Overview

The Slovak Republic or Slovakia is a land locked country in Central Europe. It borders Czech Republic, Austria, Poland, Ukraine, and Hungary. The largest city of Bratislava is its capital city. On January 1, 1993, Slovakia became an independent nation. Slovakia features mountains, caves, natural landscapes, medieval castles, folk music, architecture, spas, and ski resorts. The country is divided into eight regions: Bratislava, Trencin, Trnava, Nitra, Zilina, Banska Bystrica, Presov and Kosice.

Activities & Attractions

Slovakia is probably well known for their ski resorts but many also enjoy the old world charm of the cities. In Bratislava, you can find vineyards, museums, and the Slovak National Theatre. One area of the city, the Square has a rich night life. The castles, such as Trencin Castle, intrigue many visitors as does the natural beauty of the area. You can enjoy the renaissance music, art, and craft demonstrations as you tour round the country.

There are plenty of events that you can enjoy in the country. There is a folklore evening which often begins with an ethnic dinner at one of the restaurants. There are folk dances and song performances. You can also join the old Slavic evening, which includes a candle-light dinner and dishes prepared from the old world recipes. You can also enjoy the pleasure cruises on the River Danube and view of the marvelous castles and scenery on its banks.

There are 12 state scientific libraries, 473 libraries affiliated with universities and institutions of higher learning, and 2600 public libraries in Slovakia. Folk arts and crafts, which include wood carving, fabric weaving, and glass painting, have a long and popular tradition in Slovakia, especially in rural areas. Examples of folk architecture, such as wooden churches and brightly painted houses, are found throughout the country, particularly in the Ukrainian communities of Eastern Slovakia.

Lodging

There are various options for you to choose from depending on your taste and budget type. You can choose to stay in expensive hotels or in cheaper motels. Tulip House Hotel, Radisson SAS Carlton Hotel, Hotel No.16, Hotel Bristol, and Hotel Hubert are some of the popular hotels in Slovakia.

Transportation

Intercity buses connect major cities in the country. If you want to travel around the country in your car, you should display a nalepka (motorway sticker) on the windshield. You can buy the stickers at border crossings and petrol bunks. The prices vary depending on how many days you plan to tour the country and the type of vehicle you have. When you park your vehicle, you should always buy the parking ticket. City buses and trams are available for travel around the cities. You can also choose to ride around on bicycles.