One of the most popular villages in the Tatra mountains where holidaymakers decide to stay. It´s easy reachable by trains, there are many hiking paths in the area and it is a center of skiing in winter in the High Tatras mountains. Many good hotels and restaurants are situated here. The museum of Tatra National Park (TANAP) and botanical garden of Tatras is situated in this village.

Stary Smokovec – Bottom station of a funicular going to Hrebienok is situated here. Stary Smokovec is a very nice village with lot of hotels, good restaurants, bars and coffee places. Tricklandia is also situated here if you´ve heard of it.

Belianska cave – The only publicly open cave in the High Tatras. It´s worth of seeing anytime, but especially on a rainy day, when it´s not suitable for hiking. But in this case, visit the cave as soon as possible, because otherwise you can end up in a long queue. The adult ticket costs 8 EUR (payable in cash only), the temperature inside is around 6°C even in summer, so don´t forget to bring some long sleeve shirt or jacket along with you.

3. THE SPIŠ CASTLE – UNESCO

The Spiš Castle was built in the beginning of the 12 th  century and is one of the largest castles in Slovakia and even in Europe. In 1993 was included on the  UNESCO  World Heritage List, thanks to its Roman palace. There are only few palaces left, built in this style in Europe. The Castle is an exceptional example of medieval fortification architecture and thanks to that, it remained unconquered, though seriously damaged, by Tartar invaders in 1241.

An extensive fire in 1780 turned the castle into ruins. They say that the fire was caused by the knights distilling schnapps.  Since then, the castle was never really restored.

The Spis castle was built on a strategic place – dolomite rocks above surrounding lands and above the village of Spisske Podhradie.

Because the castle is highest point of the area, you will get an amazing view from the top of the old watchtower. The way to the top of it is an experience in itself. You will be walking on a narrow and low original staircase.

The castle is open from April till the end of October. Sometimes also in November according to weather conditions. The entry fee is 8 EUR/adult person. You can wait for guided tour or go and explore it on your own with an audio guide, which you can get for free (10 EUR deposit). There is no fee at the car park (may change in the future).

4. THE SLOVAK PARADISE

Slovak Paradise National Park is accurately named. With a wealth of forests, meadows, plateaus, canyons and caves, the park’s landscape is a playground ready for you to explore. You have a plenty possibilites for hikes that include a system of ladders, catwalks and bridges past waterfalls and lush vegetation in the park’s remarkable gorges.

Slovak Paradise National Park is composed of several smaller nature reserves, the first of which was established in 1890. The park protects a wide range of natural features, including forests, meadows, plateaus, gorges, caves (more than 350 of them!) and waterfalls. With over 300km of trails, including some that delve into the park’s gorges, Slovak Paradise is a wonderful place to explore.

The most famous and interesting gorges are situated in the north side of the national park, around the villages of Hrabusice, Podlesok and Cingov. The gorges that we recommend to hike are Sucha Bela, Piecky, Klastorska Roklina and canyon – Prielom Hornadu. Prielom Hornadu is a canyon, because river Hornad flows through it.

You can´t be afraid of heights , if you want to go hiking in the Slovak Paradise. It´s because the ladders are 5-12 meters high on average. Majority of wooden bridges (which look like horizontal ladders) don´t have any handrails or chains to hold on to. It´s pure adventure!

The Slovak Paradise is the only national park in Slovakia, where you have to pay the entry fee . 1 day ticket per person is 1,50 EUR. You will also need to pay for parking, which costs 3-5 EUR. They take only cash.

5. BANSKÁ ŠTIAVNICA – UNESCO

The history of  Banská Štiavnica  (UNESCO World Heritage Site) is closely associated with mining industry. In the 18 th  and 19 th  centuries was Banská Štiavnica one the richest and most important centers in the Habsburg Monarchy, as it became the European centre for mining, academics, scientists and technologies related to mining.

Banska Štiavnica had the third largest population in the Monarchy and the town became extremely wealthy, because of the rich gold and silver veins. The rich entrepreneurs built large, expensive and beautifully designed buildings and palaces and formed the beautiful historic town in the mountains.

The sites of worth visiting in Banska Stiavnica are the Old castle, New castle, open air mining museum or calvary. Calvary is the only one with no entry fee. When you walk to the very top, you will get beautiful view of the whole town and surroundings. Definitely recommended.

