Slovakia Flag
Why visit Slovakia?
A great additional while visiting central Europe tacking onto Austria, Budapest, Hungary, & Vienna to enjoy architecture, castles, caves, churches, cultural events, folk, hiking, historical sites, ice caverns, mountain climbing, mountain villages, picturesque valleys, quaint villages, ruins, skiing, spa towns, and streams.
Tatra Mountains. Photo Credit: Eszter Miller/Pixabay
At a Glance
- Souvenirs to Buy: Antiques, carved wooden figures, corn husks dolls, crystal, decorated Easter eggs, dolls, embroidery goods, felt boots, fujaras, honey, horalky, lace, medovina, peasant frocks, pottery, puppets, slivovica, tatratea, wine, and wooden pitchers.
- Local Cuisine to Try: Bryndzove Halusky (national dish). Gulášová Polievka (soup). Kapustnica (soup). Krvavnica (blood sausage). Lokse (pasta dish). Wiener Schnitzel. Zemiakove Placky (stuffed pancakes).
- Local Drink to Try: Demänovka (liquor). Koniferum Borovička (spirit). Kofola (soft drink). Slivovica (spirit).Tatratea (spirit). Vinea (wine).
Bratislava Castle, Bratislava, Slovakia. Photo Credit: Walkerssk/Pixabay
Fun Facts
- Čachtice Castle (Čachtice) was home to the late Countess Elizabeth Báthory de Ecsed (1560 - 1614) an alleged serial killer, "Bloody Lady".
- Adventure production, Dragonheart was filmed at Strečno Castle (Strečno).
- During 2023, Volvo is building a new plant to begin building electric cars (2026).
- Carpathian Mountains extend across the northern region.
- Nearly 41% of land surface is forest.
- Ochtinská Aragonite Cave (central), is 1 of only 3 aragonite caves in the world.
- Education is required for youths from 6 - 16.
- Has 3 international airports.
- Football and ice hockey are the most popular sports.
- Only European Union members not have any mosques.
- World's largest car producer.
- Tatra Mountains has 29 peaks.
- Gerlachovský štít (8,711 ft) is the highest point.
- Home to 9 National Parks.
- Váh is the longest river.
- Danube is the largest river flowing through the country.
Liptov, Slovakia. Photo Credit: michaltrnka360/Pixabay
Special Holidays/Occasions
- Annual Events: (January) Junifest, (February) Sled Dog World Championships Sprint, (May) Košice Music Spring Festival, International Festival of Ghosts & Monsters, (June) Fabulous Castle, Festival of the Culture of the Hungarians of Slovakia, Festival of the Ruthenian & Ukrainian Cultures, International Folk Costume Dolls Festival, International Folklore Festival Myjava, Touches & Connections, Zamagurské Folklórne Slávnosti Festival, Zvolen Castle Plays, (July) Echoes of Old Slavic under Kráľova Hoľa Mountain, European Folk Craft Festival (EĽRO), Folklore Festival Poľana, Folklore Festival Východná, Jánošík Festival, Summer Esperanto Study, Východná Folklore Festival, Summer Shakespeare´s Festival, (August) European Festival of Humour & Satire Kremnica Gags, Festival Hontianska Paráda, Folklore Festival Podroháčske Folklórne Slávnosti, Scénická žatva Festival, Zemplínske Slávnosti Festival, (September) Middle Ages under the Walls, Nitra Theatre Festival, Radvanský Jarmok Fair, (October) Apple Festival, and Bratislava Model United Nations.
- Holidays: Day of the Establishment of the Slovak Republic, Epiphany, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Labor Day, Day of Victory over Fascism, St Cyril & Methodius Day, Slovak National Uprising Anniversary, Day of the Constitution of the Slovak Republic, Day of Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows, All Saints’ Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and St Stephen's Day.
Photo Credit: Walkerssk/Pixabay
Good to Know
- Tick-Borne Encephalitis (TBE) vaccination is recommended.
- Requires proof of funds and a return plane ticket.
- Most populated cities are Bratislava (capital) and Košice.
- Slovenský Raj (Slovak Paradise) is the most popular park.
- Fog is common during winter.
- Travelers 16+ must carry their passport at all times.
- Do not drive under the influence of alcohol due to tolerance level of 0%. Punishable with incarceration.
- Prešov Region is known for wooden churches.
- Photography of military installations or security is illegal.
- Piešťany is considered one of the busiest spa towns.
- Vacationing in a private home, within 3 days you must you must register with the local Border and Alien Police.
- Main hospitals are in Kramare, Old Town, Petrzalka, and Ruzinov.
- Museums and tourist sites tend to be closed on Mondays.
- Seatbelts are mandatory.
- International Driving Permit (IDP) is mandatory.
- Helmets are mandatory for motorcyclists.
- Taxis are relatively inexpensive.
- Rental Car Drivers must be 21, a surcharge fee applies to those under 25.
Photo Credit: Jarek/Pixabay
This international destination requires:
- A valid passport with six months of validity upon return and one blank page for entry stamp.
- Tourist VISA not required for visits under 90 days.
- Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: 10,000EUR.
Subject to humidity, snowstorms, and summer monsoons.
- Best Time to Visit: May - September
- Coldest Months: November - March
- Hottest Months: May - September
- Peak Season: March & May - June
Levoča, Slovakia. Photo Credit: Walkerssk/Pixabay
Your Must-See & Do
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Aggtelek, Banská Štiavnica, Bardejov, Danubian Limes, Dobšiná Ice Cave, Domica Cave, Jasovská Cave, Spiš Castle, Ochtinská Aragonite Cave, Vlkolínec, Žehra, and Zipser Kapitel.
Banská Štiavnica, Slovakia. Photo Credit: Miroslav Gecovic/Pixabay
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All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.
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