Centrally located in Europe, the Slovak Republic is a tourist’s dream. Among its breathtaking landscapes are crumbling castles and mediaeval villages, hiding a wealth of fascinating historical sites and cultural treasures.
Top 10 Places to Visit in Slovakia
Strategically located between the Mongols and the Hungarians, the Ottomans and the Czechs, and the Czechs again, Slovakia only became an independent nation in 1993.
Although being a very young country, there is a wealth of local traditions and customs to explore and learn about.
Slovakia is blessed with beautiful scenery in addition to its many fascinating mediaeval cities and villages. We have compiled a list of the top tourist attractions in Slovakia to help you plan your vacation to this relatively unexplored Central European country.
1. Orava Castle
Orava Castle, perched on a rocky outcrop with a beautiful forest cascading down its steep slopes, is a stunning sight, especially with the distant hills and the winding Orava River below it.
Orava Castle, often considered one of Slovakia’s most stunning castles, was constructed in the 13th century on a conspicuous outcrop that had previously been occupied by wooden palisades and defences.
The castle’s Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance elements are all there because each generation contributed their own touches and enhancements. Its rich past is documented through the fascinating antiquities and archaeological finds housed in its museum.
The Orava Castle has stood on the cliff for centuries, and once within its many gates and walls, it’s clear to see why it has remained unconquered all these years.
2. Vlkolinec
Traditional log cottages sit next to a stunning Baroque chapel and an ancient antique bell tower in Vlkolnec, one of the few remaining folk villages in all of Central Europe. The tiny community is located in a picturesque area, surrounded by forested hills and meadows, with distant mountains providing a dramatic backdrop.
As a result, there are a plethora of excellent hikes in the vicinity. Other than that, there is not much to do besides soak in the tranquil, easygoing mood and admire the beautiful folk architecture.
3. Bardejov
Bardejov, a well-preserved mediaeval town, has a wonderful old centre that you should see if you get the chance; it’s hard to imagine a more picturesque location.
The picturesque marketplace remains the heart of local life even after all these years. At its centre is the beautiful Church of St. Aegidius, which is surrounded by a number of fine Gothic and Renaissance townhouses.
The town’s once-thriving Jewish community is gone, but not before leaving behind a beautiful historic synagogue and a tiny Jewish enclave. The Beskyd Mountains surround this town in the country’s northeast, and the area around it is dotted with remarkable wooden churches and spectacular fortifications from the 14th and 15th centuries.
4. Slovak Paradise National Park
The Slovak Paradise National Park is a breathtakingly gorgeous section of the country to explore, encompassing a wide variety of wild and harsh terrain; deep gorges, valleys, and rivers cut through the infinite trees on display.
The environment is breathtaking all over; hidden in the thick vegetation are glittering waterfalls and steep rocky gorges, the most impressive of which is the Dobsinska Ice Cave.
The park’s abundance of beautiful natural features makes it a joy to explore, and numerous trails wind through the stunning Solvak Paradise mountain range.
You’ll have to brave narrow bridges that sway from side to side and steep ladders that cling to the side of a cliff. Although the trek down Sucha Bela Gorge is difficult, the rewarding scenery makes it worthwhile.
5. Kosice
Kosice has changed hands many times over the ages, from Hungarian and Turkish control to Czech and Slovak. As a result, there is a plethora of amazing buildings, statues, and other cultural treasures to explore.
In addition to its many museums, theatres, and galleries, Slovakia’s second-largest city also features a plethora of excellent bars, restaurants, and stores. Kosice is home to a vibrant arts and culture scene, but no trip there would be complete without taking in the stunning vistas and buildings of its historic centre.
It has a splendid cathedral from the 14th century and a plethora of other churches and palaces to see. Kosice serves as a convenient jumping-off point for those interested in seeing the country’s many wonderful attractions in the east.
6. Levoca
Levoca’s ancient main plaza, with its gorgeous old townhouses and magnificent Gothic church and 15th-century town hall, is undeniably breathtaking. Magnificent cultural and historical landmarks can be found all across Levoca, many of which include stunning examples of Baroque, Renaissance, and Gothic architecture.
The beautiful central plaza is the obvious draw, but the town has enough more to offer for a two-day stay. There are many interesting places to see in the neighbourhood, such as Spis Castle and the beautiful Tatra Mountains.
Levoca has a relaxed atmosphere, making it ideal for anyone seeking a peaceful holiday. For breathtaking panoramas and spiritual importance, a visit to the Church of Marianska Hora is not to be missed.
7. Spis Castle
The massive ruins of Spis Castle encompass a wide expanse of territory on a hill above the village of Spisske Podhradie. That it is one of the largest castle complexes in all of Central Europe is hardly surprising. The mind is blown by the sheer size and scope of the place as one explores its various walls, fortifications, and towers.
Spis Castle, once the region’s political and cultural epicentre, is today a prominent tourist attraction in Slovakia. Whenever you get close to the castle and take in all its magnificent characteristics, you’ll understand why.
The destroyed castle proudly surveys the landscape around it, establishing its dominance despite its current condition of disrepair.
8. Banska Stiavnica
Banská tiavnica, Slovakia, is an intriguing destination because it sits in the middle of a huge caldera. The town’s fantastic prosperity is mostly attributable to the abundant mineral reserves that were originally discovered in the area. There are several beautiful cathedrals, castles, and museums in the historic district of this old mining town.
As you explore the city on foot, you’ll come across a wealth of fascinating cultural institutions and points of interest. In addition to all of this, Banská tiavnica also features two spectacular castles and an open-air mining museum that brings visitors deep underground to see what life was like in the mines.
9. High Tatras
The High Tatras are Slovakia’s tallest mountain range, and they offer excellent rock climbing and hiking opportunities as well as excellent skiing in the winter. The mountain range is truly a sight to behold; its rugged peaks stand up imperiously towards the heavens, and among its many slopes and valleys are brilliant alpine lakes and meadows.
The High Tatras, especially the snow-capped Mount Krivan, are almost a national symbol, holding a significant position in the minds of Slovaks. Several sorts of outdoor pursuits are ideally suited to the mountain range because of its stunning scenery. You can go hiking, biking, or skiing along numerous trails with breathtaking scenery.
10. Bratislava
Bratislava, the country’s capital and largest city, is fascinating in part because of the variety of experiences you can have there. The city’s historic core features a spectacular hilltop castle, as well as a variety of mediaeval and Gothic buildings, and several notable examples of Baroque architecture.
When you leave Bratislava’s historic centre, you’ll see communist-era concrete blocks beside the Danube River, and further afield, you’ll find gorgeous farmland, fields, and villages.
Fantastic pubs and restaurants abound in this fascinating blend of old and new, and chic new shops and eateries appear each year. Bratislava is always exciting since it offers such a diverse selection of attractions. But, Vienna and Budapest are not far away if you ever feel like a change of scenery.
