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w w w . s l o v a k i a . t r a v e l

Slovakia


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Spot Slovakia

Formation date:1 January 1993Land area:49 035 km2

Population:5 408 148(as of 30.9.2012)

Capital:Bratislava

National language:SlovakCurrency:Euro (from the of

1st January 2009)

Slovak Republic

Regional City

International Airport

Main Road

Highway

Bordering countries: Hungary (655km), Poland (541 km), Czech Republic

(252 km), Austria (107 km), Ukraine(98 km)

Time zone: Central European ime(GM +1 hour), summer time (March-November: GM + 2 hours)

Distances:Bratislava Wien / Schwechat-Airport: 80 km / 60 km Budapest / Airport: 200 km / 218 km Bansk Bystrica: 210 km

Koice: 400 km Poprad: 332 km ilina: 202 kmKoice Budapest-Airport: 268 km Poprad: 118 kmPoprad Krakw-Airport: 156 km

Cultural superlatives Te most extensive medieval fortresscomplex in Central Europe Spi Castle.

Te easternmost western style of cathe-dral in Europe the Gothic St. Eliza-

beths Cathedral in Koice.

Te tallest wooden Gothic altar in theworld in the Church of St. Jacob inLevoa(18.6 m).

Te oldest mining university in Europe Bansk akadmia (Mining Aca-demy) in Bansk tiavnica (1763).

Te oldest perpetual ongoing concern the Kremnica Mint (since 1328).

Natural superlatives One of the largest sinter formationsin the world the dripstone Kvaperoavskch jaskyniarov (Krsno-horsk jaskya cave, 32.6 m tall, witha diameter of 12 m at base).

Te largest river island in Europe itnostrov (132 612 ha) which is also thelargest reservoir of drinking water.

Te only aragonite cave in Europe

Ochtinsk aragonitov jaskya (inthe karst territory Slovensk kras).

Te only coldwater geyser in Slovakia anda rarity in Europe the geyser in Herany(jetting water to a height of 15-20 m).


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Slovakia is a unique country, becausein a relatively small territory you cannd just about anything. From natural

wonders, historic monuments, rich folkculture and folklore, through to fun andentertainment in the busy city streets.Let yourself become enchanted by itsbeauties, and enjoy the unforgettableatmosphere you will nd here. You willdiscover the lure of natural scenery,combined with a rich history, cultureand traditions. Discover Slovakia TeLittle Big Country.Come and see for yourself the richnatural diversity, still vibrant with un-chained freedom, the elegance of deep

valleys guarded by majestic mountainpeaks with crystal clear mountaintributaries and streams. Revel in thespecial experience of getting to knowscenic historical towns and impressiveworld heritage monuments. Sample the

distinct avours of regional specialtiesand traditional national cuisine.Tese are just a few lines from the fas-

cinating novel, the author of which isSlovak nature itself, and from the his-tory, culture and tradition of the Slovaknation. So if you would like to discoverother unique attractions and spendyour free time enjoying many excitingmemorable experiences, take these fewlines as a personal invitation.

A Little Country of Big Experiences

Let yourself be inspired and visitplaces that will satisfy your idea ofa much desired holiday.

All you have to do is choose from therich choice of destinations on thenational tourism portal at

www.slovakia.travel


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The Little Big CityTe beauty on the Dunaj river, just oneof the titles given to the Slovak capitalBratislava. Te city spreads out alongthe base of the Mal Karpaty (SmallCarpathians mountain range) sittingastride the longest river in Europe, theDanube (Dunaj). Bratislava is one of theyoungest capitals in the world, but itsrich history was chronicled over two

thousand years ago.Visitors are attracted by the intimacy ofthis relatively small city, which pulseswith life and culture despite or becauseof its size. Te most attractive part ofBratislava is surely Star mesto (Old

own), where you can wander the nar-row streets and admire impressive his-torical monuments. Te most visitedand popular sites in the city are also itsmost dominant monuments, namelyBratislava Castle, St. Martins Cathedral,the Primates Palace, St. Michaels Gate,the Old own Hall, Grassalkovich andMirbach palaces, and Slavn war memo-

rial. Te city centre is full of gorgeoushidden spots, countless cosy cafes, andexcellent restaurants with a truly richculinary experience. As a modern me-tropolis, Bratislava boasts a wide choiceof accommodation options whatever