The opening times of each site and museum is different, therefore we recommend you to check the information about particular place on the official website of all museums .

Sites and places of Banska Stiavnica

Old Castle (Stary Zamok) – nowadays serve the as the main museum of the town with several different exhibitions. It used to be a church, but was rebuilt into a fortress against Turks in 16th century. The history of the place goes back to 13th century, when the first church was built.

New Castle (Novy Zamok) – was originally a church rebuilt into a small fortress in the middle of 16th century against Turks. Similar like the Old Castle. It was also used as a watch tower and part of the main fortification of the town. There is a permanent exhibition installed inside on 4 floors.

Open air mining museum – The history of Banska Stiavnica is all about mining and therefore you can go and visit an open air museum on the outskirts of the town. It depicts the history of mining in the area and Slovakia. You would be even taken to the underground, to the old mines.

Calvary – belongs to the most beautiful Baroque calvaries of Europe. It was recently reconstructed and now attracts more and more visitors. It is open daily at 10-16 from June to September and on Saturdays and Sunday from October to May.

6. OCHTINSKA ARAGONIT CAVE – UNESCO

One of the most interesting caves I have ever been to, is surely the Ochtinska Aragonit Cave, which is also part of the  UNESCO  Natural World Heritage. There are only 4 caves of this kind in the world – Slovakia, Czech Republic, Mexico and Argentina. It was discovered by an accident, while the miners were drilling the geological survey. The cave is a  world rarity  and unique natural phenomenon, due to the richness and variety of aragonit fill.

The way to this aragonit cave is a bit tough, as it is situated in less inhabited area of Slovakia and the roads are not in the best condition. But if you decide to visit it, you won´t regret.

The cave is open daily from May till the end of October, except Mondays. The entry fee costs 7 EUR/person. If you want to take photos inside, you have to pay 10 EUR surcharge.

7. WOODEN CHURCHES – UNESCO

Wooden churches of the Slovak part of Carpathian Mountain Area, which were added to the list of  UNESCO  World Heritage Sites in 2008, possess an extraordinary worldwide value. The churches include: Roman Catholic churches in Hervartov and Tvrdošín, Evangelical articular churches in Kežmarok, Leštiny and Hronsek, and churches of Eastern rite in Bodružal, Ladomirová and Ruská Bystrá.

Wooden churches are specific samples of sacred architecture in Slovakia.

8. Bojnice castle

When making a list of best places to visit in Slovakia, we definitely can´t forget about the Bojnice castle in the western part of Slovakia, situated about 2 hours away from Bratislava by car.

Bojnice castle is considered to be one of the most beautiful castles in Slovakia thanks to a huge reconstruction which took place at the beginning of 20th century. The reconstruction was inspired by French chateauxs in the Loire valley.

The very first written mention comes from 13th century. Wooden fortress built in the similar place at those times was a predecessor of the current castle.

Bojnice is also very famous for ZOO situated right next to the castle and most popular in Slovakia. Often families with children head to Bojnice to visit the castle and the ZOO to spend a great day there.

The castle is open all year round. The entry ticket costs 10 EUR/person. The English tours are held daily at 10 o´clock. However be careful in May. Each Monday is closed, but only in May.

9. Orava castle

An impressive building on a high rock formation above a river. What is it? It must be the one and only Orava castle, the dominant site of the whole Orava region.

Similar like other castles of Slovakia, this one was initially build of wood at first and later after Tartar invasion rebuilt in stone in 13th century. The oldest part of the castle is on the top of the cliff. It was not so huge at the very beginning, but was growing bigger and bigger over the upcoming centuries. The castle is one of the best preserved castles of Slovakia.

The castle is open all year round except April, when it´s closed. You can only enter the castle with a guide during a guided tour. The ticket costs 7 EUR/person for longer tour and 5 EUR/person for shorter one.

10. Village of Čičmany

This is place is maybe surprising in our list of best places to visit in Slovakia, because it´s just a tiny village. However is really unique because of the original wooden decorated houses made by locals.

It has all started approx. 150 years ago, when the local people started to paint ornaments on their houses with lime in order to protect the wood. Later they realized it´s quite nice and unique and so they began to paint more and more ornaments of various shapes all around the house. The tradition sustains till nowadays and you can admire these houses when you come to visit the village.

