When you think of Slovakia, a very green and beautiful country located in Central Europe, your mind might naturally be drawn to its stunning capital city, Bratislava. Still, beyond its capital city, Slovakia offers travelers an abundance of experiences. In this week’s article, we will share the best 5 destinations to visit in Slovakia, which range from small villages to outstanding natural scenery. Don't get us wrong; Bratislava is equally worth visiting.
But, as said, there are also a ton of other things to do in Slovakia, like discovering its traditional villages, fairytale castles, and mysterious places – activities that will allow you to see the country's true soul.
If you are one of the people who were wondering what else there is to see in Slovakia besides the country's capital, let’s explore together the top 5 places.
High Tatras National Park
We must admit, when discussing Slovakia's top destinations, one cannot overlook the magnificent High Tatra Mountains, a source of immense national pride for Slovaks.
So, our first recommendation takes us to this breathtaking natural wonder. Despite their undeniable status as one of Europe's most stunning mountain ranges, the High Tatras, situated on the border between Slovakia and Poland, remain relatively undiscovered. The High Tatras are known for their spectacular snow-capped peaks, turquoise mountain lakes, and waterfalls. Also, for the extraordinarily clean air. Some might even say they are similar to the Swiss Alps or the Italian Dolomites, but because they are not that popular, there are far fewer crowds and the prices are more acceptable.
For hikers and nature lovers, the High Tatras are an absolute paradise. This national park is home to various hiking trails, lakes that are crystal clear, and breathtaking alpine landscapes.
But, you don't need to be an experienced hiker to enjoy what the area has to offer because the natural setting is spectacular.
While exploring the region, be sure to pay a visit to Strbske Pleso, a picturesque mountain lake, and Poprad, the gateway to the High Tatras.
Spiš Castle
Our second suggestion is Spiš Castle, one of Slovakia's most popular tourist destinations. It is known as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a remarkable castle complex in Europe. It is a must-see destination because of its fascinating past and captivating location. Towers, courtyards, and museums within the castle provide insights into Slovakia's medieval past. As said, since 1993, UNESCO has recognized this castle, one of the biggest in all of Europe, as a World Heritage Site. And, the whole trip up to the castle is serene and pleasurable.
Due to a lack of tourists, the vibe along the road is quite relaxed and chill, and you get a great view of the castle along with all the beautiful nature on the hill.
Čičmany Village
Next on our list is Čičmany, a picturesque village known for its charming log houses decorated with delicate white patterns. This place stands out as a true gem among all the tourist attractions Slovakia has to offer. With a population of just 204 people, it feels like a well-preserved time capsule, transporting you back several centuries. As you walk through its cobblestone streets, you'll be captivated by the one-of-a-kind Slovak folk architecture it proudly displays. Čičmany is located around 170 kilometers north of Bratislava and is still a rare, well-preserved traditional folk village in Central Europe.
Banská Štiavnica
In the list of top 5 places, we have another UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is Banská Štiavnica, a well-preserved medieval center. If you are into green rolling hills, pastel-colored buildings, and medieval architecture, then you’d love the charming Banská Štiavnica. Banská Štiavnica is Slovakia’s oldest mining town and definitely one of the country’s best-kept secrets. The place is located in the center of an enormous caldera and it was formerly a wealthy mining village in which the earth's abundant minerals served as the source of its wealth.
Orava Castle
Have you ever heard of Orava Castle? Probably not. The Gothic castle is set on a hill with an outstanding view of the Orava River. It is an interesting destination for travelers because of its stunning architecture and beautiful surroundings. Orava Castle, which dates to the 13th century and is exceptionally well preserved today, is regarded as one of the country's most stunning and majestic medieval castles. You should definitely see it on your Slovakian road trip.
When traveling on highways and expressways in Slovakia, it is important to be aware of the vignette toll system. Be sure to have the vignette before entering the toll roads to ensure compliance with Slovakia's road regulations. You can easily purchase a vignette through eTOLLs EU app, which you can do from the comfort of your home.
With this article we want to show that Slovakia offers travelers a lot of attractions outside of Bratislava. In the top 5 places we suggest, you can tour majestic castles and stunning national nature. And you'll be able to fully enjoy the beauty and heritage of this Central European beauty once you buy your digital vignettes online.
Ready to give it a go?
Enjoy the trip.
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