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your need, even for the most demand-ing guests who are accustomed to thehighest European standards. Trough-out the year, the city is the venue fora diverse range of cultural, sporting andgastronomic events, which complementthe memorable atmosphere of this pic-turesque city. Te Coronation Celebra-tions, the Bratislava Music Festival, and

the Christmas Market are just some ex-amples worthy of mention.Te surroundings of the city also offera wide array of ways to spend your freetime. Enjoy a boat cruise along the Danu-be to the nearby ruins of Devn Castle,

sample some ne local wines and culi-nary specialities from the region of theSmall Carpathians, cycle along any ofthe effortless bike paths along the RiverDanube, or take a tour of the enchant-ing castle erven Kame. Tis is justa snapshot of the many things visitorscan look forward to in this region, sorich in history.

Tips Christmas Market Bratislava Marathon Slovak Food Festival Gurmn Fest Bratislava Cultural Summer and Castle

Festival Bratislava Viva Musica! Summer Shakespeare Festival Festival of Historic Fencing, Music,

Dance and Crafts, Devn Castle UV Craftsmen Days Vinobranie (Grape Harvest Fest)

www.visit.bratislava.sk


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Cultural heritageAn ideal position at the heart of Eu-rope, a history spanning millennia, andthe inuence of neighbouring nations,have all left Slovakia with a rich culturalheritage: the Celtic settlements, Romanfortresses, ancient Slavonic cult sites,chateaux and fortied castles of theHungarian nobility, medieval miningsites, renaissance and baroque palaces,

Greek-Catholic and Orthodox woodenchurches, Jewish synagogues and ceme-teries, the interwar functionalism andsocialist realism of developing towns,also contemporary works reecting thelatest trends.Te traces of Slovak history lead to ci-ties and towns where the entrance gate-ways, massive bulwarks, watchtowersand preserved medieval architecturebear historic references to their distant

past. Te oldest royal free town, whichfor centuries was also the main clericalcentre of the former Kingdom of Hun-gary, is the town of rnava, referredto as Little Rome also thanks to itsmany beautiful churches. A rare historicwealth can be discovered in the 18 heri-tage conservation areas that producean unforgettable atmosphere with theirunique beauty, including Bratislava,the town of renn, ilina, Nitra, andthe city of Central Slovakia BanskBystrica. In Koice is the most east-

erly western-style Gothic cathedral inEurope, St. Elisabeth Cathedral, whichis also the largest church in Slovakia.Koice is also the European Capital ofCulture 2013. A stunning view of thetown of Spisk Nov Ves and its sur-

roundings awaits from the tower of theChurch of the Assumption of the VirginMary, which is the tallest in Slovakiawith the most clock faces.

A visit to a Slovak museum or gallerypromises many rare treasures. Fromancient archaeological excavation sitesto Pop Art at the Andy Warhol Museumof Modern Art in Medzilaborce, which

is the only museum of its kind in Eu-rope, and the works of contemporaryartists. Te four Slovak royal towns ofKemarok, Star ubova, Bardejovand Levoa embody their shared pastand glory of medieval revival. Each ishome to countless cultural and histori-cal monuments, and an ideal destina-tion for a family holiday, while gettingto know the history and atmosphere ofthe Middle Ages.


