Slovakia
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Overview
Right in the heart of Europe, Slovakia is a land of castles and mountains, occasionally punctuated by industrial sprawl. More than a quarter-century after Czechoslovakia's break-up, Slovakia has emerged as a self-assured, independent nation. Capital city Bratislava draws visitors to its resplendent old town and tankard-clanking drinking culture. But Slovakia shines brightest for lovers of the outdoors. Walking trails in the High Tatras wend through landscapes of unearthly beauty, with mirror-still glacier lakes backed by 2000m peaks.
Attractions
Must-see attractions
Eastern Slovakia
Slovenský Raj's rocky plateaus, primeval forests and interlacing streams form some of Slovakia's most picturesque hiking terrain. Treks often involve…
Eastern Slovakia
Crowning a travertine hill above Spišské Podhradie village, this vast, Unesco-listed fortification is one of Central Europe's biggest castle complexes…
Danubiana Meulensteen Art Museum
Slovakia
The windswept location of this world-class art gallery is as invigorating as the works on display. On a promontory jutting into the Danube, the…
Bratislava
Magnificently rebuilt in Renaissance style, Bratislava Castle looks as though it has been transplanted from a children's picture book. Inside is a history…
Bratislava
The coronations of 19 royals have taken place within three-nave St Martin's Cathedral, alluded to by the 300kg replica crown atop its spire. The interior…
Bratislava
The nucleus for Bratislava's history, festivals and chic cafe culture is Hlavné nám (Main Sq). There's architectural finery in almost every direction,…
Bratislava
Dedicated to St Elisabeth of Hungary in 1913, the early-20th-century 'Blue Church' is a vision in sapphire and powder-blue. From its undulating arches and…
Slovakia
This picturesque recreated village – Slovakia's largest skanzen (open-air museum) – showcases over 120 faithfully reconstructed 19th-century dwellings in…
Planning Tools
Expert guidance to help you plan your trip
Best Things to Do
Misty mountains, mighty national parks, fairy tale–like castles and more.
Read articleBest Places to Visit
From mountain villages to medieval castles to thriving cities, these are eight top places not to miss in this Central European gem of a country.
Read articleBest Time to Visit
An extremely thorough guide to getting the most out of this Central European country, any month of the year.
Read articleTransportation
Compact Slovakia is a pleasure to explore – and easy, too. Here’s your guide to getting around by train, bus, car, bicycle and more.
Read articleArticles
Latest stories from Slovakia
Filter by interest:
HikingWhere to go in Slovakia for castle ruins, mountain hikes and city cultureJul 25, 2024 • 8 min read
Public TransportHow to experience the beauty of Slovakia by train, car and bikeJul 17, 2024 • 6 min read
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