Slovakia Travel Guide

Overview

Capital:

Bratislava.

Geography:

Known in full as the Slovak Republic, Slovakia is a landlocked central European country, bordered by the Czech Republic, Austria, Poland, Hungary and Ukraine. Bratislava, Slovakia’s capital city, sits in the extreme southwestern corner, close to the Austrian border. This bite-sized country boasts an astounding variety of scenery. From mountains, canyons and caves, to lakes, forests and lowland meadows, Slovakia’s natural beauty makes it an appealing year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Almost half of the country is taken up by the Carpathian Arc, a range of mountains stretching across the north. Within the Arc, smaller ranges include the Lesser Carpathians, White Carpathians, Malá (Lesser) Fatra, Vel'ká (Greater) Fatra, High and Low Tatras and the Slovenské rudohorie Mountains (Slovak Ore Mountains).

Getting There

Getting There By Air

Airlines operating direct flights to Slovakia from the UK include Air Explore (www.airexplore.sk) and Ryanair (www.ryanair.com).

Air Travel Note

Bratislava airport has two terminals: A for departures, B for non-Schengen arrivals and departures.

Departure Tax

None.

Flight Times

To Bratislava: from London - 2 hours 15 minutes.

To Vienna, Austria: from London - 2 hours 10 minutes; New York - 8 hours 25 minutes. Trains from Vienna to Bratislava take an hour.

Getting There By Road

Buses travel from Vienna’s Südtiroler Platz to Mlynske Nivy bus terminal in Bratislava. Eurolines (tel: +421 2 5542 2734; www.eurolines.sk) has regular buses that travel from Vienna International Busterminal to Bratislava’s city centre.

Getting There By Water

Bratislava (www.spap.sk) is the country's main port. International connections from Austria are possible on the Danube which flows into the Black Sea, and is also linked with the Rhine and the Main. Services run as follows: Bratislava-Vienna-Bratislava; Bratislava-Hainburg-Bratislava; and Vienna-Bratislava-Budapest, both ways. LOD (tel: +421 2 5293 2226; www.lod.sk) is one of the main operators. River cruise ships also stop in Bratislava on their journeys along the Danube.

Getting Around

Getting Around By Air

Czech Airlines (www.czechairlines.com) runs domestic flights within Slovakia. Since distances are not too great, it’s generally easier and better value to use the excellent bus and rail network however.

Bike

Slovakia's size and comparatively quiet roads make it relatively easy for visitors to get around under their own steam, either by car, motorbike or bicycle. Cycling in Slovakia is one of the best ways to see the sights through rolling countryside and forests and by the side of lakes, rivers and vineyards. Several companies offer mountain-bike tours and it‘s possible to hire mountain or road bikes in all major cities.

Breakdown Services

Autoklub Slovakia Assistance (tel: 18112, in Slovakia only); Slovenský Autoturist Klub (tel: 18124, in Slovakia only).

Car Hire

You can book self-drive cars through the tourist office in main towns and resorts, or at Bratislava airport. Drivers must be over 18 (although some companies require the driver to be over 21).

Coach

Buses are more expensive than trains, although weekend bus fares are sharply reduced. Slovak Lines (tel: tel: 18211, in Slovakia only or +421 2 5542 2734; www.slovaklines.sk) is the country’s major bus service provider with connections to many domestic and international destinations.

Documentation

Most hire companies require a valid EU driving licence or International Driving Permit. If you are stopped by police you also need to produce your passport or ID card and your car hire documents, including proof of valid insurance.

Getting Around By Rail

The rail network is operated by Slovak Republic Railways (ŽSR) (tel: +421 2 4485 8188; www.slovakrail.sk). There are several daily express trains between Bratislava and main cities and resorts. You should make reservations in advance on major routes. Fares are low, but supplements are charged for travel by express trains.

Regulations

Seat belts are compulsory. Speed limits are 50kph (31mph) in towns, 90kph (56mph) outside towns and 130kph (81mph) on motorways. Cars must have their lights on 24 hours a day from 15 October to the 15 March.

Getting Around By Road

The major routes run from Bratislava to Presov and Kosice, via Kralovany and Poprad. The network of roads and supporting services is dense and reliable. Motorways are equipped with emergency telephones every half a mile or less.

