SLOVAKIA, A BEAUTY IN THE HEART OF EUROPE
SLOVAKIA, A BEAUTY IN THE HEART OF EUROPE
The Republic of Slovakia/Slovak/Slovensko is a small, landlocked country in Central Europe. Consequently, five countries share borders with it, including Ukraine, Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, and Austria (the closest one, at only 57 kilometers). Its capital is Bratislava. Slovakia is famous for its unique castles, caves, Celtic town (Havranok), architecture, the Podhajska geothermal pool (aka the Slovak Dead Sea), folk dancing, and much more. Slovakia is a developed country with a high-income economy. Moreover, it is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites and has a population of almost 5.5 million. Additionally, services are the largest and primary sector of the economy, but mining, agriculture, and industry remain equally important. Please continue reading to see what it is like to travel to Slovakia, a beauty in the heart of Europe.
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ENTRY INTO SLOVAKIA
I entered and exited Slovakia/Bratislava via Vienna International Airport in Austria. As previously mentioned, it is the closest country to Slovakia. As such, it made more financial sense because flights from/to the M.R. Sefanik International Airport in Bratislava were either more expensive or scarce. On the contrary, most airlines and flights to/from Vienna, Austria, were plentiful and cheaper than in Bratislava/Slovakia.
Therefore, I flew to Vienna and then took a taxi to my hotel in Bratislava. Even though the taxi was expensive, it was cheaper than flying directly to Bratislava airport. For those visiting and interested in doing likewise, there is also a bus service from Vienna airport to Downtown Bratislava. It is a fraction of the cost of the taxi (less than 10 euros) and less than one hour drive.
Slovakia, a Beauty in the Heart of Europe Cont....
ABOUT THE CITY OF BRATISLAVA
Bratislava, historically known as Pressburg (until 1919), once served as the capital and coronation site of the Kingdom of Hungary. It is the largest city in Slovakia but one of the smallest in Europe. Its baroque buildings and exquisite architecture make it a unique and beautiful city.
Bratislava has many meandering, cobblestone streets and small squares but grand buildings. The second longest river in Europe, the Danube (Dunaj) River, flows through many European cities besides Bratislava. That enhances and adds to its ecology and aesthetics. Along this river, west of the Apollo Bridge, much of the development in the city is occurring, and more modern buildings are emerging.
Slovakia, a Beauty in the Heart of Europe Cont....
The pedestrian-only, 18th-century, pre-historic Old Town somewhat reminds me of Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, Riga, the capital of Latvia, Vienna, the capital of Austria, Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, and Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. Even though these cities are more spectacular and bigger than Bratislava, I got the same grand feeling in Bratislava. Old Town is small, with colourful buildings, a tiny main square, a special warmth. Its narrow, maze-like, quaint streets are perfect for night strolls without dodging vehicles.
Bratislava is one of the quieter and more charming European cities, which dates back to Roman times. If your visit will be mainly in the city, a couple of days or a weekend should be enough to see it all. I spent one week there, which I think was a bit too long even though the Christmas market was enjoyable and lively. However, it was snowing, foggy, and rainy at times, so it did not leave much sightseeing or out-of-city tours to do, especially during a season when everyone was focusing on the holidays.
Despite this, I love the tranquility and the size of the city. It is one thing I love about these small cities. They always have a charm of their own. Furthermore, the city has numerous shopping malls, pubs, cafes, restaurants, and even nightclubs. However, if you are a visitor searching for vibrant nightlife, Bratislava is not the city for you, well, from my observation, not during winter. I think during summer would be a more favourable time to visit Bratislava.
Other Important Tips you Should know about Slovakia
- The languages spoken – Slovak (official language), others are; German, Russian, Hungarian, Polish, French, and English.
- Official currency – Euro.
- The tallest Gothic wooden altar (St. Jakub) in the world is in Slovakia, and it is 19 meters high.
- Besides Slovakia, six other countries lie in the heart or middle of Europe, including Hungary, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Liechtenstein, Slovenia, Poland, and Croatia. Lastly, Lithuania – the only country with its own scent, claiming to be the one directly in the heart of Europe.
- Slovakia has some famous and good genes: These famous personalities have Slovakian parents or grandparents; Angelia Jolie (grandfather), Jon Bon Jovi (grandfather), Paul Newman (mother), Audrey Hepburn (grandmother), and Ivan Reitman(parents).
- Slovakia and Slovenia are separate countries, so do not mix them up.
- Bratislava (Slovakia) and Vienna (Austria) are the two closest capitals in Europe.
- Slovakia produces more cars per capita than any other country. Therefore, the automobile industry accounts for a significant part of their exports.
