Maypole 

Maypole is a several meters high tree, usually, it is a fir, spruce, or birch. Its trunk is cleaned of bark and branches, which are left only at the top of the tree. It is decorated with various ribbons and bows. On the eve of the 1st of May, a young man who liked some unmarried girl secretly placed the maypole in front of her house. Sometimes, when there were more young men interested in one girl, the suitors destroyed each other’s maypoles.

So, a maypole meant serious interest, while the tree had to be really nice, symmetrical, and nicely decorated. If the maypole is also decorated with a wreath with long ribbons, it should mean that the girl will marry the suitor soon. Maypole with a wreath is therefore a symbol of a love promise. This tradition was accompanied by singing and dancing, which celebrated not only the birth of new love but also the definitive victory of spring over winter.

These old customs and traditions slowly die out. Fortunately, we still can find dozens of villages where people still follow the maypole tradition by putting up the maypole in the middle of the village. In large cities, beautifully wreathed maypoles are used to put up symbolically in front of local administration offices or cultural centers, where they stand for the whole month. At the end of May, the maypole is ceremoniously removed during the so-called maypole fall celebration.

Some of the traditions of our ancestors have disappeared, some have been preserved to this day, such as building the Maypole.

Thanks for reading our mini-blog:)

Any questions? Write us at contact@bestslovakiatours.com
Peter, founder & CEO of Best Slovakia Tours

Fujara – the long shepherd’s pipe is on UNESCO list

On 25th November 2005 was “ fujara musical instrument and its music” was recorded on the list of Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.

If you would love to hear Fujara, probably, the best idea is to come to Slovakia in July and take part in one of these 2 special events:

1. One of the most successful is Folklore Festival Poľana – the international festival of folklore and traditional folk culture – held every year in the second week of July in Detva village (More info here)

2. Folklore Festival Východná – held every year in the first week of July in Vychodna village, in a lovely Liptov region (More info here)

Of course, you don’t need to come in July, you can come anytime and we organize for you a special Fujara event (where you can get the story of Fujara, see the workshop, learn how to play and buy it)

>> Request a PRIVATE TOUR and enjoy a lovely time in SLOVAKIA with us.

We will prepare a custom-made itinerary exactly according to your wishes, choose and book the best hotels for you in your preferred category, give you our professional, specially trained Guide-driver (only from our team), book our new vehicle according to your group size and make everything for your smooth, lovely and enjoyable Slovakia tour.

Write us at contact@bestslovakiatours.com
Peter, founder & CEO of Best Slovakia Tours

HRONSEK – protestant wooden church / UNESCO sight

On the way, we stopped to see a hidden gem – the 18th-century protestant wooden church Hronsek – the UNESCO World Heritage site. We took pictures from the outside (interiors closed due to COVID19 restrictions) and enjoyed the blooming linden trees.

Did you know that the church was built without using a single nail?
The 18th century was a period of strong Catholicism (Present-day Slovakia was under the Catholic Habsburg rulers), the Lutheran church could be built in the area only under five strict conditions :
1, the entire church had to be made from wood, 2, no tower was allowed, 3, no iron nails could be used, 4, had to be built within a year and 5, the main entrance could not face the village.
Hard to imagine these strict conditions, but, they all were successfully done and we can enjoy a lovely wooden jewel – church Hronsek.

Next stop, another spectacular place – Spania Dolina.

Spania Dolina, this marvelous little hidden village was also for centuries famous for its copper mining. No more mining here, but you can find plenty of adits, mining tools, and even a great museum of mining history – HerrenGrund – Here

Finally, we reached Banska Bystrica. One of the sayings says „Alive in Banska Bystrica, after death in Heaven“. Is this saying because of a well-preserved beautiful historical square or breathtaking location of the city – surrounded by Kremnicke hills and national parks of Velka Fatra and Low Tatra or is it the lively, vibrant atmosphere?

It is the largest Central Slovakian city (6th largest in Slovakia) and the capital of the Banska Bystrica region (There are 8 administrative regions in Slovakia).

The city’s nickname is a „copper city“ due to its rich copper ores in the area and mining activities in the past centuries.

A short history overview

Due to rich mineral resources, Banska Bystrica’s settlement became more and more important and in the 13th-century Hungarian king, Belo IV gave to the settlement city status and granted privileges such as Free Royal town. As golden age is considered the 15-16th century during the successful Thurzo-Fugger mining company. The main income of the town was for centuries from the mining. Banska Bystrica belonged to the 3 richest Central Slovak mining towns. (if you read our blogs regularly, you know we have already visited silver Banska Stiavnica and golden Kremnica town)

As we visited the city of Banska Bystrica during the difficult times (End of April 2020, with lots of restrictions due to COVID19), all shops and museums were closed, however, restaurants and café’s were under some restrictions open.

It’s time for a short walking tour.  We start in the upper part of the square,  surrounded by the gothic, renaissance, and baroque houses with their unique atmosphere. Especially, during the spring-summer-autumn season, it is full of outdoor restaurants, cafes, and numerous events.

