The 23 Best Things to See and Do in Slovakia

No trip to Slovakia is complete without climbing the ramparts of the largest fortified castle in Central Europe. Construction of the castle dates back to the 12th century and throughout the centuries additional strongholds and structures were built within the castle complex, resulting in a fascinating mix of architectural styles. The impressive outline of the castle is visible from several kilometers away due to the castle’s dramatic location on a 600 meter (1968.5 ft) hill about the town of Spisska Kapitula.

Translation: Slovak Paradise. So called because of the 100 kilometers of picturesque hiking trails leading past canyons, meadows and many waterfalls. During many sections of the marked trails, it’s necessary to navigate narrow passages, use chains above ravines, and ascend steep ladders. Although the hiking isn’t particularly strenuous, these obstacles make it a bit more interesting. The area also offers several caves for exploration and guided horseback excursions in the beautiful nature reserve.

Nestled in the foothills of the Little Carpathian mountain range near Bratislava lies Modra, a small town with a big wine making tradition. Annually on the Modra Wine Cellars Day, many of the wine cellars organize a day-long tasting for visitors to enjoy. The most popular wine from this region is Frankovka modrá, a red wine similar to pinot noir.

The Bojnice Zoo was originally opened in 1955 and now offers more than 350 animal species for visitors to observe. It is located right next door to the medieval Bojnice Castle, one of the most beautiful and well-preserved castles in the country. Bojnice also offers a nearby thermal spa. Combining a visit to each of these three excellent attractions makes for a fantastic day trip.

Wear warm clothes to descend into the most famous ice cave in Slovakia. Temperatures often hover around -3°C, but enduring the cold is worth it to admire this underground beauty! The cave is unique in that unlike in most caves where you can admire grey and brown formations, many of the ice formations in Dobšinská glow a pretty bright turquoise blue.

Although the entire procedure takes about an hour, you will only actually be in this cave bath for about 20 minutes. That’s because the temperature of this hot healing water is 42°C! After soaking, you’ll be led to a relaxation area where you can lay down, breathe deeply, and allow your body temperature to return back to normal.

If you want to take postcard-worthy pictures of Slovakia, this is the town to do it! The town is included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Strolling along the main street, you’ll find architectural gems from the Late Gothic and Renaissance periods, such as the stunning Church of Saint Catherine.

Some of the most famous beers produced in Slovakia are Zlatý Bažant and Šariš. You can find these in any regular Slovak pub. Several microbreweries operate in Bratislava, serving beer straight from the cask – try Zámocký pivovar, Meštiansky Pivovar, or Pivovarský Hostinec Richtár Jakub. For a unique Slovak microbrewery experience, head to Buntavar Micro-Brewery near Poprad ¯ they won the award for Best Slovak Micro-Brewery in both 2013 and 2014!

Alpine (or uphill) skiing is extremely popular in Slovakia. One benefit of hiking up a mountain in your skis is that you do not have to pay for a lift ticket. Another advantage is all of the extra calories you will burn so you can indulge in some homemade Slovak dumplings and beer at the end of the day. You can rent alpine skis at almost every large ski resort in Slovakia.

Run the oldest marathon in Europe! The Kosice Peace Marathon has been held annually since 1924. In 2016, Kosice was also awarded the Best European City of Sports Award. In addition to the opportunity to enjoy all of downtown Kosice, the marathon weekend also presents extra events for visitors such as Saturday evening’s Nuit Blanche, a festival of modern street art.

The second highest peak in the High Tatras is accessible by hiking or via cable car. Breathtaking views over Slovakia’s mountainous terrain await at the top. To make your trip truly memorable, consider booking a room to spend the night at the highest local suite in Central Europe – at 2,634 meters!

Seriously! You can pet a baby lion cub… and a bear cub too! More than 400 animals live at the contact zoo in the Liptov region, providing visitors with an experience they won’t forget in a hurry (and some incredible photo ops too). The opportunity to get so close with animals such as lions, bears, llamas, parrots, rabbits, and owls is unforgettable.

The UFO Tower’s Observation Deck and Restaurant provide the absolute best view over Bratislava. At 95 (311.8 ft) meters above the ground, the tower belongs to the World Federation of Great Towers. On a clear day, visitors can enjoy a panorama spanning about 100 kilometers in every direction. Enjoy a cocktail in the restaurant at sunset for a memorable evening in Bratislava.

In Pieniny National Park, raftsmen navigate the Dunajec River on traditional wooden rafts while telling tourists local stories about the region. In addition to enjoying a unique and relaxing trip along the water, visitors to Pieniny can also take an old-fashioned horse and carriage ride or stroll around the natural travertine lake.

One of the most recently discovered treasures at the Nitra Castle is the Gothic fresco of the Death and Coronation of Virgin Mary. The fresco was discovered during a large restoration and reconstruction project in the St. Emerson Cathedral on the castle grounds.

Visit the first-ever folk architecture reservation in the world – Čičmany. The village features traditional log houses decorated with white detailed ornamentation in typical Slovak patterns.

Bardejov is a well-preserved example of a fortified medieval town, included on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Complete with town walls, burgher’s houses, a town hall, churches, and a Jewish quarter, the town has been able to maintain a high level of authenticity without any major demolitions or additions since medieval times.

Located about 20 kilometers outside of Bratislava, the Danubiana Meulensteen is a treasure trove for modern art enthusiasts. Opened in 2000 on the banks of the Danube River, the Danubiana houses a contemporary art and sculpture collection including an impressive compilation of Slovakian art from the second half of the twentieth century. This is THE place to experience the best modern Slovak art.

Dominating the skyline of Bratislava,on a small hill in the shadows of the small Carpathians, the large rectangular castle building commands attention from the city below. A castle has existed on this site since the 15th century, and the history of buildings on this hill dates all the way back to Roman times. Now you can find a museum of Slovak history in the castle. Lovely Baroque gardens are situated just to the rear of the castle and visitors are rewarded for the short uphill hike with spectacular views over the Danube and Bratislava’s Old Town.

In the southwest of Slovakia, the Domica Cave is home to the underground Styx River, which visitors can cruise along on a guided tour in a small boat. The cave is also home to about 1,500 bats, you might spy some hiding in the cave’s impressive stalactites and stalagmites.

The iconic Primatial Palace in Bratislava was constructed between 1778 and 1781 for Archbishop Jozef Batthyany. Many important political events have occurred in the palace, which now serves as the seat of the Mayor of Bratislava. Don’t miss the fabulous Fountain of St. George and the Dragon in the interior courtyard!

Only 10 kilometers away from Bratislava on a hill on the banks of the Danube sits the ruins of what once served as an important fortress in the Great-Moravian era. Pack a picnic to enjoy in the shade of the castle on a day trip to Devin and take the river cruise boat back to Bratislava in the afternoon.

The Kremnica Mint was first documented in 1441, and has been producing money for various rulers, monarchies, and republics ever since. Today the mint manufactures euro coins and commemorative coins. Several other countries place orders for coin manufacturing to Kremnica due to the high quality standards maintained by this well known mint.