13 Amazing Reasons Why You Should Visit Slovakia

If you are interested in visiting a country with a rich history, unique traditions, vibrant cities, historic architecture and a wealth of opportunities for outdoor adventures, Slovakia may be the perfect destination for your next trip. With many magical castles, mountain peaks soaring over 2,000 meters (>6,500 ft.), and tasty food, Slovakia offers an off the beaten track tourist experience that will both surprise and delight visitors.

Take your pick from one of many hiking trails

As an extremely mountainous country, Slovakia offers many hiking trails for all levels. Serious hikers can make a beeline for the High Tatras, which offer several summits over 2,500 meters and fantastic bird’s eye views from lookout points like Lomnicky Stit. Intermediate hikers should make their way to Jasná Chopok and stop to refuel at the Rotunda restaurant at a height of 2,004 meters (8202 ft) with views over the valley towards the High Tatras in the distance. North of Bratislava, the Little Carpathian mountain range spans about 100km, with many beautiful low peaks between 600 – 700 meters high. Pack a picnic to enjoy at the top, then find motivation for the descent by imagining yourself with a refreshing glass of wine from one of the local vineyards.

Enjoy cycling through beautiful nature

The 2,900 kilometer (approx 1,800 mile) long Danube Cycle Path begins in Germany and cuts through Slovakia before ending in Romania, taking cyclists past the ruins of ancient castles and the bridges connecting both sides of Bratislava. Cyclists can begin in Bratislava and enjoy a pleasant cycle along the Danube River for a few hours or for a few days. Cycling in the spa town of Piestany is also extremely popular, as the well-marked Važská Cycle Route runs along the Váh River for 250 kilometers (155 miles) to Zilina. If you’re more adventurous, rent a mountain bike and go off road at popular resorts like Donovaly, Jasná Chopok, or Ružomberok.

Try a new type of wine

The southern part of Slovakia enjoys a temperate climate which is ideal for producing wine. Although there are many memorable wines, make sure you don’t miss sampling Frankovka Modrá, a red wine similar to Pinot Noir. Another unique Slovak wine is Tokaj, a sweet white wine produced in the southeastern corner of the country near the Hungarian border.

Eat some cheese with your wine

Slovaks are extremely proud of their high quality cheeses and for good reason. Goat cheese is extremely popular throughout the country and the most iconic national dis, bryndzové halušky, features cheese as its defining ingredient. Bryndza cheese is a sharp, crumbly, spreadable goat cheese, perfect on top of dumplings or on freshly baked bread. Many Slovaks say bryndza cheese is the food they miss the most when they’re away from their country.

Slovak Bryndza Cheese | © Ajale/Pixabay

Soar like a bird by paragliding

Slovakia’s many mountains offer the perfect launch point for flying into the air like a bird. Don’t worry, all flights are tandem so you are with the instructor, unless you have a paragliding license. As you fly above the rolling hills and forests of Slovakia, you’re likely to see a whole lot of green and blue. Try scheduling your flight near sunset to enjoy the pink, purple, orange, and red sky as the sun sinks. Slovak sunsets over the mountains are spectacular!

Choose your favorite water sport

Although the Danube is the largest and deepest river in Slovakia, several other smaller rivers snake across the country, offering ample opportunities for boating, kayaking, canoeing, paddling, and rafting. The Váh River, the longest Slovak River, offers an easygoing flow which is perfect for novice kayakers and paddlers. The Hron River is also popular for paddle and rafting trips.