Mysterious cage

Walking in medieval town

What else to visit in the town’s centre?

Museum of Master Paul, dedicated to life and work of this unique medieval carver and sculptor
Museum of City History, situated in a Renaissance building

Let’s have a coffee break:)

Around Levoca

Majestic Spiss Castle

On the TOP of Spiss castle, Peter with the travelers.

Would you like to visit Levoca town with us?

We visit Levoca on these tours:
1, Best of Slovakia Tour
2, Premium Grand Tour of Slovakia
3, Premium Grand Tour of Slovakia and Czechia
4, Annual, September’s, small group Slovakia Heritage Tour
5, Annual, May’s small group Slovak Ancestry Tour
6, Private custom-made tours

Thank you for reading our travel blog.

Ďakujeme a do skorého videnia! Thank you and see you soon!

Do you need any travel advice, planning a tour or join us on our tours?
We’re ready to help you.

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

A wholehearted welcome

After a pleasant drive through the untouched Eastern Slovak countryside, slightly more than an hour from Kosice city (our base camp for a few nights), we reached the village Tahyna.

We were welcomed by Martin Javor personally. He’s the founder and owner of this private museum. Martin gave us a short introduction before an interesting guided tour enriched with stories. He showed us spectacular pieces that once belonged to Slovaks they left the Old Country on their journey to the New World. The suitcases, newspapers, passports, flags, costumes, furniture and many other objects.

We had a thousand questions, Martin told us about his numerous journeys to the USA and his future plans with the museum and Richard shared his touching story. We were also offered home-made Slivovica (plum brandy) and enjoyed the precious moments sitting under the tree in the garden.

About Kasigarda Museum

The name of the Museum – Kasigarda is a Slovak crumb of the English Castle Garden, the main gate of the immigration office in New York, which every immigrant had to go through. “Kasigarda” accurately reflects the phenomenon of emigration. Illiteracy, ignorance of language, hardship, stress, disappointment, but above all the hope that Kasigard represented for many of our ancestors.

“Emigration is an essential part of Slovak history. It is unbelievable that a third of the Slovak nation emigrated from the last quarter of the 19th century until 1968. For Slovak Americans, the Museum of Emigration will offer powerful insights and artifacts into the lives of Slovaks who sought refuge in North America in the late 19th and early 20th century.”

The museum is in a reconstructed “American style house” located in a remote area near the Slovak-Ukrainian borders. Not to forget to mention that the museum has more than 4000 items which approximately 90 percent are from the USA and Canada.

I recommend the visit to all travelers, but, especially meaningful it is for North American travelers they have their ancestral roots in Slovakia.

Martin Javor and his story

“My great-grandfather left Ťahyňa for work with his wife, leaving at home a young son, my grandfather, whom they had seen 20 years later. These people deserve our respect, and, above all, they deserve our knowledge.
So that their difficult life in America will not be forgotten. It was this ignorance of my own history that led me to the idea of setting up the Museum of Emigration.”

Thank you Martin for your amazing work

We had an incredible time with Martin Javor and adored his passion for preserving it for future generations. We can’t wait to bring here our small groups of US & Canadian travelers.

Ďakujeme krásne a do skorého videnia! Thank you very much and see you soon!

ADD TO YOUR VISIT FAMOUS TOKAJ WINE REGION

We continued to visit the Tokaj wine region, about a 45min drive westwards, where we had a tasty lunch followed by tasting famous Tokaj wines. It was a great experience.

Note:
Make a reservation (recommended at least 2 weeks prior to your arrival).
Get the most out of the visit – book a dinner (roasted duck, red cabbage and dumplings).
Wine tasting –  choose between 6, 10 and 15 samples.

You’ll fall in love with the peaceful Tokaj region, their wines, wine cellars and vineyards.

We regularly visit these wineries  J&J Ostrozovic, Macik, Grand Bari

Museum of Kassigarda
The easiest way is to drive from Kosice city (Presov and / or Bardejov)
Address: Museum of Emigration, Ťahyňská 915/36, 072 14 Pavlovce nad Uhom-Ťahyňa, Slovakia
Phone: +421915878924, More info: Kasigarda

COME, JOIN US AND ENJOY

This summer 2025 we organize a tour for US travelers where we will be visiting the Museum of Kasigarda and Tokaj wine region with wine tasting)

Tour: Slovak Ancestry Tour
Tour type: small group (18-20 US/Canadian travelers)
When: May 13-20, 2025
Tour directors: Michal Razus (genealogist and tour guide) and Peter Blazicek (tour guide)

Private tour suits you better?
Would you like to plan a private ancestry tour and visit Museum Kasigarda and Tokaj?
We’re ready to help you.