You can visit the village every day of the year. There is a small souvenir shop and tiny museum, which are open daily in the main summer season and mainly during weekends in the off-season months.

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Bratislava, the Tatras, Spiš Castle, and much more

You should visit at least three of these places to be able to say you’ve experienced Slovakia. The most interesting cities, unique nature, spas, and UNESCO sites that have survived centuries. Slovakia’s tourism opportunities are rich and varied. Come and enjoy for yourself something that you won’t find anywhere else!

• Bratislava Tatras Spiš castle
• Košice Slovak paradise Wooden churches
• Banská Štiavnica Caves of the Slovak Karst Bardejov
• Spa Piešťany Jánošíkove diery Region of Liptov

• 20 Must Visit Attractions In...

20 Must Visit Attractions in Slovakia

Freelance Travel Writer

There’s way more than just 20 must visit attractions in Slovakia but if you only have time to cover the basics, here is a condensed bucket list of the most incredible places to check out. Tip : rent a car to see as many of these as possible, as several are located in areas difficult to reach by public transport!

Float down the dunajec river on a wooden raft.

In Pieniny National Park , raftsmen navigate the Dunajec River on traditional wooden rafts while telling tourists local stories about the region. In addition to enjoying a unique and relaxing trip along the water, visitors to Pieniny can also take an old-fashioned horse and carriage ride or stroll around the natural travertine lake.

📍 Pieninský národný park +48 18 2625601

The second highest peak in the High Tatras is accessible by hiking or via cable car. Breathtaking views over Slovakia’s mountainous terrain await at the top. To make your trip truly memorable, consider booking a room to spend the night at the highest local suite in Central Europe – at 2,634 meters!

📍 Lomnický štít, 059 60 Vysoké Tatry +421 90 3112200

Admire a Gothic Fresco at the Nitra Castle

One of the most recently discovered treasures at the Nitra Castle is the Gothic fresco of the Death and Coronation of Virgin Mary. The fresco was discovered during a large restoration and reconstruction project in the St. Emerson Cathedral on the castle grounds.

📍 Nitriansky hrad, Námestie Jána Pavla II. 1012/7, 949 01 Nitra +421 37 7721724

See Fabulously Preserved Traditional Slovak Houses

Visit the first-ever folk architecture reservation in the world – Čičmany. The village features traditional log houses decorated with white detailed ornamentation in typical Slovak patterns.

📍 Čičmany, Slovak Republic

Step Back in Time in a Fortified Medieval Town

Bardejov is a well-preserved example of a fortified medieval town, included on UNESCO’s World Heritage List . Complete with town walls, burgher’s houses, a town hall, churches, and a Jewish quarter, the town has been able to maintain a high level of authenticity without any major demolitions or additions since medieval times.

📍 Bardejov, Slovak Republic

Climb a Hill to an Important Calvary Site

The 18th century Baroque calvary site above Banska Stiavnica is famous for its unique construction, which consists of 17 stations instead of the traditional 14. Although an important religious site, it is also a remarkable tourist destination. The heavenly views over the old town of Banska Stiavnica, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are worth the short pilgrimage to the top of the calvary hill.

📍 Banska Stiavnica Kalvária, Pod Kalváriou 754/9, 969 01 Banská Štiavnica

Admire the Largest Church in Slovakia

St. Elisabeth Minister cathedral in Kosice is the largest church in Slovakia and an interesting example of Western-style Gothic architecture in the East. The church was built and ornamented between 1380-1477. The beauty of the church is not limited to the exterior, but also the stunning Gothic paintings adorning the walls inside.

📍 St. Elisabeth Cathedral, Hlavná, 040 01 Košice-Staré Mesto-Košice +421 55 6220079

Visit One of the Youngest Modern Art Museums in the World

Located about 20 kilometers outside of Bratislava, the Danubiana Meulensteen is a treasure trove for modern art enthusiasts. Opened in 2000 on the banks of the Danube River, the Danubiana houses a contemporary art and sculpture collection including an impressive compilation of Slovakian art from the second half of the twentieth century. This is THE place to experience the best modern Slovak art.