Slovakia, a Beauty in the Heart of Europe Cont....
- The capital Bratislava, is the only capital in the world that borders two countries: Vienna, the capital of Austria, and Budapest, the capital of Hungary.
- Besides Iceland, Slovakia has a unique active geyser that spouts water to a height of 15 meters every day and a half.
- The majority of Slovakians are Roman Catholics. The Protestant churches (Lutheran, Calvinist, and Eastern Orthodox) are in the minority, and more than one-tenth professes no religious beliefs.
- Almost 50 well-preserved wooden churches are found in Slovakia. They built it without a single nail. The oldest is St. Francis of Assisi (UNESCO inscribed), built in the 15th century in Hervatov.
- Slovakia is a Schengen country, a member of the European Union (EU), Eurozone, United Nations (UN), and NATO.
- The only horologe (an instrument for indicating time) in the world that shows the true solar time is in Stara Bystrica, Slovakia. It is also the largest wooden statue in the country.
- Slovakia has the highest number of castles (180) and chateaux (425) per capita worldwide.
- The first folk wooden architecture reserve in the world is found in Slovakia and dates back to 1272. It is in the village of Cicmany in the Zilina region.
- Slovakia has over 1600 officially registered mineral springs.
- Slovakia comes under the list of booziest nations worldwide. According to the World Health Organisation, the average adult consumes 13 liters of alcohol yearly.
- In 1918, Czechoslovakia was born, but in 1993, it split up and became two separate countries Slovakia, and Czechia. Interestingly, the Czech Republic (Moravia and Bohemia) and Slovakia share a similar language.
- Slovakia is credited for inventing or contributing to the invention of the helicopter, wireless radio transmission, modern optics, and the artificial human hand.
- The Orava Castle (Oravsky hrad) was featured in several famous Fairy tales, fantasy films, TV series, and movies such as Dragonheart, Nosferatu, and the Princess and the Pauper, among others).
- The oldest marathon in Europe is held in Kosice, Slovakia. Consequently, It will be celebrating its 100th anniversary in October this year.
- Slovakian Stefan Banic was the first inventor to design, construct, and patent a prototype of an early parachute design (1870-1941). Subsequently, he sold the patent to the US Navy for only a few dollars.
- Since 2014, all children, full-time students (less than 26 years of age), widows, and senior citizens (age 62 and over) can use the national railway system for free. Providing that they are citizens or permanent residents of Slovakia or one of the EU member states.
ABOUT THE PEOPLE OF SLOVAKIA
The Slovaks are somewhat reserved. Like some of their neighbours, the Slavics take time to get acquainted, open up, and trust strangers. However, when they do, they are sweet. I found the locals were polite, generous, sincere, and helpful. However, before arriving in Slovakia, a few persons mentioned that the Slovaks were “cold” people, so I mentally prepared for unpleasant and unfriendly people, but this was far from the case.
Yes, I agree the Slovaks do not smile much, but they are certainly not “sour-faced” or “cold”, at least, I did not feel it. The locals I met were surprisingly pleasant, and I had no problems getting them to take my photos, with some volunteering to do so without me asking. I also met one Slovakian who reminisced about his and his wife’s visit to the Caribbean and their fabulous time there. He also shared with me the history of the statue I was photographing.
During my one-week stay in Bratislava, I had no complaints about the people I came into contact with, whether at the restaurants, stores, supermarkets, etc. I am sure the few sullen-looking ones hated the cold and sometimes dull weather. Sometimes, it can even get to me when the skies are grey, even though I like winter weather.
Nonetheless, asking any Slovak on the street for directions was never a problem. Some went out of their way to ensure I found what I was searching for, both males and females. Therefore, it resulted in new acquaintances with whom I still communicate. I must say hello and special thanks to some hospitable Slovaks: Timotej, Jakub, Eliska, and her family.
ABOUT THE SAFETY AND SECURITY IN SLOVAKIA
Throughout my stay, I felt safe. Whenever and wherever I went, day or night. Being a female solo traveller, I am always cautious. However, I felt at ease and had no reason to be nervous. My stay was incident-free. Actually, I cannot remember seeing any police officers. I think this is always a good sign, to an extent. Likewise, no security guards at the business establishments were a good indicator of a low crime rate, petty or otherwise.
HOW EXPENSIVE ARE THE ACCOMMODATIONS, MEALS, AND TRANSPORTATION?
Prices for meals and all public transport in Slovakia were moderately priced. Even though I found accommodation somewhat expensive, especially during the low travel period. So, I can imagine the price range in the high tourist season. Therefore, I will not class it as a budget-friendly country, but more so, a mid-budget-range country.