The Clock tower

At the top of the square, there is the clock tower from the 16th century. I recommend walking up (101 stairs) and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Old town, Kremnicke hills, and Low Tatra mountains. As you can see, the tower is leaning (68cm) to the left, not only Pisa has its leaning tower, but also Slovakia;)

The dominant of the upper part of the square is the Town’s castle – as Banska Bystrica was a prosperous mining town and the castle was built to protect the town.

Interesting is that the castle was not built on the hill (like most of our castles), but was built inside the town’s center around the church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary ( built by the Germans in the 13th century in the late Romanesque style, later rebuilt into the gothic style). The castle was fortified with bastions and moat.

A gothic House of Matej (in the 15th century it served as a temporary residence of Hungarian King Matthias Corvinus and his wife Queen Beatric), the Slovak church (also called the Church of the Holy Cross), the renaissance Old town hall, and the entrance gate tower called Barbakan.

A unique St. Francis Xavier cathedral stands in the upper part of the square, a copy of the Jesuit church of the Gesu in Rome is the seat of the Roman-Catholic Diocese of Banska Bystrica.

As we walk down the square on our left side is the architectural jewel – the Thurzo house (The house was the former headquarters of the Thurzo-Fugger mining company, Jan Thurzo and Jacob Fugger joined together
and became a leading world producer of copper by the end of the 16 century and one of the largest and most modern early capitalist firms.

It is always a good idea to have a break, I personally love a coffee break and small talk;). Open again with some restrictions (mandatory face masks, no entry – only takeaway is allowed), but, still a thousand times better than what I saw two weeks ago in Banska Stiavnica when the entire town was closed and it looked like a ghost town..

House #16, one of the most beautiful houses on the square, – the picturesque Benicky House – the renaissance portal with a well-preserved coat of arms of the rich noble family (they were involved in the mining business in the past).

The town played a significant role in the Slovak National Uprising (SNP), when the armed resistance against the Nazi occupation started here on August 29, 1944.
The SNP museum gives comprehensive information about the uprising as well as WW2 and posts the WW2 period.

In the lower part of the square is a huge black obelisk – a memorial dedicated to the Soviet soldiers who liberated the city on March 25, 1945.

Worth-to-visit museums & galleries

Old town hall house – Central Slovak Gallery exhibitions
House of Matej – permanent exhibition about the city history – here

Famous Radvansky jarmok (fair) is held annually at the beginning of September. It has more than 350 years of history and belongs to the best and most favorite events in September.
You can see the presentation of folk arts, folklore ensembles, music groups, try Slovak specialties, and young wine called Burciak.

Where to stay overnight?

Our top choice for a city center located hotel
Hotel Kuria, Bakossova 4, 97401, Banska Bystrica
Hotel website Here

Our top choice for a 4star luxury wellness paradise (only 15min by car)

Hotel & SPA RESORT Kaskady, Letecka 19, 96231
Hotel website Here

Where to have your favorite coffee?

Leroy Bar & Cafe, Nam. SNP 14, 974 01 Banska Bystrica

THANKS for reading my travel blog. I do believe it was useful, interesting, and motivational for you.

Would you like to visit this picturesque region of Slovakia?

We visit Banska Bystrica on our Grand Tour of Slovakia and Slovakia Heritage Tour or plan with us your Private Tour

The latest upcoming events you can find on our Facebook page

Write us at contact@bestslovakiatours.com
Peter, founder & CEO of Best Slovakia Tours

TOWN’S HALL –  a lovely little house on the main square

Interesting museums:
Museum of coins and medals, info about opening hours and entrance fees – Here

Mining museum – Adit Andrej
Become a miner for a while. Visit Adit Andrej, it takes visitors for an interesting journey through the town’s mining history. It is only possible with a local guide who gives you the safety instructions and equipment. The part open for visitors is 660 meters long and it takes roughly 60 minutes. Opening hours and entrance fee, Here

VIEWS FROM KRAHULE VIEWPOINT

Tip to get great views of the town – walking up to Krahulsky stit Unforgettable views of the old Kremnica (views of town’s castle complex, city walls, St. Catherine church) and Kremnica hills, Stiavnicke hills, and Vtacnik peak. Walking takes 1:30 min, starting from the square. The 13m tall wooden tower lies in 959mASL.

SNOW ON THE MAIN SQUARE – AFTER “BIG AIR IN THE TOWN EVENT”

“Big Air in the city” is a snowboard and Freeski show, a special thrilling event that takes place every winter in Kremnica, directly in the center. Details Here

Looking for some more challenging summer adventure?

Visit Skalka area – The Via Ferrata is one-way with 3 levels of difficulty, Komin (Chimney), Trubacova veza (Trubac’s tower), and Výzva (Challenge) – the most difficult via Ferrata in Slovakia.

Try the Via Ferrata Bridge in Skalka, the longest cable bridge and cable climbing in Slovakia. Opening hours, entrance fee, and more info, Here

SUNSET AT GEOGRAPHICAL (SLOVAK) CENTRE OF EUROPE 

(Slovak) The geographical center of EUROPE. In a beautiful place near Kremnica is located an ancient church of St. John the Baptist and in front of it a stone with information that there is the Geographical center of Europe.
As I have mentioned earlier – Slovak – it is because there are several other “centers of Europe”, Germany, Latvia, Poland, and some other countries have their own centers of Europe:)

It is also here a foundation stone of the Slovak state, laid here on the occasion of the establishment of the Slovak Republic.