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Treasures of the pastMajestic gems set impressively againststunning natural scenery concealingthe secrets of an ancient past. Castles,chateaux and their ruins have com-prised an integral part of Slovak historysince time immemorial. Tese formerstrongholds of famous noble lords thatwould resist the onslaughts of enemiesand witness key historic events, still

have the atmosphere of glory, eleganceand romance. Te diverse architectureand artistic styles reecting varioushistorical epochs today guarantee visi-tors a memorable experience. Each hasits own mystical stories to tell, and theirown legends.One of the most beautiful and best-preserved castles is just a few tens ofkilometres from Bratislava ervenKame Castle, which thanks to its in-imitable charm is a popular lming lo-cation. Te castle cellars are the most

extensive underground areas in CentralEurope. History lovers and incurableromantics will be in seventh heaven atthe fairytale-like Bojnice Castle, whicheach year hosts the International Fes-tival of Ghosts and Spirits, when the

castle is the meeting place for ghouls,witches and vampires from all over theworld. Orava Castle, the most visitedSlovak monument sitting atop a highrock face above the Orava river, waswhere the rst Dracula lm was lmed Nosferatu. Stunning Betliar ManorHouse, representative hunting housein English-style grounds with articial

cave and waterfall, will charm visitors

with its imperial interior and extensivelibrary.

You can also soak up the unique atmos-phere of castles, chateaux and manorhouses on a night tour and at any regu-larly organised events. Many of theseenchanting places now also have ac-commodation, and a full service forwedding receptions and other private

functions.


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UNESCO heritage monumentsTe uniqueness of the most precioustreasures from Slovak history has en-sured them a place in the UNESCOWorld Heritage List. By 1993, three lo-calities in Slovakia were listed Spiskhrad Castle and the surroundings, Ban-sk tiavnica and Vlkolnec. Tey were

joined in 2000 by the historic own

of Bardejov in the Sari region, and in2008 by the wooden churches of theCarpathian arc, while the unique com-plex of monuments from the Spi regionwas boosted with the inscription of theown of Levoa to the list in 2009.Te best preserved conservation reserveof folk architecture in Slovakia, with

distinctive original wooden buildings,Vlkolnec, lies surrounded by the gor-geous nature of the Liptov region, andgives visitors the chance feel the magic ofmarvellous traditions and unrepeatablehistory. Bansk tiavnica, situated at thecentre of an extinct volcano among thetiavnick vrchy mountains, is a magical


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and mystical place that by its intimatefamily-like atmosphere attracts visitorswho have had enough of the noise ofthe city, for instance. Te distinguish-ing rectangular town square with stun-ning Basilica minor of St. Egidius can befound in Slovakias most Gothic town,Bardejov. Te Spi region is home tocountless unique monuments, the mostdominant historic feature undoubtedly

being Spisk hrad Castle, the largestfortress ruin complex in Central Europe,together with its surroundings. Te tall-est wooden altar in the world, made fromlime tree wood and standing 18.62 mtall, was the work of the most renowned

Slovak woodcarver and sculptor, MasterPavol from Levoa, and is housed in theChurch of St. Jacob in Levoa. Some ofthe most interesting and important re-ections of the past in Slovakia can alsobe seen in sacral architecture. In additionto ne examples in towns, visitors willbe enchanted by the many picturesquewooden churches mostly in rural EastSlovakia. Te oldest is the Church of St.

Francis of Assisi in Hervartov, with itsstunning Gothic icons and wall murals.Te preserved condition and uniquenessof these monuments surrounded by as-tounding Slovak nature guarantees anunforgettable experience.


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Monuments of folk architectureTe life of our ancestors, their creativityand art are presented in Slovakia prima-rily at open-air museums, with monu-ment reserves of popular architecture.Tanks to these exceptional expositions,today you can see unique elements oftraditional folk building methods andfolk culture. Tey provide a picture ofwhat the dwellings of Slovak people

looked like in the past. Tese architec-tonic treasures were made using simpletools, but with unbelievable technicalprecision, artistic inventiveness andfunctionality. Visitors will be captivatedby the exceptional wooden log struc-tures, wooden churches built withoutnails, houses carved into rocks, and ex-traordinary underground galleries.

