Short Breaks

Slovakia

Description

Slovakia is a country in Central Europe. The main reasons to visit Slovakia are its natural beauty, vivid history and great opportunities for relaxation (and due to the small size of the country, it is quite easy to combine all three).

Slovakia has nine national parks, which cover a relatively big portion of the country and feature the tallest part of the Carpathian Mountain Range, the High Tatras, which offer great opportunities for mountain and winter sports as well as great vistas. Geologically, a sizable part of Slovakia is made out of limestone, which in combination with many springs and rivers has resulted in formation of numerous caves (12 open to the public, several of which are UNESCO listed) and the beautiful rocky formations, canyons and waterfalls of the Slovak Paradise and Slovak Karst. Even outside these areas, there are some beautiful landscapes, and all of Slovakia is covered by thousands of well-marked hiking trails.

For history lovers, Slovakia has the highest number of castles and chateaux per capita in the world, ranging from simple ruins to well-preserved habitable castles with furnishings, so if you are a fan of medieval history, look no further. There are also numerous Gothic and Baroque cities and towns across Slovakia, including the capital. There are also well-preserved examples of wooden folk architecture, including churches made entirely out of wood and the tallest wooden altar in the world.

There are numerous mineral and thermal springs in Slovakia, and around some of these world-famous spas have been built that offer great curative therapies or just simple relaxation. You can also chill out, swim and sunbathe at the shores of several local lakes and pools or try AquaCity waterpark if you are feeling more adventurous. In particular, Bratislava boasts a lively nightlife as well and is a popular partying destination.

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Northern Slovakia
  • Northern Slovakia
  • Bratislava - West Slovakia
Northern Slovakia

Northern Slovakia is one of Slovakia’s most physically spectacular areas and also most developed in terms of tourism. Thanks to its geography, the region boasts the most significant ski resorts in the country especially in the High Tatras, Low Tatras and Lesser Fatra mountains.

Other mountains and national parks, especially the Western Tatras or Slovenský raj (Slovak Paradise) National Park, are something of a wonderland for wildlife and hikers alike. Among the most popular destinations in Slovenský raj is the Dobšinská Ice Cave, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Demänovská caves are another popular attraction in the region. Northern Slovakia is also home to the magnificent Orava and Stará Ľubovňa Castles.

The Spiš region, specifically Levoča and Spiš Castle, a UNESCO site, offers exceptionally preserved gothic monuments – a compelling attraction for tourists interested in that era. A characteristic feature of the region is folk architecture including Vlkolínec, an achingly picturesque and architecturally unique UNESCO site or Čičmany, the first folk architecture reserve in the world.

There are several thermal water-parks in northern Slovakia including the biggest in Poprad, Bešeňová or Liptovský Mikuláš as well as spas in Rajecké Teplice, Turčianske Teplice and Lúčky.

Gastronomy
The cuisine has its origin in the diverse Slovak geography. The landscapes vary from flat lowlands of the Danube valley in the south, through the wine producing Tokaj region in the east, to the snow-capped alpine peaks of the Tatra mountains in the north. Traditionally, Slovakia was a land of simple peasants, who spent their days working in the fields or watching after sheep in the mountains. The cuisine evolved from the ingredients people grew in their gardens, or from the products of the animals they raised. Potatoes, tomatoes, peppers and onions make the basis of many dishes. These are supplemented by chicken, pork, and to a lesser degree beef. And then there are the sheep. Besides mutton (which isn’t actually all that common), sheep produced various cheese products, including a feta-like cheese called bryndza and the smoked cheese oštiepok.

Climate

The climate in Slovakia is continental, with short, fairly hot summers and chilly winters. The hottest months are July and August followed by June. Spring can be the best time to visit when days tend to be warm with consistently pleasant, mild weather for most of May. This is also the blossom season, when the fruit trees are in full bloom. Fall has settled weather often lasting for days on end in September and October. As Slovakia is heavily forested, this is also a good time to view the colours. Winter can be attractive as Bratislava looks beautiful when covered in snow.
Best time to travel is from May until September with an average temperatures between: 15 – 20°C.

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Bratislava - West Slovakia

Bratislava is a modern city on the Danube, in which centuries-old history combines with an exciting present. It is not just Bratislava’s affordability and proximity to other capitals that attracts visitors to Slovakia‘s capital. If you are looking for a city break full of culture, exceptional cuisine, exclusive experiences and unique atmosphere, Bratislava is the place to be.

The dominant triangle – Bratislava Castle, the UFO tower, and St Martin‘s Cathedral – offers a combination of a spectacular panoramic views over the town, wonderful culinary experiences, together with reminders of the city’s rich coronation history. Trace the steps of eleven Austro-Hungarian emperors and seven royal wives who were crowned here in Bratislava. If you are interested in contemporary culture, be sure not to miss the Danubiana Museum of modern Art, uniquely seated directly on the Danube.

A great advantage of the historical centre is its compactness. Dozens of museums and galleries can be easily joined with visits to traditional restaurants, many of whose recipes hark back to the days of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy. Town squares are linked by a multitude of romantic alleys hiding cosy cafes, wine bars or local taverns. Year-round you can witness cultural and social events. Residents remember the city’s grand history and traditions, celebrate the typical cuisine and bring a sparkle to everyday life. Get to know the real local atmosphere.

Bratislava is not just a destination for culture and history. The city forests and parks are just a hop away from the centre itself. Along the bank of the Danube lies the oldest public park in central Europe, Sad Janka Kráľa. Bratislava was ranked as the third greenest city in the world. Come recharge your energy from the very heart of Europe.

Gastronomy
The cuisine has its origin in the diverse Slovak geography. The landscapes vary from flat lowlands of the Danube valley in the south, through the wine producing Tokaj region in the east, to the snow-capped alpine peaks of the Tatra mountains in the north. Traditionally, Slovakia was a land of simple peasants, who spent their days working in the fields or watching after sheep in the mountains. The cuisine evolved from the ingredients people grew in their gardens, or from the products of the animals they raised. Potatoes, tomatoes, peppers and onions make the basis of many dishes. These are supplemented by chicken, pork, and to a lesser degree beef. And then there are the sheep. Besides mutton (which isn’t actually all that common), sheep produced various cheese products, including a feta-like cheese called bryndza and the smoked cheese oštiepok.

Climate
The best months for good weather in Bratislava are from April until September with average temperatures from 15°C to 27°C.
On average, the warmest months are July and August (min. 15°C, max. 27°C).

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