The Slovakia emergency system provides a fast and reliable network of garages, tow trucks and medical services. Road signs comply with European standards. Drivers may have to pay tolls on some highways and express roads. 

Road Quality

Roads are standardised as motorways, first-, second- and third-class metalled roads, and are generally in good condition, particularly on the main arteries.

Side Of Road

r

Taxi

These are available in all the main towns and are metered and cheap; higher fares are charged at night.

Urban Travel

Buses, trolleybuses and trams exist in Bratislava and several other towns. All the cities operate flat-fare systems, and pre-purchase passes are available. Tickets should be punched in the appropriate machine on entering the tram or bus. A separate ticket is usually required when changing routes. There is a fine for fare evasion. Blue badges on tram and bus stops indicate an all-night service.

Getting Around By Water

The Danube is the main artery for transport by ship. Lod/Slovak Shipping and Ports (tel: +421 2 5293 2226; www.lod.sk) runs cruises on the river.

Travel Advice

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:  

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

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This information is for people travelling on a full 'British citizen' passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government's understanding of Slovakia's current rules for the most common types of travel. 

The authorities in Slovakia set and enforce entry rules. If you're not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Slovak Embassy in the UK.

Passport validity requirements

Slovakia follows Schengen area rules. Your passport must: 

• have a 'date of issue' less than 10 years before the date you arrive – if you renewed your passport before 1 October 2018, it may have a date of issue that is more than 10 years ago
• have an 'expiry date' at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.  

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Visa requirements

You can travel without a visa to the Schengen area, which includes Slovakia, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies if you travel:

• as a tourist
• to visit family or friends
• to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events
• for short-term studies or training

If you're travelling to other Schengen countries as well, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day limit. Visits to Schengen countries in the 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days.

Staying longer than 90 days in a 180-day period 

To stay longer, to work or study, for business travel or for other reasons, you must meet the Slovak government's entry requirements.

If you're in Slovakia with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.

You could get a fine of up to 1,600 euros if you stay longer than legally allowed.   

Read about passport stamping if you live in Slovakia.

If you're a visitor, border guards will look at your entry and exit stamps to check you have not overstayed the 90-day visa-free limit for the Schengen area. 

If your passport is missing a stamp, show evidence of when and where you entered or left the Schengen area (for example, boarding passes or tickets) and ask the border guards to add the date and location in your passport. 

At border control in Slovakia, you may also need to:

• show a return or onward ticket
• prove you have enough money for your stay
• show proof of your accommodation, for example, a hotel booking confirmation or proof of address for a second home

Registering with the police

As a visitor to Slovakia, you must report where you are staying to the nearest Foreigners Police Department. If you stay at a hotel, the hotel will do this for you. If you are in private accommodation, you must notify the police by letter, email or in person within 3 working days of your arrival.

If you plan to stay in Slovakia for a longer period, you must apply for a residence permit.

Vaccine requirements

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro's Slovakia guide.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Slovakia. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Taking food into Slovakia

You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries. There are some exceptions such as powdered baby milk, baby food and special foods or pet feed required for medical reasons.

Taking money into Slovakia

Declare cash or travellers cheques if the value is 10,000 euros or more. You will get a certified declaration to show you brought it in with you. If you do not, your money could be seized when you leave.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Slovakia

Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

An attack on a bar popular with the LGBT+ community in the capital, Bratislava, on 12 October 2022, which resulted in 2 deaths, was classified as a terrorist act. Prior to this attack, there was no recent history of terrorism in Slovakia.

Border with Ukraine

There is widespread military activity in Ukraine. See warnings against travel in Ukraine travel advice.

Political demonstrations

Demonstrations may start with little or no warning. Follow the advice of local authorities.

Crime

Protecting your belongings

There is a risk of petty crime, especially in Bratislava. Take precautions against pickpockets and bag snatchers and do not leave your possessions unattended. Pickpockets operate around the main tourist areas, particularly the Christmas markets and in bars, and have targeted foreign nationals.

Do not leave your passport as a deposit for services such as car rental. Keep sight of your bank card when making payments. 

