Discover the uniqueness of Slovakia and enjoy the beauty of its nature. Experience unforgettable moments in places whose uniqueness will take your breath away. The “Heart of Central Europe”, as Slovakia is also called, will pleasantly surprise and enchant you. Like many before you, you’ll want to return and enjoy its captivating nature, healing spa resorts and impressive historical, Jewish and cultural monuments, including several sites that are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. All these attributes of Slovakia, together with its good security situation, pleasant people and quality services, will make your holiday in Slovakia a unique experience that you’ll want to experience again.
Nature’s richness in the heart of Europe
Despite its small territory of 49,036 km2, Slovakia is covered by more than two million hectares of forests, which are full of water, fruits and wild animals and occupy up to 41% of the country’s entire area. There are nine national parks rich in the uniqueness of Slovak nature. And although Slovakia does not have its own sea, the relief of the Slovak countryside is diverse, and almost everything else can be found here: from the lowlands in the south up to the two-thousand-metre-high peaks in the north, where the Tatras, the most famous symbol of Slovakia, stand out. The Vysoké Tatry (or High Tatras), also known as the “miniature Alps”, are a unique natural phenomenon due to their natural beauty, which is concentrated into a small area, but which provides a similarly large offer of natural beauty as can be found in the Alps (aside from glaciers).
Winter experiences for everyone
Winter sports enthusiasts who come to the Vysoké Tatry or the Nízke Tatry mountains in winter, but also to other areas, such as Orava or Kysuce in the north of Slovakia, will find what they are looking for in the top ski centres. The Vysoké Tatry, with their fascinating panoramas and more than 50 snow-capped peaks rising over 2,000 m above sea level. Slovakia also offers attractive options for enjoying winter, namely: adrenaline-fueled ski mountaineering, bobsled runs, groomed cross-country ski trails, mountain hiking (with or without a guide), sledding, easy hiking and leisurely walks in the Tatra mountains with fabulous views.
National parks and unspoiled nature
Such a rich offer is also available in Slovakia’s nine national parks: e.g., in Národný park Slovenský raj (Slovak Paradise National Park) in eastern Slovakia, dozens of waterfalls that transform into remarkable icefalls in winter will amaze you, and in Národný park Poloniny (Poloniny National Park) in north-eastern Slovakia, where exceptional Carpathian beech forests, which are also listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, will enchant you, and not only in winter. The Poloniny National Park is also home to a real primaeval forest which offers the darkest sky in Slovakia, thus attracting astronomers and tourists of an adventurous nature.
Relaxation, spa and thermal baths
After the winter fun, you can warm yourself up in a forest sauna under the stars or in the warm natural springs. You can also try spas and aqua parks with healing thermal water, as well as water attractions and wellness procedures. Many of them are near top ski resorts, too. And here we run into another of Slovakia’s unique features: Slovakia is also exceedingly rich in mineral and thermal springs; as many as 1,782 mineral springs flow here, and 82 of them are recognised as having natural healing waters. Thermal springs are used primarily by spa resorts and for thermal swimming baths. The world-famous spa in Piešťany, which specialises in the treatment of inflammatory and degenerative diseases of the musculoskeletal system and nervous system, is worthy of particular attention. Piešťany mud, containing active sulphur and about 20 strains of sulphur bacteria, in combination with the unique composition of thermal sulphur water and specialised treatments, reduces inflammation in the joints, restores their mobility and strengthens the immune system. This is why Napoleon’s soldiers loved the healing effects of the springs in Piešťany.
A country full of history and castles
Lovers of history will also be delighted to stay in Slovakia; the secrets of the distant past are protected by up to 150 castles, manor houses and ruins, which is another unique feature of Slovakia. Because it has the estimated highest number of castles and manor houses in the world per capita, Slovakia is also referred to as the “country of castles”.