Other events

European festival of Humour and Satire, a unique international event called Kremnicke gagy which takes place every year at the end of the summer.

Where to have tasty Slovak specialties?

Restaurant Silvanus is the best choice. Located in a historical main square offers homemade meals and game specialties.
Address: Poľovnícka reštaurácia Silvanus, Štefánikovo nám 33/40, 967 01 Kremnica, Mobile: 00421 905821405

THANKS for reading my travel blog. I do believe it was useful, interesting, and motivational for you.

Would you like to organize a tour of Slovakia?

We’re here to assist you with precise trip planning and guiding you around our lovely country. Visit Private Tour – Trip Planning

The latest upcoming events you can find on our Facebook page.
Short Video of Kremnica on our YouTube channel.

Write us at contact@bestslovakiatours.com
Peter, founder & CEO of Best Slovakia Tours

We start at the Heart of the Old town – at the Holy Trinity square. It is not only the hot spot for hobby and professional photographers, but it is also a great starting point for discovering the beauties of this special town. And I also start most of my tours here.

The main square was created at the beginning of the 16th century and is surrounded by Renaissance/Baroque palaces. A massive column – the Holy trinity column dominates the square. It was built as a symbol of victory of the plague, rebuilt in the 18th century by sculptor Dionyz Stanetti.

Consists of the Holy Trinity on the top, coat of arm of the town, Immaculate and the sculptures of six saints, patrons saint of miners – St. Barbara, St. Catherine, St. Francis Xavier – the patron saint of Jesuits, St. Joseph Kalazansky – the patron saint of Piarists, St. Rochus – the patron of beggars and St. Sebastian – the martyr.

At this square takes place different events during the year, the most famous event is undoubtedly the Salamander days in September.

We visit an Adit Michal in Berggericht building on the square. As most of the houses on this square had direct access to the mines, this is a great example and opportunity to visit an adit and become a miner for few minutes and walk through the 75meters long circle.

HOUSE OF MARINA, LOVE LOCKS & LONGEST LOVE POEM IN THE WORLD

In the lower part of the square, there is a House of Marina, nowadays a museum called “Epicenter of Love“.  Maria Pischlova – Marina was a student who love our great Slovak poet Andrej Sladkovic. Despite their unfulfilled love, he wrote the greatest love poem – Marina. It is also the longest love poem in the world. Visit the museum, info Here

Going up the square we can enjoy the precisely reconstructed renaissance houses and their facades. After a few minutes of walking, we will reach one of the symbols/dominants of the town – Old castle.

THE OLD CASTLE – FORTRESS SURROUNDED BY DEFENSIVE WALLS

The Old Castle / Starý zámok – beloved by the tourists due to its location and interesting history. There was already in the 13th century on this hill called “Paradajz” built a tiny Romanesque church of St. Mary, later rebuilt into the gothic church. However, in the difficult times of the 16th century, the church was rebuilt into a fortress.

In August 1526 after the Battle of Mohacs in southern Hungary in which the Turks defeated the Hungarians, there was a permanent danger that the Turks will go further to the north to conquer the central Slovak mining towns. The threat took 150 years, but, Banska Stiavnica has never been conquered due to sophisticated fortification walls, Old and New castles, and brave citizens.)

Nowadays, you can find here an exhibition of a blacksmith, pipe workshop, torture chamber, and prison. Practical information about opening hours and entrance fees – Here

WALL DEPICTING THE RICH MINING HISTORY, FAMOUS PEOPLE, LEGENDS & FACTS

Coming down from the Old castle we reach a little square where we can admire the mining development depicted on the wall.

And here is the right time to talk about the mining history and about  Terra Banensium – the land of the miners. In the 13th century, Banska Stiavnica was granted the privilege of the royal town and the ruler invited German settlers.

The mining of silver, gold, and copper became the most important between the 13-18th century. In the 18th century, Banska Stiavnica was the 3rd biggest town in Hungary, Empress Maria Theresa established here the very first mining academy in the world, Samuel Mikoviny and Matej Hell constructed a sophisticated system of artificial lakes – reservoirs called tajchy.

In 1993, Banska Stiavnica became a UNESCO World Heritage site.

INSIDE THE ST. CATHERINE CHURCH, PRECIOUS WALL PAINTING OF THE LAST JUDGEMENT

Few steps further, stands an impressive, one of the most beautiful churches of Banska Stiavnica – the late-gothic, Roman-catholic St. Catherine church.

Not far away, another church is located, this one is harder to find, located in a row of other buildings. It is a protestant church from the 18th century. (thanks to the Toleration patent from Austrian emperor Joseph II it was possible to build also other churches than Roman-Catholic, still there were conditions that the church could not have a tower and could not stand out of the street buildings).