Drink spiking and scams

There is a risk of drink spiking and theft in clubs around the Bratislava Old Town pedestrian area. People have sometimes been charged extortionate prices for drinks, so check prices before ordering.  

Vehicle crime

Criminals sometimes target foreign-registered vehicles. They may puncture your tyres at a petrol station and then pretend to help or fake a breakdown. If you stop to help, they may rob you or steal your car.

At night, only stop your car in a well-lit public area such as a service station. Make sure you lock your car and be extremely wary of anyone offering help.

Do not leave luggage in view in your car.

Laws and cultural differences

Personal ID

You must always carry your passport with you as ID. You can get a fine of up to 1,600 euros for not showing ID if the Slovak police ask for it.

Alcohol laws

Bratislava has become a popular destination for stag parties. Tourists have been fined or imprisoned for being a public nuisance. Unruly or rowdy behaviour is illegal could attract police attention, particularly between 10pm and 6am. In Bratislava Old Town, it is illegal to drink alcohol in the street. If you drink alcohol (for example, bought in a supermarket) in this or other public areas, you could get a fine of 33 euros.

Illegal drugs penalties

Penalties for smuggling, possessing and using drugs are severe.

Using cameras in secure areas

Taking photos of any location that could be seen as a military establishment or security related may result in problems with the authorities.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex sexual relationships are legal in Slovakia, but Slovak law does not recognise same-sex marriages and civil partnerships. Same-sex couples showing affection in public may receive unwanted attention.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism

Swimming and watersports

Observe local rules and regulations on publicly accessible lakes, rivers and other water sources. Jumping into unknown waters can result in serious injury, including paralysis or death.

See water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society. 

Skiing and hiking

If you're planning a winter sports holiday in Slovakia, see Preparing for winter sports abroad.

If you need help from the Slovak Mountain Rescue Service (HZS), you will have to meet costs of up to 1,000 euros. Make sure your insurance includes rescue costs. Anyone ignoring or violating HZS rules or instructions will get a fine of up to 3,320 euros.

Visitors in mountain areas occasionally encounter bears and wolves. Take particular care if you're in an area where bears have been sighted. For advice on minimising risks, see the Slovak Wildlife Society website.

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in Slovakia, see information on driving abroad and check the rules of the road in the RAC's Slovakia guide. The guide lists driving regulations and other legal requirements you need to be aware of. 

You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Slovakia for up to 6 months. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the 1968 version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well.  

If you stay longer than 6 months, you must exchange your licence for a Slovak one.

Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience, a higher minimum age and holding an IDP . 

Drink-driving is a serious offence in Slovakia. If you are tested and found to have any alcohol in your system, you may get a fine of up to 1,300 euros, have your licence confiscated and face possible imprisonment.

Road conditions

Many main roads have only a single carriageway in each direction making overtaking difficult. Beware of oncoming cars overtaking on your side of the road. Road markings are difficult to see in poor weather and can be faded. In winter, you must equip your car for severe driving conditions.

Tolls

If you use Slovak motorways ('Dialnica'), you must display a motorway vignette (sticker) on the inside of your windscreen as you enter Slovakia. If you do not, you could get a heavy fine. You can get a motorway vignette at all major border crossings into Slovakia and at larger petrol stations. More information and a road network map is available from the toll system operator.

Taxis

Only use officially licensed taxis. Drivers must display their licence. Take sensible precautions, particularly at night or if you are alone. Do not get into a taxi if you are concerned about the driver or condition of the vehicle. Taxi drivers sometimes try to overcharge tourists by adding unauthorised supplements or by not setting the meter at the start of a journey. Make sure the taxi meter is on or agree a set price for the journey beforehand.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Dial 155 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance or medical assistance company quickly if you're referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:  

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Slovakia
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you'll face in Slovakia, including an increased risk of tick bites from April to October.

Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Slovakia. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro. 

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

Healthcare in Slovakia

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Slovakia where some staff will speak English.

Health insurance cards

To get medically necessary state healthcare in Slovakia, you need a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).   

