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.

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This central Europe destination will help you discover and explore various unique cultural assets and mysterious architectural structures like mystical caves, medieval cities, impressive castles, fantastic mountain tops, savoury cuisine, and many more. Interestingly, you get to experience the country’s great nature at an affordable price. Hence, we have created this article to help you know different things you can enjoy when you visit Slovakia.

5 Amazing Locations You Can Visit in Slovakia

There are numerous fantastic and unique destinations to visit in Slovakia that offer the majority of tourists the best and most memorable tourism moments. Here are some of the places you can go to in Slovakia.

Banska Stiavnica

Without a doubt, Banska Stiavnica is one of the most attractive cities in Slovakia. Some sights to behold in this stunning city include The Old Castle, the Slovak Mining, and St. Catherine’s Church. Additionally, this Old Town has several cafes and eateries on the streets where you can enjoy delectable cuisines.

If you are a lover of high views, there are gently rolling hills, volcanic hills, and mediaeval architectural structures surrounding Banska Stiavnica. You can climb these hills for breathtaking views of the city’s landscape. Also, the oldest mining town in Slovakia, which is UNESCO’s World Heritage Site, is located in this city. As a result, there are about 24 lakes in this city you can use for swimming in summer, skating in winter, and walking in autumn and spring. Therefore, do not confine your visit to the city’s outskirts; there are more amazing structures to behold.

Spania Dolina

Spania Dolina is unquestionably one of the best destinations in Slovakia you must not miss out. It is a mediaeval village with iconic wooden cottages and lovely Gothic structures. Spania Dolina is one of Slovakia’s hidden gems, as it is exclusively known to Slovaks. This village used to be a mining community in the 17th and 18th centuries. As a result, the town has a gorgeous church structure and a unique bell tower used to summon miners to start their daily work. Currently, there are about 200 residents in Spania Dolina. You can also have an enjoyable experience by going on hiking one of the stunning hike routes in the community.

In addition to the outdoor activities in Spania Dolina, you can engage in mountain biking and cross-country skiing. At the same time, you can select from several pathways that can lead you to the sight of lovely flowers, butterflies, and a sea of trees.

Komarno (South Slovakia)

Komarno is one of Slovakia’s attractive tourist centres. This medieval town has a fascinating history. Initially, it was made of two old and new towns. But the 1918 establishment of Czechoslovakia led to division along Slovak-Hungary. As a result, the new town became Hungary’s city of Komarom, while the old town is known as Komarno.

This location has a structure that features a distinctive blend of architectural features peculiar to over 40 European regions. In addition, there is another fascinating structure built in Komarno. It was a stronghold built in 1546 as part of the anti-Turkish defence.

Another fantastic feature of this location is the Europe Courtyard, a serene and stunning square with numerous attractive and unique structures. It is the most prominent tourist destination in Komarno. Notwithstanding, you can experience Komarno’s rich cultural marvels and festivals like the Thermal swimming pool.

Orava Castle

Slovakia is undoubtedly a country with the most castles, totalling 425 châteaux and 180 castles. This hidden gem nation is undoubtedly a haven of intriguing fairytales and history enthusiasts. Undoubtedly, Orava Castle is one of Slovakia’s best and most unique castles. Although it has been built since the 13th century and perched on a rocky surface, this spectacle is still in good condition.

Also, you can get an impressive view of the Orava castle by viewing it from a window-side. More so, when you climb Western Bastion stairs leading to its Terrace, there is a breathtaking view of the castle structure, surrounding greenery, and the Orava River awaiting you. In addition, you can have an educative and exciting experience of the castle by using a downloadable free app that offers straightforward descriptions and exciting information about the castle’s history.

Sul’ov Rocks

Sul’ov Rocks are one of Slovakia’s best-hidden gems. Hence, you will hardly find hikers on the routes to this rock tower as it is one of the secrets of this country. Nevertheless, if you’re a tourist who loves outdoor activities, this destination is a place you must visit.

The routes to the Sul’ov Rock will provide you with a fantastic view of the rock formation and several unique orchids, and you will also enjoy a fantastic and stunning vista when you go through the highest ridges. Interestingly, there are several routes you can select from whether you are a new or experienced hiker, as these routes differ in difficulty. Other beautiful places you can visit in Sul’ov Rock include the Sul’ov castles, Sul’ovky Vodopad (the waterfall), and an amazing rock formation of a 13-meter-high Gothic Gate.

Reasons Slovakia Is One of the Top Destinations in the World

Here are some of the reasons your visit to Slovakia will give you a memorable tourism experience:

• Real experiences and friendly locals
• Budget-friendly tour destination
• Delectable cuisines
• Easy accessibility

Real Experiences and Friendly Locals

Slovak people are known to be friendly and eager to impart their cultural heritage and assets to people from other parts of the world. Also, travelling to this country will allow you to learn about the culture as you can attend traditional skill classes like needlework, pottery, and dancing class where you can experience eye-catching and attractive costumes with captivating rhythms. Additionally, you can enjoy an authentic tour by staying in a house managed by the locals. You will get to interact with them and make friends you forever remember.