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

DAY 1 – arrival to Prague, Czechia

Mom (Carole) has always wanted to see where her Slovakian-born dad and grandparents grew up before they left for the U.S. to pursue the American Dream. So, we’re doing a mother-son week together to find out. We started out today in Prague, Czech Republic, where we walked in the Old Town Square, saw the Prague Astronomical Clock, walked along the Charles Bridge and admired Prague Castle from afar. Tom

DAY 2 – drive to Slovakia

Today was day 2 of our visit to Slovakia to see where my mom’s (Carole) dad and grandparents grew up before departing for America in the 1920’s.

– We left Prague and traveled south to Bratislava, the beautiful capital of Slovakia on the Danube River.

– We started at Devin Castle, which was destroyed by Napoleon in 1809. Most startling were the remnants of the Iron Curtain of Communism and the oppression of the Slovakian people. Our fantastic tour guide Peter Blazicek grew up under Communist Slovakia and told us about the lack of freedoms he never truly appreciated as a child. In fact, his uncle, a doctor (highly educated people were highly discouraged under Communist rule) emigrated to Austria, and the family had to travel to Hungary just to see each other. And this was in the 1980s.

– Next was a look back at World War II and the Soviet liberation of Slovakia and crushing the terrors of Nazi Germany, including the killing of thousands of Slovakian Jewish people.

– We then visited Bratislava Castle and the government buildings, with this city being the seat of the national government.

– We ended the day in Bratislava Main Square, enjoying Slovakian wine and cheese. Mom and I drank an entire bottle of local Slovakian white wine and enjoyed local goat cheese for dinner — and watched the local crowd on a Friday evening.

Tomorrow, we head east to the countryside of Banska Bystrica, which is famous for Slovakian beer!
Great memories and fun times!

DAY 3 – we go to the countryside

Our Mom-Son pilgrimage to Slovakia: We left the big cities from the past two days (Bratislava and Prague) and headed south and east into the small villages and mining towns. The term Banská used before many Slovakia city names marks them as mining towns.

First stop was Banská Štiavnica in central Slovakia. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its well-preserved town square. Silver, gold and copper mining has been the town’s legacy since the third century BC. Key sites are the Old Castle, New Castle, Holy Trinity Square and Kalvária religious sites. The town also is known for traditional Slovak food and local beer (and we sampled both).

Next, we traveled to Banská Bystrica, also known historically for copper mining and for culture today. It was the center of anti-Nazi opposition in Slovakia during World War II. The town is marked by the large center Námestie SNP square, filled with flowers and fountains — and lots of people today due to a wine-tasing festival (which we were happy to join!).

Tomorrow — after we recover from all the beer and wine we drank today in the mining towns — we travel north to the small towns where Mom’s (Carol’s) dad and paternal and maternal grandparents lived before they emigrated from Slovakia for the promise of a better life in America in the 1920’s. We are meeting people in both towns who are direct or indirect relatives of the Kajda and Hussarcssik family on my mom’s dad’s side (from Liptovská Lúžna) and the Dzuriš and Rajtsan family on my mom’s mother’s side (from nearby Liptovská Osada). The older townspeople have invited us to church with them in the morning, a home-cooked Slovak lunch and an afternoon of seeing the two towns together. They are as excited about seeing relatives from America as my mom is about seeing relatives from Slovakia!

Long days — and great memories!

DAY 4 – family re-union

Day 4 of my Mom’s (Carole) visit to Slovakia: Today was very special. While the rest of our time in Slovakia has been about seeing fantastic places, Sunday was all about meeting fantastic people – Slovak relatives. My mom’s dad was born in Slovakia and left for America in the 1920s, and my mom’s maternal grandparents also were born in Slovakia and left for America at about same time. They all moved to southern Ohio, where my mom’s mother was born – all living near cousins in the Martinsky family, also from the same part of Slovakia.

My mom’s lifelong dream has been to see the mountains and villages that her dad – whom she idolized – told her about before he died when she was 14.

