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Relating to European locations to go to, Slovakia isn’t normally on the high of most individuals’s bucket record.
I didn’t know something about Slovakia earlier than going, and had restricted expectations. Effectively, what a nice shock awaited.
It seems it’s a ravishing nation with a lot to supply. It’s a land filled with castles, thermal baths, caves, jaw-dropping structure – to not point out ample alternatives for cross-country snowboarding within the winter.
For sure, there are a ton of issues to do in Slovakia, which makes it one of the distinctive vacationer locations and nonetheless a real hidden gem.
If you happen to’re unsure what to do in Slovakia, then listed here are a few of the high points of interest it is best to add to your itinerary on a primary time go to.
Issues To Do In Slovakia
1. Go to Bratislava
Slovakia is in Japanese Europe, a landlocked European Union nation of round 5.4 million folks. It was as soon as the ‘Slovakia’ in Czechoslovakia, earlier than an amiable independence in 1993.
Bratislava is the capital of Slovakia, and the place virtually half 1,000,000 folks stay, so it’s undoubtedly essentially the most bustling a part of the nation and the place you’ll discover a extra full of life environment.
For us, we felt Bratislava was very romantic. We floated in a ferry down the well-known and delightful Danube River and took the old-style pink vacationer tram to get some historical past and an orientation, which stops on the iconic citadel for a ravishing view of the town.
Stroll by means of the previous city and take a look at the Previous City Corridor. Cease off for a chunk to eat or drink within the squares and giggle with the buskers. Have a sundowner within the Sky Bar for essentially the most wonderful view over the previous city whereas the solar goes down. Check out a few of their scrumptious Slovak delicacies, equivalent to bryndzové halušky (potato dumplings), the nationwide dish of Slovakia, and yummy cocktails too.
One of many nice issues about Bratislava is that it borders Hungary and Austria. It’s solely an hour away from Vienna in Austria and solely a 3.5 hour drive to Prague in Czech Republic, which suggests you possibly can simply take day journeys to different international locations. It’s place simply makes it probably the greatest locations to go to in Slovakia.
2. Go to The Excessive Tatras
However as pretty as Bratislava is, it wasn’t what had introduced us to Slovakia. We have been headed for greater heights. We picked up a rent automotive and began the scenic 350km drive to Nová Lesná and the Excessive Tatras.
The Excessive Tatras is a nationwide park in an space of wonderful pure magnificence that spans the Alpine mountain vary that divides Slovakia and Poland.
With peaks of over 2500 meters and its glacial lakes it’s a paradise for guests and one other of the perfect locations to go to in Slovakia!
Nová Lesná is among the small cities that providers skiers in winter and hikers in summer time, and we stayed in an residence with views throughout the mountains within the stunning little city.
The Excessive Tatras has a lot to do it makes it simple to maintain everybody glad. Our largest downside every day was attempting to decide on between all of the wonderful issues on supply.
These are the actions we cherished essentially the most within the Excessive Tatras…
Strolling and Mountaineering on the Limitless Trails
The mountaineering trails vary from 1-hour loops for younger youngsters by means of to technical multi-day expeditions.
Simply bear in mind, you’re up excessive, and the climate can change quick.
We advocate mountaineering the Strazyska Valley which borders with Zakopane in Poland, as there’s a good waterfall up there and a few unimaginable mountain views.
At all times be ready with loads of water and snacks and have the precise gear. Let somebody know the place you’re going.
Row Boats on Crystal Clear Glacial Lakes
We visited the second largest lake within the space, Štrbské Pleso, and when you do the identical.
Surrounded by the Tatra Mountains, the lake provides sweeping valley views and an opportunity to sit back and unwind.
Regardless of being one of the well-liked locations to go to in Slovakia it’s not a busy place, on condition that the nation has a low inhabitants and receives solely half 1,000,000 vacationers a yr, so you possibly can calm down on this beautiful alpine setting with peace and quiet.
