Welcome to Slovakia
Slovakia became an independent Republic only in 1993 and already is of interest for both business and holiday travellers. The mountains, beginning from the hills of Malá Fatra and going east to the Alpine summits of the High Tatras, are some of the most beautiful and picturesque in Europe. Of course it would be untypical for an European country if there is no some castle of tourist interest, and what a castle it is - Spisský Hrad. Bratislava, the capital city of Slovakia has got rid of some of its Communist-era architecture and restored its beautiful Old Town. The result is lively, entertaining and energetic town attracting more and more tourists. Slovaks’ humility and their hospitality are not found in some much more popular tourist destinations and in Slovakia one can feel like a real guest.
Standards for food and accommodation are not that high as in Western Europe but still one can have a great vacation, enjoying the unspoiled nature of the countryside, have a dinner and a glass of excellent wine in a traditional Koliba-restaurant and let the warmth of Slovak people win you over.
An important part of Slovak natural heritage protected areas includes 9 national parks where one can admire the unspoiled nature and mountainous areas that welcome visitors in both summer and winter.
Maybe Slovakia's most popular natural attraction is in the karst regions of limestone canyons and caves, lying over 1158 square miles. Of particular interest of the Slovak Karst are the Aragonite Cave in Ochtina and the Ice Cave both included in UNESCO’s World Heritage list.
The country has also rich in cultural and historical heritage - the old mining town of Banska Stiavnica, the impressive Spis Castle, the folk architecture preserve of Vlkolinec, as well as the fourteenth century town of Bardejov with its castle.
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