Slovakia
Castles, caves and an Alpine-looking range packed into a small country. Its capital is among the closest in Europe to a neighbouring one.
Icons
Castle ruins, mountains, and building in timber.
- A vast ruin covering a hillSpis CastleEast
Among the largest castle ruins in central Europe, visible from a long way off. From the walls the whole plain is laid out below.
- The smallest high mountain rangeHigh TatrasNorth
Peaks above two thousand metres crowded into a short stretch, like the Alps in miniature. A cable car reaches close to the ridge.
- A square white castle above the riverBratislava CastleBratislava
Standing on a hill over the Danube with the Austrian border in view. It is a walk up from the old town.
- Caves that keep their iceDemanovska CavesLow Tatras, central
An ice cave and a freedom cave along one valley, with ice surviving through summer. Bring a layer for the tour.
- Churches built almost without nailsCarpathian wooden churchesNortheast
Catholic, Protestant and Eastern rite churches all survive in timber. They are scattered between villages, so a car helps.
- Gorges climbed by ladderSlovensky RajEast
Ladders and footboards fixed into narrow ravines take you up alongside the waterfalls. Some sections are one-way only.
World Heritage
Mining towns, wooden churches and caves.
- A medieval silver townBanska StiavnicaCentral
The mining town and the technical works around it are listed together. Its stacked hillside layout is unusual.
- The castle and its surroundingsSpis Castle and associated monumentsEast
Not only the castle but nearby churches and towns are included. They are spread out, so allow a full day.
- A mountain hamlet of log housesVlkolinecCentral
A small village of painted log houses surviving in its original form. People still live there.
- Eight wooden churchesWooden Churches of the Slovak CarpathiansNorth and east
Churches of different denominations grouped into one listing. Many keep their painted interiors intact.
- Caves that cross a borderCaves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak KarstSoutheast
A limestone cave system listed jointly with Hungary. Some caves close seasonally.
Where to go
The western capital and the eastern mountains are not far apart.
- BratislavaThe capitalWestern border
An hour from Vienna by train, so many see the two together. The old town is small enough for half a day.
- KosiceThe second cityEast
A Gothic cathedral standing in the middle of the main boulevard. It is the base for the eastern mountains.
- ZilinaA northwestern hubNorthwest
A tidy central square with castles and gorges nearby. It is the way into the mountain districts.
- PopradGateway to the TatrasNorth
The electric railway up into the High Tatras starts here. Thermal baths are close by.
- LevocaA walled old townEast
Medieval walls and a church famous for its carved wooden altar. Usually combined with Spis Castle.
When to go
Large temperature differences between mountains and lowland.
- SpringApril to MayNationwide
Meltwater fills the gorges and the forests open up. Snow remains on the high sections.
- SummerJune to AugustNationwide
Tatra walking and the ladder gorges are all open. Afternoon storms are common, so start early.
- AutumnSeptember to OctoberNationwide
Deep colour with fewer people about. Mountain weather turns quickly.
- WinterNovember to MarchNationwide
Ski season with plenty of snow. Winter tyre rules apply on mountain roads.
Before you go
In Schengen, and on the euro.
- EntrySchengen short stay, visa-free for Korean passportsNationwide
Up to 90 days in any 180 across the whole Schengen area. The European travel authorisation scheme is being phased in, so check official guidance before you leave.
- MoneyEuro, and inexpensiveNationwide
Cards are widely used, and food and rooms cost less than in western Europe. Small villages may still need cash.
- MotorwaysAn electronic vignette is requiredNationwide
Buy the vignette before using the motorways. Check whether your hire car already includes one.
- Hiking rulesSome routes close in winterHigh Tatras
Avalanche risk closes certain trails between autumn and spring. Check the park notices before setting out.
- LanguageSlovak, close to CzechNationwide
English works in the cities, and Slovak and Czech speakers understand each other. A few local phrases help in the countryside.
- Emergency number112Nationwide
The pan-European number reaching police, ambulance and fire, with English available. Mountain rescue has its own number, so check it before a trek.
Opening hours, fares and schedules change from year to year and by season. Check the official guidance for each site and operator before you travel.