Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / Slovakia
 |  | Destination Guide : Slovakia |
|
| | | The other half |  | Why go to on holiday to Slovakia?
Slovakia is one of eastern Europe's most interesting countries. Once half of former Czechoslovakia, it was only established as a country in 1989 after the fall of communism.
The capital Bratislava retains much of its historical charm while the country's location means it arguably has central Europe's most spectacular mountain scenery. Sprinkled with castles, national parks and spa resorts, there is something to suit everyone here.
If you want a slightly-off-the-beaten-track holiday to brag about to your mates, Slovakia is the place for you.
How much does it cost?
A three-night break in Bratislava, including flights and B&B accommodation in a moderately-priced hotel, starts from around £275.
When should I go?
May, June and September are the busiest months, with April and October offering chillier and sometimes cheaper alternatives.
Most Slovaks take their holidays in July and August when hotels and tourist sights are crowded, especially in the Tatras mountain resort areas. Bratislava and the mountain resorts cater to visitors all year round.
Elsewhere, from October or November until March or April, most castles, museums and other tourist attractions, and some associated accommodation and transport systems, close.
Where should I start?
Bratislava is the natural place to start and mercifully, it isn't as swamped by western tourists as cities like Budapest or Prague, except at the weekends when the Austrians invade.
The capital is pretty drab but the old city is a jewel. Head for the Municipal Museum, which comes complete with torture chambers, the Museum of Wine Production, Primate's Palace, where Napoleon and the Austrian Emperor Franz I signed a peace treaty in 1805, and the rococo Mirbach Palace.
Another must-see is the castle, which was a frontier post of the Roman Empire from the 1st to the 5th century. It has been rebuilt several times but it has great views overlooking the Danube. The Museum of Folk Music within is interesting.
The Slovak National Museum and the Slovak National Gallery on the river are also worth a visit.
Anywhere else?
Don't miss a trip to the Spis region and in particular Spissky Hrad, which features the spectacular ruins of the the country's largest medieval castle. Founded in the 13th century and burnt to the ground more than 500 years later, the site is still impressive. You can see a Gothic tower, a cistern, a chapel and a Romanesque palace perched over the abyss. Instruments of torture are exhibited in the dungeon.
There's also the Slovak Red Mountains, with incredible landscape and the Domica Cave, said to be one of the biggest in the world. It's beautiful, colourful and features stalactites as thick as tree trunks.
Throughout the country, you'll notice wooden churches and chapels of Orthodox, Catholic and Evangelical faiths. They blend into the countryside and are superb living monuments to the past.
|
|
|
|
|
| | | What boots are made for | | How about activities?
Slovakia is well-known as one of Eastern Europe's prime hiking areas. The Mala Fatra Mountains are an easy day trip from Zilina and offer everything from easy tourist tracks through the forest to scenic ridge walks.
The Vysoke Tatry offers a 600km network of alpine trekking trails amid 30 valleys, 100 glacial lakes and numerous bubbling streams. August and September are the best months for high-altitude hiking; July and August are the warmest and most crowded.
The country is good for rafting, especially on the Dunajec River in Pieniny National Park, while mountain bikes are available all over Slovakia. There are also a great number of lakes suitable for yachting and windsurfing.
For winter holidaymakers, Slovakia is hard to beat for top value skiing, with the best slopes in Jasna, Nizke Tatry, and the Mala Fatra. But don't expect the standards of most European resorts.
Where can I relax?
Thanks to the profusion of natural, curative springs, the country has a multitude of spa resorts. Trencianske Teplice in western Slovakia has a thermal swimming pool open from May to September, five hot sulphur springs and a hammam or Turkish bathhouse.
If you want to do a laid-back day trip from Bratislava, go to Trnava, which is Slovakia's oldest town and was Hungary's religious centre for almost three centuries. It's a friendly, low-key, cheap and unspoilt by tourism.
Are there any festivals?
The Bratislava Lyre in May or June features rock concerts. During June or July, folk dancers from all over Slovakia meet at the Vychondna Folklore Festival, west of Poprad. The Bratislava Jazz Days are held in September.
What's the food like?
Slovak cuisine is basic central European fare: meat, dumplings, potatoes or rice topped with a thick sauce, and a heavily cooked vegetable or sauerkraut. Caraway seed, bacon and lots of salt are the common flavourings.
The style of cooking varies from region to region. Slovak specialities include salted and sweetened dishes made with flour, including dumplings. One such dish is small potato dumplings with sheep cheese.
