Vacation In Slovakia
Slovakia, a landlocked country in Central Europe, is bordered by the Czech Republic and Austria to the west, Poland to the north and Ukraine to the east. Slovakia gained its independence in 1993 and became a member of the European Union (EU) in 2004. It has since become a good base for travelling through central Europe and it’s now a well-developed country rich in natural resources with a high standard of living and quality of life. I am going to tell you what to see while visiting Slovakia in one week. This is a nice little guide that will give you an idea of what are some of the things you can do when traveling around this beautiful country.
How to vacation in Slovakia with the best places to visit and sights that you shouldn’t miss out on.
Where should you go if you want to live your next vacation in Slovakia? We have a good idea.
While most people will opt to visit Eastern Europe when they travel, Slovakia is one of the countries that are often overlooked. This is because most people who want to vacation in a country in Europe will head to Spain or Portugal because it’s much more popular than the majority of smaller European countries. While this can be said for almost any country in the world, there are some places that are still worth checking out. Slovakia is one of those places. If you’re looking to plan a vacation, you might want to consider visiting Slovakia
Situated in Central Europe and surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains, Slovakia has a population of 5.5 million people. In recent years, the unemployment rate has fallen to 8%, which is among the lowest in the European Union.
It’s always a pleasure to welcome home friends and family who are travelling abroad. But what if you don’t live in an area where there is a lot of tourism? Should your home be the centre of your vacation then or should you travel somewhere else entirely?
Vacation In Slovakia
Lying right in the center of Europe, Slovakia is a delight to explore. Crumbling castles and medieval towns can be found tucked away among its stunning scenery, with lots of interesting historic sights and cultural landmarks for you to discover.
Due to its strategic location, the country has been conquered and ruled by everyone from the Mongols and Hungarians to the Ottomans and Czechs; it was only in 1993 that the nation of Slovakia came into being for the first time.
Despite its youth, the country’s rich culture and heritage shine forth wherever you go, with plenty of local traditions and customs for you to delve into. While its many historic towns and villages are captivating to explore, Slovakia is also blessed with some gorgeous scenery. Plan your trip to this undiscovered Central European travel destination with our list of the best places to visit in Slovakia.
10. Orava Castle[SEE MAP]
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Set upon a craggy hilltop amid a verdant forest that tumbles down its steep slopes, Orava Castle certainly looks impressive, as rolling hills lie off in the distance, and the Orava River runs below its imposing cliff face.
One of the most beautiful castles in the whole of Slovakia, Orava Castle was built all the way back in the 13th century, although earlier wooden palisades and fortifications once occupied its prominent outcrop.
As each generation added its own touches and additions, the castle boasts a variety of architectural styles, with Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance features all evident. Its museum houses some wonderful old artifacts and archaeological findings that document its rich history. Throughout the many centuries that it has stood atop the bluff, the Orava Castle has never been conquered; it’s easy to see why once you pass through its many gates, walls, and defenses.
9. Vlkolinec[SEE MAP]
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One of the only remaining folk villages in the whole of Central Europe, Vlkolínec is full of impressive architecture, with traditional log houses lying next to a beautiful Baroque chapel and an antiquated old bell tower. A very quaint and charming place to visit, the tiny village is set in an idyllic spot amidst forest-clad hills and fields, with mountains seen in the distance.
As such, there are many great hikes you can do in the surrounding area. Besides that, there is not all that much to do other than take in the peaceful, laidback atmosphere and marvel at the fine folk architecture.
8. Bardejov[SEE MAP]
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With a delightful historic center for you to explore, the well-preserved medieval town of Bardejov is certainly worth a visit if you have the chance; it’s hard to imagine a more picturesque place.
Life in the small town revolves around its beautiful marketplace, just as it did all those centuries ago. A number of fine Gothic and Renaissance townhouses surround the elegant Church of St. Aegidius, which lies at its heart.
There is also a splendid old synagogue for you to check out, as well as a small Jewish quarter, which is sadly all that remains of the town’s once-thriving Jewish population. Located in the northeast of the country, with the Beskyd Mountains all around it, the town is surrounded by some fantastic 14th and 15th-century fortifications, with several interesting wooden churches scattered around the surrounding countryside.
7. Slovak Paradise National Park[SEE MAP]
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Encompassing a wide array of wild and rugged landscapes, the Slovak Paradise National Park is a breathtakingly beautiful part of the country to explore; deep canyons, valleys, and rivers cut through the endless forests on show.
The scenery is absolutely stunning wherever you go; amid the dense undergrowth, you can find sparkling waterfalls and deep rocky gorges, with the astounding Dobsinska Ice Cave just one of its main attractions.
Due to all of the amazing natural sights found in the park, it really is a treat to explore, and a myriad of paths and trails snake through the glorious Solvak Paradise mountain range. At times, you need to cross flimsy bridges that sway precariously to and fro, and clamber up steep ladders that hug the cliff face. The hike through the Sucha Bela Gorge is particularly challenging, but the beauty makes it well worth the effort.
6. Kosice[SEE MAP]
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Over the centuries, Kosice has been ruled by everyone from the Hungarians and Turks to the Czechs and Slovaks. As such, there is a myriad of amazing monuments, statues, and cultural landmarks for you to check out.
Slovakia’s second-largest city has a wealth of great things for you to see and do, with fantastic bars, restaurants, and shops found alongside its many art galleries, museums, and theaters.
While its thriving arts and culture scene is certainly worth exploring, no visit to Kosice can be complete without taking in all the fantastic sights and architecture found in its spectacular old town. Besides its stunning 14th century cathedral, there is a huge array of churches and palaces to see. Many people use Kosice as a base from which to explore the plethora of astonishing sights that dot the east of the country.