In the heart of Europe lies Slovakia. If you always get a little confused with countries like Slovakia, Slovenia, or the Czech Republic, we apologize, but do the small Central European country an injustice. With only 5.5 million inhabitants, Slovakia is not very big, but it is rich in culture and beautiful landscapes. Here you can definitely spend an unforgettable time!
Arrival in Slovakia
The capital Bratislava has an international airport, which is also by Ryanair frequented, among others. In addition, Bratislava can be easily reached by long-distance buses and trains.
Our pirate tip : Alternatively, you can fly in via Vienna. Vienna is only 50 kilometers away from Bratislava, and shuttle buses run several times a day from Vienna-Schwechat Airport.
Entry requirements, climate and travel time
Slovakia is part of the European Union and the Schengen area. To identify yourself or to check into a hotel, the ID card is sufficient.
The climate in Slovakia is continental, which means that winters are severe and summers are hot. If you are not planning a wellness stay, a city trip or a ski tour, you should between May and October. arrive
Our pirate tip : The Slovakian mountain ranges are particularly worth seeing in autumn. The mixed forests of the Low Tatras turn brightly colored in October – an overwhelming sight!
Bratislava – The capital of Slovakia
Bratislava is not only the capital of Slovakia, but also the largest city in the country. In general, it should be said that Bratislava Airport is very well connected internationally. Accordingly, it makes sense to start your trip in Bratislava. The city is always worth a visit.
Bratislava is a very special city. And literally unique! As the only capital in the world, Bratislava borders on two national borders. Austria and Hungary. That alone is one reason for the cultural diversity that you will find here. There are still many beautifully preserved buildings downtown. When you stroll through the narrow streets, you feel like you’ve been transported back to the Middle Ages. However, with a much better smell. When you turn the next corner, however, you may find yourself in front of a state-of-the-art glass complex. Bratislava offers you variety in really all areas!
National parks in Slovakia
More than 40% of Slovakia consists of forests. This makes Slovakia one of the most forested countries in Europe. Accordingly, the landscape here is brimming with scenic hiking trails, small waterfalls in forests and beautiful views from mountain peaks. Although Slovakia is “only” about 50,000 km² in size, there are nine national parks in total.
The Tatra National Park
Fancy untouched landscapes and just a few days of pure nature? The High Tatras are one of the most attractive and beautiful natural destinations in Slovakia. Thanks to their overwhelming beauty, the High Tatras are visited by domestic and foreign tourists alike and have become a symbol of Slovakia. Mountain peaks, beautiful high mountain lakes, cable cars and much more – the High Tatras are just right for nature lovers.
The Tatra National Park is probably the most famous national park in Slovakia. Together with Poland’s Tatra National Park, the national park has been a UNESCO biosphere reserve since 1992 and is the oldest national park in Slovakia.
The starting point for visitors to the national park is the town of Poprad and the centers of Starý Smokovec, Tatranská Lomnica, Štrbské pleso (the highest located recreation center).
The highest peak in Slovakia Gerlachovský štít (2655 m) can be found in the Tatra National Park. At the same time, it is also the highest mountain in the entire Carpathian Mountains. In the midst of the blooming edelweiss and between chamois you will find a total of over 100 lakes and a large number of waterfalls. The largest and deepest of the Tatra lakes is Lake Veľké Hincovo pleso, while the highest is Lake Modré pleso (2192 m asl).
Accommodation in the Tatra region
In our hotel price comparison you will find numerous good and cheap accommodations in the region. Just search for “Tatra” and you’ll find it. For example, you can stay in the really good Villa Carpe Diema. This villa is located only 4 km from the two largest Tatra valleys, the Chochołowska Valley and the Kościeliska Valley. All rooms at the Carpe Diema are classically furnished and decorated in lively colours. Each accommodation is also equipped with an LCD TV and a bathroom. Most of the rooms offer scenic panoramic views of the Tatra Mountains.
Explore the High Tatras by rental car
To explore the area, we recommend a rental car. In our rental car price comparison or at billiger-mietwagen.de you will find good and cheap offers. With a bit of luck, you can book a car for just under 80 euros, just 40 euros per person. Here’s the rental car!
You then drive from Katowice via Kraków to the Tatra National Park. Depending on the traffic situation, the journey takes about 2.5 hours by car.
Numerous hiking trails with a total length of about 600 km and 22 cycle trails run through the park. Most of them can be reached all year round and invite you to enjoy the untouched nature.
However, there are some special rules for hiking trails in the high mountains. For safety reasons, the tourist trails in the high-mountain environment of the Tantra National Park are seasonally closed from 1.11. until 15.6. closed. Outside the hiking trails and nature trails, visitors to the National Park can move in the company of a mountain guide from June 16 to October 31.
The national parks of Slovakia
Here is a list of all nine national parks in Slovakia:
- Little Fatra
- Lower Tatra
- Murán plain
- Pieninen-Nationalpark
- Polonia
- Slovak Karst
- Slovak Paradise
