Slovakia travel

Slovakia is a beautiful European country that remains an undiscovered gem for many travellers.

It will enchant you with both its natural beauty and cultural heritage. Slovakia is home to many ethnic groups, making it a place full of diversity and cultural values. The country is very attractive at any time of year, and in winter it has become a new destination for skiing enthusiasts.

Discover the essential travel tips for Slovakia and prepare for an unforgettable trip!

Slovakia travel

Check also 11 best things to do in Slovakia.

Very brief history

Zhiguli police car in Czechoslovakia

Slovakia is a relatively young country. In January 1993, it gained independence after separating from the Czechs, with whom it shares a common, centuries-old history, starting from the Great Moravian Empire (9th century) and ending with Czechoslovakia.

For several hundred years, Slovakia functioned as the so-called Upper Hungary and as part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, whose legacy can be seen here at every step - in culture, architecture, and even cuisine.

Geography

Skalnaté pleso, High Tatra Mountains

Slovakia is divided into 8 large administrative regions, called kraje, and they are: Banská Bystrica, Bratislava, Košice, Nitra, Prešov, Trenčín, Trnava, and Žilina, each of which is further divided into smaller districts.

The country can certainly be considered a mountainous country. More than half of the surface of this small country is occupied by mountains, most of which are part of the Western Carpathians (Tatra Mountains, Slovak Ore Mountains, Lesser and Greater Fatra) and the Eastern Carpathians (Bieszczady).

The highest peak in Slovakia and the entire Carpathian range is the majestic Gerlach in the Tatras, reaching a height of 2655 m above sea level. The lowlands, which constitute a decidedly smaller part of the area, consist primarily of the southern edge of the country. The largest of the three lowlands is the Danubian Lowland, located, as the name suggests, along the great Danube River. This is where the capital of Slovakia, Bratislava, is located.

Despite its small area, Slovakia has a large number of karst and rocky terrains, as well as numerous specific karst formations, such as caves, rock formations, and canyons, which are an extraordinary attraction and unique on a European scale.

The climate of Slovakia, similar to that of Poland, is in the temperate zone. However, it can be divided into a cooler northern climate, present here due to the high mountains, and a warmer southern climate, influenced by the continental climate from Hungary. The average annual temperature is about 10°C, and the amount of rainfall is small - about 800 mm.

Is Slovakia worth visiting?

The Treetop walk Bachledka

Slovakia will surely appeal to lovers of mountain hiking or the specific winter climate of ski resorts, as well as Central European cuisine. In addition, there are a dozen well-preserved medieval Hungarian castles and geological treasures such as karst landscapes, gorges, and numerous caves.

Another reason to visit Slovakia are prices - they are lower compared to the Western European countries. Slovak take good care of their visitors and tourist infrastructure is well developed.

I think that ski resorts in Slovakia (and mountain infrastructure in general) are as modern as in Austria or Italy but less expensive.

Slovakia's attractions

Bojnice Castle

Although Slovakia cannot boast a large area or a long history as an independent state, it is a place that offers many tourist and recreational attractions, diverse and sometimes beautiful landscapes, numerous monuments with high historical value, and many interesting places where everyone will find something for themselves.

Speaking of Slovak attractions, one must start primarily with the mountains, thanks to which Slovakia is becoming an increasingly popular destination for fans of winter madness as well as hiking (the cable car to Lomnický štít). As it's a country that is becoming increasingly attractive for skiers, you can find many ski resorts here (the most famous is Jasna Chopok).

In addition, every enthusiast of mountain trips, whether a long-time hiker or an amateur, has plenty to choose from: starting from the High and Low Tatras (Starý Smokovec, Demänovská Valley), through the Lesser Fatra and Chočské vrchy mountains, and ending with the Small Carpathians, famous for their vineyards. We must not forget about the extremely charming, but in some places demanding for tourists, karst Slovak Paradise, which also hides the Dobšinská Ice Cave.

It's also worth mentioning that Slovakia has 9 national parks (including the wildest, Poloniny National Park in the east on the border with Poland and Ukraine) and several protected landscape areas.

Slovakia's monuments are primarily small towns with a historical atmosphere and architecture, such as: Banská Bystrica, Liptovský Mikuláš, Bardejov or Banská Štiavnica.

In addition, there are numerous castles, the most famous and beautiful of which are: Nitra Castle, Trenčín Castle, Bratislava Castle, Oravský Castle, the gigantic Spiš Castle (pictured above), or Devin Castle on the Danube. The undisputed attractions of Slovakia are also its largest cities - the capital, Bratislava on the Danube with a beautiful old town, and the Art Nouveau Košice.

Additionally, Slovakia boasts several dozen thermal baths and spas known throughout Europe. Mainly within the Tatra massif, literally a stone's throw from the Polish border.

UNESCO sites

Bardejov town

For a country of its size, Slovakia offers a surprisingly high number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites:

🗺️ Banská Štiavnica - historical mining town

🗺️ Bardejov - historic town with a preserved old town

🗺️ Vlkolínec - preserved wooden village architecture

🗺️ Spiš Castle and its associated cultural monuments

🗺️ Wooden churches and orthodox churches in the Carpathian region

🗺️ Slovak Paradise - national park protecting karst phenomena

🗺️ Dobšinská Ice Cave - cave with an underground glacier

Slovakia tours

Calvary in Banská Štiavnica

Don't feel like exploring Slovakia solo?

Let the local experts show you the ropes! Check out these guided tours, often with the convenience of hotel pickup included in the price.

📌 Bratislava sightseeing tour on a bus. Check the details.

📌 Round-trip boat cruise from Bratislava to historic Devin Castle. Check the details.

