Slovakia

Slovakia is quickly emerging as a hidden gem for travellers seeking year-round adventure. Nestled in the heart of Central Europe, this landlocked country is home to dramatic mountains, fairytale castles, charming medieval towns, and vibrant folk traditions.

From hilltop castles to picturesque villages tucked into the Tatra Mountains, Slovakia offers a range of cultural and natural wonders. Its treasures can be found in bustling cities like Bratislava and scattered across the countryside alike. Visitors can wander Bratislava’s Old Town, hike the High Tatras, explore medieval castles, and discover traditional folk villages along the way.  

Our Walking Holiday in Slovakia includes all these highlights with walks in both the Tatra Mountains and the lower level, but equally as scenic, Mala Fatra Mountains. It travels to the well-preserved village of Čičmany where you find the uniquely decorated wooden houses that it is famous for. Extravagantly turreted Bojnice and Orava castles provide historic interest along with the old town centre of Bratislava. For added bonus your holiday flies into Kraków in neighbouring Poland and out through Vienna in Austria, giving even more opportunities to explore this captivating corner of Europe.

• Capital city: Bratislava
• Population: 5.4 million (2024)
• Size of country: 49,000 km2 (19,000 sq mi)
• Currency: Euro
• Power supply: 230V
• Sockets: Type C and Type E
• Language: Slovak
• Time difference: GMT + 2 hour
• Visas: British nationals may enter Slovakia for up to 90 days as a visitor without a visa
• Religion: 68% Christian (Catholic 59%, Protestant 7.6%) while 23.8% reported no religion.
• Popular dishes: Bryndzové halušky, potato dumplings topped with sheep cheese (bryndza) and crispy bacon.
• Popular drink: Slivovica (plum brandy)
• FCDO advice: FCDO travel advice for Slovakia

Best time to visit Slovakia

The best time to visit Slovakia is between the months of April and October. Generally, the weather will be warm and dry, making it perfect for sightseeing, hiking, and outdoor activities. During the remaining months of the year, the weather becomes much colder and less reliable, which is not ideal for walking.

Our climate charts will give you a good indication of the best time to visit Slovakia.

Is Slovakia good for a holiday?

Being just a short flight from the UK, and very good value, Slovakia makes an excellent holiday destination in Europe. Slovakia is particularly good for a holiday if you enjoy cultural and historic sights as well as picture-book scenery. With two mountain ranges: the High Tatras and the Mala Fatra, it can cater to those who like more challenging mountain walks as well as those who prefer something easier and lower level. There are good networks of paths along with some cable cars/modern funiculars to make some of the routes more accessible if you prefer to avoid longer, steeper climbs. Slovakia also has several picturesque castles along with traditional villages that are well-preserved and reveal the cultural heritage of the Slovak people.

What is the best time of year to visit Slovakia?

The best time to visit Slovakia depends on what you want to do. For hiking, sightseeing, and exploring villages, late spring to early autumn (May–September) is ideal, with mild weather and green landscapes. If you’re into skiing or winter sports, December to February is best in the High Tatras. Shoulder seasons like May or September are also great for avoiding crowds while still enjoying good weather.

What to visit in Slovakia?

The capital city of Bratislava has several attractions. In the Old Town you will find a well-preserved medieval city square with its churches, town hall and a fascinating city museum. Bratislava Castle sits above the old town, providing excellent views although the best views are to be had from the 'UFO Observation Deck' on New Bridge. Outside of Bratislava two of the best things to visit in Slovakia are the dramatic castles of Bojnice and Orava, although dating back many centuries both castles look like they are straight out of a Disney movie with their multiple towers and turrets and stand-out locations. Orava sits high above a river and one of the best ways to reach it is by a wooden raft, piloted by locals wearing traditional costumes. The folk village of Čičmany is also a popular place to visit in Slovakia due to its beautifully decorated wooden houses that give a sense of Slovakian rural life, little-changed over time. For those who enjoy time in the great outdoors, there is no shortage of good walking trails and scenic sights in both the High Tatras and Mala Fatra Mountains.

How many days are needed in Slovakia?

We recommend spending at least a week in Slovakia so that you get a real sense of all the wonderful things that are on offer. You can enjoy a couple of days exploring Bratislava, then head into the High Tatras for 2–3 days of hiking or sightseeing. If you want to see other highlights, you could visit places like Orava, Čičmany, or Bojnice, adding another day or two to experience Slovakia’s castles, traditional villages, and charming towns.

Why are the Tatra Mountains famous?

The Tatras Mountains are known for their incredible scenery, wildlife, and outdoor adventures. You might see rare animals like Tatra chamois or marmots, hike scenic trails, or relax in a thermal bath. Carved by glaciers, their jagged peaks, deep valleys, and limestone gorges make the Tatras one of Europe’s most impressive mountain ranges.

Are the Tatra Mountains worth visiting?

Yes, the Tatras Mountains are absolutely worth visiting. They offer stunning alpine scenery, crystal-clear lakes, waterfalls, caves, and diverse wildlife. You can hike scenic trails, relax in mountain huts, enjoy thermal baths in attractive resort towns, or even take cable cars up to panoramic peaks. This makes them very accessible although the trails will rarely feel crowded.