Overview of Slovakia
Situated in central Europe, Slovakia is an up-and-coming tourist destination that lures travellers from around the world with its rugged mountainous scenery, rich architectural history and, perhaps notably, its very competitive prices.
The centre for Slovakia's arts and culture is the capital city of Bratislava, which boasts many museums, art galleries, palaces and ornamental churches in and around its historic Old Town district.
The Tatra Mountains are a popular destination year round, offering skiing in winter and hiking and climbing in summer. The country also boasts a number of mineral springs and natural spas that cater for health-conscious tourists looking to relax and unwind.
Scattered among the hills and valleys of the lowlands are numerous fortified castles, relics from the Middle Ages that were built near hamlets and major roads for protection from invaders. Also among the country's greatest architectural treasures are the ancient wooden churches in northeast Slovakia. Still functioning as religious buildings today, these are unique in their construction in that they were built without nails.
Slovakia became an independent nation in 1993 when Czechoslovakia split into the Czech and Slovak Republics. The Czech Republic went on to revel in the glory of its capital city, Prague, which has become one of the must-see cities in Europe, while Slovakia's quiet charms have remained relatively unexplored.
Nowadays, the beautiful scenery, ski resorts, historic towns, and easy access from the rest of Europe mean that more and more travellers are starting to wake up to Slovakia's various and well-priced delights.
Key Facts
- Language:
- Slovak is the official language, which is closely related to Czech. English and German are the most commonly spoken foreign languages, although English is not widely understood outside Bratislava.
- Passport/Visa:
-
The borderless region known as the Schengen area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option that allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from Slovakia. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
- Currency:
-
The unit of currency is the Euro (EUR), which is divided into 100 cents. The Euro replaced the Koruna (SKK) as the official currency in 2009. Visa and MasterCard are accepted at almost all hotels and restaurants in popular tourist areas such as Bratislava, and shops are increasingly accepting credit cards, but it is best to check beforehand. ATMs accepting international cards are common.
- Electricity:
- Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. Two round-pin plugs are used, similar to other European countries.
Travel to Slovakia
Overview
Home to incredible natural beauty and a rich, storied history, visitors will love what Slovakia has to offer. Nature enthusiasts should make a beeline for the High Tatras, which boast gorgeous, unspoilt mountainscapes with lakes and waterfalls aplenty. One of the best starting points for hikes is Štrbské Pleso, where walking trails access the lovely Skok Waterfalls.
An alternative to the High Tatras National Park, the Slovak Paradise National Park in the east of the country is also a superb hiking destination and invites visitors to explore the magical forests and valleys of Slovakia.
In addition to glorious natural resources, Slovakia is home to many ancient castles and romantic ruins, which are well preserved and still in use. The most popular with tourists include Spiš Castle, a UNESCO-listed ruin and one of the biggest castles in Europe; Bratislava Castle, looming above the capital city; and Devín Castle, said to be more than 5,000 years old.
Slovakia is renowned for its rich folkloric traditions and well-preserved architecture, with Bratislava's Old Town home to many historic buildings and a number of interesting skanzens, open-air museum villages, scattered around the country.
The UNESCO-listed town of Vlkolínec boasts the best wooden folk architecture in the country, while the Východná Folk Festival, held annually in July in the village of Východná, is said to be one of the best folk music and dance festivals in the world.
Climate in Slovakia
The Slovakian climate is generally temperate, with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm with temperatures in July averaging 70°F (21°C); while the coldest month, January, averages 28°F (-2°C).
Winter brings snowfall, which usually lasts from November to May in the Tatra Mountains. The mountains are colder and wetter than the lowlands in general, with most rain falling in June and July. Autumn and spring are good times to visit Slovakia, as the weather is mild and the crowds are thin.
Health Notes when travelling to Slovakia
There are no vaccinations required for travel to Slovakia. No special precautions are necessary, except for visitors intending to spend a prolonged period in the forests and rural areas, in which case a vaccination for tick-borne encephalitis should be considered.
Slovakia has a reciprocal health agreement with most EU countries, providing emergency healthcare on the same terms as Slovak nationals. EU travellers should carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with them. However, it's still recommended that visitors take out comprehensive medical insurance, including mountain evacuation. Hospitals are available in all major towns, and pharmacies and clinics exist in the tourist areas and smaller towns, but little English is spoken.