📍 Danubiana Meulensteen Art Museum, Vodné dielo Slovensko, 851 10 Bratislava-Čunovo +421 26 2528501

Hike, Ski, or Mountain Bike at Jasná

During winter, the trails at Jasná Nízke Tatry comprise the largest ski area in Slovakia, which remains open from December to April. From April to November, hikers and mountain bikers flock to the mountain resort for fabulous Low Tatra mountain views and well marked trails with frequent rest stops at mountain huts and chalets.

📍 Jasná Nízke Tatry, 031 01 Demänovská Dolina +421 90 7886644

Learn About Slovakia’s History at the Bratislava Castle

Dominating the skyline of Bratislava, on a small hill in the shadows of the small Carpathians, the large rectangular castle building commands attention from the city below. A castle has existed on this site since the 15th century, and the history of buildings on this hill dates all the way back to Roman times. Now you can find a museum of Slovak history in the castle. Lovely Baroque gardens are situated just to the rear of the castle and visitors are rewarded for the short uphill hike with spectacular views over the Danube and Bratislava’s Old Town.

📍 Bratislava Castle, 811 06 Bratislava +421 25 4411444

Relax in Piestany’s Picturesque Spas

The thermal waters in Piestany’s spas are said to have a variety of medicinal benefits; from assisting with migraines to therapeutic effects on inflammatory diseases. Regardless of whether or not you suffer from any medical ailments, the relaxing spas of Piestany are a tranquil escape. The Danubius Health Spa Resort Thermia Palace is a one stop vacation spot, offering a complete service spa and mineral pool, plus a restaurant and bar. The attractive art nouveau building is located directly on the walking and cycling paths along the Váh River.

📍 Danubius Health Spa Resort Thermia Palace, Winterova 1739/29, 921 01 Piestany +421 33 7756111

Enjoy a Royal View at Spis Castle

The highlight of visiting Spis Castle is the opportunity to admire architecture from several centuries with an outstanding view towards the High Tatras mountain range. The oldest architectural remains in the castle date back to the 12th century, but visitors can observe additions which were made all the way through the 18th century, when it was used as a noble family’s home as well as a military outpost.

📍 Spis Castle, 053 61 Žehra +421 53 4541336

Take a Boat Trip on an Underground River

In the southwest of Slovakia, the Domica Cave is home to the underground Styx River, which visitors can cruise along on a guided tour in a small boat. The cave is also home to about 1,500 bats, you might spy some hiding in the cave’s impressive stalactites and stalagmites.

📍 Domica Cave, Jaskyňa Domica, 049 55 Dlhá Ves +421 58 7882010

Race Down the Waterslides at Tatralandia

The largest water park in Slovakia is open all year round with thermal relaxation pools and saunas for adults and 26 slides for the young and young at heart. Even in winter it feels like summer in Tatralandia’s Tropical Paradise, where the temperature is consistently maintained above 30°C, making it the perfect place to unwind in the evenings after skiing at one of the nearby Tatra mountain resorts.

📍 AquaPark Tatralandia, Ráztocká 21, 031 05 Liptovský Mikuláš +421 91 5834644

Catch Your Reflection in the Neoclassical Hall of Mirrors

The iconic Primatial Palace in Bratislava was constructed between 1778 and 1781 for Archbishop Jozef Batthyany. Many important political events have occurred in the palace, which now serves as the seat of the Mayor of Bratislava. Don’t miss the fabulous Fountain of St. George and the Dragon in the interior courtyard!

📍 Primatial Palace, Primaciálne námestie 494/2, 811 01 Staré Mesto +421 25 9356394

Escape to the Himalayas in a Castle

Slovaks love to drink tea and they’ve got a ton of castles. Put the two together and you’ve got the Tea House in a Castle, located in the medieval Zvolen Castle. Step into the dimly-lit room cut into the stone walls of the castle and take a seat in one of the low chairs, or on the floor in the loft (no shoes allowed!) for a more authentic tea house feel. Then order your favorite type of tea, freshly prepared and served in cute teapots and cups.

📍 Čajovňa na zámku, Nám. SNP 594/1, 960 01 Zvolen +421 90 7150721

Take a Boat Trip to Devin Castle

Only 10 kilometers away from Bratislava on a hill on the banks of the Danube sits the ruins of what once served as an important fortress in the Great-Moravian era. Pack a picnic to enjoy in the shade of the castle on a day trip to Devin and take the river cruise boat back to Bratislava in the afternoon.

