Slovakia map & highlights
You can whizz through Slovakia on a bike, following the Danube from Austria en route to Hungary, or you can also just stop. Because, if we could choose this country’s strapline, ‘SlowVakia’ would be it. And steep, of course, with those tantalising High Tatras Mountains beckoning hikers in summer and cross country skiers in winter. The medieval culture of its capital, churches, castles and country lifestyles is on tap all year round. Slovakia is great value for families too, whether you are rafting down the Pieninský National Park’s Dunajec gorge, husky sledding through the winter wilderness of Slovak Paradise National Park or exploring wild rivers in searing summer heat.
1.
Bratislava
2. High Tatras Mountains
3. Pieniny National Park
4. Slovak Paradise National Park
5. Spis region
6. Stary Smokovec
2. High Tatras Mountains
3. Pieniny National Park
4. Slovak Paradise National Park
5. Spis region
6. Stary Smokovec
Bratislava
1. Bratislava
This medieval capital is close to Austrian and Hungarian borders, and popular for those taking on the Danube Cycle Route. With traffic free, cobbled streets, historic squares, ancient narrow dwellings, red tiled rooftops, churches from every era and a bevy of breweries, it is quite the EU hangout. The castle was a historical hangout for many too, with renaissance, baroque and gothic gorgeousness throughout.
High Tatras Mountains
2. High Tatras Mountains
A natural border between Poland and Slovakia, this mountainous magnificence proffers the highest peaks in the Carpathians. Protected by the Tatra National Park, a pretty patchwork of hiking routes, the highest peak is Gerlachovský štít (2,654m), only to be tackled by experts. The second highest, Lomnický štít, is accessible by cable car, and the Belianske Tatras are popular for cross country skiing and dog sledding.
Pieniny National Park
3. Pieniny National Park
The smallest national park in Slovakia but thinking big in terms of adventure. Its somewhat dashing Dunajec gorge, Central Europe’s longest canyon, cuts quite a fine figure on the European circuit of white water wanderlusters. Traditional wooden rafting trips here have been happening for centuries. Start your rafting trip in the village of Cervený Kláštor, with its monastery and Museum of National Culture.
Slovak Paradise National Park
4. Slovak Paradise National Park
This limestone land of caves, waterfalls, rivers and ravines, makes explorers ecstatic. From spelunking cave fanatics to mountain biking pumpers, it’s all happening in paradise. Bear Grylls would have a field day here, crossing ravines and rivers using old wooden bridges and ladders, creepers and chains. With 350 caves, only the Dobšinská Ice Cave, a UNESCO site, is open to the public.
Spis region
5. Spis region
Poprad and its international airport is the centre, but this region is home to a collection of hillside villages, all gorgeous gateways to the High Tatras. Spišská Sobota is just one of many medieval revelations where you can sit in a pretty square, visit an ancient church and sip a Slovakian brew. In complete contrast, AquaCity in Poprad, the biggest geothermally heated waterpark you will ever see, is something else.
Stary Smokovec
6. Stary Smokovec
This small, mountain resort town in the High Tatras, is the perfect antidote to the downhill debacle of some of Europe’s other mountain ranges. From here you can take on a wide array of cross country skiing trails, leading off to the Levoca Mountains and Slovak Paradise National Park, where the snow wrapped forests, meadows and hills befit the name. All of these trails become hiking heavens in summer.
Our Slovakia Holidays
Vienna to Budapest cycle ride, self guided
Enjoy rides along the Danube from Austria to Hungary
From
Ł1379 to Ł1499
8 days
inc UK flights
Prague to Budapest cycling holiday
A wonderfully contrasting ride through the heart of Europe
From
Ł2899
11 days
inc UK flights
Family Slovakia winter holiday
Explore Poland and Slovakia's winter landscape
From
Ł1606
8 days
inc UK flights
Danube cycling holiday, self guided
Discove the compelling history of the Danube
From
Ł1530
14 days
ex flights
Vienna to Budapest tour
Travel five countries for memories to last a lifetime
From
Ł1942 to Ł2485
15 days
ex flights
Travel Team
If you'd like to chat about Slovakia or need help finding a holiday to suit you we're very happy to help.
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More about Slovakia
The best time to visit Slovakia depends what you want to do, Hiking is lovely in summer; in winter, you can cross country ski along the same trails.
Our Slovakia travel guide reveals the best kept secrets of this little, landlocked country, from the phenomenal High Tatras Mountains to the medieval capital of Bratislava.
There’s the dog sledding, the overnighting in mountain chalets, the fairy tale castles, the bear forests... The Slovakia is practically one big playground for family holidays.
Of all of Slovakia’s gorgeous mountain scenery, the Tatras Mountains stand head and shoulders above the rest.
True, you don’t know many people who’ve had a holiday in Slovakia, but good advice isn’t in short supply if you’re looking to book a trip.
Slovakia is a young country where tourism is growing. If you’re thinking of visiting, find out a bit before you go and make your trip that little bit better.