Today started by joining Anna for services at the Church of the Holy Trinity in the wonderful village of Liptovská Lúžna, the town that the Kajda and Husarcik families on my mom’s dad’s side helped form. When two people who never have met – separated by nearly 5,000 miles – are both in tears the minute they meet and hug each other, you know a special Slovak bond has been in their hearts for years. Anna is my mom’s cousin and one of the most gracious and welcoming people I ever have met. After church, we enjoyed a wonderful Slovak lunch, music and tour of the town.

Later in the afternoon, Anna joined us on the short drive to the adjacent village of Liptovská Osada, where the Dzuriš and Rajtsan families on my mom’s mother’s side lived. There, we met Margita, whose grandfather was the brother of my mom’s maternal grandfather. She brought old photos, showed us the barn that still exists from where my mom’s grandparents lived and walked us through the old cemetery pointing out historical markers.

Anna then took us on a walk in the beautiful nature that surrounds the regions – between the Lower Tatras mountain range and Veľká Fatra national park. The small but strong Lúžňanka River and the snow-capped mountains in the distance define the region and its incredible beauty.

I captured some cool videos and photos of Mom dancing, laughing and telling old stories with distant relatives – capping a day she described as “one of the most memorable experiences of my life.”

A big thank you to Peter Blazicek, Jana Blazickova, Michal Razus and all the Slovak relatives who made us feel so welcome – and sent us home well-fed, extremely relaxed after drinking 50-plus-proof homemade brandy all day and bags of gifts and incredible memories we never will forget.

DAY 5 – the High Tatras

Slovakia with Mom Day 5: We admired the rolling hills and mountains from afar yesterday. Today, we took a closer look by traveling into the High Tatras mountain range. We hiked, walked, admired the natural beauty and, of course, had more great Slovak food – at 5,000 feet.

Next, we traveled a bit further into eastern Slovakia to visit the medieval town of Levoča, which dates to the 14th century. It is a walled city surrounding the beautiful Basilica of St. James, which has the world’s tallest wooden altar at 61 feet.

Next stop was Spiš Castle, built in the 12 century and the only one in Slovakia to never be conquered by invading enemies. Fun fact: Several movies like Dragonheart and Phoenix were filmed there. To many, Spiš is the iconic symbol of Slovakia, and it appears on nearly every travel video and brochure.

Finally, we headed back to our beautiful hotel in the High Tatras and took a two-mile walk around a mountain lake – listening to nature and having an hour of mom-son one-on-one talking time!

DAY 6 – Orava region

Day 6 of Slovakia with Mom (Carole): Today, we learned a ton about history and the Slovak culture.

We drove north to the Orava region, which borders Poland. When we went to my mom’s dad’s hometown on Sunday, the priest/historian said her ancestors originally were from Orava. The Oravaci people, as they are called, are known to be tough with a strong, tireless work ethic. They traveled in the 1650’s from the bitterly-cold-in-the-winter Orava region to better weather and better jobs in my mom’s dad’s hometown of Liptovská Lúžna.

During our drive today, we passed through the quaint town of Liptovský Mikuláš. Mikuláš is Slovak for St. Nicholas or Santa Claus as we know him in America. Svätý Mikuláš comes on the evening of December 5 and gives presents to good children. Children place their shoes near the door so Svätý Mikuláš can fill them with sweets and fruit the next morning. However, if children have not been good, they receive garlic, onion or coal in their shoes. This tradition of St. Nicholas Day is one Debbie Day and I have continued each year with our own girls – as we loved it so much from our time living in Europe in the late 1990s.

For Christmas, December 24 is the most important part of the holiday in Slovakia. Most families enjoy a Christmas dinner and open all their gifts that evening. The dinner often includes eating a wafer coated with garlic and honey for blessings in the year ahead. Fish typically is the main dish – and, sometimes, Slovak families keep fresh carp in the bathtub several days before Christmas Eve for the freshest fish possible at the family meal.

Speaking of holidays, many of the places we have been visiting are still decorated for Easter. Unlike America, Easter Monday has special significance in Slovakia – with young men visiting the homes of young women, gently whipping them with fresh-cut willow-tree branches or dumping a bucket of cold water on them. After, the young lady invites the young man into the house and gives him beautifully decorated Easter eggs. The tradition is meant to promote good health and beauty for the women in the year ahead.

Also interesting is being here on April 30, known as the “night of witches” in Slovakia. It’s when Slovaks gather around bonfires to burn “the spirits of witches.” April 30 was the day when evil forces were believed to reach their peak after the long, cold and dark winter months. Burning witches is a cathartic act meant to cleanse the air.