Make certain to cease on the restaurant on the lake’s edge for unimaginable fresh-baked truffles and contemporary lemonade!
Discover Dobšinská Ice Cave
I discussed earlier than that Slovakia is legendary for its caves, and Dobšinská might be the explanation for this. This spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Web site was found in 1870 by miners, and has since captivated anybody who visits it.
It extends for a depth of 960 meters, making it one of many lowest ice caves on the planet.
In addition to it’s measurement, what makes Dobsinska ice caves spectacular is the formations of the ice. It’s estimated that the cave is roofed in 8,874 sq. metres of ice, some with a thickness of as much as 26.5 meters. You may see ice stalagmites and stalactites, frozen waterfalls and streams, and delightful ice formations with various colours of frozen water.
Be sure to gown warmly as it’s freezing down there (as you possibly can guess from the title). It additionally faces North so will get a chilly wind from the doorway.
Observe that it’s solely open to the general public from Might to September and you need to go to on a guided tour solely.
Go to Medieval Hilltop City of Levoca
Slovakia is dwelling to many enchanting medieval hilltop cities which might be price exploring.
Levoca has unimaginable views, gothic structure, historical past and welcoming eating places. It’s the right place to calm down and luxuriate in a quiet tempo of life.
Regardless of being a small city with little greater than 14,500 residents, it has plenty of allure.
It additionally has the world’s largest a picket alter in its Gothic church, which was created by Grasp Pavol of Levoča.
Go to a Enjoyable Water Journey Park with Thermal Swimming pools
We cherished AquaCity, and no journey to Slovakia can be full with out visiting a thermal pool. Aquacity is a mixture of a wellness spa and an aqua park, with 14 thermal and heated swimming pools, slides for the children to get pleasure from, and plenty of extra points of interest.
The water is mineral wealthy, with greater than 20 completely different minerals, that are mentioned to have helpful results in your well being.
That being mentioned, we advocate taking a packed lunch with you, because the meals we ate right here was about the one dangerous meal we had in Slovakia.
Verify on-line earlier than going as they’ve group reductions and specials for reserving on-line.
Discover Historic and Lovely Spiš Fort
Spis Fort is among the most stunning castles in Slovakia and is surrounded by fields and forests. It has starred in a number of Hollywood films, equivalent to Dragonheart, Kull the Conqueror, and The Final Legion.
Spis is the sixth largest citadel within the nation and was constructed within the twelfth century (though it’s mentioned that it was constructed on high of one other citadel that stood there earlier than).
It was as soon as the residence of the previous Kings and Queens of the Kingdom of Hungary earlier than it break up, so you possibly can think about how grand and opulent it as soon as was (although right this moment it’s a well-preserved spoil).
It has been a UNESCO record of World Heritage Web site since 1993.
If you happen to like castles, you’ll love driving by means of Slovakia as scattered by means of the gorgeous countryside are the very best variety of castles and chateaux per capita on the planet.
Spis Fort is simply open from Might to September.
Be Amazed at Tricklandia
If you happen to’re in search of issues to do in Slovakia to flee the rain, then Tricklandia is a enjoyable museum of visible illusions.
It’s not by any means essentially the most thrilling attraction in Slovakia but it surely does supply a few hours of enjoyable, and an opportunity to seize some distinctive pictures when you’ve by no means been to a museum like this.
3. Go to Košice
Košice is the second-largest metropolis in Slovakia and a hidden gem ready to be found.
This vibrant metropolis provides an ideal mix of historical past, tradition, and modernity. Nestled within the stunning previous city, it’s adorned with charming monuments such because the central Decrease Gate archaeological advanced, Hlavné námestie (the principle sq.), and the gothic St. Elisabeth Cathedral.
Košice invitations you to wander by means of its picturesque medievil streets and soak in its wealthy heritage.