Safety Notes when travelling to Slovakia
Slovakia is generally a safe country to visit and most visitors will experience a trouble-free holiday. In the cities though, it's wise to be careful of personal possessions due to incidents of pick-pocketing and bag snatching, particularly in popular tourist areas and on public transport.
Customs in Slovakia
Visitors should maintain eye contact with locals when talking or shaking hands, as this is interpreted as a sign of honesty and sincerity. Knowing even a few words in Slovak will be well received, and guests are expected to remove their shoes when entering someone's home.
Rowdy behaviour and loud noise are not allowed between 10pm and 6am; travellers must carry passports with them at all times for identification purposes. Bratislava has become a popular destination for stag parties and boisterous tourists have been fined or imprisoned for causing a public disturbance.
Duty Free in Slovakia
Passengers arriving from EU countries do not need to pay duty on any items provided they are for personal use or intended as gifts. Travellers to Slovakia from non-EU countries do not have to pay customs duty on 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco; 4 litres of wine or 1 litre of distilled liquor and spirits.
Doing Business in Slovakia
Slovakians tend to be fairly formal in their business dealings, particularly the older generation, and women may encounter some chauvinism. The normal greeting is a handshake. Although business may be conducted in English or German, an interpreter should be arranged and all written documents should be translated into Slovakian. Punctuality and politeness are always appreciated. Most businesses open Monday to Friday from about 9am to 5pm.
Communication in Slovakia
The international dialling code for Slovakia is +421. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the UK). Network coverage is very good and travellers will only need to bring a passport to purchase a local SIM card. Most hotels and cafes have wifi, though the connection may not extend beyond the reception or dining area in rural guesthouses.
Tipping in Slovakia
Ten percent tips are becoming increasingly common in restaurants, and Slovaks may also round up bills to the nearest euro. Taxi fares are usually rounded up by an extra one or two euros.
Passport/Visa Note
The borderless region known as the Schengen area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option that allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from Slovakia. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
-
US nationals require a passport valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
-
Canadian nationals require a passport valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
-
Passports must be valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay. A visa is not required for passports endorsed 'British Citizen', 'British Subject' (containing a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode issued by the United Kingdom), and 'British Overseas Territories Citizen' issued by Gibraltar. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
-
Australian nationals require a passport valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
-
Irish nationals require a passport valid upon arrival, but no visa is required.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
-
New Zealand nationals require a passport valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
-
South African nationals require a passport valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay. A visa is required.
Tourist Offices
Slovakia Tourist Board, Bratislava: http://slovakia.travel/en
Slovakia Embassies
- In the United States:
-
Slovak Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 237 1054.
- In Canada:
-
Slovak Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 749 4442.
- In the United Kingdom:
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Slovak Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 20 7313 6470.
- In Australia:
-
Slovak Embassy, ACT, Australia (also responsible for New Zealand): +61 26 290 2405.
- In Ireland:
-
Slovak Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 1 661 9594.
- In New Zealand:
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Slovak Embassy, ACT, Australia (also responsible for New Zealand): +61 26 290 2405.
- In South Africa:
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Slovak Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 12 342 2051.
Foreign Embassies in Slovakia
- American Embassy
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United States Embassy, Bratislava: +421 2 5443 0861.
- Canadian Embassy
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Canadian Embassy, Bratislava, Slovakia: +421 2/5920 4031.
- British Embassy
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British Embassy, Bratislava: +421 2 5998 2000.
- Australian Embassy
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Australian Embassy, Vienna, Austria (also responsible for Slovakia): +43 1 506 740.
- Irish Embassy
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Irish Embassy, Bratislava: +421 (2) 3233 8700.
- New Zealand Embassy
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New Zealand Embassy, Berlin, Germany (also responsible for Slovakia): +49 3 020 6210.
- South African Embassy
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South African Embassy, Vienna, Austria (also responsible for Slovakia): +43 1 320 6493.