A true rarity among monument reservesof popular architecture is the delight-ful village of Vlkolnec. Te distinctivevillage of imany will charm you withits fairytale wooden houses with dis-tinctive white decorations, as will thehistoric town of Bansk tiavnica withits open-air Mining Museum. Te Slo-vak Village Museum in Martin, which


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gives an overall insight into traditionalbuilding culture and housing producedthroughout Slovakia, is the largest out-door ethnographic exposition of itskind. When touring Slovakia, be sureto visit the Orava Village Museum inZuberec, the Liptov Village Museum inPribylina, the Kysuce Village Museumin Vychylovka, the ari Museum in

Bardejov, and the Vihorlat Museum inHumenn. Just about every region inSlovakia can boast its own treasures offolk tradition. Sites with folk architec-ture are an ideal tip for an all-day excur-sion or as a way to enrich your holidayin Slovakia.

Tips Meeting of melodeon players or

the National festival of Fujaraplayers in imany

urianske folklrne slvnosti Fest,Slovak Village Museum in Martin

Podrohske folklrne slvnostiFest, Orava Village Museum inZuberec

St. Huberts Sunday, Liptov VillageMuseum in Pribylina

Night at the Museum at the open-air exposition of Bardejov Spa


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Since time immemorial, people in Slo-vakia lived in harmony with nature,and with respect and humility for theirpredecessors, customs and traditions,from which the way of life, folk cultureand folklore evolved. Many unique tra-ditional customs have been preserved,whether as folk architecture, song or

dance, distinct customs, or traditionalarts and crafts.Examples of the skills and artistic feelof the Slovak nation can best be experi-enced at folk architecture conservationreserves, open-air expositions, folkloreand other festivals, and in smaller vil-lages such as: Kysuce, Orava, Liptov,

Horehronie, Spi and ari. Visitorscan admire the unique log architec-ture at heritage conservation reservesin Ostura, diar and Podbie, rockdwellings in Brhlovce, and typical wine-

making buildings of Star Hora in Sebe-chleby.A true and exceptional traditional at-mosphere can be soaked up at any ofthe colourful folklore festivals and cele-brations in Hruov, Zuberec and Hepa.

Folklore music full of the inimitabletones of the Fujara, cimbalom andmelodeon will get everyone on theirfeet. Te Fujara, a striking musical in-strument that emits melancholic tones,had its unique sound inscribed in theUNESCO World Heritage list of oral andintangible cultural heritage.

Exceptional folklore and folk tradition


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Folklore events are also a unique oppor-tunity to see traditional arts and craftssuch as wire-smithing, lace-making,basket weaving and pottery. Amongthe best events for seeing the works ofmasters of traditional crafts and wit-nessing rst hand how they apply theirtrade, is the European Folk Crafts Fes-

tival held in the second week in July inKemarok.

A unique place in the culture of Slovaksis attributed to local forms of tradi-tional dress called kroj, which are stillcaptivating today with their diversity,vibrant colours and artistic handwork.Many Slovak folk traditions and cus-

toms have survived to the present day,and each year they burst back into lifeall over Slovakia. For the beginningof the year, we have the characteristicShrovetide carnival called faiangy,

a time of joy and feasting, at whichyou can witness the vibrant carnivalprocession full of inventive masks. Itwould not be Easter time without thetraditional ibaka whipping of girlsand then splashing them with water. In

the summer there are the bonres of St.Johns Eve, while Christmas, of course,is one of the most magical and richestcelebrations of tradition.Slovakias rich folk culture producesa special and rare treasure that canonly be experienced in such a way inSlovakia.


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With its diversity, Slovak nature capti-vates every visitor who comes here anddiscovers its stunning and unique nooksand crannies. It not only boasts thesmallest mountain range in the world,the most expansive karst territory inCentral Europe, and primeval virgin fo-rests, but also offers all kinds of fascinat-ing and special experiences by a visit to

any of the countrys nine national parks.Te symbols of the oldest, atransknrodn park (atra National Park),which since 1993 has been classed asa UNESCO biosphere reserve, are thebeautiful mountain ower, the Edel-weiss and one of the rarest endemites,

the atra chamois. Te attractive coun-tryside of plateaux, gullies and water-falls is protected by the Slovensk rajNational Park. Te wild mountain coun-tryside of the Murnska planina Na-tional Park with rich range of protectedspecies of ora and fauna can be seenfrom the back of a special breed of horse,the Hucul. Te largest karst territory in