The NHS's getting healthcare abroad webpage has details about:  

• how to apply for a GHIC
• how to get temporary cover if you lose your card or it does not arrive in time
• who qualifies for a new EHIC instead of a GHIC
• what treatment counts as medically necessary

A GHIC or EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance. You may have costs your GHIC or EHIC does not cover, including:  

• changes to travel and accommodation bookings
• additional standard costs for treatment
• medical repatriation to the UK
• treatment that is ruled non-urgent
• private healthcare
• private clinics

There is also guidance on healthcare if you're living in Slovakia.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Slovakia

Ambulance: 155

Fire: 150

Police: 158

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking lawyers, funeral directors and translators and interpreters in Slovakia
• dealing with a death in Slovakia
• being arrested or imprisoned in Slovakia
• getting help if you're a victim of crime
• what to do if you're in hospital
• if you're affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO 

Help abroad  

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency. 

Help in the UK  

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.  

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)  

Find out about call charges

Get travel advice updates  

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.  

Follow and contact FCDO: 

• travel advice on X

• travel advice on Facebook

Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Slovakia on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.

Vaccinations

Title	Special Precautions
Yellow Fever	No
Hepatitis A	Yes
Rabies	Sometimes
Diphtheria	Sometimes
Malaria	No
Tetanus	Yes
Typhoid	Sometimes

Overview:

Travel insurance is advised for all visitors. In some medical cases, if you are European, you might be able to receive free treatment if you can show proof of a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) obtained in your country of origin.

The overall standards of healthcare in Slovakia are excellent. Hospitals and surgeries are well equipped and staff are proficient. In pharmacies, over-the-counter advice is given and standard medicines are sold.

Food Drink:

Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Tap water is generally regarded as safe to drink.

Other Risks:

Vaccinations for tuberculosis, hepatitis B and tick-borne encephalitis and Lyme disease are sometimes recommended.

Currency Information:

Euro (EUR; symbol €) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of €500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of €2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10 and 5 cents.

Credit Cards:

Major credit cards (American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa) and debit cards (Maestro and Visa Electron) are widely accepted.

ATMs:

ATMs are widely available in Slovakia and machines are generally reliable.

Travellers Cheques:

American Express, Thomas Cook and Visa traveller's cheques are accepted in banks and at bureaux de change. Exchange rate charges are at least 1% of the nominal cheque value. To avoid additional charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in Euros, US Dollars or Pounds Sterling.

Banking Hours:

Generally Mon-Fri 0800-1800.

Currency Restrictions:

There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency. However, amounts exceeding €10,000 or equivalent must be declared if travelling from or to a country outside the European Union.

Currency Exchange:

Foreign currency (including traveller's cheques) can be exchanged at bureaux de change, main hotels, all banks, road border crossings, as well as major travel agencies.

Currencies

Code	Symbol
EUR	€

Exchange Rates

0.71

1.00

1.19

0.96

Language

The official language is Slovak. Hungarian, Ruthenian, Ukrainian and German are spoken by ethnic minorities.

Overview:

Public holidays are listed here.

.

List Of Public Holidays

Title	Start Date	To Be Confirmed
Independence Day of the Slovak Republic	2024-01-01 00:00:00	0
New Year's Day	2024-01-01 00:00:00	0
Epiphany	2024-01-06 00:00:00	0
Good Friday	2024-03-29 00:00:00	0
Easter Monday	2024-04-01 00:00:00	0
Labour Day	2024-05-01 00:00:00	0
Victory Day	2024-05-08 00:00:00	0
Saints Cyril and Methodius Day	2024-07-05 00:00:00	0
Slovak National Uprising Day	2024-08-29 00:00:00	0
Constitution Day	2024-09-01 00:00:00	0
Day of Our Lady of Sorrows	2024-09-15 00:00:00	0
All Saint's Day	2024-11-01 00:00:00	0
Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day	2024-11-17 00:00:00	0
Christmas Eve	2024-12-24 00:00:00	0
Christmas Day	2024-12-25 00:00:00	0
Boxing Day	2024-12-26 00:00:00	0

Overview:

Slovakia is within the European Union. If you are travelling from outside of the EU, you are entitled to buy fragrance, skincare, cosmetics, champagne, wine, selected spirits, fashion accessories, gifts and souvenirs - all at tax-free equivalent prices.