📍 Devin Castle, Muránská, 841 10 Devín +421 26 5730105

Stop to Reflect on the Past at the Highest Point in Bratislava

On a hill overlooking the city of Bratislava, you can find The Slavin Memorial, the burial site of 6,845 Soviet soldiers who liberated Bratislava from the Germans in 1945. The massive Stalinist-style monument makes you feel small in comparison and the huge graveyard standing watch over the city is a meaningful spot for reflection.

📍 Slavin War Memorial, Pažického, 811 04 Staré Mesto

Visit an 860 Year Old Mint

The Kremnica Mint was first documented in 1441, and has been producing money for various rulers, monarchies, and republics ever since. Today the mint manufactures euro coins and commemorative coins. Several other countries place orders for coin manufacturing to Kremnica due to the high quality standards maintained by this well known mint.

📍 Kremnica Mint, Štefánikovo nám. 25/24, 967 01 Kremnica +421 45 6787800

Observe Bratislava’s Main Square from Above

In addition to viewing artifacts from the Neolithic period to today, visitors to the Museum of City History in Bratislava are rewarded with a stunning view of the city’s main square from the top of the old town hall tower. Plan to spend two to three hours enjoying the museum’s interesting display of historical objects such as invitations to craftsmen’s guild balls, original packaging from Slovak food companies, and folk arts and crafts from the 1920’s.

📍 Museum of City History, Radničná 577/1, 811 01 Bratislava +421 25 9100812

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10 Best Places to Visit in Slovakia

By Alex Schultz · Last updated on October 3, 2023

Lying right in the center of Europe, Slovakia is a delight to explore. Crumbling castles and medieval towns can be found tucked away among its stunning scenery, with lots of interesting historic sights and cultural landmarks for you to discover.

Due to its strategic location, the country has been conquered and ruled by everyone from the Mongols and Hungarians to the Ottomans and Czechs; it was only in 1993 that the nation of Slovakia came into being for the first time.

Map of the best places in Slovakia

Despite its youth, the country’s rich culture and heritage shine forth wherever you go, with plenty of local traditions and customs for you to delve into. While its many historic towns and villages are captivating to explore, Slovakia is also blessed with some gorgeous scenery. Plan your trip to this undiscovered Central European travel destination with our list of the best places to visit in Slovakia.

10. Orava Castle

Set upon a craggy hilltop amid a verdant forest that tumbles down its steep slopes, Orava Castle certainly looks impressive, as rolling hills lie off in the distance, and the Orava River runs below its imposing cliff face.

One of the most beautiful castles in the whole of Slovakia, Orava Castle was built all the way back in the 13th century, although earlier wooden palisades and fortifications once occupied its prominent outcrop.

As each generation added its own touches and additions, the castle boasts a variety of architectural styles, with Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance features all evident. Its museum houses some wonderful old artifacts and archaeological findings that document its rich history. Throughout the many centuries that it has stood atop the bluff, the Orava Castle has never been conquered; it’s easy to see why once you pass through its many gates, walls, and defenses.

9. Vlkolinec

One of the only remaining folk villages in the whole of Central Europe, Vlkolínec is full of impressive architecture, with traditional log houses lying next to a beautiful Baroque chapel and an antiquated old bell tower. A very quaint and charming place to visit, the tiny village is set in an idyllic spot amidst forest-clad hills and fields, with mountains seen in the distance.

As such, there are many great hikes you can do in the surrounding area. Besides that, there is not all that much to do other than take in the peaceful, laidback atmosphere and marvel at the fine folk architecture.

8. Bardejov

With a delightful historic center for you to explore, the well-preserved medieval town of Bardejov is certainly worth a visit if you have the chance; it’s hard to imagine a more picturesque place.

Life in the small town revolves around its beautiful marketplace, just as it did all those centuries ago. A number of fine Gothic and Renaissance townhouses surround the elegant Church of St. Aegidius, which lies at its heart.

There is also a splendid old synagogue for you to check out, as well as a small Jewish quarter, which is sadly all that remains of the town’s once-thriving Jewish population. Located in the northeast of the country, with the Beskyd Mountains all around it, the town is surrounded by some fantastic 14th and 15th-century fortifications, with several interesting wooden churches scattered around the surrounding countryside.