THE NEW CASTLE IN THE BACKGROUND AND PANORAMIC VIEWS OF THE OLD TOWN 

The New Castle / Nový zámok – walking up through narrow cobblestone street we reach another symbol of the town, – an anti-Turkish fortress from the 16th century.

You can find on 4 floors an exhibition of Turkish weapons, maps, photos, information about the Battle of Mohac where the Turks defeated the Hungarians. From the very top, amazing views are waiting for you. Opening hours and entrance fees Here

The Piarska gate
The only preserved entrance gate from the former 3 gates is the Piarska gate from the 16th century. The town built a system of defensive walls, bastions, and entrance gates to protect its citizens.
The Turks were close but never conquered the town.

The Knocking Tower
The two-story building, once used for calling miners for work. (They were knocking with a wooden hammer on a wooden board). The knocking was also used for other special occasions such as funerals and fires. Nowadays, you can find here a cozy tea house.

MAIN STREET AND IT’S ELEVATED PART CALLED “TROTUAR”

Walking on the main street is relaxing, I really like the elevated part called “Trotuar”. Full of colorful well-preserved houses with little cozy cafes, restaurants, an authentic souvenir shop, and ice cream.

BANSKA STIAVNICA – CALVARY BAROQUE COMPLEX / FROM OUR AUTUMN TOUR

Calvary / Kalvária is one of the dominants of the town on the hill Scharfenberg. Built in the 18th century by the Jesuits, with its churches and chapels, along with its altars, sculptures and frescoes represent and recall the life, suffering, and death of Jesus Christ. The Lower Church, the Holy Stairs are leading to the chapel of the Most Holy Trinity and Upper church.

The 3 biggest and architecturally most significant buildings convey 3 fundamental mysteries such as #1 the Eucharist, #2 the Most Holy Trinity, #3 the Resurrection.

A walk up to the top is quite easy, it is also a spiritually interesting journey. On the top, the spectacular views are waiting for you.

OPENING AIR MINING MUSEUM – ADIT BARTOLOMEJ / WE’RE EQUIPPED AND READY TO GO:)

Mine visit is for adults as well as for the kids an undoubtedly a fun activity. Become a miner for a while, get some instructions, a safety helmet, a protective coat, a torch, and go with your local special mining guide to the underground. It is an easy-to-do activity with plenty of information about mining (from the very beginning of mining in the 13th century and the methods they used up to the end of mining in the 20th century).

It requires pre-booking (especially during the summer months). Opening hours and entrance fees – Here

BETLEHEM IN BANSKA STIAVNICA IS FASCINATING. IT IS A MASTERWORK WORTH STOPPING AND VISIT

The Bethlehem of Stiavnica / Štiavnický Bethlehem is entirely made from wood with movings parts and it belongs to one of the most beautiful and interesting in Slovakia. I love to stop here and explain some more details. From 800 wooden figures approximately 400 moves.

It depicts the history, development, and daily life of the citizens and miners. We go back in time, visit the mines, watch how the miners work, admire the panorama of Banska Stiavnica with all the most beautiful buildings, castles, schools, crafts,  we find here the biblical motif – the birth of Jesus.

Peter Chovan is the author of this incredible work.
Opening hours and entrance fees Here

WHERE TO GET SUCH VIEWS? CLIMB UP TO CALVARY. LOOK AROUND AND ENJOY

Why Banska Stiavnica? What is so special here? Is it a unique location in the Stiavnicke hills? The number of well-preserved historical sights, numerous narrow winding up and down streets? Lots of reasons, but how many towns do you know are located inside the huge volcano. No worry, there is no active volcano anymore, but around 15 million years ago, it erupted and it predestined the fate of man and nature. Thanks to the eruption, precious metals came closer to the surface. With a diameter of 25 kilometers, it is one of the biggest in Europe.

Therefore, you can see lots of little hills inside the town (they even have the names such as Scharfenberg, Frauenberg, Paradajz, Glanzenberg)
And in the area, there are plenty of possibilities for walking in nature, hiking, biking, and enjoying summer times in some lakes called tachjs (originally, artificially made lakes for mining purposes).

And the secret for a true discovery of Banska Stiavnica? Walk, simply, go for a walk through the historical narrow streets and squares. I love early walking or even more magical is an evening walking as many of the sights are beautifully lit up (Old and New castle, Calvary, the town hall).
Take your time and enjoy every moment.

RESTAURANT 4SOCHY – FINE DINING IN THE OLD TOWN

Where to have fine dining?
Restaurant 4Sochy situated in a lovely historic 500 years old building offers gastronomical delights. It is an ideal place to try specialties prepared from fresh high-quality ingredients from local farmers. I am here for lunches, dinners. And there is a good choice of quality Slovak wines too. Address: 4Sochy restaurant, Kammerhofska 16, their web Here

RESTAURANT MONARCHIA – TRULY WONDERFUL ATMOSPHERE

Where to have tasty Slovak meals?
Restaurant Monarchia is the best choice. Located in a historical building called Senensisov house – a national cultural monument offers homemade specialties. A cozy place for dinners.
Address: Monarchia, Sladkovicova 2, their web Here

A good quality coffee and homemade cake?
Gavalier cafe, nam. Svatej trojice 18/14
Barcadam cafe, nam. Svatej trojice 17
4Sochy cafe, Kammerhofska 16

MICROBREWERY ERB HAS A GREAT RESTAURANT TOO. MY FAVOURITE IS THE BREWERY GOULASH

A good beer, tasty goulash, and steaks?
Microbrewery and restaurant Erb is the right choice. Address: Novozamocka 2, their web Here

Where to have overnight?
It is not a simple task to find quality accommodation here, however, these two are exceptional.
Villa Magnolia, address: Spojna 5, 969 01 Banska Stiavnica
Villa Barcadam, address: nam. Svatej trojice 17

Thanks for reading my travel blog.
I do believe it was useful, interesting, and motivational for you.

