Slovakia an Awesome Holiday Destination
Author: Isabella Olsen |
Slovakia may not be one of the most popular destinations in Europe, but there's no reason why you shouldn't drop by. In fact, here are five reasons to visit Slovakia.
Slovakia may not be one of the most popular destinations in Europe, but there's no reason why you shouldn't drop by. In fact, here are five reasons to visit Slovakia.
Beautiful 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.
From Bratislava, you can make your way to other equally interesting cities in Slovakia, such as Banska Bystrica, which is also a popular tourist destination, Kosice, Levoca, Trencin and Nitra.
Vysoke Tatry
Of all the green spaces in Slovakia, the Tatra National Park is the most enchanting. True, this mountain range may not be as high or as popular as the Alps nearby, but its alpine climate, majestic mountain peaks like Krivan and numerous lakes and waterfalls make it a worthy destination. It offers opportunities for various recreational activities, too, like trekking, cycling, golfing or wildlife watching in the summer and skiing during winter. There are also many excellent hotels here with thermal pools and several cable cars that allow you to sit back and savor the amazing panoramic views.
World Heritage Caves
The caves in Slovakia are also remarkable sights - so impressive, in fact, that some of them have been declared World Heritage Sites. Visit the Ochtinska Cave, the largest of its kind in the world, and be astounded by the sparkling aragonite formations in its Milky Way Hall. Go on a boat trip down the river Styx in Domica Cave while spotting various species of bats. Marvel at the ice waterfalls and columns in the Dobsinska Ice Cave or experience speleotherapy at the Gombasecka and Jasovska Caves. Although not a World Heritage Site, the Demanova Cave of Freedome is also worth a visit, and is, in fact, the most visited cave in Slovakia because of its stalactite formations that come in various colors.
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.
Folk Art
You won't have a hard time looking for unique souvenirs when you visit Slovakia, since you will find many that reflect its rich culture. Popular examples include the crpak (an ornamented wooden cup), fujara (a long, woodwind instrument), valaska (traditional axe), kraslice (decorated eggs), dolls in national costumes, the Slovakian national waistband and ceramics from the town of Modra, which are usually blue and white. If you want to take home something edible, try medovniky (decorated cookies) or tatranky (wafers).
Slovakia may not be one of the most popular destinations in Europe, but there's no reason why you shouldn't drop by. In fact, here are five reasons to visit Slovakia.
Beautiful 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.
From Bratislava, you can make your way to other equally interesting cities in Slovakia, such as Banska Bystrica, which is also a popular tourist destination, Kosice, Levoca, Trencin and Nitra.
Vysoke Tatry
Of all the green spaces in Slovakia, the Tatra National Park is the most enchanting. True, this mountain range may not be as high or as popular as the Alps nearby, but its alpine climate, majestic mountain peaks like Krivan and numerous lakes and waterfalls make it a worthy destination. It offers opportunities for various recreational activities, too, like trekking, cycling, golfing or wildlife watching in the summer and skiing during winter. There are also many excellent hotels here with thermal pools and several cable cars that allow you to sit back and savor the amazing panoramic views.
World Heritage Caves
The caves in Slovakia are also remarkable sights - so impressive, in fact, that some of them have been declared World Heritage Sites. Visit the Ochtinska Cave, the largest of its kind in the world, and be astounded by the sparkling aragonite formations in its Milky Way Hall. Go on a boat trip down the river Styx in Domica Cave while spotting various species of bats. Marvel at the ice waterfalls and columns in the Dobsinska Ice Cave or experience speleotherapy at the Gombasecka and Jasovska Caves. Although not a World Heritage Site, the Demanova Cave of Freedome is also worth a visit, and is, in fact, the most visited cave in Slovakia because of its stalactite formations that come in various colors.
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.
Folk Art
You won't have a hard time looking for unique souvenirs when you visit Slovakia, since you will find many that reflect its rich culture. Popular examples include the crpak (an ornamented wooden cup), fujara (a long, woodwind instrument), valaska (traditional axe), kraslice (decorated eggs), dolls in national costumes, the Slovakian national waistband and ceramics from the town of Modra, which are usually blue and white. If you want to take home something edible, try medovniky (decorated cookies) or tatranky (wafers).
Information:
Isabella Olsen is a writer for various travel magazines who has been to global tourist destinations like Slovakia. To book your slovakia car rental or learn more about airport car hire worldwide, visit Zencarhire.com.
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