Slovakia

Slovakia may be a relatively young nation, but its towns resound with a rich history, and its many ski resorts claim an ever-growing following.

The nation’s largest draw for tourists is found in the Tatra Mountains, which comprise the highest part of the Carpathians. Here, winter activities abound, including downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, dog sledding and ski mountaineering. Slovakia claims nearly 100 ski centers and 1,000 ski lifts.

The warmer summer months see hiking take precedence in the High Tatras. Nearly 100 lakes, called “tarns,” are found in the area, with the largest and deepest tarn being the Vel’ké Hincovo pleso. Majestic, multi-level waterfalls also abound. The highest is Kmet’ov vodopád in the Nefcerka valley, whose individual cascades descend an incredible 262 feet.

The geyser of Herl’any in eastern Slovakia is another popular attraction. Just about every day and a half—every 32 to 34 hours—the geyser’s hot waters burst forth. The spectacular nature show typically lasts 20 to 30 minutes, with the spout reaching heights of up to 65 feet.

The capital city, Bratislava, is located almost on the country’s southwestern border, where Bratislava Castle sits on a hill overlooking the waters of the Danube River. A portion of the castle is open to the public and houses permanent exhibitions of the Slovak National Museum. One of the museum’s most important relics is the “Venus of Moravia,” a statue purported to be 25,000 years old. In summer, the castle grounds host theater performances, concerts and Shakespeare festivals.

Slovakia’s largest vine-growing region spreads east of the Little Carpathians. The Wine Route of the Malé Karpaty Mountains—called the Malokarpatská vínna cesta—takes visitors past the fertile vineyards through wine country. Just about every town there has a wine cellar, with a pleasant atmosphere for sitting and enjoying the local vintage.

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