Travel Advisories
Health Information for Travelers to Slovakia
Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Hide Vaccines and Medicines
Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor (ideally, 4-6 weeks) before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need.
| | Find Out Why | Protect Yourself |
All travelers You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel. |
| Routine vaccines | Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot. |   |
Most travelers Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting. |
| Hepatitis A | CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Slovakia, regardless of where you are eating or staying. |  |
Some travelers Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US. |
| Hepatitis B | You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures. |   |
| Rabies | Rabies is present in bats in Slovakia. However, it is not a major risk to most travelers. CDC recommends rabies vaccine for only these groups: - Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities in remote areas that put them at risk for bat bites (such as adventure travel and caving).
- People who will be working with or around bats (such as wildlife professionals and researchers).
|  |
All travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel.
Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Slovakia, regardless of where you are eating or staying.
Some travelers
Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.
You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.
Rabies is present in bats in Slovakia. However, it is not a major risk to most travelers. CDC recommends rabies vaccine for only these groups:
- Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities in remote areas that put them at risk for bat bites (such as adventure travel and caving).
- People who will be working with or around bats (such as wildlife professionals and researchers).
Key
- Get vaccinated
- Eat and drink safely
- Keep away from animals
- Reduce your exposure to germs
- Avoid sharing body fluids
- Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment
Top
Hide Stay Healthy and Safe
Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Slovakia, so your behaviors are important.
Unclean food and water can cause travelers' diarrhea and other diseases. Reduce your risk by sticking to safe food and water habits.
Eat
- Food that is cooked and served hot
- Hard-cooked eggs
- Fruits and vegetables you have washed in clean water or peeled yourself
- Pasteurized dairy products
Don't Eat
- Food served at room temperature
- Food from street vendors
- Raw or soft-cooked (runny) eggs
- Raw or undercooked (rare) meat or fish
- Unwashed or unpeeled raw fruits and vegetables
- Unpasteurized dairy products
- ”Bushmeat” (monkeys, bats, or other wild game)
Drink
- Bottled water that is sealed
- Water that has been disinfected
- Ice made with bottled or disinfected water
- Carbonated drinks
- Hot coffee or tea
- Pasteurized milk
Don’t Drink
- Tap or well water
- Ice made with tap or well water
- Drinks made with tap or well water (such as reconstituted juice)
- Unpasteurized milk
Take Medicine
Talk with your doctor about taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs with you on your trip in case you get sick.
Hide Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Slovakia. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.
What can I do to prevent bug bites?
- Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
- Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
- Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
- Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
- Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.
What type of insect repellent should I use?
- FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
- FOR PROTECTION AGAINST MOSQUITOES ONLY: Products with one of the following active ingredients can also help prevent mosquito bites. Higher percentages of active ingredient provide longer protection.
- DEET
- Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
- Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or PMD
- IR3535
- Always use insect repellent as directed.
What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?
- Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
- Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.
What can I do to avoid bed bugs?
Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs.
For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites.
Hide If your travel plans in Slovakia include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.
- Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
- Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
- Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
- Heat-related illness, such as heat stroke, can be deadly. Eat and drink regularly, wear loose and lightweight clothing, and limit physical activity during high temperatures.
- If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
- Protect yourself from UV radiation: use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
- Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
- Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.
Stay safe around water
- Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
- Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
- Do not dive into shallow water.
- Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
- Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
- To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.
Hide Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.
Follow these tips to protect yourself:
- Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
- Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
- Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
- Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
- If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.
All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:
- Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
- Go to a doctor right away.
- Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.
Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.
Hide Reduce your exposure to germs
Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:
- Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
- If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
- Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
- Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
- If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.
Hide Avoid sharing body fluids
Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.
Protect yourself:
- Use latex condoms correctly.
- Do not inject drugs.
- Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
- Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
- If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.
Hide Know how to get medical care while traveling
Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:
- Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
- Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
- Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
- Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Slovakia’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
- Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.
Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website (www.jointcommissioninternational.org).
In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.
Hide Select safe transportation
Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.
In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.
Walking
Be smart when you are traveling on foot.
- Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
- Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
- Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.
Riding/Driving
Choose a safe vehicle.
- Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
- Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
- Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
- Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
- Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
- Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.
Think about the driver.
- Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
- Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
- Arrange payment before departing.
Follow basic safety tips.
- Wear a seatbelt at all times.
- Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
- When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
- Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Slovakia may be poor.
- Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
- Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
- If you choose to drive a vehicle in Slovakia, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
- Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
- Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
Flying
- Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
- If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
- Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.