Central Europe is in Slovensk kras Na-tional Park, with over 1000 caves andravines, some UNESCO listed. Visitorscan enjoy the stunning natural sceneryof the smallest park while rafting alongthe river Dunajec, which marks thePolish-Slovak border. A typical feature

of this national park Poloniny in EastSlovakia is the unique mountain ridgemeadows called poloniny, which iswhere it gets its name. Here we can alsond exceptional UNESCO listed prime-val Carpathian beech forests. An inter-esting feature is the Poloniny dark skypark, which is the darkest place in Slo-vakia in terms of light pollution.

Te therapeutic serenity and enchant-ing atmosphere of romantic spots, un-disturbed by the bustle of the city, stilloffer a true escape from the worries ofeveryday life, and give nature lovers theperfect getaway for relaxing and recu-perating new strength.

Fascinating nature


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Few countries are blessed with sucha large volume of diverse undergroundkarst formations as Slovakia. Tereare over 6 200 known caves, eight ofwhich can be visited. Tey include themost signicant and most precious,the UNESCO listed caves of the Sloven-sk kras (Slovak Karst) and Dobinskadov jaskya (Dobina Ice Cave).

Of special value is the Ochtinsk ara-gonitov jaskya (Ochtin AragoniteCave), the only cave of its kind in Eu-

rope. Its subterranean chambers areadorned with crystals of aragonite,formed in some places into the shapeof fragile corals and snow white shru-blets. In Domica we nd the largestknown cave of the Slovak Karst, whereyou can experience a trip on little boatsdown the River Styx. Slovak caves givevisitors the chance to experience some-

thing different and to discover thetreasures of the mysterious karst un-derworld.

Subterranean treasuresCaves open to the publicBelianska jaskyaBystrianska jaskyaDemnovsk jaskya slobodyDemnovsk adov jaskyaDobinsk adov jaskyaJaskya Domica

Jaskya DrinyGombaseck jaskyaHarmaneck jaskyaJasovsk jaskyaOchtinsk aragonitov jaskya

Vaeck jaskya

Restricted access cavesBojnick hradn jaskyaJaskya mtvych netopierov (TeDead BatsCave)

Jaskya Zl dieraKrsnohorsk jaskyaMal Staniovsk jaskyaPrepotsk jaskya primevalmuseum


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Water can be referred to as Slova-kias greatest treasure. Te country ishome to some of the most substantialnatural stocks of fresh drinking wa-ter in the world. Tis is mostly thanksto the largest river island in Europe itn ostrov, in the south of Slovakia.In addition to giving life vitality, waterin Slovakia also provides great fun and

pleasant relaxation.Te beauty of the wild mountain tribu-taries and crystal clear icy tarns blessyour stay in the mountains, while bath-ing in natural lakes, dams, rivers andpools will refresh you on a hot summerday. Some of the attractions includea raft trip down the river Dunajec, oron the rivers Vh or Orava on woodenrafts, often accompanied by a specialprogramme and tasting of local culinaryspecialities. White water rafting is alsoa great thrill on the rivers Bel, Dunajec

and Hron.Modern thermal swimming baths andaqua parks provide an oasis of relaxa-tion not just in the summer, but alsoin the winter, when bathing below thesnow-capped mountain peaks offers

a truly exceptional experience. Waterareas also have many opportunities forsports, and they host many culturaland sporting events throughout thesummer.

