Amazing Slovakia - Beauty, Nature, and History in One Incredible Country

Exploring the Beauty of Slovakia

After our wonderful time in Romania, we were excited to cross the border and start exploring the natural beauty and culture of Slovakia. Though we only had a short time in this amazing country, we tried to pack in as much as possible into our Slovakia itinerary.

Arriving in Slovakia

Crossing over from Romania, our first stop was the capitol city of Bratislava. This charming city straddles the Danube River and has a picturesque old town with pastel-colored Baroque buildings. We strolled around the pedestrian streets, admiring sights like the Bratislava Castle overlooking the city, St. Martin's Cathedral, and quirky statues scattered around town.

After getting a feel for the city, we picked up our rental car to start our road trip through Slovakia. We were excited to get out into the countryside and mountains!

Exploring the Tatras Mountains

Our main destination in Slovakia was the High Tatras, an incredibly beautiful mountain range along the border with Poland. We drove from Bratislava, stopping along the way at some picturesque towns. The landscapes became more and more dramatic as we approached the mountains.

At the base of the Tatras, we stayed in Starý Smokovec and took the cable cars up to the peaks. The views were jaw-dropping - sharp rocky peaks covered in snow, alpine meadows, and clear blue mountain lakes. We went hiking each day, following trails along ridges and to waterfalls while breathing the fresh, crisp air.

Just being among the epic scenery of the High Tatras was a highlight. The trails ranged from easy walks to more challenging climbs. We were glad we had given ourselves a few days to properly explore this incredible mountain paradise.

Historic Towns and Cities

In between our time in the mountains, we stopped at some of Slovakia's historic towns. Spisska Kapitula was like stepping back in time to the Middle Ages, with its cobblestone square surrounded by a cathedral and other architectural gems. Levoca boasted a massive historic square lined with beautiful churches.

We also spent time in Poprad, a hub at the foot of the High Tatras with a pedestrian-friendly medieval core. From there, we took a train ride through forests and mountains to Studený Potok, a gorgeous traditional village where we learned about the gorals ethnic group.

On our way back towards Bratislava at the end of our trip, we explored some other lovely towns like Banska Stiavnica with its gold-mining history and quaint architecture. We were impressed by how well-preserved many of Slovakia's old towns were.

Enjoying the Culture

In addition to the beautiful scenery, we tried to soak up the culture of Slovakia through its food, music, and people. In Bratislava we sampled creamy potato soup, schnitzel, and other hearty fare. In the Tatras region we tried smoked meats, cheeses, and delicious dumplings called halusky.

Folk music is very popular in Slovakia, and we caught impromptu performances in town squares with instruments like the fujara flute. Despite a complicated history, the Slovakian people were very friendly and welcoming to us throughout our trip.

Too Short But Sweet

Our week in Slovakia truly flew by and we wish we could have stayed longer. It was incredible to see the country's mountains, forests, lakes, caves, castles, folk villages, and historic cities. We packed a lot into a short time but feel like there is so much more of Slovakia still to explore.

While a week was not enough to fully experience Slovakia, we were so glad we were able to have this taste of such a beautiful and fascinating country. We hope to return someday to see more of its natural wonders and learn more about its unique culture.

Though it was tough to leave Slovakia behind, we took away amazing memories from our short but sweet time there. It is an incredible country that we would recommend to any fellow travelers looking for stunning landscapes, preserved history, and warm hospitality.

Goodbye for now, Slovakia! We hope to be back again soon.

FAQs

What is the best time to visit Slovakia?

The best times to visit Slovakia are late spring through early fall, between May and October. This allows you to enjoy pleasant weather for hiking in the mountains and exploring cities. Summer is peak season, though spring and fall are less crowded.

What are the top things to do in Slovakia?

Top attractions include hiking in the High Tatras mountains, exploring the capital Bratislava, wandering through historic mountain towns like Vlkolínec, visiting impressive castles like Spis Castle, relaxing in thermal spas, and learning about Slovak culture and folk traditions.

What is Slovakia known for?

Slovakia is known for its incredible natural landscapes like the High Tatras, its many medieval towns with preserved architecture, folk music and traditions, tasty comfort foods like bryndzové halušky, its numerous mineral springs, and world-class ice hockey players.

What is the currency in Slovakia?

Slovakia uses the Euro as its official currency. Major credit cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist centers, though carry some cash for rural areas. ATMs are readily available.

Is Slovakia safe to visit?

Yes, Slovakia is generally very safe to visit. Violent crime is rare, even in cities, though tourists should take normal precautions. Some areas to be extra aware are train stations at night and dark city alleys. Overall Slovakia is a safe country for travelers.