Medical Evacuation Insurance
If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.
Helpful Resources
Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.
The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.
Hide Maintain personal security
Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.
Before you leave
- Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
- Monitor travel warnings and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
- Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
- Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.
While at your destination(s)
- Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate.
- Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
- Follow all local laws and social customs.
- Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
- Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
- If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.
Hide Top
Hide Healthy Travel Packing List
Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Slovakia for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.
Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?
It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.
Top
Hide Travel Health Notices
Be aware of current health issues in Slovakia. Learn how to protect yourself.
Watch Level 1, Practice Usual Precautions
Top
If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic. Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.
For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel.
Top
Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.
Currency
The unit of currency is the Euro (EUR), which is divided into 100 cents. The Euro replaced the Koruna (SKK) as the official currency in 2009. Visa and MasterCard are accepted at almost all hotels and restaurants in popular tourist areas such as Bratislava, and shops are increasingly accepting credit cards, but it is best to check beforehand. ATMs accepting international cards are common.
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Exchange rate for 1 EUR - Euro
|
1.12 BMD
Bermudan Dollar
|
1.12 USD
U.S. Dollar
|
0.77 GBP
U.K. Pound Sterling
|
121.65 JPY
Japanese Yen
|
1.46 CAD
Canadian Dollar
|
1.10 CHF
Swiss Franc
|
1.54 AUD
Australian Dollar
|
28.05 UAH
Ukrainian Hryvnia
|
377.26 KZT
Kazakhstani Tenge
|
1,682.21 LBP
Lebanese Pound
|
0.80 LYD
Libyan Dinar
|
7.66 BOB
Bolivian Boliviano
|
120.52 NPR
Nepalese Rupee
|
0.43 OMR
Omani Rial
|
4.07 QAR
Qatari Rial
|
1.54 SGD
Singapore Dollar
|
9.26 SEK
Swedish Krona
|
7.41 TTD
Trinidad Tobago Dollar
|
11.15 VEF
Venezuelan Bolivar
|
51.20 DOP
Dominican Peso
|
7.51 HRK
Croatian Kuna
|
20.82 MXN
Mexican Peso
|
654.97 XOF
West African CFA Franc
|
3.54 PGK
Papua New Guinean kina
|
1.12 BSD
Bahamian Dollar
|
2.36 FJD
Fiji Dollar
|
25.29 HNL
Honduran Lempira
|
123.47 DZD
Algerian Dinar
|
1,330.84 MMK
Myanma Kyat
|
12.50 BWP
Botswana Pula
|
3.76 PEN
Peruvian Nuevo Sol
|
774.75 CLP
Chilean Peso
|
534.10 AMD
Armenia Dram
|
27.00 CZK
Czech Koruna
|
22.32 MDL
Moldova Lei
|
138.84 ISK
Icelandic Krona
|
3,282.94 UZS
Uzbekistan Sum
|
4.31 ILS
Israeli New Sheqel
|
0.79 JOD
Jordanian Dinar
|
0.34 KWD
Kuwaiti Dinar
|
35.02 UYU
Uruguayan Peso
|
39.68 MUR
Mauritian Rupee
|
31.85 NIO
Nicaraguan Córdoba
|
9.32 NOK
Norwegian Krone
|
4.38 PLN
Polish Zloty
|
4.19 SAR
Saudi Riyal
|
163.12 LKR
Sri Lanka Rupee
|
39.79 THB
Thai Baht
|
4.10 AED
U.A.E Dirham
|
4.02 BRL
Brazilian Real
|
4.52 RON
Romanian New Leu
|
8.68 HKD
Hong Kong Dollar
|
656.46 XAF
Central African CFA Franc
|
25,106.99 VND
Vietnamese Dong
|
15.58 ARS
Argentine Peso
|
3.01 XCD
East Caribbean Dollar
|
8.75 GTQ
Guatemalan Quetzal
|
10.92 MAD
Moroccan Dirham
|
0.42 BHD
Bahrain Dinar
|
1.12 PAB
Panamanian Balboa
|
1.67 AZN
Azerbaijan Manat
|
3,482.98 COP
Colombian Peso
|
76.30 KGS
Kyrgyzstan Som
|
312.53 HUF
Hungarian Forint
|
8.79 TJS
Tajikistan Ruble
|
15,285.70 IDR
Indonesian Rupiah
|
9.92 EGP
Egyptian Pound
|
1,330.60 KRW
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Bratislava Airport (BTS)
Letisko M. R. Štefánika – Airport Bratislava
http://www.airportbratislava.sk
Location: Bratislava The airport is situated six miles (9km) northeast of Bratislava.
Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 from March to October).
Getting to the city:
Buses 61 and 96 travel between the airport and Bratislava's central bus station. A taxi stand is located outside the arrivals hall while there is also the option to take the train.
Car rental:
Car rental stands are located in the arrival hall and include Mega Drive, Sixt, Europcar, Hertz, Budget, Firefly, Alamo, Enterprise, and National.
Airport Taxis:
Facilities:
Both arrival and departure halls have ATMs. There is a restaurant in the departure terminal, and the airport has a few bars and cafes as well. The Mastercard Caproni Lounge provides a range of snacks and beverages, internet, TV and a selection of international and local daily newspapers. Other facilities include duty-free shopping, newsstands, charging stations, left luggage, a children's play area, and first aid. Facilities for the disabled are good.
Parking:
Departure Tax: None.
Overview of the Attractions in Slovakia
Home to incredible natural beauty and a rich, storied history, visitors will love what Slovakia has to offer. Nature enthusiasts should make a beeline for the High Tatras, which boast gorgeous, unspoilt mountainscapes with lakes and waterfalls aplenty. One of the best starting points for hikes is Štrbské Pleso, where walking trails access the lovely Skok Waterfalls.
An alternative to the High Tatras National Park, the Slovak Paradise National Park in the east of the country is also a superb hiking destination and invites visitors to explore the magical forests and valleys of Slovakia.
In addition to glorious natural resources, Slovakia is home to many ancient castles and romantic ruins, which are well preserved and still in use. The most popular with tourists include Spiš Castle, a UNESCO-listed ruin and one of the biggest castles in Europe; Bratislava Castle, looming above the capital city; and Devín Castle, said to be more than 5,000 years old.
Slovakia is renowned for its rich folkloric traditions and well-preserved architecture, with Bratislava's Old Town home to many historic buildings and a number of interesting skanzens, open-air museum villages, scattered around the country.
The UNESCO-listed town of Vlkolínec boasts the best wooden folk architecture in the country, while the Východná Folk Festival, held annually in July in the village of Východná, is said to be one of the best folk music and dance festivals in the world.
Bratislava Castle
Bratislava
Standing sentinel on a rocky hill above the Danube River, the white castle is the towering gem in the crown of Bratislava's spectacular skyline, and provides excellent views of the ancient city, as well as over Austria and even as far as Hungary when the weather allows. It has been inhabited for thousands of years owing to its important location on the Danube River in central Europe, and has been destroyed and rebuilt several times in its history, undergoing a series of reconstructions and extensions. Four towers make up the enormous building, enclosing a courtyard, a Treasure Chamber, and collections of the Slovak National Museum.
Website: http://www.visitbratislava.com/places/bratislava-castle/
Devin Castle
Bratislava
Perched above the confluence of the Morava and Danube Rivers, Devín Castle is one of the most important archaeological sites in Slovakia. The oldest traces of settlement date back to 5,000 BC, and the mighty fortress citadel was impenetrable for centuries until the arrival of Napoleon's troops, who sacked it in 1809. The village of Devín is also quaint and worth visiting, with a number of shops and restaurants. The river, while certainly photogenic, is a hotbed for mosquitoes, so visitors are advised to arm themselves with effective insect repellent.
Website: http://www.slovakia.com/castles/devin-castle/
High Tatras National Park
Bratislava
The majestic peaks of the High Tatras are a must-see in Slovakia, stretching through Tatra National Park and across the northern part of the country in the Carpathian Mountains near Poland. The mountains, valleys and lakes of the Tatras offer countless opportunities for hiking, cycling, skiing, swimming, river rafting or just relaxing in a pristine natural environment. Small but increasingly popular resorts in the area include Strbské Pleso, Starý Smokovec and Tatranská Lomnica. There are scenic cable cars and funiculars scattered about, including those at Lomnický Stít and Hrebienok.