Relax and have fun in the water


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Slovakia is a country blessed with un-derground wealth, as the healing powerand benecial effects on the human or-ganism bubble up to the surface frommineral springs. Tanks to their curativepower to treat disease and revive health,they have been regarded as miraculousand remarkable since time immemorial.Te therapeutic spas in Slovakia are

among the oldest and best quality inCentral Europe. Possibly the best knownspa resort is Pieany, which becamerenowned not only for its unique ther-mal mineral waters, but also for itstherapeutic sulphuric mud. Rajeckeplice enchants all its visitors with itsexclusive antiquated atmosphere, while

urianske eplice spa will spoil you withits unique procedure, the Golden cure.wo spas are unique in Europe. Firstly,in Sklen eplice is the spelaean steampool, appropriately named Parenica,then in renianske eplice is the Ham-mam urkish baths. Te exceptionallyclean mountain air of the Vysok atry(High atra mountains), which are home

to several climatic spas, help the treat-ment of respiratory diseases in adult andchild patients alike.Te unique atmosphere of Slovak spatowns is complemented by their at-tractive surroundings and opportuni-ties for active leisure time and culturalexperiences.

Health from nature


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Set in the lap of Slovak nature, whichoffers a rich array of fascinating experi-ences, enthusiasts of active and healthyrelaxation can enjoy the breathtakingrock massifs, canyons and ravines, mag-ical mountain valleys, amazing caves ofworld signicance, meandering streamsand cascading waterfalls, rare fauna andora and so much more, from the sad-dle of one of the most ecological meansof transport, a bicycle.

In addition to astonishing natural beau-ties, cyclists in Slovakia will discover allkinds of unique cultural heritage as me-dieval towns, romantic castles, chateauxand ruins, glorious manor houses andexceptional archaeological ndings.

One of the most attractive cyclingroutes is the long-distance cycling trailAcross Slovakia by bike. Along theroute, visitors will see many uniquemonuments and natural wonders. Teroute leads from the lowlands aroundthe River Danube, along the vineyardsof the Mal Karpaty mountains (Lit-tle Carpathians), through the scenic

regions of Povaie and Kysuce, themountain regions of Orava and Lip-tov, then below the Nzke atry (Lowatras) and Vysok atry (High at-ras) mountain ranges to Poprad, orstraight on to Slovensk raj NationalPark. Te route around 750 km and ismade up of long-distance marked cyc-ling trails, which offer many oppor-tunities for discovering those specialspots in Slovakia from the comfort ofyour bike, and by using regional cyc-ling trails.

Tose who enjoy an adrenalin rushcan try freeride or downhill courses atbike parks in the Nzke atry and Vy-sok atry mountain ranges, Bachle-dova dolina valley, Malin Brdo andOadnica.

Cycling through Slovakia

Across Slovakia(bike trails)

Dunajsk cyklistick cestaHorndska cyklomagistrlaKysuck cyklomagistrlaLiptovsk cyklomagistrlaMalokarpatsk cyklomagistrlaMoravsk cyklistick cestaOravsk cyklomagistrla

Popradsk cyklomagistrlaVska cyklomagistrla

www.vitajtecyklisti.sk


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Te natural environment of Slovakiaoffers those who enjoy active holidaysmany ways to enjoy free time or sport.Whether mountain hiking, rock climb-ing, adrenalin sports, exhilarating funin the water or in the air, anyone wholoves activity, adventure and active re-laxation will be spoilt for choice.

Visitors can discover hidden gems of

Slovak regions on over 14 000 km ofmarked hiking trails, or on over 10 000km of marked bike trails. Admire im-pressive canyons, waterfalls, gullies androck faces of Slovensk raj, the uniquekarst formations of the Murnska

planina and Slovensk kras, Jnokovediery in the Mal Fatra mountainrange, virgin primeval forests in Polo-niny, or conquer one of the peaks ofSlovakias highest mountain range,but the worlds smallest, Vysok atry,with 25 peaks over 2 500 m. Every pas-sionate tourist will also appreciate theexciting experiences of Slovakias most

beautiful, second highest mountainrange, Nzke atry, spanning almost100 km, or from a tour in the great hik-ing environment of the Chosk vrchy,Strovsk vrchy or Sovsk vrchyhighlands.

Adrenalin sport lovers will appreciatethe captivating scenery of picturesqueSlovakia from an air balloon, hang-glider or by parachute. Water sportsenthusiasts can test their skills onthe white waters of unovo or in Lip-tovsk Mikul. Golfers can improvetheir swing, accuracy and patience atperfectly tended golf courses set in

beautiful surroundings near towns andmountain resorts.One thing is for sure, all fans of ac-tive leisure and a healthy lifestyle cansatisfy their desires and dreams whenspending a holiday in Slovakia.

