Slovakia

Travel Guide
Trencin featuring a city
Historic castles, dramatic mountain views and ample space for hiking and biking make this European country a true joy for lovers of the outdoors.  

Slovakia, known officially as the Slovak Republic, is a charming country with beautiful landscapes and a wide variety of cultural attractions. See relics from its time under communist rule, visit the magnificent castles dotted around the countryside or hike up towering mountains overlooking sparkling lakes and wide valleys.  

Start in the capital, Bratislava, where everything from historic castles and modern restaurants await. Stroll along the Danube River, which winds its way through the city, and discover more about Slovakia’s history at the museum in Bratislava Castle. For fresh-air adventure, hit the dedicated biking trails of Bratislava Forest Park.

For a quieter vacation, retreat to the mountain village of Vlkolinec in central Slovakia. Here, cozy log cabins dot the landscape and a small museum tells the history of the region. The region around Orava River also makes for a nice quiet getaway. Don’t miss the stunning Orava Castle, which is set on a rocky hill just south of the Polish border.

In the east of Slovakia is the High Tatras, the tallest range in the Carpathian Mountains. In summer, go hiking here to see powerful waterfalls, dense pine forests and vast meadows. Skiing is popular here in the winter, with Strbske Pleso being the busiest ski center. Head a bit further away for peace and quiet in the village of Tatranska Lomnica.

The easiest way to reach Slovakia by air is to fly into a bordering country, such as Austria or Hungary and then take a bus or train into Slovakia. Another option is to rent a car, as Slovakia has well-maintained roads. Pay ahead to receive a permit, which allows you to drive on the highways. 

Visit Slovakia in January and February for peak skiing season, or come in summer when you can be assured that the majority of hiking trails will be open. September is wine harvest season, which is the perfect excuse to head out to the vineyards. 

To relax and unwind, consider spending a day at one of Slovakia’s mineral spas to experience a mud bath or simply soak in the warm water.

Popular cities in Slovakia

St. Martin\'s Cathedral showing a city and night scenes
Bratislava
Known for Historical, Bars and Castle
Take a romantic stroll through charming streets and alleys and visit an iconic castle in this medieval city on the Danube River.

Reasons to visit

  • Bratislava Castle
  • Blue Church
  • Devin Castle
Kosice which includes a church or cathedral, heritage architecture and a city
Kosice
Known for Historical, Cathedrals and Museums
Sloping red roofs, Gothic cathedrals and surrounding green hills make Kosice an irresistibly picturesque destination with a classically Slovakian atmosphere.

Reasons to visit

  • Hlavna Ulica
  • St. Elisabeth Cathedral
  • Crafts Lane
Vysoké Tatry
Vysoké Tatry
Known for Mountains, Hiking and Skiing
Come to quaint Vysoké Tatry and enjoy its hiking, skiing, and spas.

Reasons to visit

  • Lomnicky Peak
  • Skalnaté Pleso
  • Hrebienok
I was atop Mt. Chopok, in the Low Tatras Mountains. Chopok is at 2,024 m (6,640 ft) and is the 3rd highest peak of the Low Tatra Range. The views were truly breathtaking from there! Including the meteorological observatory tower covered in snow. But, most of my time in Slovakia was in the High Tatras. The mountains there are even bigger and more epic. I was based in the small city of Poprad and took trips every day. I was in Slovakia in September 2015, too. But this was my 1st time in winter! And with a good camera ;). I also had a wonderful time in Budapest, as well! My very 1st time there. But, while I spent most of my time in the High Tatras I loved being in the Low Tatras! The mountains were absolutely magnificent! And I came to Chopok at a perfect time of day :).
I took this photo in March 2018.
Demanovska Dolina
Known for Skiing, Spas and Rivers
Get away to relaxing Demanovska Dolina! Enjoy the skiing, spas, and mountains.

Reasons to visit

  • Chopok
Fairytale-like castle in Bojnice, central Slovakia 
#StunningStructures #lifeatexpedia #culture #history
Bojnice
Known for Spas, Zoo and Castle
Get away to Bojnice! Enjoy the spas, zoo, and castle.
Piestany
Piestany
Known for Spas, Swimming and Islands
Come to relaxing Piestany and enjoy its spas, island views, and monuments.

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