Budget-Friendly Tour Destination

Another reason Slovakia is one of the best destinations is its affordable experience without reducing the quality. You can get lovely guesthouses and lodging options at affordable prices. Also, vast transportation networks are available linking Slovakia’s main cities and tourist hotspots at budget-friendly prices. Additionally, the easy access to top-notch cuisines in this country is impressive. You can spend less while you enjoy the best Slovakian food.

There are also affordable bars and clubs where you can access fun-filled nightlife. If you love to play casino games, you will find numerous hubs where you can have fun. Several Slovak casinos give mouthwatering bonuses such as welcome bonus and free spins existing customers bonus packages.

Delectable Cuisines

Slovakian cuisine is an aspect of the country you must take advantage of. The food in this country is rich in history and tradition. The food combination to the flavour is steeped in culture. One of the foods you must try is Slovakia’s signatory dish, bryndzove haluky, a combination of soft potato dumplings, crunchy bacon, and salty sheep cheese. Other delightful cuisines in Slovakia include haluky with mushrooms and cabbage, poppy seed roll, trdelnik, and traditionally made Slovak pastries.

Easy Accessibility

Slovakia is a destination strategically located as it connects easily to other nearby countries. Slovakia conveniently links to the Austrian metropolis of Vienna and Budapest, the Hungary capital. These locations provide easy access to cultural heritage and astounding architectural structures. Hence, Slovakia serves as the starting point to other notable destinations.

Conclusion

Slovakia is the best destination for discovering great cultural heritage and hidden gems. With its historical wealth, genuine experiences, amazing architectural structures, breathtaking views, and delicious cuisine, you enjoy visiting Slovakia as adventure awaits you.

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Today Bratislava has many historical and architectural monuments, most of which are concentrated in the so-called Old Town. This is an area in the historic part of the Slovak capital, with a predominance of buildings of the 17th and 18th centuries. This area is now the main tourist attraction of Bratislava. Each year it is visited by up to a million foreign visitors wishing to learn more about Bratislava’s historical past.

In the Old Town they will find beautifully preserved old buildings in a baroque style with plenty of openwork decorations. There are many churches and cathedrals of great architectural splendor. The Old City is also the center of business life of the capital and the concentration of administrative institutions. But this doesn’t harm the authentic look of the medieval quarters, as all the banks, offices, and government institutions are housed in period residences and palaces. But the construction of modern buildings of any purpose in this part of Bratislava is prohibited by law, since the Old Town belongs to the category of cultural and historical monuments of Slovakia. This area offers travelers a wide range of hotels, fashionable restaurants and cozy cafes with national coloring, stores and souvenir shops.

Bratislava Castle is a monumental castle, a massive quadrangle structure rising above the city on a cliff on the left bank of the Danube River on the southern spur of the Little Carpathians. It symbolizes more than a thousand years of Slovak history, and its towers and terrace in front of the main facade offer a magnificent view over the city and its surroundings.

It became a proper, complete castle by the 11th century and got its present appearance in the 15th century. Unfortunately, a large fire in 1811 was the beginning of the destruction of the castle. It was practically rebuilt from the ruins in the second half of the 20th century and was used to house the exhibitions of the Slovak National Museum. Nowadays exhibitions are also held there. Climbing up to the castle, it is worth admiring the picturesque rooftops of the old town and the panorama of the Danube floodplain.

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The first mention of Kežmarė Castle dates back to 1463. It is not known for certain where the name of the castle and the settlement around it came from. There are several versions of the history of the castle’s name, most of them in one way or another related to the influence of German culture. The most popular version is that the castle was named after a huge glacier in the Austrian Tyrol.

To build Kežmar Castle, a small church was destroyed. The owner did not have enough building materials for one wing of the building, and he solved the problem without investing additional funds, using bricks from the building of a religious cult.
To get into the castle, you have to go through a defensive tower, which used to be a drawbridge. From the courtyard to the castle leads spiral staircase, it takes visitors directly to the second floor.

Duration of the tour of the castle is from thirty minutes to one hour.
Part of the facade and interiors are under prolonged reconstruction, but the arches, high windows and other architectural details immediately paint a picture of the Renaissance. During its history the castle has burned twice and been rebuilt several times. First it was built in late Gothic style, then Italian architects turned it into a Renaissance building. Most of the time the Kežmar castle belonged to the Tököli family. Its coat of arms hangs at the entrance to the castle.

In Kežmarovský Castle there is a variety of exhibitions: from the history of ancient tribes to the decoration of the 19th century. Of great interest is the hall of the Town Hall, where furniture and other objects are displayed. For example, there is a ballot box and a crucifix for taking the oath, a chair of the town mayor.

On the territory of Kežmará Castle there is a Baroque chapel with a surprisingly exquisite frescoed vault. The last great reconstruction took place here back in 1657, one of the castle owners Stefan Tököli II dedicated the chapel to his wife. The young woman died at the age of 21, but bore six children to her inconsolable husband.