7. Slovak Paradise National Park

Encompassing a wide array of wild and rugged landscapes, the Slovak Paradise National Park is a breathtakingly beautiful part of the country to explore; deep canyons, valleys, and rivers cut through the endless forests on show.

The scenery is absolutely stunning wherever you go; amid the dense undergrowth, you can find sparkling waterfalls and deep rocky gorges, with the astounding Dobsinska Ice Cave just one of its main attractions.

Due to all of the amazing natural sights found in the park, it really is a treat to explore, and a myriad of paths and trails snake through the glorious Solvak Paradise mountain range. At times, you need to cross flimsy bridges that sway precariously to and fro, and clamber up steep ladders that hug the cliff face. The hike through the Sucha Bela Gorge is particularly challenging, but the beauty makes it well worth the effort.

Over the centuries, Kosice has been ruled by everyone from the Hungarians and Turks to the Czechs and Slovaks. As such, there is a myriad of amazing monuments, statues, and cultural landmarks for you to check out.

Slovakia’s second-largest city has a wealth of great things for you to see and do, with fantastic bars, restaurants, and shops found alongside its many art galleries, museums, and theaters.

While its thriving arts and culture scene is certainly worth exploring, no visit to Kosice can be complete without taking in all the fantastic sights and architecture found in its spectacular old town. Besides its stunning 14th century cathedral, there is a huge array of churches and palaces to see. Many people use Kosice as a base from which to explore the plethora of astonishing sights that dot the east of the country.

Lined with beautiful old townhouses, Levoca’s historic main square certainly is spectacular, with a glorious Gothic church and 15th-century town hall lying at its heart. Levoca is full of incredible historic sights and cultural landmarks, with lots of magnificent architecture scattered around town; you’ll see Baroque, Renaissance, and Gothic features.

While its gorgeous main square is the highlight, there’s more than enough to keep you occupied for a day or two. The surrounding region is awash with amazing sights should you want to visit Spis Castle or the scenic Tatra Mountains.

With a very laidback feel to it, Levoca is the perfect place to visit if you’re after a quiet getaway. When in town, a peaceful stroll up to the Church of Marianska Hora is a must for the fantastic views and its important spiritual significance.

4. Spis Castle

Overlooking the town of Spisske Podhradie from on top of a hill, the vast ruins of Spis Castle cover a vast expanse of territory. As such, it should come as no surprise to learn that it is one of the largest castle complexes in the whole of Central Europe. Wandering around its many walls, fortifications, and towers is an amazing experience, and the mind boggles at the sheer size and scale of everything.

Once the major center of power in the surrounding region, Spis Castle is now one of the most popular tourist destinations in Slovakia. It’s easy to see why once you approach the castle and see its impressive features for yourself.

Despite its ruined state, the remains of the castle still defiantly look out over the surrounding countryside and dominate the scenery with its commanding presence.

3. Banska Stiavnica

Lying at the center of what used to be an enormous caldera, Banská Štiavnica is a fascinating city to explore. Much of its fabulous wealth derives from the rich mineral deposits that were once found in the ground around the town. The former mining town has a magnificent historic center, with lots of lovely churches, palaces, and museums.

Wandering around town, you’ll pass many amazing historic sights and cultural landmarks. In addition to all this, Banská Štiavnica also has two fantastic castles for you to visit, while the open-air mining museum is well worth checking out; it takes you deep underground to see what life in the mines was really like.

2. High Tatras

As they are home to the tallest mountains in the country, the High Tatras make for some unforgettable hiking and rock climbing, while in winter, there are loads of great slopes and pistes to ski down.

The majestic mountain range really is a sight to behold; its jagged peaks rise up imperiously towards the heavens, and sparkling alpine lakes and meadows can be found tucked away among its many slopes and valleys.

Occupying an important place in the national psyche, the High Tatras are almost a national symbol, and the snow-capped Mount Krivan is the most distinctive peak. Due to the breathtakingly beautiful landscapes, the mountain range lends itself perfectly to all different types of outdoor activities. There are plenty of paths and trails for you to hike, cycle, or ski along, and the views are simply out of this world.

1. Bratislava

The nation’s capital and largest city, Bratislava has many different sides to it, and that is in part what makes it so fascinating to explore. At the historic heart of the city, one can find a magnificent hilltop castle and a range of medieval and Gothic buildings, with some fine Baroque palaces on display.

