Bratislava Castle
If you’ll be staying in the capital, take a short 15-minute walk uphill from Bratislava’s Old Town to enjoy fabulous views over the city. Visit the castle museum or perhaps stroll through the Baroque garden. As the sun starts to sset, choose a secluded spot along the ramparts, or maybe you’d prefer to have a crowd on hand in the castle’s inner courtyard to cheer when you pop the question!
Bratislava Castle, 811 06 Bratislava, Slovakia, +421 2/544 114 44
Bratislava Castle provides a panoramic city view from atop its hill | © Marc Ryckaert/ WikiCommons
The summit of Mount Lomnicky
The High Tatras provides the stage for one of the most epic outdoor proposals. Sure, you’ve seen mountain-top proposals all over your Instagram, but how about one at 2,634 metres high? If it’s a cloudy day, it will look like your proposal is taking place in heaven; otherwise, a panoramic view of Slovakia’s High Tatras mountain range awaits. If you really want to do it right, book the private suite and enjoy the star-studded sky all by yourselves after all the other tourists have gone back down the mountain.
Chateau Topolcianky
Three Renaissance-period rooms of the Chateau Topolcianky now serve as a boutique hotel for guests longing for an oasis of piece and quiet. The castle is surrounded by an extensive English-style garden which provides a calm respite and serves as the background for many romantic occasions. In fact, the castle has even prepared a list of services available for assisting with your engagement, which includes hiding the ring in a glass of Champagne or a cake and having a waiter deliver it to your table, a delivery of fresh flowers with the ring included to the lucky recipient, a private proposal over dinner in the gardens, a horse-drawn carriage ride, and a bottle of chilled Champagne waiting in your room. The historic chateau will set the scene and the friendly staff will gladly participate in making your proposal special.
Chateau Topolcianky, Cintorínska 886/31, 951 93 Topoľčianky, Slovakia, +421 37/630 11 31
The cobblestone streets of Banska Stiavnica
The entire centre of Banska Stiavnica is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but due to its location in south-central Slovakia, not many foreign tourists make the trip there. But Slovaks know that this small town is one of the best places in the county for a romantic getaway, as bed and breakfasts, cute cafés, tea houses, restaurants, and even a brewery are located directly in the historic centre. There’s an old and a new castle, an important Catholic pilgrimage site, and several hiking trails through the local hills.
Banska Stiavnica has a romantic ambiance | © Juraj Kubica/WikiCommons
Bojnice Castle
About an hour away from Bratislava, you’ll find Bojnice Castle, one of the most romantic and fairytale locations for a proposal in Slovakia. The medieval castle is isolated on a hill, surrounded by greenery, a park, and a small zoo, located on the same grounds where noblemen kept animals hundreds of years ago. A water moat also snakes its way around the castle, so for a picture-perfect proposal, you might drop to one knee near the moat with the castle towers rising up behind you.
Bojnice Castle, Zámok a okolie 1, 972 01 Bojnice, Slovakia, +421 46/543 06 33
The fairytale-like Bojnice Castle | © Pudelek/WikiCommons
Ochtinska Aragonite Cave
In southern Slovakia, you will find the Ochtinska Aragonite cave, which is one of the most unique caves in the country. Stunning Aragonite formations in the shapes of needles, branches, and spirals were created by the unique underground environment. Pop the question in the Milky Way Hall, famous for its white bunches (Aragonite), which appear to glow on the ceiling overhead.
Ochtinska Aragonite Cave, Ochtinská aragonitová jaskyňa, 049 35 Ochtiná, Slovakia, +421 58/488 10 51
Aragonite crystals in Ochtinska cave | © Николай Максимович/ WikiCommons
Trencin Castle
Although not as famous as Bojnice Castle, Trencin Castle is also a romantic backdrop for a proposal. The castle is located on a hill overlooking Trencin, providing a pretty view of the surrounding area. Trencin Castle has not been preserved as well as Bojnice, but the rustic authenticity of this ancient structure adds to its uniqueness. Consider heading to the charming Retro Restaurant to celebrate with a glass of bubbly afterwards.
Trencin Castle, Matúšova 75/19, 912 50 Trenčín, Slovakia, +421 32/743 56 57
The Tokaj vineyards
In southeastern Slovakia lies one of the tiniest wine regions in the world. Recently gaining attention in large publications such as the New York Times, Tokaj will not stay hidden forever. Head there now for a romantic proposal before it becomes overrun with tourism. Several small-scale wineries dot the landscape in between rows of grapes. Perhaps check into one of the rooms at Tokaj Macik Winery and ask your bride-to-be the all-important question while strolling through the vineyards or during a wine-tasting of the region’s best wines.
Tokaj Macik Winery, Medzipivničná 174/23, 076 82 Malá Tŕňa, Slovakia,
The Tokaj vineyards | © Traveltipy/Flickr
Dumbier Peak
Dumbier Peak is the highest point of the Low Tatra range in Central Slovakia. It offers stunning views towards the High Tatras in the north and an incredible colour palette of green and blue hues as far as the eye can see – if you visit in summer. Dumbier can also be romantic in winter when the only way to access the peak is via alpine skis. Although you can take a cable car to nearby Chopok Peak and walk across the ridge line to Dumbier, we recommend hiking or alpine skiing to the top to make the special moment even more special.
Dumbier Peak, 032 03 Liptovský Ján, Slovakia
The spectacular view from Dumbier towards the High Tatras | © Taylor Geiger