Summary
Slovakia, situated in Central Europe, shares its borders with the Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, Austria, and Ukraine. It offers a vibrant blend of leisurely café culture, winding streets, and picturesque towns adorned with rugged castles, Gothic churches, and expansive lush forests.
Recognized for its spas and geothermal waters, visitors can unwind in aqua parks or venture into the majestic Carpathian Mountains to partake in an array of winter sports. Join us as we embark on an exploration of this intriguing, lesser-known country, featuring spa towns, preserved villages, open-air museums, ancient volcanoes, frozen lakes, and much more.
Let us examine the top locations to visit in Slovakia:
1. Bratislava
The largest city and capital of Slovakia, Bratislava is situated along the River Danube, bordering Austria and Hungary. Visitors are drawn to the impressive Bratislava Castle, which is located on a plateau overlooking the city and dates back to the 10th century. Surrounded by lush vegetation, the area boasts numerous parks, open spaces, and lakes, including Rusovce Lake, which is notorious for being a popular spot for naturists.
While exploring Old Town, consider taking a ride on a tourist train for a quick overview of the city’s rich history and culture from a comfortable seat. Bratislava is also celebrated for its diverse music scene, ranging from underground clubs showcasing emerging experimental artists to its renowned Bratislava Music Festival and Jazz Days.
2. Liptov
The Liptov region is regarded by many locals as one of Slovakia’s crown jewels and is thus one of the most frequented areas in the country. It hosts the largest ski resort in Slovakia, Jasná, in addition to numerous trails suitable for various winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding.
If aquatic pursuits are more to your liking, consider visiting Aquapark Tatralandia, one of Central Europe’s largest water parks, with all its water sourced from thermal springs believed to possess therapeutic properties. For those intrigued by local folklore, a visit to the tranquil village of Vikolínec, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is essential, featuring log houses, a charming wooden chapel, and a folklore museum.
3. Slovak Karst Caves
Slovakia is home to nearly 2,500 caves, with ongoing discoveries leading to over 400 already explored. The entire Slovak Karst region has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and for enthusiasts of spelunking, a trip to one of the stunning caves in the area is imperative.
For those wishing to witness one of only three Aragonite caves globally, the Ochtinská Aragonite Cave is a must-visit. Additionally, the courageous may explore a section of Domica Cave that features boat rides along the River Styx, named for the river in Greek mythology that separating mortals from the Underworld.
4. Košice
The delightful city of Košice was honored as the European Capital of Culture in 2013 and showcases a cosmopolitan atmosphere that seamlessly combines the old and the new. Explore the Old Town to discover medieval architecture and several protected buildings.
St. Elisabeth Cathedral, a prime example of Gothic architecture built in the 14th century, is a highlight, alongside St. Michael Chapel from the same era. For cultural enthusiasts, the East Slovak Gallery and the East Slovak Museum offer insights into Slovak art and history, respectively.
5. Levoca
Visit the town of Levoca if you appreciate Renaissance architecture, as it showcases ample examples, including the Roman Catholic Church of St. James, home to the highest carved wooden altar in Europe. The Old Town remains encircled by its original town walls and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In the town square, visitors will find the Old Town Hall, which now operates as a museum, alongside a rather intriguing relic known as ‘The Cage of Shame,’ used for the punishment of criminals in historical times.
6. Piešťany
Primarily known as a spa town, Piešťany welcomes visitors looking for rest and rejuvenation, offering therapeutic thermal waters and sulfuric mud believed to treat various ailments. The spa is situated on Spa Island, featuring a range of treatments and baths that utilize the geothermal properties from nearby mineral deposits.
In addition to the spa, there are hiking trails and fitness areas, while visitors can explore the park on Spa Island, which showcases fountains, statues, and a Social Centre that houses galleries and museums.
7. Žilina
Located near the borders of the Czech Republic and Poland, the city of Žilina boasts a charming historic center renowned for its quaint churches and stunning views of the surrounding Mala Fatra Mountains. Art enthusiasts should not miss the Museum of Art Žilina, featuring both classical and contemporary art that illuminates the region’s folk traditions.