4. Admire Fort of Spirits (Bojnice Fort)
Bojnice Fort is a testomony to the lengthy historical past and architectural splendor of Slovakia. It’s the oldest citadel within the nation, with data courting it again to the twelfth century.
This “fairy-tale” citadel appears like moving into the pages of a storybook, the place Roman, Gothic and Renaissance parts seamlessly mix.
The citadel can also be the setting for some intriguing legends recognized solely to the locals.
Probably the most well-known of which is the The Legend of the Black Girl, a ghost story a few former resident who was requested to show her advantage to her husband by leaping off the very best tower into the moat beneath, however was saved by the spirits of her ancestors.
If the structure doesn’t blow you away, the beautiful panoramic views from its travertine hill will.
5. Marvel at Domica Cave
Located within the Slovak Karst Nationwide Park is one other spectacular cave system in Slovakia. The Domica Cave is the longest cave within the park and one of the well-known within the nation.
As you enterprise by means of its passages and chambers, you’ll be awestruck by the beautiful formations formed over 1000’s of years.
It’s additionally mentioned that the cave was as soon as dwelling to human settlers from the Paleolithic age, and it’s additionally dwelling to a various inhabitants of bats.
The interaction of pink and brown hues of the rock creates a visible spectacle that’s really distinctive and value seeing.
6. Go to Špania Dolina
Špania Dolina is a former mining village and considered one of Slovakia’s hottest spa cities, recognized for its charming magnificence.
Because of its wealthy historical past of copper and silver ore mining, Špania Dolina was a rich city with numerous stunning buildings to marvel at.
It’s additionally surrounded by nature, so if its mountaineering trails and picturesque gardens you’re in search of, you’ll discover that right here.
You’ll want to take a look at the water pipeline and it’s fascinating astronomical clock!
7. Verify Out Orava Fort
Perched majestically on a excessive rock overlooking the Orava River, Orava Fort is an open-air museum that shouldn’t be skipped.
This medieval fortress, thought of one of the stunning and largest castles in Slovakia, provides a journey again in time.
Wander by means of the well-preserved halls and courtyards, and take within the panoramic views from the citadel home windows.
8. Be taught About Mining Historical past at Banská Štiavnica
Banská Štiavnica is one other picturesque city with a mining historical past. Discover the Slovak Mining Museum, the place you possibly can delve into the area’s mining heritage, or marvel on the Previous Fort and New Fort, each providing beautiful panoramic views.
Don’t miss the Kammerhof and the Love Financial institution, distinctive points of interest that add to the city’s allure, or immerse your self in nature on the Botanical Gardens and the serene Tajch Veľká Vodárenská.
With its untouched magnificence and tranquil environment, Banská Štiavnica is a superb place to go to if you wish to get off the crushed path.
9. See Slovak Paradise Nationwide Park
There are 9 nationwide parks in Slovakia, however one which shouldn’t be skipped is Slovak Paradise Nationwide Park.
That is the youngest nationwide park in Slovakia and boasts magnificent valleys, roaring waterfalls, gorges and canyons, and difficult hikes that may depart you breathless.
Whether or not you need to go mountain biking or just calm down within the pristine nature, the place refreshing streams and fierce rivers carve their path by means of the panorama, there’s a lot to find on this nationl park.
You’ll want to take a look at the Prielom Hornadu gorge, Kysel, and Sucha Bela gorge.
Ultimate Ideas
I didn’t have enormous expectations of our ten-day Slovakian vacation however each a part of it blew us away and we left refreshed and invigorated.
It’s a nice feeling discovering a hidden gem and for us Slovakia is it.
We’ll be again, not least as a result of so most of the locals we met advisable one other a part of Slovakia as their primary ‘should see’ of the nation they’re rightly so pleased with!
Slovakia Excursions
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Do you might have any recommendations on what to do in Slovakia? What are your high ideas for issues to do in Slovakia? Share within the feedback.
Supply: Breaking Travel News