Slovakia may not be one of the most popular destinations in Europe, but there's no reason why you shouldn't drop by. In fact, here are five reasons to visit Slovakia.
Beautiful Bratislava
Most of those who visit Slovakia find themselves in the beautiful capital city of Bratislava, which alone has many attractions to offer for tourists. The most popular one is the imposing Bratislava Castle which dates back to the first century and offers breathtaking views of the city, particularly the Old Town, where you can also find the remarkable Gothic St. Martin's Cathedral, Mirbach Palace, the pink Primate's Palace, St. Michael's Tower and various other monuments. The city also has many green spaces and nearby forests that provide a sanctuary for relaxation, as well as excellent museums like the Slovak National Museum and National Gallery.
Aside from Bratislava, make sure you visit Banska Bystrica, too, which is just as beautiful, and other interesting cities like Kosice, Levoca, Trencin and Nitra, which have their own jewels for you to discover.
Tatra National Park
Next to Bratislava, the region of the Vysoke Tatry or High Tatras draws the most tourists each year. This is because it offers a wonderful alpine climate, amazing views and various opportunities for recreation. For those who love the outdoors, a climb up Krivan, its most beautiful peak, is recommended, or a hike along one of the many winding, scenic trails during summer, while facilities for skiing and other winter sports are available in winter. For those who simply want to relax, just sit back and savor the views from the train or one of the cable cars. If you're lucky, you might spot chamois and rare birds in the distance.
Spelunking
The caves in Slovakia are also remarkable sights - so impressive, in fact, that some of them have been declared World Heritage Sites. Visit the Ochtinska Cave, the largest of its kind in the world, and be astounded by the sparkling aragonite formations in its Milky Way Hall. Go on a boat trip down the river Styx in Domica Cave while spotting various species of bats. Marvel at the ice waterfalls and columns in the Dobsinska Ice Cave or experience speleotherapy at the Gombasecka and Jasovska Caves. Although not a World Heritage Site, the Demanova Cave of Freedome is also worth a visit, and is, in fact, the most visited cave in Slovakia because of its stalactite formations that come in various colors.
Castles and Churches
Aside from natural wonders, Slovakia also boasts of man-made marvels, best exemplified in its romantic castles. The most popular castle in the country is the World Heritage Spis Castle, one of the largest castles in Central Europe and a favorite location for films with a fantasy or medieval setting, although the castles at Lupca, Trencin, Nitra, Cerveny Kamen, Orava and Bojnice are just as impressive. Some castles, like Hradok Castle, offer accommodations, too.
You will also find extraordinary wooden structures like the Wooden Lutheran Church in Svaty Kriz and the rustic houses in Podbiel, when you visit Slovakia, along with a large number of wooden churches scattered in various provinces, with the most located in the province of Svidnik. The Church of St. Jacob in Levoca contains the largest wooden altar in the world.
Folk Art
Slovakia has a rich folk culture, and you can take some of it home with you when you visit Slovakia by buying popular handicrafts. The crpak (ornamented wooden cup), for example, is traditionally used in milking sheep; the fujara is the country's national instrument and the valaska is an axe-like walking stick used in the mountain regions. Dolls in national costumes, a Slovakian waistband, blue and white ceramics from Modra and kraslice (painted eggs) are also excellent choices, which you can get from shops all over the country.
Beautiful Bratislava
Most of those who visit Slovakia find themselves in the beautiful capital city of Bratislava, which alone has many attractions to offer for tourists. The most popular one is the imposing Bratislava Castle which dates back to the first century and offers breathtaking views of the city, particularly the Old Town, where you can also find the remarkable Gothic St. Martin's Cathedral, Mirbach Palace, the pink Primate's Palace, St. Michael's Tower and various other monuments. The city also has many green spaces and nearby forests that provide a sanctuary for relaxation, as well as excellent museums like the Slovak National Museum and National Gallery.
Aside from Bratislava, make sure you visit Banska Bystrica, too, which is just as beautiful, and other interesting cities like Kosice, Levoca, Trencin and Nitra, which have their own jewels for you to discover.
Tatra National Park
Next to Bratislava, the region of the Vysoke Tatry or High Tatras draws the most tourists each year. This is because it offers a wonderful alpine climate, amazing views and various opportunities for recreation. For those who love the outdoors, a climb up Krivan, its most beautiful peak, is recommended, or a hike along one of the many winding, scenic trails during summer, while facilities for skiing and other winter sports are available in winter. For those who simply want to relax, just sit back and savor the views from the train or one of the cable cars. If you're lucky, you might spot chamois and rare birds in the distance.
Spelunking
The caves in Slovakia are also remarkable sights - so impressive, in fact, that some of them have been declared World Heritage Sites. Visit the Ochtinska Cave, the largest of its kind in the world, and be astounded by the sparkling aragonite formations in its Milky Way Hall. Go on a boat trip down the river Styx in Domica Cave while spotting various species of bats. Marvel at the ice waterfalls and columns in the Dobsinska Ice Cave or experience speleotherapy at the Gombasecka and Jasovska Caves. Although not a World Heritage Site, the Demanova Cave of Freedome is also worth a visit, and is, in fact, the most visited cave in Slovakia because of its stalactite formations that come in various colors.
Castles and Churches
Aside from natural wonders, Slovakia also boasts of man-made marvels, best exemplified in its romantic castles. The most popular castle in the country is the World Heritage Spis Castle, one of the largest castles in Central Europe and a favorite location for films with a fantasy or medieval setting, although the castles at Lupca, Trencin, Nitra, Cerveny Kamen, Orava and Bojnice are just as impressive. Some castles, like Hradok Castle, offer accommodations, too.
You will also find extraordinary wooden structures like the Wooden Lutheran Church in Svaty Kriz and the rustic houses in Podbiel, when you visit Slovakia, along with a large number of wooden churches scattered in various provinces, with the most located in the province of Svidnik. The Church of St. Jacob in Levoca contains the largest wooden altar in the world.
Folk Art
Slovakia has a rich folk culture, and you can take some of it home with you when you visit Slovakia by buying popular handicrafts. The crpak (ornamented wooden cup), for example, is traditionally used in milking sheep; the fujara is the country's national instrument and the valaska is an axe-like walking stick used in the mountain regions. Dolls in national costumes, a Slovakian waistband, blue and white ceramics from Modra and kraslice (painted eggs) are also excellent choices, which you can get from shops all over the country.
About the Author:
Isabella Olsen is a writer for various travel magazines who has been to global tourist destinations like Slovakia. To book your cheap car hire slovakia or learn more about car hire deals worldwide, visit Zencarhire.com.
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