Slovakia's duty-free allowance for travellers from EU countries:

If you are over 17 years old, you are free to buy and take goods with you when travelling between EU countries, provided that you have paid tax on these goods and they are for your own use (not for sale). However, if you bring in more than the following, customs officials are likely to question you:

• 800 cigarettes or 400 cigarillos or 200 cigars or 1kg of tobacco.
• 90L of still wine of which a maximum of 60L can be sparkling wine.
• 110L of beer.
• 10L of alcoholic beverages stronger than 22% or 20L of fortified or sparkling wine or other liqueurs up to 22%.

Beware that each EU country has different rules for travellers under 17 years old. Please check before you travel.

Slovakia's duty-free allowance for travellers from non-EU countries:

If you are arriving from a non-EU country, the following goods may be imported into Slovakia by travellers with a minimum age of 17 years without incurring customs duty:

• Air or sea travellers: 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos (max. 3 grams each) or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco or a reasonable combination of these items; Land travellers: 40 cigarettes or 20 cigarillos (max. 3 grams each) or 10 cigars or 50g of tobacco (land and sea travellers) or a reasonable combination of these items.
• 4L of wine and 16L of beer and

• 1L of spirits over 22% volume or 2L of alcoholic beverages less than 22% volume. You may combine any of these products provided that you do not exceed the total limit.

• perfumes and eau de toilette: no limitation in quantity, however, within the limits of financial value

• coffee: 500g coffee or 200g coffee extract and essence

• tea: 100g tea or 50g tea extract and essence

• mineral oil: built-in tank + 10L in portable tank

• Other goods up to the value of €430 for air and sea travellers and €300 for other travellers (reduced to €150 for children under 15).

.

Banned Imports:

Unlicensed firearms and ammunition, meat, fish and dairy products from outside the EU, and endangered species (unless you have a permit).

There is a ban on the import of the following goods from the Russian Federation into the EU: diamonds, gold, jewelry, cigarettes, cosmetics, seafood (e.g. caviar), spirits (e.g. vodka), shoes, clothing and smartwatches.

Telephone:

Public telephone booths are widely available, including special kiosks for international calls. Surcharges can be quite high on long-distance calls from hotels. Dial 112 for all emergency services.

Mobile Telephone:

Roaming agreements exist with most international mobile phone companies. Coverage is good, extending over the whole country, with the exception of remote areas.

Internet:

There are internet cafés in main towns.

Post

Most towns and villages have their own post office and some are open on Saturdays. The postal service, operated by Slovenská pošta (www.posta.sk) is efficient, but tends to be slow. Priority service delivery to the UK takes approximately two to four days and economy post can take up to nine days. Priority delivery to the USA takes five to eight days.

Post Office Hours:

Mon-Fri 0800-1800.

Media:

The constitution guarantees freedom of expression. All major daily newspapers are private and there are over 20 private radio stations. The introduction of commercial TV in the 1990s caused public broadcaster Slovak TV to lose a significant amount of viewers, with private TV broadcaster Markiza now claiming much of the audience. Cable and satellite TV are widely watched. Channels from neighbouring countries, such as the Czech Republic and Hungary, have a sizeable audience.

The Slovak Spectator, Slovakia's English-language newspaper, is published weekly. Slovak Foreign Trade is published monthly by the Slovak Chamber of Commerce. The principal dailies are Novy Cas, Pravda and Sme. Popular weekly Slovak magazines include Plus 7 dni, Slovenka and Zivot. Slovak Radio is a public broadcaster, operating five national networks and an external service; Radio Expres, Radio Okey and Radio Twist are all commercial stations, as is commercial news agency Fun Radio.

People watch in Kosice

Slovakia's second city is known for its buzzy atmosphere and pretty Old Town. Grab a coffee in the town square, and then take a terrace seat and watch the world go by. When evening rolls around, visit the State Theatre for a taste of high culture.

Get sporty in Vrátna Valley

From skiing in winter to hiking or biking through glorious countryside in summer, there's plenty to do in the Malá Fatra mountain range resort of Vrátna. The view from the cable car on a sunny day is a must, though impressive all-year-round.