Practical information
Kežmaras Castle is open daily, but on weekends and holidays you can get inside only by making a reservation for a group tour.

The castle is allowed no more than 4 people in a group.
The duration of the tour ranges from thirty minutes to one hour, depending on the time of year. This circumstance affects the working time of the castle. From June to October the complex is open from 9:00 to 16:00, in November and April the castle is open from 8:00 to 15:00 and in May from 8:00 to 16:00.

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Grad Devin rises on a cliff about 200 m high. The first records mentioning it as a fortified settlement called Dowin date back to 864. At that time it was the possession of the powerful Slavic state of Great Moravia. Apparently, the rulers of Moravia were no strangers to beauty and chose Dowin as their residence. In all seriousness we should point out the defensive power of the castle. Even today, wandering among half-destroyed walls and towers, it is impossible to imagine that this stronghold was actually captured.

Of course, over the years, the fortress was repeatedly rebuilt and reconstructed. The last time the citadel served during the invasion of the Ottomans. After that, Devin no longer used its defensive function, an entirely different era began.
Alas, during the Napoleonic wars the Emperor’s troops, with their characteristic “careful” attitude to the antiquities of others, blew up the castle. Much remains – but you can’t see Devin in its entirety today.

Devin today
The castle is located only 8 km from Bratislava, and the distance is no comparison with the impressions of visiting Grad Devin. It is a living history, frozen in stone. It is a mesmerizing view of the confluence of the Morava and the Danube. It is a magnificent view of the surrounding countryside and even of the beautiful Bratislava itself. In addition, various festivals and all kinds of interesting events are regularly held there. Famous all over the country and the local wine.

There is another interesting point: along the Danube River runs the border between Slovakia and Austria, the neighboring countries of the European Union. But that’s the border nowadays, but previously it was the border between the Socialist camp and the rest of the world. So one day, hoping to escape from the blessed socialist paradise and escape from the clinging hands of no less socialist supervisory bodies, one Slovak, with his characteristic Slavic prowess and ingenuity, came up with a genius idea. Namely: from the wall of the castle, by hang-glider, to cross the border with the “decaying West”. Which he succeeded, and after this episode the wall was closed to mere mortals.

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At the end of April and beginning of May, the International Festival of Ghosts and Spirits takes place in Bojnický zámok. Specialized theatrical performances are held on the castle grounds.
The Bojnice Castle is situated on a hill and surrounded by the town of the same name. The citadel is one of the oldest and most valuable in Slovakia. It has been in existence for more than 10 centuries – the first mention of the Bojnice Chateau is found in historical documents dating back to 1113. Originally the Bojnice Chateau was wooden, but it was rebuilt from stone. It was originally built of wood, but later it was rebuilt of stone.

Over the centuries, the castle changed hands, and one of its owners was the famous king Matyas Hunyadi, whom everyone called Corvin. Legend has it that King Raven often came to Bojnice Castle and liked to sit in the park under a lime tree. Allegedly, this pastime helped him not only to relax, but also to think about the laws for his subjects. This tree still exists – your guide will show you the King Raven’s linden.

Over the centuries, the Haunted Castle has been rebuilt many times. But each of its major alterations did not cancel the previous architectural solution, but only supplemented it. The result is a uniquely structured castle that absorbed the best features of many architectural styles, but most of all it took from the French Romanticism.

The romantic style of the castle appeared due to the love of its last owner, Earl Jan František Pálffy. The man was in love with a noblewoman from France, who, although she reciprocated, refused to marry him. The girl did not want to live in Slovakia because it was nothing like her homeland. A desperate attempt to recreate a piece of France out of Bojnice Castle was unsuccessful.

Despite the extensive rebuilding of the castle, the beauty chose to marry someone else. The inconsolable count never married. A wreath of thorns appeared on the spire of the main tower of Bojnice Castle in honor of the last owner’s bachelor’s life.

Jan František Pálfi requested in his will that he be buried at the manor and the castle be turned into a museum. However, the wishes of the count did not come true for several decades. Since 1950 the Bojnice Chateau houses a museum of documentation and presentation of the postmodernist architectural style. The Bojnice Museum is considered to be a part of the Slovak National Museum.

The heirs of Count Pálffy managed to sell many of the castle’s exhibits at auction. Legend has it that in the 1970s a strange liquid began oozing from the sarcophagus containing the Count’s remains. The drops stopped leaking only after one of the icons, previously sold, was returned to the castle. Then other items from the count’s collections returned to the citadel.

The Bojnice Castle is open all year round. You can visit it from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (from May 1 to the end of September) or from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (from October 1 to the end of April). In summer and September, the castle is open seven days a week, while in the other months the visitors are not allowed in on Mondays.

Admission costs 8 EUR. If you want to take pictures or make videos you have to pay extra (2-5 EUR). You can visit the Haunted Castle only as part of a tour group.

You can get to Bojnice from Bratislava. Bojnice has a large balneo-mud spa, so the transport and hotel infrastructure is very well developed. The castle is located in the center of the city, it is best to rent a car for the trip.

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