For those wanting to experience the natural beauty of the area, Žilina Dam offers walking and running trails, as well as skating and cycling paths, in addition to volleyball and basketball courts. Thrill-seekers can even try paragliding at the nearby Stranik Hill.
8. Trenčín
Trenčín, situated near the border with the Czech Republic, is famed for its historic region characterized by the stunning Trenčín Castle, perched on a rock and known for its medieval architecture divided into upper and lower castle sections.
The city features a traditional town square lined with Baroque buildings and churches, inviting visitors to wander the winding streets that host boutiques, galleries, and shops specializing in local arts and crafts—ideal for acquiring souvenirs. Moreover, a prominent music festival, regarded as the largest in Slovakia, takes place annually in the city.
9. Poprad
Popular among Slovak residents as a holiday destination, this city in northern Slovakia serves as a gateway to the High Tatra Mountains via the Tatra Electric Railway. The historic center is distinguished by its Baroque and Renaissance architecture, exemplified by the Church of John the Baptist and the Renaissance Bell Tower.
To fully experience what the city has to offer, visit Aqua City Poprad, where one can enjoy thermal waters and saunas, along with a variety of activities such as water tobogganing and playgrounds. For those seeking more vigorous pursuits, biking trails are abundant throughout the city, facilitating opportunities for roller-skating as well.
10. Stará Ľubovňa
This city is renowned for the Stará Ľubovňa Open Air Museum, also referred to as the Museum of Folk Architecture, which includes the adjoining Ľubovňa Castle along with traditional smaller residences and charming historical houses.
Visitors can discover several log structures and learn about life in Slovakia during the early 19th century. In addition to the log cabins, there are functioning buildings such as a blacksmith’s workshop, a water mill, and a village school, providing insights into local crafts from the past, along with a wooden Catholic Church. Ľubovňa Castle features observation towers with views over the city, and includes an on-site museum with guided tours available for visitors.
11. Banská Štiavnica
The town of Banská Štiavnica is nestled within a caldera formed by a collapsed volcano, now graced with the Štiavnica Mountains. It is adorned with numerous charming ancient buildings, including two castles known as New Castle and Old Castle. Embedded within the volcanic landscape, The Cavalry is a grand complex predominantly showcasing Baroque architecture, featuring over twenty chapels and churches that visitors can explore, adorned with meticulously restored murals and frescoes.
Another significant site in Banská Štiavnica is the town square, named Holy Trinity Square in honor of the statue of the Holy Trinity, which comes alive with markets and cultural events throughout the year, including music performances and folk dancing.
12. Spiš
The Spiš region, located near the Polish border, is most renowned for the imposing Spiš Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to the 12th century. Originally constructed in the Romanesque style, this stone fortification features robust defenses against invaders and is now open to the public for tours, which include access to the castle museum showcasing historical artifacts such as medieval torture devices.
13. Slovak Paradise National Park
As one of Slovakia’s nine national parks, Slovak Paradise National Park offers a pristine environment showcasing diverse flora and fauna, encompassing vast forests, lush parklands, and cool caves. With over 300 kilometers of hiking trails available, the park caters to hikers of all fitness levels. Birdwatching and cycling are also favored activities within the park’s natural beauty.
The park is home to canyons, ravines, lakes, and gorges, including the famous UNESCO World Heritage Site, Dobšinská Ice Cave, notable for its unique frozen interiors and being one of the few caves open to the public.
14. Bardejov
Bardejov, situated at the foothills of the Beskyd Mountains, is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site largely due to its well-preserved medieval town center. History and architecture enthusiasts will appreciate the town square, which retains traditional burgher houses in various period styles, together with the Gothic and Renaissance-style town hall that now serves as a museum, recognized as the oldest museum in the country.
The town’s fortifications, including the original city walls dating back to the 15th century, remain intact and are carefully preserved for visitor exploration.
15. Slovak Carpathians
The Slovak Carpathians constitute a mountain range traversing Slovakia and the Czech Republic, featuring the majestic White Carpathians on the Slovak side, including the White Carpathians Protected Landscape Area.
This primarily forested region offers ample opportunities for communion with nature through rambling, hiking, and climbing. Additionally, the upper reaches of the Carpathians boast nine ski resorts, providing a variety of skiing and snowboarding options throughout the winter months.
