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Slovakia is a paradise for nature lovers, offering a diverse landscape that includes towering peaks, dense forests, lush valleys, rivers and streams, lakes, waterfalls, deep canyons, and thousands of caves. This beautiful country is a true green gem of nature. During our visit in 2016, following family trips to Slovenia and Austria, we discovered Slovakia’s unspoiled beauty. Despite its stunning scenery, Slovakia remains an authentic, non-commercialized destination, which is precisely what we loved about it. This hidden European treasure offers an array of natural wonders, making it a perfect destination for those seeking an authentic outdoor experience.
Our Journey: In our travels, we focused on a star-shaped itinerary spanning several days in both the Low and High Tatra Mountains. We dedicated a day to exploring Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, and spent two days in Vienna. From these base locations, we also ventured to the Malá Fatra region and spent a day in the Slovak Paradise National Park. This approach allowed us to thoroughly explore the diverse landscapes and cultural highlights of each area, providing a well-rounded and enriching travel experience.
Flight Options: Slovakia is accessible through Vienna, Budapest, or Krakow in Poland. We opted for a regular flight and, having booked well in advance, found relatively inexpensive tickets with Austrian Airlines to Vienna. This also provided us with the opportunity to visit Vienna at the end of our trip in Slovakia, making the most of our travel itinerary.
Car rental: An excellent search engine is economy car rentals. They also work with smaller rental companies that sometimes offer lower costs in the market. There is an option to cancel up to 48 hours before picking up the car.
Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, is a vibrant and beautiful student city, brimming with architectural gems. Located in the southwestern corner of Slovakia, Bratislava is not in the central touring area of the Tatra Mountains, but we visited it on our way from Vienna to the Low Tatras. The city’s old town is architecturally enchanting, featuring Baroque-era churches and buildings, with the Maximilian Fountain as its centerpiece. Michael’s Gate is one of the few remnants of the city’s medieval fortifications. Bratislava Castle stands as the city’s most impressive landmark. A visit to the city can range from a few hours to a full day. With children, a few hours are usually sufficient to explore and enjoy the city’s highlights.
In Bratislava, we chose to stay at the LOFT Hotel Bratislava, conveniently located right in the city center. The hotel offers comfortable family rooms and features a restaurant, making it an ideal choice for travelers seeking both convenience and comfort during their stay in the Slovak capital.
Another beautiful town we had the pleasure of visiting is Banská Bystrica. This city is centrally located in Slovakia, south of the Low Tatra Mountains. We made a brief stop there on our return journey from the High Tatras to Vienna. As the sixth largest city in Slovakia, Banská Bystrica is most notable for its central square, “Námestie SNP” (Square of the Slovak National Uprising), which is the heart of the city. This vibrant and colorful pedestrian zone is lined with numerous shops and cafes, offering a lively atmosphere. Banská Bystrica also holds a special place in Israeli history. It was here that Israeli paratroopers, as part of the British Army, landed to assist partisans during World War II, including the renowned Haviva Reik. While we didn’t go inside the SNP Museum of the Second World War, the outdoor displays, including cannons, tanks, and a World War II-era airplane, were particularly engaging for the children.
Our travels abroad are primarily focused on nature excursions. Slovakia is a paradise for nature trails suitable for all levels. We embarked on several amazing nature routes during our visit:
The Diery Trail begins just behind the Diery Hotel and spans approximately 4 hours, including stops. This hike follows a stream and involves climbing through the forest, with parts of the trail consisting of bridges and ladders. The ladders are quite small and, unlike some of the more challenging ladder trails in the Slovak Paradise, are suitable even for young children. The trail is abundantly green, with plenty of water along the way. It’s a stunning route that we thoroughly enjoyed!
This trail is one of the most beautiful we’ve experienced in Slovakia. Starting from Štrbské Pleso, one of Slovakia’s more touristy yet enchanting locations, the trail ascends into a forest and follows a stream. It culminates at Popradské Pleso, a hidden lake nestled high in the mountains. While challenging, the trail is captivating, offering stunning views. Along the way, we were delighted by the sight of vibrantly colored mushrooms, adding to the trail’s charm.
