If you are taking a river cruise along the Danube, Slovakia may be one of your ports of call. But even if you are not on a cruise, this beautiful county is worth a visit.
Slovakia is a dream getaway for outdoor enthusiasts. The country is home to numerous national parks, hiking trails, and even caves to drive your adventurous needs. There's also room for history enthusiasts and gastronomy lovers. Here are the top 10 must-see things this vibrant country has to offer.
1. Slovakia has over 100 castles, from ruins to restored structures. The castles combine the Renaissance and Gothic Romanesque styles. Don't forget to visit Bojnice, one of the most visited castles in Europe. Another famous castle is the neo-Gothic Orava Castle which was featured in the 1922 vampire film Nosferatu. Get your fill of fairytale castles and get lost in the dreamy palaces of Slovakia.
2. Alpine skiing is one of the more popular recreational activities in Slovakia. With the snow-covered mountains and picture-perfect slopes, locals enjoy going to the ski resorts primarily in the Low Tatras and High Tatras mountain ranges.
3. Go back in time with the famous open-air museums that display exceptional folk architecture. The Museum of Slovak Village is the largest ethnographic open-air exposition that shows what life was like in rural Slovakia in the early 19th century. Live shows and events happen yearly.
4. Try Slovak cuisine which includes a lot of potatoes, dairy products, sauerkraut, and wild mushrooms. Potatoes are often added to most meals making traditional delicacies such as Bryndzové halušky and Lokše.
5. The most renowned park to visit would be The Slovak Paradise National Park, the largest park in Slovakia. The park leads you to breathtaking views of caves, canyons, and the gorgeous 75-meter-tall Zavojovy waterfall.
6. Slovakia's capital, Bratislava, may be small, but it sure is busy. The breathtaking city has a wealth of history and art and is one of the most visited areas in Slovakia. It's home to two palaces, Devin Castle ruins, an observation deck, and numerous statues. It's the photography hotspot of Slovakia!
7. The High Tatras are renowned for their scenic trails through the limestone mountains, alpine habitat, and hundreds of pristine clear lakes. Make sure to check out the Kriván trail as it provides a stunning aerial view of the park and does not require a guide.
8. The largest castle complex in Europe, Spiš castle, has countless artifacts dating back to the 12th century. The area is currently a UNESCO World Heritage site covering over 41,000 square meters.
9. Banská Štiavnica is a preserved medieval town that sits on an ancient volcano. Mining was very prevalent as the town had plentiful silver ore and gunpowder. Get that once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit the open-air mining museum to explore the 17th-century mine.
10. The Dobšinská Ice Cave is another UNESCO Heritage site that offers gorgeous views of semi-frozen waterfalls, natural formations, and much more. The temperature stays at about 0 degrees year-round, so if you need cooling off in the summer, this is the spot.
These are just the highlight of any visit to Slovakia. If you are ready to begin your adventure, contact me and I will be glad to help you plan your trip.
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