The 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.

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.

Bratislava’s UFO Tower | © LubosHouska/Pixabay

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.

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