Don’t forget to check out our video of Banska Stiavnica on our YouTube channel.

Travel around Slovakia with us! Virtually with your local tour guide from Best Slovakia Tours – Travel Company.

We visit Banska Stiavnica on our Best of Slovakia Tour, Grand Tour of Slovakia, and Slovakia-Czechia tour. And of course on most of our private tours too.

The latest upcoming events you can check out on our Facebook page.

Write us at contact@bestslovakiatours.com
Peter, founder & CEO of Best Slovakia Tours

SLOVAKIA – looking for basic information?

A short general overview is especially useful for travelers who are planning their first trip to Slovakia.
We regularly update this information and links.

IN NUMBERS
Official name: Slovak republic / Slovenská Republika
Population: 5.459.000 (2020)
Position: Slovakia is a landlocked country in Central Europe
Area: 49,035 km2 / 18932mi2
Geographic coordinates: 48 09 N, 17 07 E

Independence: 1 January 1993, Czechoslovakia split into the Czech Republic and Slovakia, an event nicknamed as “Velvet divorce”

Government: Parliamentary democracy (last elections in Feb 2020)
President of the Republic: Zuzana Čaputová (last elections in March 2019)
Prime Minister: Eduard Heger
Head of the NA: Boris Kollár
International affiliations: 1 May 2004 member of the European Union,     member of NATO, member of Schengen zone (2007)

Capital & largest city: Bratislava, population: 432.864 (2018)
Other major cities: Kosice (240000), Presov (90000), Zilina (80000), Banska Bystrica (78000), Nitra (76000), Trnava (65000)

Administrative division: 8 administrative regions, 79 counties, 2890 municipalities

Official language: Slovak (West Slavic language), Hungarian is widely spoken in southern regions

Religion: Roman Catholic (62%), Protestants (8.9%), Greek Catholics (3.9%)
Currency: euro (EUR), valid since 1 January 2009.
GDP per capita (in EUR): EUR 20.495 (estimate for 2020)
Unemployment rate: 6,37% (2019)
Industry: Automotive – VW cars, Kia cars, Peugeot, Citroen, Jaguar, Landrover, IT sector
Time: UTC+1, summertime UTC+2

Climate: moderate, continental with warm, dry summers and cold winters
Temperature – Western Slovakia – Bratislava city
Highest average temperature: 27C/81F in July, August
Lowest average temperature: -2C/25F in January

Temperature – North-East Slovakia – Poprad town (High Tatras)
Highest average temperature: 22C/72F in July, August
Lowest average temperature: -8C/18F in January

Main voltage: 230 V
Units of measurement: metric – meters, kilometers, grams, kilograms,
temperatures are expressed in degrees Celsius

Length of borders: 106,7 km / 65mi (Austria), 251,8 km / 155mi (Czechia), 541,1 km / 336mi (Poland), 97,8km / 60mi (Ukraine), 654,8km / 406mi (Hungary)
Total length: 1,652,2 km / 1026mi

Highest peak: Gerlach, 2,655 mASL / 8710ft (High Tatra Mountains)
Lowest point: 94m/308ft, Klin nad Bodrogom / Kosice region
Longest rivers: Vah (403km/250mi), Hron (298km/185mi), Ipel (232km/144mi), Nitra (197km/122mi), Hornad (193km/119mi)

Administrative regions (8):  Bratislava region, Trnava region,
Nitra region, Trencin region, Banska Bystrica, Zilina region, Presov region, Kosice region

NATIONAL PARKS (9)  
TANAP – Tatra national park (oldest, established in 1949)
NP Nízke Tatry – Low Tatra national park (largest in size)
NP Slovenský raj – Slovak paradise national park
NP Pieniny – Pieniny national park (smallest in size)
NP Velká Fatra – High Fatra national park
NP Malá Fatra – Low Fatra national park
NP Poloniny – Poloniny national park
NP Muránska Planina – National park Muranska planina
NP Slovenský Kras – Slovak karst national park

More details? Read our blog – The Beauty of National Parks of Slovakia

UNESCO sights (8)    
Banska Stiavnica town, Bardejov town, Vlkolinec village, Wooden churches, Levoca town, Spiss Castle, Caves, National park Poloniny
Intangible cultural heritage – Fujara musical instrument

More details? Read our blog – Lovely Unesco sights in Slovakia

CAVES (13)  
Belianska, Brestovska, Bystrianska, Demanovska Cave of Liberty, Dobsinska Ice cave, Domica, Driny, Gombasecka, Harmanecka, Jasovska cave, Ochtinska aragonitova, Vazecka

INTERNATIONAL FOLK DANCE FESTIVALS (2)  
Detva folk festival takes place on 2nd weekend in July every year
Vychodna folk festival takes place on 1st weekend in July every year

WINE REGIONS IN SLOVAKIA (3)
There are 3 wine-growing regions in Slovakia known for wines that receive international awards.

