Living History
.jpg)
This is the time when I get to brag a little about Slovakia's rich history. Once upon a time.... only God knows when this pretty area got occupied by people for the very first time. Some say it was 250 000 years ago
High Tatras in their summer freshness, perfect for hikers and photographers. Activities and hotels
The town of Piestany is known for medicinal thermal water and mud. Activities and hotels
Bratislava, Capital of Slovakia is vibrant and hospitable. Activities and hotels
Slovak Paradise, national park full of breathtaking canyons, hills and forests. Activities and hotels
900 years old mighty Spis Castle. Activities and hotels
Kosice - lovely metropolis of Eastern Slovakia. Activities and hotels
Editor's Pick
View all picks
Latest Picks
- 29 FEB 2012The Very First Editor's Pick
About Slovakia
Slovakia is a peaceful country, with beautiful scenery, inexpensive shopping and tourism and hospitable people.
Slovakia is becoming one of Europe's focal points for travel and tourism. "Slovensko" in the native language of Slovak, officially named the Slovak Republic, the country enjoys moderate weather and a prime map location, bridging east and west.
Slovakia's capital city Bratislava is a growing hub of culture, as well as the national seat of politics and business. Its thousand year history offers a great deal to visitors. The second-largest city of Kosice is a centre of heavy industry, but also of architecture and multiculturalism.
Come and discover this near but unexploited treasure!
It's not easy for a country to overcome a situation like Slovakia's. Although its location is very close for travellers in the region (especially to Austria), many do not realize how near it is. More than a few still feel prejudiced against any recently communist country. Some people have the incorrect impression that war in the former Yugoslavia somehow involved Slovakia.
The truth is that life in Slovakia (the food, the shopping, the cultural events) is very European, much like in countries to the west, except that commercialism has not yet advanced so far. Among other things, this means many things are much less expensive here...
Slovak culture reflects rich folk traditions, in addition to broader European influence. There are numerous aspects to our culture:
Slovakia is replete with gothic churches, medieval towns, majestic mountains and looming castles along bucolic rural landscapes. Fittingly, legend after legend arose in such surroundings.
From music and dance ensembles, to handicrafts, open-air markets and festivals, folk traditions are alive and well in modern-day Slovakia.
Slovak music tells a story. Sounds of the soulful fujara, liturgical traditions, classical composers, village celebration songs and contemporary Slovak music are all part of Slovak cultural life.
Anyone interested in Slovak or Central/Eastern European culture and art will find no shortage of folklore and legends, music, films, art, and literature to give voice to the country, its people, and their concerns.
The art of Slovakia draws influence from both Slovak motifs and European art trends.
Painting, sculpture, illustration, works of new contemporary artists usually spring from a wide range of traditions, and has regularly incorporated folk and European tendencies. Folk arts and crafts, which include wood carving, fabric weaving, and glass painting, have a long and popular tradition in Slovakia.
Albin Brunovsky introduced some of the finer examples of Slovak art in the last century. His works remind us that great artworks can – and often do – arise, ironically enough, from restrictive regimes where art is put to a purpose.
Well known Slovak museums and art galleries are The Slovak National Museum and The Slovak National Uprising Museum in Bratislava and The Museum of Eastern Slovakia in Kosice. Also famous are Andy Warhol Museum of Modern Art (his roots are from Slovakia) and Ludovit Fulla Gallery in Ruzomberok.
Delicious Slovak meals are served in almost every restaurant in Slovakia. Tradition says that visitors should be greeted with bread and salt.
National dish and favorite food of most Slovaks: home-cooked dumplings with sheep cheese and bacon ("bryndzové halušky")
Slovak cuisine is full of milk products, meat (especially pork), potatoes, dumplings and thick sauces. Cabbage, onions and garlic is a must. Halusky are often finished with a glass of sour milk ("žinčica"). Milk and cheese products are best from chalets (sheepfolds), where an old guy in garb prepares it from the milk of his sheeps, goats or cows. Cookies, desserts and cakes are often prepared by our grandmas. It is unspeakable not to eat all of them while visiting.
Selection of Events in Slovakia for 2012
March
- Bratislava City Marathon
April
- Wine Festival, Pezinok
- Unlocking Orava Castle – enjoy the medieval times
May
- Ghosts and Spirits Festival in Bojnice
June
- Art Film Festival (Artfilm), Trenčianske Teplice & Bratislava
- Topfest music festival
July
- Pohoda festival, Trenčín
- The Folk Festival Východná
August
- Terchovský Budzogáň (rock fest)
- Grapefestival (music festival), Piešťany
October
- International festival of mountain films, Poprad
- Bratislava Jazz Days – Annual International Jazz Festival
- Košice Peace Marathon
Popular destinations and activities in slovakia
SKI Parks
Cross country, ski jumping, alpine skiing in Slovak ski resorts with the best natural prerequisites for skiing and snowboarding. Slovakia has something for the skier at every level.
Castles Experience
Beautiful exemplars of all periods and purposes, some as eerie ruins and others as fully restored museum pieces. It's never further than a day trip from a castle worth seeing.
National Parks
From the alpine High Tatras to the hilly Poloniny, this wide variety of mountains provides the lifeblood of the nation, the purest water and air, richest forests and inspiration for its folklore.
SPAs, Wellness
Water heavy in minerals, thermal springs and delicious mountain sources. Each spa features water specific to one or more health conditions, but also tends to draw the general public.
Bratislava - the Capital
Slovakia's capital city is proud of freshly restored old town and booming business of all kinds. The population of half-million is quickly adapting to its new role in the expanded Europe.
Kosice
This metropolis of Eastern Slovakia, country's second largest city is a regional administrative centre and hub of industry, commerce, science and culture.