Are you planning a trip to Europe? If so, here are five reasons why you should visit Slovakia before heading on to more popular destinations like France, Italy or Germany.
Bratislava
Most of those who visit Slovakia find themselves in the beautiful capital city of Bratislava, which alone has many attractions to offer for tourists. The most popular one is the imposing Bratislava Castle which dates back to the first century and offers breathtaking views of the city, particularly the Old Town, where you can also find the remarkable Gothic St. Martin's Cathedral, Mirbach Palace, the pink Primate's Palace, St. Michael's Tower and various other monuments. The city also has many green spaces and nearby forests that provide a sanctuary for relaxation, as well as excellent museums like the Slovak National Museum and National Gallery.
Aside from Bratislava, make sure you visit Banska Bystrica, too, which is just as beautiful, and other interesting cities like Kosice, Levoca, Trencin and Nitra, which have their own jewels for you to discover.
Tatra National Park
The Vysoke Tatry or High Tatras mountains are another of Slovakia's main attractions. Although this mountain range is divided between Slovakia and its neighbor, Poland, the highest peaks and best slopes can be found in Slovakia, which is why it is a popular recreation area. In summer, there are many trails for hiking and cycling, as well as opportunities for wildlife watching, while in winter, there are many great places for skiing, like Strbske pleso, Stary Smokovec and Tatranska Lomnica. Krivan is considered the most beautiful peak, offering amazing views, while lakes and waterfalls abound.
World Heritage Caves
Out of Slovakia's roughly 4,000 caves, only 14 may be open to the public, but each one is definitely worth visiting. Some of them have even been included in the list of World Heritage Sites, like the Ochtinska Cave, the largest aragonite cave in the world, the Dobsinska Ice Cave, the Domica Cave, the Gombasecka Cave and the Jasovska Cave, all of which have many chambers and halls full of remarkable rock formations. The Demanovska Liberty Cave, is the most popular, though, because of its colorful stalactites - in shades of red, orange, yellow and black - and stunning lakes.
Architecture
Aside from natural wonders, Slovakia also boasts of man-made marvels, best exemplified in its romantic castles. The most popular castle in the country is the World Heritage Spis Castle, one of the largest castles in Central Europe and a favorite location for films with a fantasy or medieval setting, although the castles at Lupca, Trencin, Nitra, Cerveny Kamen, Orava and Bojnice are just as impressive. Some castles, like Hradok Castle, offer accommodations, too.
In contrast, you will also find many humble wooden churches when you visit Slovakia, particularly in the Svidnik province, which are just as worth seeing. One of the largest wooden structures in Central Europe can be found in the country, too - the Wooden Lutheran Church - while Podbiel has a collection of more than 70 well-preserved rustic houses. Although not entirely wooden, St. Jacob's Church in Levoca has the highest wooden altar in the world.
Arts and Crafts
The Slovaks are known for their creativity, which is evident in their folk handicrafts that make great souvenirs when you visit Slovakia. Consider buying a crpak (ornamented cup), fujara (folk woodwind instrument), valaska (a folk hatchet), kraslice (painted eggs), ceramics from Modra, or dolls in national costumes. Souvenir sets are also available. - 29931
Bratislava
Most of those who visit Slovakia find themselves in the beautiful capital city of Bratislava, which alone has many attractions to offer for tourists. The most popular one is the imposing Bratislava Castle which dates back to the first century and offers breathtaking views of the city, particularly the Old Town, where you can also find the remarkable Gothic St. Martin's Cathedral, Mirbach Palace, the pink Primate's Palace, St. Michael's Tower and various other monuments. The city also has many green spaces and nearby forests that provide a sanctuary for relaxation, as well as excellent museums like the Slovak National Museum and National Gallery.
Aside from Bratislava, make sure you visit Banska Bystrica, too, which is just as beautiful, and other interesting cities like Kosice, Levoca, Trencin and Nitra, which have their own jewels for you to discover.
Tatra National Park
The Vysoke Tatry or High Tatras mountains are another of Slovakia's main attractions. Although this mountain range is divided between Slovakia and its neighbor, Poland, the highest peaks and best slopes can be found in Slovakia, which is why it is a popular recreation area. In summer, there are many trails for hiking and cycling, as well as opportunities for wildlife watching, while in winter, there are many great places for skiing, like Strbske pleso, Stary Smokovec and Tatranska Lomnica. Krivan is considered the most beautiful peak, offering amazing views, while lakes and waterfalls abound.
World Heritage Caves
Out of Slovakia's roughly 4,000 caves, only 14 may be open to the public, but each one is definitely worth visiting. Some of them have even been included in the list of World Heritage Sites, like the Ochtinska Cave, the largest aragonite cave in the world, the Dobsinska Ice Cave, the Domica Cave, the Gombasecka Cave and the Jasovska Cave, all of which have many chambers and halls full of remarkable rock formations. The Demanovska Liberty Cave, is the most popular, though, because of its colorful stalactites - in shades of red, orange, yellow and black - and stunning lakes.
Architecture
Aside from natural wonders, Slovakia also boasts of man-made marvels, best exemplified in its romantic castles. The most popular castle in the country is the World Heritage Spis Castle, one of the largest castles in Central Europe and a favorite location for films with a fantasy or medieval setting, although the castles at Lupca, Trencin, Nitra, Cerveny Kamen, Orava and Bojnice are just as impressive. Some castles, like Hradok Castle, offer accommodations, too.
In contrast, you will also find many humble wooden churches when you visit Slovakia, particularly in the Svidnik province, which are just as worth seeing. One of the largest wooden structures in Central Europe can be found in the country, too - the Wooden Lutheran Church - while Podbiel has a collection of more than 70 well-preserved rustic houses. Although not entirely wooden, St. Jacob's Church in Levoca has the highest wooden altar in the world.
Arts and Crafts
The Slovaks are known for their creativity, which is evident in their folk handicrafts that make great souvenirs when you visit Slovakia. Consider buying a crpak (ornamented cup), fujara (folk woodwind instrument), valaska (a folk hatchet), kraslice (painted eggs), ceramics from Modra, or dolls in national costumes. Souvenir sets are also available. - 29931
About the Author:
Isabella Olsen is a writer for various travel magazines who has been to global tourist destinations like Slovakia. To book your cheap car hire slovakia or learn more about car rental worldwide, visit Zencarhire.com.