Small Carpathian Wine region – western Slovakia
South Slovakia Wine region
Tokaj Wine region – eastern Slovakia

SPAS
Piestany – world-famous spa town, medicinal geothermal water, and medicinal sulphuric mud
Trencianske Teplice – located in a lovely area in Strazovske hills in western Slovakia
Rajecke Teplice – Aphrodite Spa – situated in scenic natural surroundings of Mala Fatra national Park and Strazovske hills
Turcianske Teplice – legend has that King Sigismund of Luxembourg bathed in local springs in the 15th century
Bardejov – located in north-eastern Slovakia. This oasis of health and relaxation visited Russian Tzar Alexander I, Empress Elisabeth (Sissi) and many more)

GETTING TO SLOVAKIA
Slovakia is situated in Central Europe and borders Austria, Czechia, Poland, Ukraine, and Hungary. It is only an hour’s drive away from Vienna. Slovakia is also easily accessible from other neighboring countries, only 2hrs by car from Budapest and 3hrs 30min from Prague. It has good road and rail connections, with daily flights from some European cities. The river Danube flows through Bratislava, you can also get to Slovakia by boat, e.g. from Vienna and Budapest.

BY PLANE
In addition to the daily flights to some European cities, there are low-cost flight providers such as Ryan Air and Wizz air flying from the main Bratislava airport, Poprad, and Kosice airports.

RECOMMENDED for overseas travelers:
Fly into Vienna Schwechat airport / Austria
Official web here, in only 40min by car you reach Bratislava / Slovakia

Fly into Bratislava airport / Slovakia
Official web here, only 15min by car from Bratislava center.

Fly into Kosice airport, (flights only from few European destinations)
Official web here, the gateway to Eastern Slovakia

Fly into Poprad airport, (flights only from few European destinations)
Official web here, the gateway to High Tatra mountains for summer and winter holidays, North-East Slovakia

Other options for overseas travelers:
Fly into Budapest airport / Hungary
Official web Here, it takes 2hrs45min by car to get to Bratislava / Slovakia

Fly into Krakow airport / Poland
Official web Here, it takes 2hrs 15min by car to get to the resorts in High Tatra mountains (North-East Slovakia)

BY CAR
Most of the cars enter Slovakia by motorways, which is also the easiest way to travel around the country. It is easy to travel the Slovakian roads by car since they are well and clearly signposted. For driving on motorways (expressways), it is mandatory for you to have a vignette.

BY TRAIN
Trains to Slovakia run daily from different European cities. If traveling by train, it is also possible to ride in a sleeping car. You can buy a ticket at every railway station as well as on the train. Slovakian trains stick to the timetables. Official web Here.

BY BUS
Buses run to Slovakia from different European cities. In Slovakia, you can also get to most of the towns and the countryside by bus. You can buy a bus ticket directly from the bus driver, while at major bus stops you can also buy a bus ticket for a specific date. Official web Here.

BY BOAT
Twin-city liner runs 5 times a day and connects Bratislava city center with Vienna city. Official web Here.

NATIONAL HOLIDAYS IN SLOVAKIA
1^st January – New Year’s Day
6^th January – Feast of the Epiphany – Three Kings
April, Friday – Good Friday (movable holiday)
April, Monday – Easter Monday (movable holiday)
1^st May – Labor day
8^th May – Victory day
5^th July – St. Cyril and Methodius day
29^th August – Slovak National Uprising
1^st September – Constitution Memorial Day
15^th September – Day of the Virgin Mary of the Seven Sorrows
1^st November – All Saints Day
17^th November – Day of the Fight for Freedom and Democracy
24^th December – Christmas Eve
25^th December – Christmas Day
26^th December – St. Stephen’s Day

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
Telephone area code for Slovakia +421

112 Emergency call center – emergency medical assistance, fire-fighters, rescue units|
158 Police
155 First aid
150 Fire Brigade
13 800 Mountain rescue service

Keep reading our always updated travel blogs.

Write us at contact@bestslovakiatours.com
Peter, founder & CEO of Best Slovakia Tours

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Youtube channel

Martin – showing the beauties of the High Tatra Mountains

MARTIN S.

was born and raised in the charming historical city of Trnava. He studied at an agricultural university but decided to leave the school to follow his passion for travel. He made his guide license and started to work in tourism. First years he worked as a guide in summer resorts in Greece and Turkey and winter spent in our Tatra mountains working as a ski and snowboard instructor. He lived 5 years in Prague, where he worked as a local guide and guided big bus tours around Czechia and other European countries. Prague is also the city, where he met his wife Martina and their first son Bonifac was soon born. But after 5 years, he listened to the call of his roots and moved back home to Slovakia, where he started to work with Best Slovakia Tours – a travel company. And recently his family grew bigger with the arrival of twins – Jacob and Jasmine. They live in Small Carpathians in a lovely little village surrounded by vineyards.