Step out of the old town, and you’ll find communist-era concrete blocks lying alongside the Danube River that courses through Bratislava, while even further out, you’ll come across picturesque farms, fields, and villages.

Among this mesmerizing mix of old and new are loads of fantastic bars and restaurants for you to try, with more upmarket boutiques and trendy cafes springing up every year.

As it boasts an ever-changing array of things for you to see and do , Bratislava never gets old. But if you should ever feel the need for a change of scenery, then both Vienna and Budapest lie nearby.

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7 Key Things to Know Before Visiting Slovakia

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When talking to people about travel in Europe, it’s interesting how often Slovakia is mentioned in a certain way. As soon as the topic of underrated destinations comes up, Slovakia is often one of the first places people suggest. There’s just a general feeling that you don’t hear much about travel to Slovakia. So, I thought I’d do my bit to help provide a little insight into what it’s like to visit Slovakia.

Over my years travelling around Europe, I’ve had the opportunity to explore a little of what this central European country has to offer. Each trip has helped reveal more of Slovakia little by little, but I’m still not as familiar with the country as I’d like. As such, I’m only sharing some basics things to know before visiting Slovakia for the first time. While it won’t be comprehensive, it should at least give you a better idea of what to expect to make the most of your time there.

Table of Contents

1. All About the Nature

There was one lesson than I keep failing to learn each time I visit Slovakia. Next time, I’m determined not to make it, because it really is quite simple and obvious; Slovakia is first and foremost a nature and outdoor destination.

Across my multiple trips to Slovakia, I’ve repeatedly only visited the country’s cities and towns. And while some of them are quite pretty, there hasn’t always been the depth you except when in Europe. But any disappointment on my behalf is my own fault, because I’ve been ignoring the country’s most celebrated attractions – it’s mountains.

Slovakia is home to two major mountain ranges, the Low Tatras and the High Tatras, the second of which often is just called the Tatra Mountains. The Low Tatras run through the centre of the country, while the High Tatras cross the northern border into Poland. By all accounts, both are full of stunning mountain scenery and awesome hiking trails. In fact, hiking or skiing are often the main answer for those asking what to do in Slovakia.

And yet, I’ve never been there! But I have learned my lesson finally and these mountains are my main priority for my next visit. Especially after my time hiking in Slovenia , I can’t wait to finally hit the trails in Slovakia next time I’m there.

2. Entry and Getting There

A major part of working out any trip is navigating the paperwork and how to best get there. On both fronts, you’ll find Slovakia an easier destination than you might think.

It helps that Slovakia is a member state of the European Union and part of the Schengen Area. This means that it allows free movement into the country from fellow members, including neighbours Austria and Czechia. Under normal border regulations, you can easily travel between these countries and won’t even encounter passport control at the borders usually.

Visiting any Schengen country, including Slovakia, will count toward the 90 days of either your Schengen Visa or visa-free period. Make sure to work out whether your nationality requires a visa for the Schengen area before travelling. A good place to start for information is here .

Finally, there’s the matter of actually getting to Slovakia. If you want to fly in, Bratislava or Kosice are the two main airports, with decent European connections. A more common approach here in central Europe though is to take the train, with good connections to Austria, Czech Republic and Hungary.

3. Getting Around

Slovakia might look small and easy to get about on a map, but looks can be deceiving. The main thing people might overlook is that there are some major mountain ranges through the centre of the country. They have a way of slowing down travel in or through central Slovakia, whether by car, bus or train.

As is usually the case for me, I’ve mostly made use of public transport when travelling around Slovakia. Like many countries in central Europe, the train network in Slovakia is pretty good and quite easy for tourists to use. Just know that the trains go around rather than through the Low Tatras, which can really slow things down. Buses run into similar limitations with the highways, with Flixbus , RegioJet and Turancar the main operators.

But of course, doing a road trip when visiting Slovakia is the other way to go. Like many countries in this part of Europe, you’ll need to purchase a vignette to use the motorways there. Having not driven personally there, I can’t comment on the road quality or signage.

4. Go Beyond Bratislava

Visitors to Slovakia often fall into the bad habit of thinking a trip to the capital means they’ve seen the whole country. While there’s no doubt that Bratislava is worth a visit and a major Slovak destination, there’s so much more to see than this one city.