Scale the ramparts of Spis Castle

Spis is the largest castle in Slovakia, and one of the biggest in Central Europe. Standing proud on a 200m high (656ft) dolomite hill, it's as impressive for its setting as it for its medieval architecture. Although many parts of the castle's Gothic tower, chapel ramparts and dungeons stand in ruins, there are fine views from the summit. It was once one of the most important Gothic castles in Europe and there's a small museum inside documenting its history during the late Middle Ages, when it was in its prime.

Settlement of Vlkolinec

Some 45 traditional log houses, one of which houses a folk museum, cluster together in Vlkolinec, a delightful village that was awarded UNESCO World Heritage Status in 1993. There's perhaps nowhere better in Slovake to glimpse traditional rural life.

Marvel at Bratislava's architecture

To get a sense of the country's past, take a walk up to Bratislava Castle (itself an impressive cultural monument) above the Old Town and gaze out. You'll see the pretty medieval core spread below, while rows of socialist-era tower blocks line up in the distance.

Wander around the Andy Warhol Gallery

The provincial town of Medzilaborce isn't the most obvious place to find a classy modern art museum, which makes the Andy Warhol Gallery something of a curiosity. Warhol's parents were from the area. The man himself would have been pleased with the collection on show.

Go underground in Slovakia’s second city

Waterways, fortifications and the cathedral's foundation are all waiting to be discovered by intrepid visitors willing to head underground at Kosice's archaeological site. There's a labyrinth of passages beneath the earth linking together different parts of the ancient town.

Ski in Jasna

Take to the piste in Jasna, which offers some of Slovakia's best skiing. The Demanova Valley resort has modern lifts and well-maintained slopes. And with prices at a fraction of its Western European alternatives, what's not to like?

Follow the Carpathian wine route

Starting just outside the Slovakian capital, the Small Carpathian Wine Route snakes through glorious countryside, past ancient wine towns and the wonderfully preserved Červený Kameň Castle. The route offers plenty of stopover options where you can sample the local wine.

Relax in the spas of Starý Smokovec

With its stunning views over the Tatras mountain range, this town famed for its mineral waters has a plethora of therapeutic spas where visitors can frolic in mineral-charged, hot spring waters said to cure everything from asthma to arthritis. Slovakia's copious mineral springs mean the country boasts some of Europe's best spas.

Hike the Tatras National Park

Tatras National Park is the oldest national park in Slovakia and home to the famous High Tatras Mountains. Covering an area of 741 sq km (286 sq miles), it's a hiker's paradise. The landscape incorporates dense forest on the mountains' lower slopes, as well as glacial lakes and mountain streams. It's also famous for its chamois (mountain goats), bears and marmots.

Overview

Popular souvenirs include pottery, porcelain, woodcarvings, hand-embroidered clothing and food items. There are a number of excellent shops specialising in glass and crystal, while various associations of regional artists and artisans run their own retail outlets. Other special purchases include folk ceramics from all regions of Slovakia, and woodcarvings from the eastern and central parts (Kyjatice, Michalovce and Spi¡sská Belá). Bratislava is steadily attracting Western stores, with neon signs and swish facades brightening up a once slightly staid city, with this trend towards globalisation of the shopping market slowly spreading throughout the country.

Opening Hours

Mon-Fri 0900-1800, Sat 0900-1200. Shopping centres open until 2100, with hypermarkets open 24 hours.

Overview

Traditional Slovak eating and drinking habits date back to the old Slavic period influenced later by Austrian, German and Hungarian cooking. Slovak food revolves around a variety of soups, gruels, boiled and stewed vegetables, roast and smoked meats and dairy products. The style of cooking varies from region to region. Slovak specialities include both sweet and savoury dishes made with flour, including dumplings.

Popular drinks include Slovak beer, wine and mineral waters. Wine from the Tokaj region and sparkling wine from the Bratislava region are particular specialities. Restaurants and other catering establishments are many and varied, including cafés, buffets, snack bars, inns, alehouses and wine taverns. All restaurants are graded according to quality. The main meal of the day is usually lunch, comprising soup, a main dish, and dessert.

Regional Specialities

Tipping

A 5 to 10% tip is usual.