As an experienced guide-driver he will bring you to Slovakia, Czechia, Poland, Austria, Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia, Germany, and Netherlands. He provides travel services as a guide for city tours, ancestry tours, Jewish heritage tours, and hiking tours. He speaks excellent English and is advanced in German.

His personal motto: “Life is what you make it”

One of Martin’s many reviews on TripAdvisor:

“He is an awesome guide, and his personality is perfectly suited for his job. He sensed immediately what we would want to see and do, whether touring small towns, visiting an old wine cellar, taking in a local fair, shopping in a grocery store, or walking in the High Tatras. I must admit that I was somewhat skeptical about taking a guided tour, for I have often planned trips for traveling in Europe. My skepticism vanished as soon as Martin appeared. From Bratislava and Trnava to Banska Bystica and Levoca, from Spis castle to Bojnice castle, from the High Tatras to the medieval city of Bardejov and on to the painted houses of Cicmany – Slovakia is an endlessly gorgeous country with a rich history and fascinating sights. Martin made it all come alive for us. He was always accommodating and flexible. It was like traveling with a great friend.”

Marcel at the Heart of High Tatra mountains

MARCEL

was born and raised in Poprad town under The High Tatras. From his childhood, he often looked out from the bedroom window into the distance of the picturesque High Tatras, which fascinated him even then. In high school, he started going with his friends to a small climbing “expedition” on the surrounding rocks, and later to the High Tatras. Mostly he went with a friend whose father was a member of the Mountain Rescue Service.
During his studies at Comenius University in Bratislava, he loved coming back to the mountains. Since 1998 he accompanies tourists from around the world to the mountains and surrounding towns. In 2011 he got certified as a mountain leader. Besides, he has been working as a member of the Council of the Slovak Association of mountain Leaders since it was established in 2011 and he is a trainer of young mountain guides and leaders.
He will show you in a highly enjoyable way – Slovakia, Czechia, Poland, Austria, and Hungary. He provides travel services as a guide for hiking, skiing, snowshoeing tours, city tours, and ancestry tours. He speaks excellent English.

His personal motto: “The mountains are high, but the human hope is even higher”

One of Marcel’s many reviews on TripAdvisor:

“Our guide, Marcel was fabulous – incredibly knowledgeable not only about the mountains but also about the history and current affairs of Slovakia and highly personable as well! On the first day, we hiked a 20 km route up to the hut at Green Lake and then back to Tatranska Lomnicka. It was raining on the second day, so instead of hiking in the High Tatras, Marcel suggested that we hike in a less exposed area of the Slovakian Paradise, including an amazing hour following a via ferrata at Kysel (with all of the necessary gear)”

Patrik –  showing High Tatra mountains & Strbske Pleso resort

PATRIK

was born in the northern part of Slovakia but has never lived there. He was raised and grew up in Bratislava. When he was younger, Patrik spent a nice year living in Perth, Australia, and had to become a fan of the West Coast Eagles! At that time, he met and came into contact with many interesting people from all around the world, which helped him later in the way how to communicate with people.

After a couple of years living in Vienna, he decided to come back to his hometown and started working in tourism, where he can use his experiences from traveling and transform them into benefits for clients. In his free time, either he rides his chopper or rides his snowboard in Austria, as he is also a certified snowboard instructor. He speaks perfect English and German. He loves showing and guiding travelers through Slovakia, Poland, Czechia, Austria, and Hungary.

One of his many reviews on TripAdvisor:

“The attention to detail in every step along the way from our pickup at our hotel in Vienna to our 4 a.m. departure for the airport was flawless. The itinerary included highlights of Slovakia from Bratislava on one side to Kosice on the other & concluded with our favorite, the Tatras. Our tour also integrated a visit with a family that was assisted by their recommendation of a genealogist. The “icing on the cake” was the tour guide, Patrik, who was a great fit for us-personable & knowledgeable & the key ingredient in meeting our family in their homes in the small villages. His translation & warm personality bridged the cultures.”

Martin with the US clients on Ancestry tour in Liptov region

MARTIN

has been a notorious traveler already from early childhood. He was born and raised in the heart of Slovakia – in the mining town Prievidza looking at beautiful romantic Bojnice castle right from the window of his room. Then his educational path took him further to the east and he enrolled into the Technical University of Kosice – an eastern Slovakian metropolis, known for its St. Elizabeth Cathedral.
After obtaining his engineering degree he moved again, this time went to the west and started his new job in Bratislava –  the capital of Slovakia. The Velvet revolution opened up the borders and enabled Martin to move beyond Slovakian borders. So he lived many years abroad, enjoying the sunshine and easy-going attitude of Australians.
The cycle would not be complete without Martin’s return to the place he always called home, back to Slovakia. He lives in the town of Olympic champions and world-class skiers – in Liptovsky Mikulas, only a few miles from the High Tatra mountains. Martin is an experienced guide-driver and traveler with excellent English, always willing to share his knowledge of history, culture, and traditions with keen fellow travelers.

