15 Amazing Places in Slovakia

 Slovakia is located in Central Europe, bordering Poland, Austria, Ukraine, Hungary, and the Czech Republic. It features many magnificent castles, historical town sites, and a breathtaking view of nature from atop its many mountain peaks. I predict that these stunning images will convince you to put Slovakia high on your list of places to visit!

1) Bojnice Castle 

The city of Bojnice is perhaps the most historical town in the country, renowned for its medieval castle. It's located in the upper Nitra river valley, just below the Strážov Mountains. Many tourists flock to see the legendary Bojnice Castle, which also hosts many international film festivals and events each year. 

2) The High Tatras Mountains

The magnificent Tatra Mountains can be found on the border between Poland and Slovakia. You can go for long scenic hikes along the mountain trails, or go skiing along the breathtaking slopes in the resort town of Starý Smokovec. You can see the true beauty of the Tatra Mountains here.

3) Slovak Paradise National Park

The views along the Slovak Paradise National Park are perfect for nature lovers. Among the main attractions of the park are the gorgeous flowing waterfalls and the Dobšinská Ice Cave. The ice cave is also on the UNESCO World Heritage list.  

4) Demänovská Dolina

Demänovská Dolina is a village that is located in the Žilina Region of northern Slovakia. It is home to the Dobšinská Ice Cave, and the Demänovská Cave of Liberty. If you enjoy camping under the stars and being surrounded by beautiful nature, then you must travel to Demänovská Dolina.  

5) Slovak Karst and Domica Cave

The Slovak Karst mountain range is home to over 712 different caves, including the Domica cave which is the biggest in the region. Other spectacular caves to visit are Jasovská Cave, Gombasek Cave, Baradla-Domica Cave, Ochtinská Aragonite Cave, and the Dobšinská Ice Cave. If you're ever in the mood to go cave exploring, you'll have plenty to see here!  

6) Devín Castle

The historical Devín Castle can be found in the nation's capital of Bratislava. The first known Catholic church found amongst Roman ruins was identified here, and castle was also once home to Celtic and Roman fortresses. The Maiden Tower overlooks the Morava and Danube rivers, and offers a view you must see to believe!  

7) Levoča

The beautiful town of Levoča is located in the eastern part of the country, and is a UNESCO listed World Heritage Site. Many of the buildings in Levoča date back to the Renaissance period. The main sites I'd recommend seeing are the Roman Catholic Church of St. James, the Evangelical Lutheran Church and the Old Town Hall. 

8) Orava Castle

The legendary Orava Castle can be found on a rock formation, which stands about 112 meters or 367 feet tall. The castle overlooks the Orava river, in the village of Oravský Podzámok. It is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful castles in the country. 

9) Žilina

Žilina is found in northern Slovakia, and  features some of the most beautiful national parks in the country. The main attraction would have to be the Šútovo Waterfall in the Malá Fatra National Park. Make sure you bring your camera along, because the Malá Fatra is a photographer's dream!   

10) Trnava

Trnava is located in the western region of Slovakia. The city has been referred to as "Slovak Rome" and "Little Rome", due to the Renaissance-inspired architecture of the town's churches. The main sites to see are the numerous Roman churches and the Holy Trinity Statue. 

11) Trenčín

The beautiful city of Trenčín can be found along the Váh River valley, which is not too far from the Czech border. Here you will find Trenčín Castle, which has a rich history that can be traced back to Roman Times. This beautiful old castle also features a museum, and both are protected by the National Cultural Monument of Slovakia.

12) Spiš Castle

Spiš Castle is one of the oldest castles in Europe and can be found in the village of Žehra, above Spišské Podhradie. This ancient castle dates back to the 12th century, and is also part of the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. 

13) Donovaly

The mountain village of Donovaly lies in the central part of the Banská Bystrica Region, and is renowned for hosting its traditional dogsled racing championships. You'll definitely want to check out the Low Tatras National Park, which is also one of the most visited ski resorts in the country. 

14) Banská Bystrica SNP Square

The old town of Banská Bystrica can be found along the Hron River, near the Low Tatras. You can go for a nice long romantic walk around town, taking in the Slovak National Uprising Square, and stopping to admire the many fine churches in the area. Alternatively, simply bask in the city's vibrant nightlife and try out some of its many restaurants. There is never a dull moment in Banská Bystrica!

15) Martin

The Slovakian city of Martin is situated along the Turiec river, adjacent to the Malá Fatra and Veľká Fatra mountains. The main place to visit here is the Slovak National Museum, which dates back to the 19th century. Don't forget to take warm clothes when you visit, it gets mighty cold up there! 

(H/T: travelviaworld.com)