Active leisure


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Ski runs for all ability levels, stunningruns for snowboarding enthusiasts,majestic mountain slopes for winterhiking, in combination with the sceneryof the snow-capped mountain peaks,everything to be found in the Slovakmountains in the winter. Whether itis the Vysok or Nzke atry, or MalFatra and Vek Fatra mountain ranges,

they have large modern tourist resorts,and smaller quaint areas with a charm-ing atmosphere ideal for beginners,families with children or recreational

skiers. Ski-alpinists can test their limitson the demanding winter terrain, awayfrom the crowded pistes surroundedby the mountain silence, where theycan ski on virgin snow. In addition toorganised ski runs, Slovak ski resortsalso have cross-country trails, snow-board areas, ski schools for young andold, and ski equipment rental. If ski-

ing is not for you, try one of the manyadrenalin attractions, like snowtubing,kitewing, toboggan and sledge runs,or skating. Most resorts have articial

snow equipment, with the option ofevening skiing. Te best resorts alsohave many restaurants, aprs ski barsand fun attractions, with regular inter-esting events. One of the most popularwinter sports is dog sled races, as Slova-kia provides perfect conditions for thesport. Te mountain village of ureckis the regular venue for the Krakov

preteky races, where visitors can ridein a traditional wooden sleigh, and soturn simple sledging into an exhilarat-ing experience.

Winter sports paradise


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Visitors to Slovakia will be spoilt forchoice with the many unique regularsporting, cultural and folklore events,for instance, which guarantee an un-forgettable atmosphere.Each year the Slovak capital Bratis-lava is host to the Coronation Cele-brations, which show life in medievaltimes with kings and queens, nobili-

ty, troubadours and thousands ofonlookers. For a presentation of topmusical composition from home andabroad, there is no better choice thanthe most prestigious internationalfestival in Slovakia Bratislava Mu-sic Festival (BHS). When it comes toopen-air summer music festivals, theBaant Pohoda festival in renn isthe largest in Slovakia. Te Art FilmFest in renianske eplice is amongthe most signicant lm events inCentral Europe. For a display of the

folk music and customs of individualregions, go to any of the many folk-lore festivals. Te largest of thesefestivals are held in Vchodn, My-

java, erchov and Detva, where youwill be immersed in traditional folk

art and folklore. A haunting atmos-phere and good fun is guaranteed ifyou go to the International Festival ofGhosts and Spirits at Slovakias mostpicturesque castle, Bojnice. If youwould prefer good humour and satirefrom some of the top drama, caba-ret and music acts from home andabroad, the unique Kremnick gagy

festival is for you. Te UV Crafts-men Days in Bratislava is one of thelargest and most important eventsin Slovakia focusing on traditionalarts and crafts. op artisans demon-strate their traditional artistic skillsdirectly on site, and visitors can buytheir handcrafted wares. If you arean avid theatregoer, you will nd theZmock hry zvolensk (Zvolen Cas-tle Games), which take place in theunique atmosphere of the histori-cal courtyard of the castle. When it

comes to regular top sporting eventsin Slovakia, one of the most promi-nent is the International Peace Mara-thon, which has taken place in Koicesince 1924, making it the oldest mara-thon in Europe.

Interesting events


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Apart from the rich choice of cultural at-tractions, historic monuments and wealthof sporting and social possibilities, Slovakiais well qualied to also satisfy the most de-manding culinary connoisseur. raditionalSlovak cuisine will appeal especially to lov-ers of cheeses and dairy products. Te mosttypical Slovak national dish is bryndzovhaluky so slaninou (Bryndza gnocchi

with diced bacon), which can be comple-mented with a carved wooden mug of thickinica (fermented sheep whey, like sourbuttermilk). Many other Slovak foods arewell worth trying, of course, like lard withonions on bread, homemade smoked andnon-smoked cheeses, and so on. Visitorsshould try some typical bean or garlic soup