Vegetarians aren't going to have a great choice - beware apparently meatless dishes as they are often cooked in animal stock or fat and get ready for lots of fried cheese, omelettes and potatoes.
Slovaks are known as wine rather than beer drinkers - the Tokaj region along the Hungarian border is good for a tipple. Strong gin and plum brandy are also popular.
What should I buy?
Special dolls made from corn husks, wooden toys, ceramics and crystal glass.
What is there for children to do?
If the kids are active, they will enjoy splashing around the country's thermal swimming pools, exploring the caves and doing other sports.
Alternatively, take them to the zoos in Kosice or Bojnice or the Zoological Gardens in Bratislava. The latter is home to more than 1,000 animals, while open-air theatre and cultural programmes are also organised for children.
Any nightlife?
There are clubs in the major cities but a lot of nightlife takes place in hotels. Theatre and opera are of a high standard.
Tourist office
Embassy of the Slovak Republic, 25 Kensington Palace Gardens, London W8 4QY. Tel: 020 7313 6470/020 7243 0803.
|
|
|
|
|
| | Fact File : Slovakia |
|
| | | Slovakia | | Did you know?
Slovakia has more than 180 castles and chateaux.
Languages
Slovak, Czech, Hungarian and German.
Visas
None required.
Getting there
There are a number of indirect services to Slovakia but SkyEurope Airlines offers direct flights from London to Bratislava and Kosice.
Flying time from London
About two hours to Bratislava.
Getting around
Buses are more expensive than trains, although weekend bus fares are sharply reduced. Plan on doing most of your travel on the efficient and cheap trains with side trips by bus. Slovakia's size and relatively quiet roads make it pretty easy to get around under your own steam, either by car, motorbike or bicycle.
Time difference
One hour ahead of the UK.
Currency
The Slovak crown.
Costs
As a rough guide, a cup of coffee is 80p, a short taxi ride £5, a moderately priced restaurant meal is about £3 and a beer is about 75p.
Weather
The coldest month is January, with average daily temperatures of -2C, while the hottest months are July/August with averages of around 21C. But temperatures can soar to 32C.
Voltage
220V, two-pin plug.
Opening hours
Most shops are open between Monday-Friday, between 9am-5pm. The larger stores stay open until 7pm or 9pm. Museums are usually closed on Mondays and may operate different summer (April - September) and winter hours. Offices and banks are open Monday-Friday between 8am-5pm, but some may close at 3.30 pm.
Health — before you go
There are no compulsory jabs for travellers but seek advice from your GP before you go.
Health — when you are there
Tick-borne encephalitis is a hazard in forests. Avoid contact with wild or stray animals in rural areas: although cases are rare, rabies does occur. Seek medical advice about immunisation against both diseases before you travel.
Warnings
If you do take your own car to Slovakia, be aware that a car with foreign number plates is an automatic target - never leave anything valuable in your car. Beware petty theft and pickpockets, particularly in Bratislava, Kogice and other tourist areas.
Emergency
Police 158; Fire 150; medical help 155.
Customs
Try learning a few Slovak phrases for your trip, as English is not widely spoken outside the main tourist centres. It will also be appreciated by the locals.
Pets
Quarantine rules apply.
Tipping
A tip of 5-10% is appreciated in any tourist restaurant with table service. The usual protocol is for them to tell you the total food bill and for you, as you hand over the money, to say how much you are paying with the tip included.
Tourist office
Embassy of the Slovak Republic, 25 Kensington Palace Gardens, London W8 4QY. Tel 020 7313 6470/7243 0803.
|
|
|
|
|
| | Available rental properties in Slovakia |
|
| |  | | Chalupa Ria, Slovakia
A newly reconstructed holiday home in the Mala Fatra region, providing our guests with high standard accommodation, set in idyllic surroundings.
|  | | Chalet Riecka
The accommodation is provided by the northern Slovakian village on the edge of well known Tatra mountains.
|  | | Ski Gate Alex
Ski Gate Alex is a ski chalet that is literally a stone's throw away from the excellent Ski Centre Kubinska Hola, in the beautiful region of Orava.
|  | | Smizany cottage
This wooden cottage is in the heart of the Slovakian Paradise National Park. It sleeps 6 and has a garden with a barbeque area with a swing.
|  | | Mountain Cottage, Mala Fatra
The cottage is an ideal base for adventure holidays in a very picutesque setting in a woodland area.
|
Holiday Rentals in Slovakia |
|
|
|
|
|
|