So if you are willing to experience UNESCO sites, learn about precious metals mining or visit some interesting renaissance towns, medieval castles, and cities or just take a walk in the mountains offering breathtaking views, Martin will take you right there promising life-long experiences and adventure.

His personal motto: “Every tour (like any good pizza) should have four main components – ACTIVITY (walking, hiking – based on your fitness level so you can enjoy your holiday and still remain fit), CULTURE (so you know what it is what motivates Slovaks to get out of bed in the morning), TRADITIONS (so you know what “bryndza” cheese is) and HISTORY (so the puzzle comes all together into one nice picture).”

One of Martin’s many reviews on TripAdvisor: 

“Our guide, Martin, was great! He was a wealth of knowledge about the country and the history of the entire region. We visited some interesting stops along the way to and from Lucky. We truly enjoyed his company and he made the trip pleasant for us.”

Matej or better known as Matt on an Ancestry tour with our US clients

MATEJ

was born and raised in a lovely region of the High Tatra Mountains, full of picturesque valleys, lakes, and mountain cottages. This is probably why he is able to proficiently present to our clients the most adorable places during the tours. He is famous for his “no-frills” approach to historical facts that enable the clients to really enjoy the tours and focus on what really matters.
Matej studied in the USA, England, and Canada, which provided him with solid English language skills that many of his clients appreciate.
Matej is an experienced guide-driver, who guided his clients all over the CEE region and beyond. To his favorite countries belong – Slovakia, Czechia, Poland, Austria, Hungary, Slovenia, and Croatia. Matej’s field of expertise is in city tours, hiking tours, and ancestry tours. He loves an active lifestyle, practices different sports such as skiing, jogging, swimming, cycling.

His personal motto: “Better now than never…”

One of his many reviews on TripAdvisor:

“Jane and Peter, I am Paul, the oldest sibling. I would like to start with the most important element of the trip: Matt. Matt proved to be knowledgeable, well-spoken, humorous, and caring guide. He loves his country and he is enthusiastic about it. The flow of the tour was very good with two nights in each place. The hotels were different and enjoyable. Above all, I found them comfortable. I would readily recommend you and your company to anyone interested in traveling to Slovakia. Thank you for your concern and help, Paul S. / USA“

Peter – showing our Canadian travelers the mighty fortress – the Spiss castle

PETER

Since his childhood, Peter loves strolling around Bratislava – his hometown, but at the same time, he loves High Tatra Mountains – his base camp especially for the summer. Every winter his parents took him to the Slovak mountains for skiing holidays.
Peter’s very first travel started soon after the Velvet Revolution, he visited with his parents  Switzerland and France. He fell in love with traveling and learning foreign languages.

In 2006 he met his future wife Jane and she showed him again the beauty of Slovakia. One of their first holidays was a tour around Slovakia. And here the idea of their future job was born. Showing lovely Slovakia to foreign travelers. Behind everything, there is a love;)

Peter became a professional tour guide, established a privately owned travel company, and started guiding. From the very first tour, he was focused on the highest possible level of quality and attention to detail. After a few years of tours around Slovakia, he added tours to Poland, Czechia, Austria, Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia, and Italy. He also took clients on a 28-day Scandinavian tour, the Best of Romania tour, a tour around France (Cote d’Azur, Lyon, Paris, Bordeaux), and Spain (Barcelona-Valencia-Madrid).

Peter put together a team of top tour guides.
He is responsible for the smoothest and precise tour planning, choosing the best possible tour guide, making the special requests and wishes come true. Peter delivers first-class customer care, quality, and details.

He likes an active lifestyle, eating and living healthy, and practicing different sports. In the winter, he loves skiing in Slovakia (and Austria, France, Switzerland), in the summer it is jogging, swimming, cycling, fitness, hiking, Thai boxing, motorbike riding, and a little bit of yoga with his wife Jane. He lives with his wife Jane and his kids Jacob and Dominik in Small Carpathian hills in a little village Limbach, only a few steps away from his beloved Bratislava.

He does private tours in English, German, Spanish and trying to be much better in Italian.

Peter’s motto: “If you’re not doing what you love, you’re wasting your time.”

One of the very first tours, it was the year 2007. Review on TripAdvisor:

“Our family tour of my father’s homeland was in 2007 – Best of Slovakia Tours inaugural year – and it remains today our most memorable trip. From start to finish all attractions, accommodations, meals, etc. were “A 1”. Peter took care of absolutely all of our needs paying special attention to those of my aging parents. Trip Advisor reviews over the past 10 years concur that the company’s dedication and passion for traveling and creating memorable experiences remain. Congratulations Peter, Jane & Staff! We will continue to recommend your company to family and friends and look forward to touring again with you in the not too distant future. Warmest regards,Bob & Diana (Strba) M. / Canada”

Dear Traveler, do you need a skilled, professional first-class TOUR GUIDE for your lovely Slovakia tour?

Write to us now! Our team is waiting for you.