In Slovakia, the public transport system comprises buses, trams, trolleybuses, taxis, and trains (no metro). The other option is taxi apps such as; Bolt, Hopin Taxi, and Uber.
Slovakia, a Beauty in the Heart of Europe Cont....
ABOUT SLOVAKIAN FOOD
Traditional Slovakian cuisine is famous for its potatoes, cabbage, and meats (mainly pork). The Slovaks love potato and meat dishes (zemiaky) and dumplings (halusky). Traditionally, some dishes have inputs from their next-door neighbours, the Polish, Hungarians, and Ukrainians. Below are some of the traditional dishes you must try when in Slovakia.
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SLOVAKIAN FOODS YOU MUST TRY
- Bryndzove halusky – potato dumplings (these are little dumplings made with potatoes, sheep cheese, and mixed with bryndza (a special cheese).
- Vyprazany syr (batter-fried cheese which they dip into ketchup or mayonnaise and serve with fries).
- Kapustnica (this is a rustic soup made with potatoes, sauerkraut, smoked meat, dried mushrooms, sausages, and onions).
- Zemiakove Placky (similar to potato pancakes, where grated potatoes are mixed with spices, garlic, flour, and eggs, then fried and served).
- Makove Sulance (this is a sweet poppy seed pastry made from potato dough and lots of poppy seeds).
- Lokse (a traditional potato flatbread made from boiled potatoes, flour, and salt. They sometimes stuff them with meat for variations or a sweet version where they add jam).
- Fazulovica (this is a bean soup dish that traditionally includes small beans, chopped vegetables, and bacon. The stock is made from pork ribs and topped with cream).
- Masove Gulky – Slovakian Meatballs (a Slovakian variation of meatballs made with minced pork, mashed potatoes, mustard, garlic, and other ingredients. Afterward, they form them into balls and fry them with vegetable oil).
MUST DO/VISIT SITES OF INTEREST IN BRATISLAVA/SLOVAKIA
- Hrad Devin and Devin Castle (one of the most archeological sites in Central Europe. It is on the banks of the Danube/Dunaj River that runs through Hungary. Throughout the Middle Ages, this castle was an important order fortress).
- Bratislava Old Town (a beautiful pedestrian area in the city, with many shops, bars, restaurants, cafes, and beautiful architecture).
- Danubiana Meulensteen Art Museum (one of the best museums in Europe. This museum has very colourful and thought-provoking pieces, and not the least bit boring like most are, at times. Not only is the interior unusual, but it is near the Danube/Dunaj River). Additionally, it is near the beautiful waterfront with painted houses dating back to the 1600s and 1700s.
- Bratislava Castle (the main castle in Bratislava. This fascinating rectangular-shaped castle stands on the isolated hill of Little Carpathians directly above the Danube/Dunaj River. Its opening hours are 5 am to 10 pm, and the entrance fee is 14 euros).
- The UFO Observation Deck (this is an iconic building and symbol of Bratislava. The elevator takes 45 seconds to go from 0 to 100 km. Moreover, the view from the top offers a birds-eye view of the Danube and the city. FYI, it is not free and is cheaper in the morning).
- Modry Kostol (the blue church in Bratislava is a beautiful Art Nouveau-style Catholic Church. It is open only on weekends and special days).
- Podhajska geothermal pool (called the Slovak Dead Sea because its water is unique and has comparable healing properties as the Dead Sea).
- Slavin (a powerful monument and the final resting place for many soldiers from the second world war against the Nazis. It was built and occupied by Russians. Try to climb the hill when visiting this site, it is breathtaking).
- Dobsinska Ice Cave (one of the largest and most well-known caves in Europe. It has been on the UNESCO World Heritage Site List since 2000).
- Orava Castle – Oravsky hrad (one of the most gorgeous and outstanding castles in Slovakia. It is located in the Orava Region and is a popular out-of-city tourist attraction).
SUMMARY
Slovakia is a unique Slavic country with a rich history. Its capital Bratislava, might be a bit low-keyed but beautiful. As previously mentioned, my visit to Slovakia was during the winter, but I would recommend others to visit in the summer for a more satisfying experience.
Nevertheless, three days in the city should be sufficient time to see all the main sites. Afterward, head out of the city to the countryside for more history and adventure. If you are a budget traveller, a few days in Bratislava will not “burst your budget”. However, it is certainly neither a budget-friendly country nor one of the most expensive cities to visit. Even though it is not one of the more popular European tourist destinations, it is worth the effort to visit Slovakia, a beauty in the heart of Europe. Go visit and enjoy.
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