what to see in slovakia, places to visit in Slovakia, where to go in slovakia

Castles and caves dot the scenic countryside of Slovakia, while capital Bratislava offers history and a large pedestrianised old town that beckons explorers. At first glance Slovakia may not seem a must-visit destination, but with numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites, a peaceful population and a prime situation en route between Austria and Hungary, the landlocked nation has plenty to recommend it. Take a look at our top things to do in Slovakia!

 

Pound the pavement in Bratislava

 

It’s rare that a capital city centre is largely pedestrianised, yet miniature Bratislava has proudly restored her historical heart after Communist takeover. The city is perfect for ambling the gilded Coronation route, passing Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance churches, fountains and palaces, and refreshing in a charming sidewalk café. Bring yourself back into the 21st century with a visit to the Most SNP, commonly known as the UFO Bridge, which crosses the Danube and is anything but medieval.

 

Enjoy the view from Bratislava Castle

 

Gazing over the River Danube stands Europe’s most Lego brick-looking fortress. It has survived in its hilltop position through 1,100 years of destruction, and is one of a scattering of medieval fort treats around the country.

 

Outdoor adventure in the High Tatras

 

Boasting some tremendous peaks scaling 2,600 metres (8,530 feet), Slovakia’s most famous mountain range has attracted winter and summer sports tourists for the last century. Hiking, skiing and cycling are all enjoyed here. With charming wooden churches and Swiss alpine scenery at Slovak prices, it’s a petite and delightful area to roam – keep your eyes open for bears and wolves!

 

Banská Bystrica

 

The quaint and compact copper mining town measures historical value in two ways – charming with its Renaissance town hall, theatres and a castle, and educating by way of the Slovak National Uprising Museum, which recounts tales of WWII resistance against Jezef Tiso.

 

Spelunk through UNESCO World Heritage caves

 

Slovakia is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst – an expansive collection of 712 caves spread over 55,800 hectares. Two must-visits within the sprawling assortment are the roughly 250,000-year-old Dobšinská Ice Cave and the Ochtinská Aragonite Cave, the latter of which boasts the mesmerising Milky Way Hall, so-called because of the white branches and clusters of aragonite that shine like stars.

 

what to see in slovakia, places to visit in Slovakia, where to go in slovakia

Go on a castle crawl

 

Bratislava is not the only place you can see the spires and protective walls of medieval castles – Slovakia has an impressive collection of castles scattered throughout its countryside, many of which have survived battles and raids to stand remarkably well-preserved today.

 

what to see in slovakia, places to visit in Slovakia, where to go in slovakia

 

Experience the healing power of mineral springs

 

With around 1,300 mineral springs providing curative and high-quality drinking water, Slovakia is a great place to experience the miraculous healing and restorative properties offered by thermal spas – or not, you be the judge! There are 21 different spa towns to choose from, with Piešťany, Trenčianske Teplicie, Bardejov and Dudince some of the most popular.

 

what to see in slovakia, places to visit in Slovakia, where to go in slovakia


Courtney Gahan is a serial expat, traveller and freelance writer who has bartered with Moroccan marketeers, seen the sun rise at Angkor Wat and elbowed her way through crowds on NYE in NYC

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