Slovakia is a relatively young country that was created after the break-up of Czechoslovakia in 1993. The varied landscape of Slovakia offers the visitor many fascinating and interesting sights. For example, the high mountains alternate with enormous expanses of forest between which are the gems of historic villages and towns. There are plenty of sports to practice in both summer and winter, such as skiing, cycling, hiking, climbing, rafting and horseback riding. There is also plenty to do in terms of museums and the castle routes may have a recommendation. Because tourism is still developing, it is still not too busy during the school holidays. Don’t forget the Dinopark in the capital Bratislava with the children to visit. Check topmbadirectory for how to get to Slovakia.
Top 10 sights in Slovakia
#1. Spišský hrad
With an area of more than four hectares, this castle complex Spišský hrad can call itself the largest in Central Europe. The oldest parts of this castle date from the eleventh/twelfth century. Unfortunately, large parts were destroyed during a fire that raged there in the eighteenth century. Due to its high location, the present ruin can be admired from afar. This Spišský hrad still means a lot to the Slovaks. It can therefore be found on many promotional materials. In the complex there is a museum where you can admire old coins, weapons, armor and instruments of torture.
#2. Bratislavský Hrad
This castle is located in the capital of Slovakia, which characterizes the original center of the city. The rudiments of the Bratislavský hrad date back to the late ninth century. The worst damage occurred around 1811, when there was a fierce fire. For a long time after that it has been a ruin. Fortunately, the city has decided to refurbish and reconstruct the castle. With a very successful result. Check simplyyellowpages for mass media and culture of Slovakia.
#3. Vlkolínec
Together with the village of Čičmany, Vlkolínec is known for its traditional wooden houses. Often the houses are also painted in pastel colors, making the whole thing look like houses made of cake and candy. On the market of Vlkolínec there is even a bell tower from 1770, also made of wood. Because of this authenticity and the location on Mount Sidorovo, there is a very special atmosphere in this village.
#4. Košice
Slovakia’s second city, Košice, is one of the nicest places in the country to be. Because the city had a heyday at the end of the Middle Ages, a beautiful historic city center has emerged that pleasantly surprises many visitors. Within Košice there are a large number of interesting buildings and places such as the State Theater, the St. Elisabeth Cathedral, the Jakabov Palace and the Andrassy’s Palace. Some of these highlights are located on the beautiful main street in the old center: Hlavná.
#5. Slovak Karst
In the area of the Slovak Ore Mountains there is a national park which is called Slovenský kras in Slovak. This area is characterized by approximately 4450 limestone caves, some of which are open to the public. The most interesting are the Jaskyňa Domica, Jasovská, Gombasecká and Ochtinská aragonitová. Traces from prehistoric times have even been found in some caves.
#6. Historic town of Bardejov
The town of Bardejov has a number of beautiful historical sights, such as the sixteenth century town hall and its old market square, which bears the name Radničné námestie. There are a number of fascinating museums here. Once upon a time, Bardejov was an important trading town on an equally important trade route. Centuries later, this was restored by attracting all kinds of industry. Nevertheless, it is a city worth seeing with a lot of history.
#7. Dunajec gorge
As a natural border, the Dunajec flows between the countries of Poland and Slovakia and through the international nature park Pieniny. The almost fairytale mountain landscape is richly wooded and is home to a varied fauna. The most authentic way to explore this landscape is with a wooden raft across the water. The route usually starts in Červený Kláštor and ends in Lesnica.
#8. JBanská Štiavnica
This city has been put on the map mainly because of its silver and gold mines. Especially around the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, these precious metals were the most important source of income. Shortly afterwards, the most beautiful and luxurious looking houses in Renaissance style were built, as some can still be found. For example, the St. Catharina church dates from the fifteenth century and the castle and town hall from the sixteenth century.
#9. SNP Museum
This very unusually designed museum is entirely devoted to the Slovak national uprising during the Second World War. The remarkable appearance can be called special, especially considering that it was built in 1969. Several exhibitions highlight things that happened just before and during the Second World War. For example about the Jews in Auschwitz or the anti-fascist resistance movement.
#10. High Tatras National Park
The mountains around this part of Slovakia are probably among the most visited in the country. Both in summer for hiking and in winter for skiing. With heights of about 2634 meters above sea level, the Lomnický Stit may call itself the second highest but certainly the most visited mountain in Slovakia. There are about 85 mountain lakes and some waterfalls in the area. For the best view you should definitely take the cable car to the top. Climbing the mountain is only allowed in the presence of a guide.
