Slovakia is a country in central Europe known for its stunning architecture, mediaeval history, and breathtaking mountain scenery. Because of its landlocked position, it has been ruled by various governments and empires throughout the years, all of which have left their mark.
The country is a great place to enjoy hiking and road trips and dodge European summer crowds without spending too much money. This Slovakia travel guide may help you plan your trip to visit as much of this jewel as possible.
Slovakia Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips
Slovakia is a wonderful choice for individuals on a limited budget since it is one of the cheapest countries in Central Europe. The following are some tips to save money when travelling to Slovakia:
- Participate in a free walking tour. Joining one of the numerous free walking tours given across the city is a terrific way to learn about the country’s history and culture without breaking the bank. You can contact your travel agency to provide you with a tour guide. Don’t forget to tip your tour guide after you’re done!
- Cook for yourself to save money. Ensure your accommodations include a kitchen to prepare some of your meals. Cooking your own meals may not be as exciting as dining out, but it may save you a lot of money.
- Get outdoors. The easiest way to stay active and save money is to get outdoors and explore Slovakia’s national parks. Most don’t charge an entry fee.
- Go for a walk outside. Going outside and visiting Slovakia’s national parks is the best way to save money and stay fit. The majority of them are free to join. Your time will be wisely spent and will not deplete your resources.
- Go wild camping. If you want to save money in Slovakia, bringing a tent and sleeping outdoors is legal. In Slovakia, you can pitch a tent almost everywhere there is open terrain. At all costs, forests and protected regions should be avoided.
Things to Do and Places to Visit in Slovakia
Embark on a journey through Slovakia’s enchanting landscapes and vibrant culture. Explore historic castles that seem straight out of fairy tales, hike the breathtaking Tatra mountains, and wander through picturesque towns. Below is all the information you may need!
Visit the Slovak Karst Caves
So far, only around 400 of Slovakia’s estimated 2,500 caverns have been explored. If you’re searching for something unusual to do in the southern Slovak Karst area, head to Domica Cave and enjoy an underwater boat ride on the River Styx. The boat trip is included in the admission fee of 9 Euros. Dobinská Ice Cave, Harmanecka, and Gombasecka are other caverns worth seeing.
Go Rock Climbing
The mountains of Terchová in the north and Slovensk Raj in the east have some of the best rock climbing in the world. Beautiful gorges await you, and owing to ropes and ladders, you can easily scale them without putting yourself in danger. If you’ve never rock climbed before but wish to embark on a guided trip, expect to pay the tour guide roughly 80 Euros per person.
Participate in the Oldest Annual Marathon in Europe
The Kosice Peace Marathon is the oldest in Europe and the second-oldest marathon in the sport’s history. Since 1924, hundreds of people from all over the globe have travelled to Kosice to participate in, witness, and enjoy the event. The event takes place on the first Sunday of October. The registration price for each participant in the race is 37 Euros. Because the city is so popular, you should book your accommodations on time.
Take a Soak in a Hot Cave Bath
Sklené Teplice’s Parenica cave bath offers a unique spa experience. For generations, travellers have been drawn to the natural hot springs in the heart of Slovakia. The water will remain a warm 42 degrees Celsius (107 degrees Fahrenheit) regardless of when you arrive, making it ideal for resting. The cost of your spa room, which averages 70 Euros a night, includes two 20-minute bath sessions daily.
Explore the Nedbalka Gallery
The Nedbalka Gallery is a gorgeous award-winning design that strongly contrasts the city’s Old Town’s more conventional mediaeval monuments. Its design is reminiscent of New York City’s Guggenheim Museum. The gallery now covers five levels and features over a thousand pieces illustrating different aspects of Slovak culture after substantial renovations in 2012. The gallery admission fee is 5 Euros, which includes a drink from the café.
Hike Europe’s Smallest Alpine Mountain Range
The High Tatras National Park, Slovakia’s most visited and well-known national park, is located in northern Slovakia, close to the border with Poland. It is Europe’s shortest alpine mountain range, measuring just 53 kilometres (33 miles). Gerlachovsky Stit is the highest peak in the High Tatras; however, reaching the summit is difficult and requires the services of a skilled mountain guide. If you’re not up for the trek or want something simpler, you might always check out the Lomnicky Stit, which is more accessible due to its lower height and the availability of a cable car that climbs to the summit. A round-trip cable car ticket costs 59 Euros, but you may save money by climbing up and then taking the cable car back down.
Explore the Dobinská Ice Cave
The Dobinská Ice Cave lies near the town of Dobiná in central Slovakia. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the United States. The caves were the first in Europe to utilize electrical wire after their discovery in 1870. Since 2005, it has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cave spans about 650 acres and has breathtaking natural ice formations. Admission for a 30-minute visit costs 9 Euros.
Visit the Old Market Hall
Locals and visitors alike may visit the Bratislava city market inside the Old Market Hall every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., where local farmers and producers sell their goods and crafts. A children’s theatre team plays every Saturday, and there is also a book fair. In addition to its normal cuisine, the market includes various cultural events and musical performances, as well as two cafés, a brewery, and a culinary school. Salón Piva is a beer festival held annually in the Old Market Hall, where visitors may taste beers from local brewers.
Go Hiking
Slovakia is one of Europe’s top hiking destinations. There are hundreds of trails to choose from, including easy, moderate, and tough day walks and dozens of long-distance expeditions. Because the weather in the mountains may change quickly, it’s important to check the forecast before embarking on a hiking expedition. Always make sure you have adequate water and the proper equipment.
Go Skiing
Regarding skiing, Slovakia has fewer people and lower costs (lift tickets are up to 75% cheaper than in neighbouring Austria). Some excellent ski resorts nearby are Jasná Nzke Tatry in Liptovsk Mikulá, Relax Center Plejsy in Krompachy, Tale in Bystra, and Malinô Brdo in Ruomberok. A lift ticket costs around 49 Euros, although you can get them for as little as 8 to 16 Euros in areas like Motenica, Zliechov, and Skoruina.
How to Stay Safe in Slovakia
Ensure a safe visit to Slovakia by staying aware of your surroundings, using reputable transportation, and securing belongings. Check out our safety tips below:
- Be aware of anybody approaching you to sell you anything; their accomplice may be attempting to steal your wallet while you are distracted by the conversation.
- Remember to carry your items with you. While burglaries are very rare, you should nevertheless exercise caution.
- If you want to go mountain trekking in the Alps, you must notify your hotel or hostel personnel that you will be visiting this area. Always have a first-aid kit and other survival items in your vehicle, such as a torch, an umbrella, and extra food.
- Always follow your intuition. Make copies of your essential papers, such as your passport and driver’s licence, and keep them safe. Send your address to those who care about you if you want them to know where you are.
Conclusion
Without question, Slovakia is the most overlooked nation in Central Europe. The Czech Republic, Slovakia’s more famous neighbour, has historically overshadowed it. However, compared to its neighbours, the cost of living in Slovakia is fairly low. It is a beautiful country that is well worth a visit since it has a lot of beautiful scenes and activities to offer a traveller.