📌 HIT! A tour of Slovakia's iconic places: Trenčín Castle, Skalka Monastery and Piešťany spa town. Hotel pickup included. Check the details.

Transportation

Bratislava

Roads

Currently, the highway map in Slovakia includes about 600 km of toll roads. If you're heading on vacation in that direction, especially to a tourist destination, you need to be prepared to purchase a vignette. Its price depends on, among other things, the type of vehicle and the validity period.

Highways are easily recognizable by their special markings:

Highways: a symbol of a white overpass above two white lanes on a blue background, numbered with a sign on a red background. The highway number is always preceded by the letter "D".
Expressways: a symbol of a white car on a blue background. The expressway number will always be preceded by the letter "R".

In Slovakia, there are only a few short sections of expressways where tolls are not required. These include the bypasses around the capital - Bratislava, Banská Bystrica, and Trnava.

It's also worth knowing that national roads run parallel to Slovak highways. They are free, but traveling on them can be longer and more tiring.

Vignettes in Slovakia - how and where to buy?

Since January 1st, 2015, traditional vignettes have been abolished in Slovakia. Currently, only electronic vignettes are valid. There are several ways to purchase them:

On the Eznamka.sk website - it is also available in English.
Through the mobile app - it can be downloaded on smartphones with both Android and iOS systems.
At selected stationary points in Slovakia, such as gas stations.

Slovak Vignettes by Validity Period

You can buy a vignette for:

10 days
30 days
365 days
with an annual validity period

Slovakia takes vignettes seriously, and if you're required to purchase one but ignore the obligation, you can expect a fine of 150 euros. The same applies to drivers who drive with an invalid vignette.

Speed limits:

50 km/h in built-up areas,
90 km/h outside built-up areas,
130 km/h on highways.

If you exceed the maximum speed in Slovakia, you must be prepared for a high fine. The penalty will be 800 euros if you pay the fine on the spot. However, if the case goes to the police station, the rate will increase to 1000 euros.

You should also remember other important rules:

In Slovakia, any alcohol content in the driver's blood is not accepted. You will be punished even if you get behind the wheel after one glass.
If you are taking a child on a trip, you must transport them in a special child seat until they reach a height of 150 cm.
In Slovakia, dipped headlights are mandatory throughout the year.

Trains

The railway network in Slovakia is quite well-developed, although there is only one main line connecting Bratislava with Žilina, the Tatras, and Košice.

Train tickets to Slovakia can be purchased online or locally at the train station. ZSSK (Slovak Railways) offers cheap tickets for domestic and several international rail connections (mainly Czech Republic and Austria).

Tickets for private operators LE (Leo Express) and RJ (Regiojet) are also available online or at their ticket offices at train stations.

Airports

Slovakia has the following airports:

Bratislava Airport (BTS): This airport is located 9 km from the city center. It mainly serves low-cost airlines.
Košice Airport (KSC): The second most important airport in Slovakia, situated 6 km east of Košice. The airport mainly handles domestic flights and is not typically a destination for traditional airlines.
Poprad-Tatry Airport (TAT): A small airport 5 km from the center of Poprad. It also serves Zakopane, and the only airline offering flights to Poprad is Sky Europe.

Getting to airports in Slovakia

Bratislava Airport: Buses run every 20 minutes between the train station and the airport, taking passengers to a stop located directly at the arrivals hall. You can also use the train or SkyShuttle buses, which operate on the Vienna - Bratislava - Vienna route.
Košice Airport: You can reach the airport from the center of Košice in 10 minutes via the E571 expressway. You can also use taxis or city buses, which run very frequently between the airport and the city center.

Best places to stay in Slovakia

Bratislava Castle

While Slovakia is packed with beautiful spots, these are my favorites - places that offer a perfect blend of accessibility, charm, and unique experiences.

Bratislava

The capital, serves as a great starting point for exploring Slovakia. It's easy to find comfortable accommodations and organize trips to other cities or even neighboring countries.

LOFT Hotel Bratislava - a charming four-star hotel nestled in Bratislava's Old Town. Guests rave about the comfortable rooms, delicious breakfasts, and the well-stocked hotel bar.

Palace Apartments - an ideal choice for those who enjoy the comforts of apartment living. Situated in the heart of Bratislava's Old Town, these apartments provide a fantastic base for exploring the city's main attractions. Guests appreciate the cleanliness, spaciousness, and modern amenities.

Štrbské Pleso

For me, Štrbské Pleso takes the crown as the most beautiful place in Slovakia. This picturesque tourist resort nestled in the High Tatras above a stunning lake offers the perfect escape for those who crave fresh air and breathtaking mountain scenery.

Hotel Patria - staying there is a great four-star experience with a spa and wellness center. Guests love the incredible views, comfortable rooms, and easy access to hiking trails.

Apartmány Panorama 10X-90X - the top choice in Štrbské Pleso for those seeking apartment-style accommodations. Guests rave about the stunning views, tasty breakfasts, and well-appointed apartments.

Demänovská Dolina

Another scenic mountain resort, Demänovská Dolina, is nestled in a valley within the Low Tatra National Park. It's renowned for its vast cave system and stunning natural surroundings. In winter, the area transforms into a haven for skiers and snowboarders, thanks to the popular Jasná Chopok ski resort.

Hotel Björnson Jasná & Björnson TREE HOUSES - choose between a traditional hotel stay or the unique experience of staying in separate chalets. Guests love the comfortable rooms, beautiful location, and relaxing spa facilities.

Apartmány Demänovka - cozy apartments conveniently located near hiking trails and ski slopes. Guests enjoy the stylish interiors, access to wellness facilities, and delicious breakfasts.