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Are you looking for an affordable holiday destination with plenty of mountains and a compact, easy-to-explore capital? Fly to Bratislava and settle into a holiday home in Slovakia! In the old town, enjoy cosy rooftop bars with views over churches and the hilltop castle overlooking the city. Nature lovers will want to head to the High Tatras in the north: even in summer, you can still spot patches of snow on the mountain slopes, reflected in serene lakes. Be amazed by countless castles and fortresses, visit the wooden churches of the Carpathians, and step inside the ice cave of Demänovská!
The Slovak capital, located on the Danube River, is a city with a magnificent skyline. Rising proudly above the city, the square-shaped castle can be seen from far and wide and is the unmistakable symbol of Bratislava. Several rooftop bars offer the perfect spots to enjoy a sunset over the historic buildings and orange rooftops. At Sky Bar Bratislava, for example, you can order a drink or meal on multiple floors, with panoramic views in every direction from the 8th floor. At rooftopbyregal, you’ll enjoy a beautiful view of the impressive Michael’s Gate, a gate that looks like a church tower! One church that truly deserves a closer look is the blue St. Elizabeth’s Church.
Tip: take advantage of an affordable holiday home in Slovakia as a base for a day trip across the border! Bratislava is located near the Austrian border, just a short distance from Vienna.
In 2019, the High Tatras mountain range, located on the border with Poland, was named the best mountain destination in Europe by Lonely Planet. Hikers who love high-altitude adventures will surely agree, as this region offers remarkable diversity, from rugged mountain peaks and crystal-clear alpine lakes to cascading rivers. Many peaks remain snow-covered year-round and are beautifully reflected in the water. Jagged and steep mountain ridges dominate the scenery, but there are also hiking trails leading through shady forests, such as the route from Strbske Pleso Lake to Popradske Pleso Lake. Along the way, you pass a mountain stream with small footbridges. Once you arrive at Popradske Pleso, you can relax at one of the restaurants and enjoy the magnificent view!
At the foot of the Tatra Mountains, in a wide valley, lies the city of Poprad. This town, known for its charming buildings, makes for a pleasant excursion and is also worth visiting because of its attractions. Think of Aqua City, a swimming complex with thermal pools and several water slides, as well as the indoor play paradise Funville.
Despite being only slightly larger than the Netherlands, Slovakia has a remarkably high density of castles! The variety is impressive too, ranging from ruins on hilltops to true fairytale castles. One of the most beautiful sights is undoubtedly Bojnice Castle. Inspired by French and Italian architecture, this originally medieval fortress has received a romantic makeover over the centuries. You can visit the interior, and for international visitors it is especially interesting thanks to the English-language guided tour.
Another major tourist attraction is the seemingly impregnable Orava Castle, located high above the Orava River. What makes this fortress special is that it was built on multiple levels and covers a large part of the hilltop. The surrounding landscape of rolling forests and bare mountain slopes is equally impressive. Booking tickets online is not strictly necessary, but make sure you arrive on time, especially if you want to join the English-language tour!
With around 50 wooden churches located in the Carpathians, Slovakia has an impressive religious heritage. Eight of these churches are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. One unique and worthwhile church is the small church of Bodružal, set in the picturesque Carpathian landscape. Another charming wooden church can be found in the open-air museum of Stare Lubovna. Nearby, you can also visit the imposing Lubovna Castle!
In the karst mountains of eastern Slovakia, hikers can enjoy a spectacular gorge stretching over 3 kilometres, with towering rock formations, narrow passages only a few metres wide, and gently cascading waterfalls. Park your car at the Zadiel parking area to reach the entrance of the gorge and choose between two hiking options: a one-way walk of 3.5 kilometres or a loop trail that takes you uphill. At 9 kilometres it is more challenging, but the views over the wide valley and table mountains are phenomenal!
A special attraction you should definitely visit from your holiday home in Slovakia is the ice cave of Demänovská. This cave reveals a unique mix of rocky ceilings, interrupted by enormous icicles—sometimes as large as frozen waterfalls—and an icy floor. These ice sculptures form when rainwater seeps through small openings into the cold cave. Of the nearly 2-kilometre-long ice world, more than 600 metres are accessible to visitors. During a guided tour, you first walk past stalactites and then reach the lower sections filled with impressive ice formations. Tip: in summer, take a moment to adjust to the dramatic temperature difference before heading deeper inside!
Smaller than its neighbour the Czech Republic but packed with castles, Slovakia is a country where you can easily enjoy road trips from one landmark to the next. Its cultural heritage is also defined by its many wooden churches. In addition, travellers can enjoy adventurous hikes that are still suitable for the average tourist, such as a canyon walk through the Zadiel Gorge. Are you considering a city break and would you also like to explore the mountains? Relax on a rooftop bar in Bratislava and enjoy excellent value-for-money restaurants near Popradske Pleso Lake from an affordable holiday home in Slovakia!