One of the few trails in the Slovak Paradise National Park that doesn’t require climbing ladders or walking on steep steps, this route is nonetheless impressive, offering stunning views of the lush greenery of the Slovak Paradise. The trail begins at Čingov and starts with an ascent through the forest leading to the Tomasovec lookout/cliff. Afterward, there’s a steep descent to the stream channel, followed by a return to the starting point. We absolutely loved this trail for its breathtaking scenery and the immersive nature experience it offers.
This trail is challenging, involving walking over rocky terrain but offering breathtaking views. The journey begins with a cable car ride from Tatranská Lomnica, leading to the stunning alpine lake, Skalnaté Pleso. From there, the 5 km trail heads towards Hrebienok, predominantly following a ridge with a gradual descent. The path eventually leads to the waterfalls, meandering alongside their flow. To return to Tatranská Lomnica, the route descends via the funicular to Starý Smokovec, followed by a train ride back to Tatranská Lomnica. This route is a true blend of natural beauty and adventure, showcasing some of the best landscapes the High Tatras have to offer.
Slovakia offers a plethora of attractions for children of all ages, including cycling, cable cars, rope parks, water parks, rafting, and more. Many of these attractions are nature-integrated, providing a unique outdoor experience.
In the town of Jasná, you can ascend to Chopok via several cable cars. There are multiple trails to explore, and you can opt to walk parts of the descent instead of taking the cable car. Some cable car stations feature attractions like trampolines and cafes. The temperature at the top of Chopok can be quite cold, but the views during both ascent and descent are absolutely stunning, offering a panoramic vista of the Low Tatras.
The Tarzania rope parks are scattered across Slovakia, offering a range of courses suitable for different skill levels. We visited two of these parks: one in Jasná at the base of the cable car, and the other in Ružomberok. Each park offers a variety of routes, ensuring an enjoyable experience for everyone, regardless of their climbing proficiency. It’s a fun and exciting way to engage with Slovakia’s natural landscape!
Like many other Central European countries, Slovakia also boasts several mountain slide locations. One such slide is located in Pavčina Lehota. While it may not match the level of those in Austria, it’s a pleasant stop for some fun along the way. These slides offer a unique and enjoyable way to experience Slovakia’s scenic landscapes.
At Liptovský Mara Lake, boat rentals are available, offering a perfect opportunity for a tranquil day and relaxation. This serene setting is ideal for those looking to enjoy a peaceful day on the water, surrounded by the natural beauty of Slovakia.
Along the towns of the High Tatras, there’s a connecting road, Highway 537, which is also serviced by a train. Along its entire length, there’s a dedicated bicycle path. Bicycles can be rented from various sports shops located right along the road in these towns. Cycling here is a truly enjoyable experience, adding a delightful variety to the trip. It’s a unique way to explore the scenic beauty of the High Tatras and immerse oneself in the natural surroundings.
Slovakia is dotted with many ancient castles, among which Spiš Castle (Spišský hrad) stands out as one of the most impressive. Located in the Prešov Region in eastern Slovakia, this castle spans an area of 41,426 square meters, making it one of the largest in Europe and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. While our interests lean more towards nature than castles, we focused solely on Spiš Castle. Perched atop a steep hill, its towers and walls are visible from afar, dominating the landscape with its majestic presence. This historic fortress offers a glimpse into the past and is a must-visit for anyone interested in Slovakia’s rich heritage.
Vrbicke Plesso is a charming lake nestled within a forest, just a few minutes’ walk from the Chopok cable car station. This hidden gem reveals itself as a delightful spot, complete with ducklings and swans. Visitors can walk around the lake, enjoying the serene and picturesque setting. It’s a truly enchanting corner of Slovakia, offering a peaceful escape into nature.
Slovakia is undeniably a breathtaking country, a true green paradise of nature. I wholeheartedly recommend exploring it!
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