Website: http://www.slovakia.com/national-parks/high-tatras/
Piešťany
Bratislava
Located just an hour's drive north of Bratislava, Piestany is Slovakia's premier spa resort town and a great place to go for tourists looking to relax and rejuvenate in style. The range and quality of treatment available in Piestany is world class, though its relative obscurity means it's far more affordable and unfrequented than similar spa towns in more popular areas around the continent.
Piestany is situated in the beautiful, forested region of the Vah River Valley and is fringed by mountains to the north. The spas are the town's main attractions, catering to mostly foreign patients with chronic rheumatic and arthritic diseases. In the summer, tourists arrive looking for mud therapy, massages and even dietary advice.
The town offers a range of accommodation and resort amenities, such as a nine-hole golf course, Jacuzzis and steam baths. Other sights and attractions include a 13th-century monastery and a number of great walking and hiking trails.
During summer, Piestany hosts a popular arts festival as well as celebrations of country- and folk music. Budget-conscious travellers looking to spend some time in a top-class European spa resort should seriously consider Piestany, which, like the rest of Slovakia, is an unassuming gem of a European holiday destination.
Website: slovakia.travel/en/spa-piestany
Old Town Hall
Bratislava
Set in the heart of Bratislava's historic city centre, the Old Town Hall is the perfect jumping-off point for sightseeing in Slovakia's capital city. Its Gothic tower is the oldest stone building in the downtown area, and was erected in 1370, before the rest of the building was completed in the 15th century by joining three adjacent townhouses together.
A distinctive building with its colourful roof, it now principally functions as the home of the Bratislava City Museum. The museum is small but certainly worth a look, housing a collection of strange and unsettling artefacts: torture instruments, the old town dungeons, antique weapons and armour, and even a cannon ball that was shot into the wall by Napoleon's forces in 1809.
In the summer, the Old Town Hall hosts open-air music concerts in its courtyard. Many of Bratislava's other great tourist sights (such as the Main Square and Primate's Palace) are within easy walking distance of the Old Town Hall and there are numerous cafes and eateries serving excellent Slovakian cuisine.
Website: http://www.welcometobratislava.eu/old-town-hall-tower/
Vlkolínec
Bratislava
The small town of Vlkolínec is the best place to experience the famous and unique folk architecture of Slovakia, consisting of medieval houses and churches often built from logs joined without nails. Located about three hours from Bratislava, near the Czech Republic border, Vlkolínec is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see for tourists who are interested in European history and the folklore of the Carpathian Mountains.
With a name derived from the Slovak word for 'wolf', the town is set in a picturesque alpine landscape and features around 45 of the distinctive wooden houses, numerous carved wooden statues, and a museum exhibiting the instruments that were used during the construction of the town. There is also a Baroque chapel with a wooden belfry. A truly interesting little town, Vlkolíne certainly shouldn't be missed by history buffs.
Website: http://www.slovakia.com/museum/vlkolinec/
Public Holidays in Slovakia
| |
2020 |
2021 |
| New Year's Day |
Wed. January 1 |
Wed. January 1 |
| Epiphany |
Mon. January 6 |
Mon. January 6 |
| Good Friday |
Thu. April 10 |
Wed. April 2 |
| Easter Monday |
Sun. April 13 |
Sat. April 5 |
| Labour Day |
Thu. May 1 |
Thu. May 1 |
| Victory Day |
Thu. May 8 |
Thu. May 8 |
| Saints Cyril and Methodius Day |
Sat. July 5 |
Sat. July 5 |
| Slovak National Uprising Day |
Fri. August 29 |
Fri. August 29 |
| Constitution Day |
Mon. September 1 |
Mon. September 1 |
| Day of Our Lady of Sorrows |
Mon. September 15 |
Mon. September 15 |
| All Saints' Day |
Sat. November 1 |
Sat. November 1 |
| Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day |
Mon. November 17 |
Mon. November 17 |
| Christmas Eve and Christmas Day |
Wed. December 24 to Thu. December 25 |
Wed. December 24 to Thu. December 25 |
| St. Stephen's Day (National Day) |
Fri. December 26 |
Fri. December 26 |