Drinking Age

18.

Hotels

Hotel prices compare very favourably with western European hotels, though services and facilities are often more limited. There is a shortage of accommodation in the peak seasons and it is wise to pre-book. At present, higher-standard hotels are to be found primarily in Bratislava, in regional towns (such as Banská Bystrica and Kosice), in spas of national and international significance and in major tourist resorts (such as the High Tatras).

Grading: Future developments and investment will result in upward reclassification of many establishments. The present system is: 5-star, 4-star, 3-star, 2-star and 1-star.

Camping Caravaning

Campsites are split into four classes and have all the usual facilities such as showers, cooking amenities, shops and, in some cases, caravans for hire. For further information, contact the Federation of Camping and Caravanning in Slovakia.

Other

History

Throughout its history, Slovakia has been dominated by foreign powers. Slavic tribes were settling in this area towards the end of the Roman Empire, when the area was subject to incursions by nomadic Magyar tribes, who settled and created an embryonic Hungarian state. A major military defeat in 1526 at the Battle of Mohacs at the hands of the Ottoman Turks signalled the end of the prosperous and peaceful period they inaugurated.

Allying itself with the Austrian Hapsburg monarchy, the burgeoning Slovak people resisted the Ottoman occupation and remained under the effective control of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until the late 18th century. The first nationalist movements started to emerge during this time. One of the most potent of these was led by Ludovit Stur and Andrej Hlinka (whose name was adopted by the Slovak WWII fascist movement, the Hlinka Guard).

With the end of WWI, and the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Czechoslovakia was born, and with it an age of prosperity that lasted until 1938. During WWII, the first Slovak Republic was formed and Slovakia joined the Axis as a client state of Nazi Germany. The Germans occupied the republic in 1944, along with the rest of Czechoslovakia, but were pushed out by the Red Army, Romanian forces and Czechoslovakian troops. The liberated territories then became part of Czechoslovakia.

After WWII, Czechoslovakia became a Soviet satellite state and spent the following decades behind the Iron Curtain. Democratic reforms in November 1989 – and the fall of the Berlin Wall – led to the appointment of Václav Havel as president, who helped the country introduce a pluralistic political system and a market economy.

While appreciating the new opportunities offered by the post-Soviet order, the Slovaks were worried about the liberalisation programme planned by Havel and his finance minister, Václav Klaus, and there was a period of uncertainty. However, the first democratic elections were held in 1990, and the Movement for a Democratic Slovakia (HZDS) became the dominant force in Slovak politics.

The separation of Czechoslovakia into its constituent parts – the Czech and Slovak Republics – on 1 January 1993 was one of the rare occasions in history that two nations have accomplished such a divorce peacefully. This separation is known as the Velvet Divorce. A period of economic reforms in the early 2000s preceded Slovakia's entry into the European Union in 2004.

Did you know?
• Although the Slovak people have been around since the Roman Empire, the separation of Czechoslovakia in 1993 marked the emergence of an independent and sovereign Slovak nation for the first time.
• The picturesque village of Čičmany in northern Slovakia, full of traditional wooden houses, claims to be the first reservation of folk architecture in the world.
• Bordering Austria and Hungary, Bratislava is the only capital in the world that borders two countries.

Religion

The majority of the population is Roman Catholic. Protestant churches comprise the remainder with Reformed, Lutheran, Methodist and Baptist denominations. There is also a Jewish minority and, in the east of the country, a Greek Orthodox minority.

Social Conventions

Shaking hands is the customary form of greeting. Punctuality is appreciated on social occasions.

Best Time To Visit:

Slovakia lies in a moderate zone and possesses a continental climate with four distinct seasons. The average daily temperature in Bratislava in winter is -2°C (31°F), rising to 21°C (70°F) in the summer. January is the coldest month, the hottest being July and August. The highest peaks are snow-capped 130 days a year.

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Required Clothing

Medium- to heavyweights and sturdy footwear for winter; lightweights for summer. Rainwear is advisable throughout the year.

Dialing Code:

+421

Area(sq km):

49033

Population:

5.459.642

Population Density(per sq km):

111

Population Year:

2020

EU Member:

Yes

Main emergency number

112