Slovakia, or the Slovak Republic is one of Europe's best-kept travel secrets. Formerly a part of Czechoslovakia, the country got its independence in 1993, when Czechoslovakia split into two parts. The Czech Republic is now the northern part of former Czechoslovakia, and the Slovak Republic is the southern part. The Slovak Republic also shares borders with Austria, Poland, Hungary, and the Ukraine. The thing that makes Slovakia a great travel destination is that it retains its original character and hasn't been over-commercialized like so many other European countries.
Bratislava is a city of nearly half a million people and the capital of the Slovak Republic. There are direct flights to Bratislava from many European cities including London. Sky Europe, Easy Jet, Austrian Airlines, and Air Slovakia all service the Bratislava airport. Flights from London and other European cities are very affordable if you book well in advance. British Air, and Lufthansa fly into nearby Vienna, Austria, which is roughly 50 km away. Many people choose to fly into Vienna and take a train or car from there.
Since Bratislava is not a huge city like Prague for instance, many visitors quickly feel at home there, and the local people are friendly and open. The Bratislava Castle sits on a hilltop overlooking the city and the Danube. The National Theater puts on Operas, theatrical plays, and symphonies for cultural enjoyment. Several museums in the city display classic and modern artwork. The Bratislava Golf and Country Club on the outskirts of the city welcomes golfers from all over the world.
Slovakia Curative Mineral Springs
The Slovak Republic has over 1,000 thermal hot springs in various locations throughout the country. For thousands of years people have known the healing powers of these amazing springs. A whole alternative health care industry exists in Slovakia around these mineral springs. Every year, people from all over the globe come to Slovakia seeking relief from rheumatoid arthritis, digestive disorders, spinal injuries, and other medical conditions. The benefits of these spa therapies are proven, and there is a lot of information online about it.
Nature lovers come to Slovakia for hiking, bicycling, cross country and downhill skiing. The country has literally hundreds of miles of well-maintained trails that pass through national parks, forests, and foothills. Mountain biking is popular, as is hiking. In wintertime, people flock to the ski areas for excellent skiing, tobogganing, and almost all other winter activities. The country also has three excellent wine making regions, and many tourists love to tour the wine country.
Mankind has existed in Slovakia since prehistoric times. Archeologists discovered bones of Neanderthal man in the region. Remnants of Slovakia's long and turbulent history are everywhere. Medieval castles dot the countryside dating back to the 12th century. Gothic cathedrals stand in the villages, and brightly painted houses in many of the villages have been standing for hundreds of years. The region has seen several foreign occupations, including the Romans, the Tartars, the Hungarians, and the Soviets, and all of the occupiers left their mark somewhere in the country.
Accommodations in Slovakia
Another advantage of visiting Slovakia is that the prices for lodging, food, and entertainment are still very reasonable in comparison to other European countries. Luxury hotels in Bratislava go for around $150 US a night, and two-star rated hotels are as low as $40 a night. Some people choose to rent apartments with full kitchen facilities and all the comforts of home, and those are very reasonable as well. Spas offer deals for their customers, and many of the hotels have dining rooms and the meals are included. Mountain inns and chalets are available for skiers and hikers year round.
Tour operators in Slovakia offer many exciting tours of the country. Some are active, traveling vacations, while others remain in one area. Other tours visit wine country, while others are historical in nature. The prices of these tours usually include accommodations, ground transportation, and some meals. Many internet resources offer color pictures of the country, accommodations, and attractions. You can also easily book flights, tours, and make reservations for lodging. Once you tour Slovakia the first time, you will probably want to return again and again.
Read Next 5 Articles
Bratislava Flights
Bratislava Hotels
Castle Tours
Cultural Tourism
Danube River Tours
