Slovakia, once the less glamorous part of Czechoslovakia, became an independent nation in 1993. Today the country has developed a great deal, and if you visit capital Bratislava you will be pleasantly surprised by the vitality this elaborate cultural offers. Slovakia is also beautiful mountain scenery in the Tatras and friendly villages where horse-drawn carts are still the preferred transport. And finally the Slovaks are also renowned as a very hospitable and friendly people.
Find your travel arrangement to Slovak Republic here
Region and City Guides
Region:
City:
Facts
Local name
Slovenska Republika
Capital
Bratislava
Size
49,036 square kilometres
Principal Languages
Slovakian
Principal Religion
Catholicism
Inhabitants
5,396,193
Government
Republic
Geography
Slovakia sits in the heart of Europe and borders the Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary and Ukraine. The landscape is much varied and consists of mountains, lowlands, canyons, lakes, grottos, forest and grassland.
Travel preparation
Best time to visit
May, June and September are the best months to go - with April and October as somewhat cheaper and cooler alternatives. As most Slovaks are on holiday in July and August, these are the months when hotels and attractions are mostly frequented.
Literature
Lonely Planet Czech & Slovak Republics
Rough Guide Czech and Slovak Republics
Fodors the Czech Republic and Slovakia
Rough Guide Czech and Slovak Republics
Fodors the Czech Republic and Slovakia
Local conditions
Weight and Measures
In Slovakia they use the following units of measure:
Weight: kilo
Distance: metre
Weight: kilo
Distance: metre
Photography
There are no apparent restrictions on photography, but it you want to photograph the locals, it is a good idea to get their permission first.
Drinking water
Tap-water is drinkable but tastes a little of chlorine from the chemical treatment. It is recommended to buy bottled water
Electricity
In Slovakia they use the following power source:
220V/50Hz
220V/50Hz
Behaviour
Courtesy is greatly appreciated in Slovakia. Therefore, it is customary to take off your shoes in the hall and to look people in the eyes when toasting.
Business Hours
Banks are open from 8 am to 3 pm (Monday-Friday).
Post Offices are open from 8 am to 6 pm (Monday-Friday).
Shops are open from 8.30 or 9 am to 6 pm (Monday-Friday) and from 9 am to 12 pm (Saturdays).
Post Offices are open from 8 am to 6 pm (Monday-Friday).
Shops are open from 8.30 or 9 am to 6 pm (Monday-Friday) and from 9 am to 12 pm (Saturdays).
Food and drink
Slovak food is a curious mix of culinary impressions from more than a hundred years of Hungarian dominance. This means that Slovak meals are rather spicy, often seasoned with paprika and red pepper. Slovaks also eat a lot of potatoes accompanied by flesh like pork or beef. The unofficial national dish is Bryndzové halusky, which is noodles with ewe's milk cheese and bacon.
Disabled travellers
In general it isn't easy to be disabled in Slovakia. Only a few places have thought of making ramps and lifts and at most attractions there are stairs to climb.
Holidays
Origin of the Slovak Republic, 1 January
Catholic Epiphany, 6 January
Labour Day, 1 May
Liberty Day, 8 May
Saint Cyril and Saint Methodius, 5 July
Anniversary of the Slovak National Uprising, 29 August
Constitution of the Slovak Republic, 1 September
Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows, 15 September
All Saints Day, 1 November
Christmas Eve, 24 December
Christmas Day, 25 December
Boxing Day, 26 December
Moveable public holidays
Good Friday, March or April
Easter, March or April
Catholic Epiphany, 6 January
Labour Day, 1 May
Liberty Day, 8 May
Saint Cyril and Saint Methodius, 5 July
Anniversary of the Slovak National Uprising, 29 August
Constitution of the Slovak Republic, 1 September
Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows, 15 September
All Saints Day, 1 November
Christmas Eve, 24 December
Christmas Day, 25 December
Boxing Day, 26 December
Moveable public holidays
Good Friday, March or April
Easter, March or April
Accommodation / Hotel
Overnight accommodation in Slovakia ranges from expensive luxury hotels to austere camping sites. Note that the Slovaks operate with two kinds of rates, one for Slovaks and one for tourists, which is double. There is a lack of good and reasonably priced overnight accommodation, but it doesn't change the positive fact that restoration and reconstruction are on their way.
Book your Hotel in Slovak Republic here
Book your Hotel in Slovak Republic here
Camping
Camping is prohibited outside the public camping sites. All mountain passes allow caravans.
Since the Velvet Revolution only a few new hotels have been built in Slovakia and some of the older hotels are still owned by the state, which makes the service quite slow. However, it doesn't change the fact that Bratislava is a city where you can find hotels in all categories.
Bed og breakfast or guesthouse
Private accommodation is rare in Bratislava, but usually a good form of accommodation in the rural districts. There are also traditional B & Bs in all categories.
Hostels
The few hostels, which exist, are often campus dormitories turned into inexpensive overnight accommodation during the tourist season. Most hostels are situated some distance from the cities, however.
Other Accommodation
In the mountains it is possible to rent a rustic mountain cabins. In this connection it's a good idea to contact the information centre in the nearest town, when you are going to book the cabin.
Local transport
Trains are the most comfortable way to travel in Slovakia. Fares are cheap and beautiful scenery is often included. Buses are not an option unless you have to reach the distant regions of the mountains, but they are a cheap way to travel
Planes
There are only domestic Flights between the largest cities in Slovakia. The country's international airport is situated near the Bratislava suburb, Vrakuna, only 15 kilometres from the centre of the capital.
Bus
Bus transport in Slovakia is run by the national Slovenská automobilová doprava (SAD), and it's a good choice for local travelling. The stations are usually right next to the train station and if there isn't a ticket stand at the station you have to buy a ticket from the driver.
Trains
Slovakia has an elaborate and cheap train network. The National Slovak Railways, keleznice Slovenskej republiky (ZSR), runs two kinds of train service: The Rychlik trains are the fastest and only stops in the cities, while Osobni- or the local trains stop at all stations and runs at a speed of 30 kilometres an hour.
Taxi
It's relatively easy to get a taxi in Slovakia, but call the taxi companies directly instead of hailing one in the street, as this will double the fare. If you avoid the different tourist traps, a taxi is a cheap way to get around. Be aware, however, that the driver remembers to switch on the meter.
car rental
There are car rental companies in all cities. It's possible to rent a car at the international car rental companies but much cheaper to find a local company.
Other Transport
It's quite common to hitchhike in Slovakia, and it's only illegal to hitch-hike on the motorway. As in any other country you have to be careful and always travel accompanied, but all this said hitchhiking is a good way to meet the locals.
Special conditions
If you are giving a Slovak a bunch of flowers it's important that it's an odd amount, unless you're at a funeral. So don't try to impress a Slovak girl with a dozen roses.
