Do you want to discover the best of Slovakia and don’t know where to go first? We will make it easier for you! Slovakia is a small chest with a big treasure inside – it has a diverse nature, more than 1000 thermal springs, unique underground caves, numerous castles and well-preserved historic towns. Here are 10 tips to bring you the best of Slovakia.
- High and Low Tatras – cable car trips and hiking for the demanding
The High Tatras are officially the smallest mountains in the world, and that’s what’s magical about them! The highest peak is the Gerlachovský štít (Gerlach Peak) with a height of 2,655 metres above sea level. Ski resorts, cable car trips and up to 600 km of marked hiking trails await you here. Head to one of the legendary Tatra chalets or hike to the crystal-clear mountains. For those who prefer a less commercial experience, the Low Tatras are ideal. The ridge hike of the Low Tatras from Telgárt to Donovaly is very popular among Slovaks, which measures almost 100 km.
- Liptov and Orava – picturesque nature and swimming in aquaparks
Welcome to the region of picturesque hills, picturesque villages and thermal springs. Liptov and Orava are among the most popular holiday destinations for Slovaks. They offer hiking, cycling, swimming in aquaparks or fun at the water reservoirs Liptovská Mara and Orava Dam. Don’t miss a hike to the Roháčské pleso, which is considered one of the most beautiful in Slovakia. A tip for a unique trip: go to the village of Klin, where the largest statue of Jesus Christ in Slovakia stands.
- Mala Fatra – in the footsteps of the bandit Juraj Janosik
Hiking enthusiasts will surely enjoy the mountains of Mala Fatra. In winter, you can enjoy great skiing in the popular ski resort of Vrátna, and in the warmer months you can go on many moderate to difficult hikes – such as to Rozsutec, Poludňový Grúň or to Jánošík’s Holes. The gateway to Mala Fatra is the village of Terchová, where you can wander in the footsteps of the legendary bandit Juraj Jánošík. And be sure to go to the Koliba for some honest bryndzové halušky!
- Slovak Paradise – magical gorges and romantic boating
Do you want to experience the unique deep canyons, gorges and gorges for yourself? Then head to the Slovak Paradise. In a small area there are several gorges, which are accessible by chains and footbridges. The most popular hike is crossing the Hornád River. You can take a unique selfie from the Tomášov view, which has also charmed filmmakers. Evening boating on the Palcmanská Maša reservoir also has its charm.
- Pieniny – get into a raft and float down the Dunajec
Discover the unique region of mountaineers and rafters – Pieniny! Here you can try rafting or rafting on the Dunajec River, go on a cycling tour to the Polish side, visit beautiful sacral monuments or a monastery. An attractive destination for tourists will be the Three Crowns hill. The Slovak village of Červený Kláštor and the Polish village of Sromowce Niżne are connected by a wooden footbridge, so if you feel like it, you can walk to Poland for a meal or shopping.
- Poloniny a.k.a. Wolf Mountains – a touch of unreal wilderness
This is a tip for true adventurers who want to experience a slice of unadulterated wilderness. Yes, Slovakia has some rare, untouched forests! The Poloniny Mountains are the only place in Slovakia where the protected European bison lives in the wild, while lynx, wolf, bear and beaver also live here. You can enjoy a beautiful stargazing experience in the Dark Sky Park.
- Spiš – the jewel box of Slovakia
The Spiš region is especially famous for Spiš Castle, which is one of the largest castles in the world. Don’t miss a visit to Kežmarok, Levoča and Spišská Kapitula. Levoca is home to the world’s highest Gothic altar, and the Spišská Capitol is a small ecclesiastical town that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Good news for cyclists! There are up to 135 cycle routes in the region.
- Spa towns and spas – relax in the hot water
Did you know that there are up to 25 health spas in Slovakia? Among the top spas are those in Piešt’any, Rajecké Teplice and Trenčianske Teplice. Here you can take a dip in the hot healing water, let your body regenerate with treatments or take a stroll in the landscaped spa park. Other spas can be found in Nimnice, Brusno, Smrdáky, Sklené Teplice, Dudince, Číž and Bardejov.
- Historical towns of Slovakia, which stood in time
Do you long to stroll through ancient stone streets, enjoy a coffee in the town square and then take a casual stroll to the sights? Then you can’t leave Banská Štiavnica, Košice, Bardejov or Nitra out of your plans. As many as 18 towns in Slovakia have a preserved urban conservation area – meaning you can admire the original churches or townhouses. If you want to admire the sights, go to Bratislava, Podolínec, Prešov, Spišská Sobota, Svätý Jur, Trenčín, Trnava, Žilina or Štiavnické mines.
- Discover the underground of Slovak caves
Finally, a riddle: Guess how many caves Slovakia has? There are up to 7 500 of them! The most famous ones include Belianska Cave, Bojnice Castle Cave, Bystrianska Cave, Demänovská Cave of Freedom, Demänovská Ice Cave, Dobšinská Ice Cave, Gombasecká Cave and Harmanecká Cave. Ochtinská aragonite cave is a world rarity. Do you know why it is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List? We won’t reveal! It’s best to find out for yourself…
We wish you luck in choosing your next trip in Slovakia!