Now, I know that I previously complained about the depth of destinations in Slovakia, but that doesn’t mean they have nothing to do. Because I do think these places in Slovakia are worth visiting given the chance. It’s more a comment on the development of tourism in these places, particularly for foreign tourists. For every destination like Banska Stiavnica or Banska Bystrica that has a nice variety of attractions, there are others where it’s much less obvious.

Again, part of the reason for my comments is the limited number of places I’ve been in Slovakia. Across my multiple trips, I’ve only seen a small portion of what it offers. Despite wanting to, I’ve yet to head out east to see Kosice or Poprad. Then there’s spots like the village of Čičmany that I’ve missed even when travelling close by. So make no mistake, there’s plenty of places to visit in Slovakia beyond Bratislava.

5. Learning the Language

Let’s make the fair assumption that you don’t speak Slovak if you’re reading this. Otherwise, it’s a little strange that you need advice on visiting Slovakia but already speak it’s national language. Slovak is indeed the national language of Slovakia and is a language of Slavic origins, which also makes sense due to the country’s name. This means that it’s somewhat similar to the other Slavic languages of central Europe like Czech and Slovenian.

Like most countries in Europe, you can get by in Slovakia fairly well without being fluent in the national language. It certainly won’t hurt to make the effort, but it’s not absolutely vital. English is quite spoken thanks to international tourism and modern culture, especially among younger people. German is also relatively useful in parts given the close ties between Slovakia and Austria.

For those who like to a learn a little of a local language to help them get by, this is for you. Here we have a few basic phrases to get you started. They include Dobrý Den which means ‘Hello’; Ďakujem for ‘Thank you’; Prosim for ‘Please’; Prepáčte for “Excuse Me” and Ano and Nie for ‘Yes’ and ‘No’. Mastering pronunciation of these phrases is another thing entirely though.

6. Making the Most of Your Money

This probably won’t come as much of a surprise, but you won’t be breaking the bank when visiting Slovakia. Much like the Czech Republic or Hungary, it’s a lot more affordable than destinations over in western Europe. Central Europe, with the exception of Austria, is broadly quite even in terms of value for money.

Food and transport in particular are really quite reasonably priced in Slovakia, giving you a little freedom to try local cuisine and move about. I will say that accommodation costs in Slovakia weren’t quite as cheap as I would have expected though. This was probably more to with limited availability in these smaller destinations, as well as seasonality of tourism here. As I’ve only ever done day trips, I have no idea whether Bratislava is more expensive than the rest of the country.

Another nice aspect about travel in Slovakia is that they use the Euro. This means you’re less likely to need to convert money for your trip, especially when travelling the EU. Getting money out won’t be a hassle, just make sure not to use a Euronet ATM .

7. A Surprising Bunch of Castles

One of the nicest surprises I’ve had with my travels here is discovering all the wonderful castles in Slovakia that I never knew about. There’s plenty of talk about castles in the Czech Republic , but not so much Slovakia which is disappointing given its incredible collection.

Really, you need only look at Bojnice Castle to see what I mean. I’d happily argue that it’s is one of the prettiest castles in Europe , and yet it’s a relatively obscure European attraction. But then you add in other Slovak castles like Devin Castle , Trencin Castle and Budatin Castle and you start to see that castles are one of Slovakia’s hidden talents. These are also just the ones I’ve been to, with Spiš Castle one I’d love to see one day.

The real challenge with going in search of castles here is that they’re often tucked away and a little remote. As such, getting to them via public transport can be a real challenge. A castle road trip seems like the way to go and sound pretty fun, right?

Resources for Travel to Slovakia

• Getting There: To find the cheapest and most convenient flights to Slovakia make sure to check Kayak .
• Accommodation: Here you can find hotels, apartments and guesthouses for across Slovakia, plus don’t forget Airbnb.
• Tours: There are countless day trips and sightseeing tours available in Slovakia.
• Car Hire: If you want to travel more independently, consider renting a car to drive yourself about.
• Guide Books: Lastly, if you’re after a physical guide to take with you then you can’t beat a Lonely Planet Guide.

What other things would you like to know before visiting Slovakia? Are you from Slovakia or have already visited and believe there are more things worth knowing than show in this Slovakia travel blog post? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.

David is the author behind the Travelsewhere travel blog and is always on the search for the quieter, less-visited corners of the world.

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