The 10 most beautiful places to visit in Slovakia

Slovakia is an unknown Central European country, yet with countless wealth to offer.

With seven sites classified as Heritage UNESCO , Slovakia is a country on which you have to retard! Whether from an architectural, topographical or simply tourist perspective, this country of the Mitteleuropa is at the crossroads of Slavic and Germanic civilizations. In fact, its diversity is incredible. Here is a list of the 10 most beautiful places to visit in Slovakia .

Some castles are among the most beautiful places to visit in Slovakia because the country has the largest number of castles per capita . There are more than 600, for a country whose population is two times less than that of Île-de-France. Visiting Slovakia is reviving part of its history, whose memory is widely maintained by the castles. Some are in ruins while others are perfectly maintained. As for the cities, sometimes centuries old, they are still standing.

1. Bratislava

Visit Slovakia without stopping in his capital would be a mistake. Located on the border between Austria and Hungary, Bratislava was historically influenced by these two countries. It remains that today, it has its own identity, and above all, its own history. To you to discover it by visiting it.

It deserves to be fully devoted for two or three days as long as there are things to see: the Château de Bratislava (point of view on the city and the Danube), the Cathedral of Saint-Martin, the Porte Michalska (or Saint-Michel, medieval vestige of the old fortification of the city), the Primatial Palace... But also, the banks of the Danube, beautiful at sunset or the city hotel and its place, in the typical Slovak spirit.

2. The Tatras

The Tatras are a suite of mountains located in the Carpathian massif. They mark the border between Slovakia and the Poland . Divided in several parts, we find the High Tatras, the Western Tatras, and the East, as well as the Belianske and the Lower Tatras (the latter are not always included, but a national park was created in 1978). These mountains are home to a typical mountain fauna such as chamois, marmotte, lynx or bear. They also have many lakes, such as Lake Morskie Oko, considered one of the five most beautiful lakes in the world near which one must stop.

Many activities are offered in the Tatras and their parks (no matter where you are in), such as ski resorts in winter, or excursions in the middle of nature, guided hikes, etc. You can also stroll along the lake edges, enjoying this exceptional setting. To visit Slovakia without stopping at the heart of the Tatras, it is to pass next to the still very preserved aspect of the country.

3. Štrbské Pleso

History to take your eyes full, you must absolutely go to Štrbské Pleso (pronounced “chtreb’ské plesso”)! This well-known ski resort is located in the Tatras Mountain National Park. It offers the possibility of a spectacular view of the Tatras. The resort of Štrbské Pleso is well appreciated by a large mountain lake and is well-known for its beauty as well as its facilities (chalets, wellness hotels, nature services, hikes to valleys or peaks...).

In summer and winter, it is a place to visit in Slovakia. It is impregnated with an atmosphere very close to nature that will please you and recharge you.

4. Castle of Spiš

If there is a castle to see when you visit Slovakia, it is this one. Built in the 12th century, it is one of the most important Slovak fortified sites. Today in ruins, this witness of the medieval era is visiting free or accompanied, only for the beauty of his remains. Located on a rocky hill, it overlooks the beautiful Spiš region and the village of Žehra. The entrance to walk in the heart of the ruins of the castle is paid and takes approximately 30 minutes (with guide or audio guide).

Despite high attendance, the visit remains pleasant, because given the vastness of the place, there is always room to circulate.

5. Bardejov

Bardejov is a fortified medieval town dating from the 13th century. Yet, despite its 700 spring, it remains incredibly well preserved. Inscribed to UNESCO’s World Heritage, Bardejov allows you to visit Slovakia from the perspective of heritage and tradition. In sweeping you, you will discover the still operational remains of what was one of the economic and cultural centres of merchant Europe. Saint-Egidius Basilica is one of the city’s symbols, just like the Icon Museum, or the city hall square. Facilities and architecture that will immerse you in a medieval atmosphere and give you a rather clear idea of what the inhabitants of the time saw.

A city worth the detour, both in terms of journeys and times.

6. Trnava

Like most of the rest of the country, Trnava has a long history. This city was over 800 years old before the Celts arrived in the Central European region. Today, it has kept the marks of time and has an unparalleled architectural charm: many religious buildings and the baroque style of its streets make it an indispensable stop. The visit of the churches is easily on foot, via the city centre, it itself practicable without congestion.

Due to its small size, it is very easy to escape, to discover the Slovak countryside: other small towns, valleys and surrounding lakes.

7. Slovak Paradise National Park

Visiting Slovakia is reconnecting with history, but also with nature, whose country is widely covered. The Slovak State was also a “protective of nature”. The Slovak Paradise National Park is a must-see: its magnificent landscapes made up of forests, caves, lakes, waterfalls and valleys form a rather atypical set. In addition, you are likely to cross many remarkable animals because the fauna is very rich in it: otter, eagle, lynx, black storks,... In summer, under the sun, or in winter, covered with immaculate snow, the Slovak Paradise National Park is a real pleasure because it offers a preview of a protected nature, including one of its caves, the Dobšina Cave, is listed in UNESCO World Heritage.

8. Bojnice

Bojnice (pronounced “boï-nitsé), is also a city dating from medieval times. His castle makes his fame! Originally made of wood, this castle was subsequently restored in stones. Then, in the last century, it was renovated in the style that we know it today: the romantic style. With its princess castle areas, Bojnice Castle welcomes many tourists and lovers who choose it to celebrate their union. It has an elegant park, beautiful green space and fortress garden with a central fountain, in which you can stroll. Another feature of this castle is the cave that was discovered under its foundations in the 1950s. Since then, this cave is an integral part of the visits that are made of the castle. We can only advise you to let you guide, through the rooms, corridors and chapel, in the castle of Bojnice, which maintains the memory of its historical owners, the Pálffy family, which has given its time and its fortune to make the castle of Bojnice what it is today.

Bojnice also has a zoo. For those who like zoos, know that this one is the oldest and most visited of all of Slovakia and that you will see a very large number of animals - more than 400.

9. Liptov Village Museum in Pribylina

Pribylina is a mountain village as we can see many. However, its peculiarity is that it was founded in 1331, making it a very old village. It is overlooked by a part of the Western Tatras, and seems a bit cut off from the world. Lost in the hollow of these mountains, this village with Slovak charm welcomes the Museum-village of Liptov. This documented exhibition offers visitors to discover life as it was in the past, all in a somewhat folk atmosphere. Find out about the activities organized by the municipality, you could find yourself in Pribylina on a Sunday of “Bee-keeper’s Sunday” or “Sherpherd’s Sunday”.

10. Château d’Orava

We finish this visit of Slovakia by another castle. Yes! We told you that Slovakia was the land of the castles. This time, let's get rid of Orava Castle! It is a splendid complex in three parts, armed with palaces, fortifications and towers. They are all three connected by tunnels and bridges, making the visit of the castle even more interesting. You will discover the few 154 rooms by climbing the 750 steps all over the castle.

Perched on its rocky hill, the castle of Orava overlooks the plain and the river of Orava, quiet and peaceful. But it has not always been. If its owners properly maintained it until the 17th century, it fell into ruins and was destroyed by fire in the early 19th century.

It was after 1945 that a great rehabilitation operation took place, saving the castle of final destruction. Today, the Château d’Orava is one of the largest tourist attractions in the country, its reputation before its romantic beauty.