It’s also the eve of a national public holiday, May 1 – or “May Day.” This spring tradition dates to the 6th century. In every city we visited today, we saw “May poles” – or “máj.” A long fir, spruce, birch or pine tree is peeled off the bark and branches, leaving only the green top. They then are decorated with various paper and cloth ribbons.

During our travels today, we also saw several wooden homes and churches – often with onion- or helmet-shaped domes. Also interesting was the historic Orava Castle, which was designed to protect Slovakia-Hungary from invaders from Poland (only 30 minutes away). From 1867 until 1918, Slovakia was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. From 1918 to 1992, it was part of Czechoslovakia. Modern Slovakia has been an independent country since 1993.

We called it a day by spending the night in a hotel built underneath the historic castle in Trenčín, which dates to Roman times. And, of course, we enjoyed even more great Slovak food and wine!

DAY 7 – Small Carpathians & Good Bye Slovakia

Slovakia with Mom (Carole) Day 7 – the finale: Today, we said “goodbye” to beautiful Slovakia and prepared for our journey back home tomorrow.

First, though, we headed west to Trnava, which is called the “Little Rome” of Slovakia with its Roman roots and city walls dating to the 16th century. The town is filled with countless churches, underscoring its role in the Counter-Reformation that restored Catholicism to this part of Slovakia. While Mom sat in the city square enjoying a tea and traditional Slovak veterník – a dessert that reminds me of the Sanders Hot Fudge Cream Puffs we love in Detroit – I climbed to the top of the town clock tower.

Next, we headed to Modra, known throughout the country for its wine and pottery. While the Czech Republic is known for crystal, Slovakia is known for the art of pottery-making. Pottery-making here dates to the 14th century and is serious business – audited regularly by the government to ensure it conforms to historic procedures and painting.

Our fantastic tour leader and friend Peter and his wife, Jana, hosted us for lunch in their home in Pezinok, just outside of Bratislava. We once again had wonderful Slovak homemade food, including red lentil soup, pork medallions, grilled vegetables and what their two terrific sons call “Corona cake,” as it’s a recipe they mastered during the pandemic’s lockdown.

Finally, we made the short drive from Bratislava to Vienna, Austria – where we will fly home in the morning – and enjoyed a formal night at the Wiener Mozart Orchestra for a production of Mozart’s Don Giovanni and The Magic Flute.

What an incredible week it has been – making special memories with new relatives in Slovakia, seeing an absolutely beautiful country for the first time and enjoying seeing my mom smiling widely.

As mentioned in a prior post, Mom lost the Slovakia-born dad whom she idolized at age 14, was forced to leave home at 16 and grew up during World War II in a house that shunned the family’s Slovak roots for fear of being associated with the Nazis. (Nazi Germany occupied Slovakia from 1944 until the war’s end – when my mom was 7 years old.) Mom always has dreamed of seeing the country that her dad described to her before he died and of being able to proudly say “Som Slovák” – “I’m Slovak.” This morning, she told me, “Slovakia feels like home, and being here made me feel like I have part of my dad back.” Also, receiving emails already from our new Slovak relatives calling Mom “Grandma Karolinka from America” has been a big hit.

Huge thanks to the many people who made us feel so welcome and arranged plans and details this week, including Peter Blazicek, Jana Blazickova, Michal Razus and Katarína Kettrinn and family. Big thanks, too, to the many family and friends who commented lovingly and put up with my unusually long-winded social media posts.

Zbohom, Slovensko, kým sa znova neuvidíme! (Farewell, Slovakia, until we see you again!)

A bit of Slovakia in Detroit

Slovakia with Mom (Carole) update: When we were in my mom’s dad’s hometown in Slovakia on April 28, she took some of the country back home to Detroit to put on his grave. (Mom’s dad described how beautiful Slovakia was to her before he died when she was only 14.) Today, we brought Slovakia back to him and his resting place after 72 years.

We, at Best Slovakia Tours – Travel Team, are grateful for being part of the tour.
Dovidenia! Good bye! Peter, Jana, Miso

Would you like to plan a private ancestry tour?
We’re ready to help you.

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

HIGH TATRA MOUNTAINS with KRIVAN PEAK

I can’t have enough of these views. The high Tatra Mountains.
Our first stop on our long journey from Bratislava towards Spiss castle is   Levoca town. An especially well-preserved town (on UNESCO World Heritage list since 2009) is famous for its still standing fortification walls and a church of St. James with the highest wooden-wing, late gothic altar in the world.