served in a bowl made from a large breadroll called a bosniak, or the ever popularsauerkraut soup with smoked meat, sau-sage and mushrooms. o end on a sweetnote, try the rst Slovak product with pro-tected origin, the Skalica rdelnk. A greatgastronomic experience awaits you atgoose feast time, celebrated most stronglyin the village of Slovensk Grob. asty Slo-

vak specialities in the typical atmosphereof a wooden koliba or sala, the idealplace to combine a culinary experience withenchanting surroundings. Quality food isnot only served up at these traditional es-tablishments, which offer excellent regionalspecialties, but also in modern rst classrestaurants of course. A culinary feast is

best topped off with a ne Slovak wine fromany of the Slovak wine regions, from theokaj region in East Slovakia to the SmallCarpathian winemaking region in the west.

Traditional taste of Slovakia

Gastronomic tips Slovak food festival Bratislava

Grilliada Bansk Bystrica Gurmn Fest Bratislava Gurmn Fest Koice rdlofest Skalica World championship in cooking

and eating Bryndza haluky inureck and erchov

Wine routesMalokarpatsk vnna cesta

Nitrianska krovsk vnna cestaokajsk vnna cestaHontianska vnna cestaPoitavsk vnna cesta

Vnna cesta Zhorie


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Slovak Tourist BoardHead Office

Slovensk agentra pre cestovn ruch(Slovak ourist Board)Dr. V. Clementisa 10821 02 BratislavaSlovensk republikael.: +421 2 50 700 801Fax: +421 2 55 571 654E-mail: [email protected], www.slovakia.travel

Office Bansk Bystrica

Slovensk agentra pre cestovn ruchNmestie . tra 1, P. O. Box 35974 05 Bansk BystricaSlovensk republikael.: +421 48 413 61 46E-mail: [email protected]

Foreign Offices

Czech RepublicSlovensk agentura pro cestovn ruchKlra BadinkovJilsk 16110 00 Praha 1esk republikael.: +420 224 946 082Mob.: +420 776 765 477E-mail: offi [email protected]

HungarySzlovk Idegenforgalmi HivatalSoa JelnkovRkoczi t 15H 1088 BudapestMagyarorszgel.: +36 1 429 00 49Mob.: +36 30 434 13 68E-mail: offi [email protected]

GermanySlowakische Zentrale fr ourismusIngrid Sorat

Hildebrandstr. 25D - 10785 BerlinDeutschlandel.: +49 30 259 426 40Fax: +49 30 259 426 41E-mail: offi [email protected]

PolandNarodowe Centrum urystyki SowackiejJn Bonoviul. Krakowskie Przedmiecie 47/5100-071 WarszawaPolskael.: +48 22 827 00 09Mob.: +48 606 236 044E-mail: offi [email protected]

AustriaSlowakische Zentrale fr ourismusDaniel LukHandelskai 265

A - 1020 Wiensterreichel.: +43 1 513 95 69Mob.: +43 650 911 40 90E-mail: offi [email protected]

Russian FederationPredstavitestvo SlovackovoUpravlenija po urizmu

ubica AluicovPosolstvo Slovackoj RespublikyUl. J. Fuka 17-19, 123 056 MoskvaRossijskaja Federacijael.: +7 499 251 76 31E-mail: offi [email protected]

Issued:3/2013Autor: Slovensk agentra pre cestovn ruch

Text: Slovensk agentra pre cestovn ruch

Images: archv SACR, L. Struhr, B. Schreiber,

M. rep, A. Jirouek, M. Eli, R. Buga, TMR, SPA

Pieany, SPA Turianske Teplice, D. Bugr, A. Vojek,

Bratislava, M. Dibk

Design and Print:

Slovensk Grafia, a.s., Bratislava

Project Coordinator:

Cortes, Smith & Co. Slovakia, s.r.o., Bratislava

This material was co-financed by the EuropeanCommunities via the Operational Programme Competitiveness and Economic Growth.

EUROPEAN UNION


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