LEVOCA town – church of St. James and former renaissance town hall

A short history overview

First written records of nowadays Levoca town go back to 1249, it was known as a settlement Leucha. It was a prosperous settlement due to the perfect location on the intersections of several ancient trade roads (Via Magna). Within a short time, it was a centre of the German colonization in Spiss region, later it became a free royal town.
Trade was the most important here, people from Levoca used to do business with Poland, Hungary and other countries. Levoca also became one of the main centres of renaissance and humanism in Hungary.

Master Paul from Levoca, the famous woodcarver, came to Levoca around 1500 (from Poland or Germany) is the author of the highest altar (18.6 meters tall). It took him and his students 10 years to finish it.
A must-to-see is the Roman-catholic church of St. James (14th century) as well as the tiny museum of Master Paul located nearby. Levoca has a huge medieval square surrounded by renaissance houses and the town centre protects 2.5km long medieval fortification walls.

Next to the church, a beautiful former town hall is situated, nowadays a museum of Levoca. Admire Thurzo house located on the square (nowadays a state archive of the Ministry of Interior has a seat there).

Marianska hora – above the town is a pilgrimage place. The oldest pilgrimage place in eastern Slovakia with more than 700 years of history.
In 1995, during the visit of Pope John Paul II, there were more than 650 000 happy pilgrims.

And now we can move to the mighty fortress which belongs among the largest castle ruins of Central Europe.
Spišský Hrad or Spiss castle is located on the top of the hill and it is simply beautiful from far away as well as from the inside.

On the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1993 is not only Spiss castle (Spišský hrad), but also Spiss chapter (Spišská capitula), Spiss podhradie (Spišské podhradie) and church of the Holy Spirit in Zehra village.

Its history started in the 12th century, the castle originally belonged to the ruling kings from Arpad and Anjou dynasties, later dynasties Zapolsky, Thurzo and for many centuries,  the last owners – the Csaky family.

In the castle area, you can visit a castle’s chapel of St. Elisabeth of Hungary, kitchen, torture chamber or climb up to the tower called “Don’t be afraid” where you can enjoy breathtaking views.

1780 there was a fire in the castle and since then the castle was turned into a ruin.

For groups up to 7, we use this luxury suite on the wheels, fully equipped Mercedes Benz V class. An absolute comfort on longer journeys. Mineral water, sparkling wine or beer? Everything you can find onboard;)

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 definitely visit Spiss region on our Best of Slovakia Tour,  Grand Tour of Slovakia, Slovakia-Czechia tour or on 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

HIGH TATRAS / VYSOKE TATRY

Tatransky narodny park is the oldest one, established on January 1, 1949, and from 1993 creates a biospheric reservation UNESCO.
Located in the north of Slovakia, divided into Western Tatras, High Tatras, and Belianske Tatras.

It has the highest peaks of Slovakia with 25 peaks over 2500m, the highest – Gerlachovsky peak (2656m), the 2nd highest – Lomnicky peak (2634m), and the symbol of Slovak mountains, the Krivan peak (2494m).

While the highest one is pretty hidden and not visible from the distance, the Krivan is visible from far away and the Lomnicky peak can be conquered by cable car too and there is the highest Cafe Dedo.

What is typical for the High Tatras? The top of the peaks is rocky, with only lichens and Moses. In lower elevations are dwarf pines and in the valleys, you can find spruces and firs.

Among the animals, up in the mountains, you can find eagles, Chamonix (mountain goats), brown bears, marmots. And from flowers not to forget to mention the precious and protected alpine gentian.

Attractions tourists love and admire are deep valleys with hiking trails, waterfalls, the highest is Kmetov waterfall with 80m.

On your walking/hiking tour, you will discover numerous mountain lakes (horske plesa). The biggest and deepest is Velke Hincovo Pleso, but Strbske Pleso is undoubtedly the most famous (walks around belong to very popular activity for people of all ages and physical activity. And of course, there are more than 100 of them.

While on a hiking tour, take a break in the mountain cottages (horske chaty), they are spread out in different elevations, the oldest one is Rainer Cottage, the very favorite among tourists are Green lake cottage, Zamkovska cottage, Teryho cottage, Highway’s cottage and many more.
They not only offer a fast refreshment, but also tasty soups such as lentil, goulash, or garlic soup and tasty main courses and desserts. Worth stopping and relax. You can have an overnight in such cottages too.

Never visited a cave? There is one accessible cave – Belianska cave and it is really worth visiting it.

Our tip for great Traditional Slovak meals and drinks are these Koliba restaurants: Koliba Patria (in Strbske Pleso resort), Koliba Zerucha, and Koliba Kamzik in Stary Smokovec.

We offer an amazing and enjoyable Guided Hiking Tour in High Tatras

LOW TATRAS / NIZKE TATRY

National Park of Low Tatras, established in 1978, it is the largest park located in central Slovakia.
The highest peak is Dumbier (2043m), the second is Chopok (2024m), and the third is Kralova Hola (1946m).

For this park are typical long valleys, deep canyons, and steep rocks. Hikers really love the famous ridge hiking, you can also rest in several cottages such as Kamenna chata (Stone cottage).

Famous and attractive for visitors are the caves Demanovska Ice cave and the Demanovska Cave of Liberty.

From the southern side of Low Tatras, there is famous hiking from the sheep farm to sheep farm and trying of local milk and milk products.

From the animals, chamois and marmots can be seen, but there are also bears, lynxes. Upon the hills, there are grass and dwarf pines, in lower elevations mixed forests such as beech, spruce, and fir.

Get the most out of your vacations on our Guided Hiking Tour in Low Tatras

SLOVAK PARADISE / SLOVENSKY RAJ

This national park was established in 1988, it is really a hiker’s paradise with 300 kilometers of trails.
Typical are deep gorges with waterfalls, canyons, adrenaline trails with chains, ladders, and bridges. The highest peak is Predna Hola (1545m).

Around 350 caves are in the underground, but only one is accessible to the public – world-famous Dobsinska Ice cave, unique and since 2000 listed in UNESCO.

Most favorite for hikers are tours to Sucha Bela and Velky Sokol and to enjoy stunning views from the terrace of Tomasovsky view. You can see the High Tatras from here.
River Hornad created passes, canyons, valleys, and waterfalls. The longest canyon tour is Prielom Hornadu.

On our hikes with clients, we often do lunch pick nicks in this beautiful park. The fresh rolls, baguettes, different cheeses, from farmer’s markets vegetables. It tastes so good 😉

Spruce forests cover 90 percent of the area and from animals, the most common are deers,  bears, lynxes, bears, and wolves. In this park, there is the highest density of butterflies in Slovakia.

Come with us and book now your Guided Hiking Tour in Slovak Paradise

PIENINY NATIONAL PARK

It lies in northern Slovakia and it is the smallest in size (established in 1967). Famous for this park is wonderful scenery with meandering river Dunajec creating the natural border with Poland.

The top tourist attraction is rafting on wooden rafts, where you can enjoy stunning views of the Three Crowns (Tri Koruny) peaks.

In the area, you can admire a unique agricultural landscape with small fields, meadows, and pastures with typical hay piles special for the Zamagurie region.

Not to forget to mention is Red Monastery / Cerveny Klastor, where two different types of monks used to live – the Cartesian and the Camaldulsian monks.
The most famous Camaldusian monk – Cyprian was very passionate about science, some of his nicknames are “the doctor of the thousand sciences”, “the master of thousands of crafts” or “the flying monk”. He also collected herbs and left the Oldest Preserved Herbarium in Slovakia.

Book our most popular Grand Tour of Slovakia to enjoy this a bit hidden but not less spectacular national park.

MALA FATRA NATIONAL PARK

Situated in north-western Slovakia in the Zilina region was established in 1988.

What is famous for this park? Canyons, gorges, and ridge hiking.

Hiking in Mala Fatra is a very favorite also for less experienced hikers, they love tours such as Janosikove Diery (Upper and lower holes) and up to peaks Maly and Velky Rozsutec in Vratna valley (you can also use a cable car to get to the top). The highest peak is Velky Krivan (1709m).

Visit to traditional village Terchova is a must with a stop in one of several Koliba restaurants for trying Slovak meals & drinks. This village is a birthplace of a Slovak national hero – highwayman Juraj Janosik(1688-1713).

We’ve been here a thousand times and will take you here again
Take an amazing Guided Hiking Tour in Mala Fatra

VELKA FATRA NATIONAL PARK

Established in 2002 with the highest peak Ostredok (1596m). It offers meadows, pastures, but also lovely valleys (such as the longest valley in Slovakia – Lubochnianska valley) with rich fauna and flora.

Brown bear, wolf, and lynx live here. From the trees, dominant are beeches, they cover almost 90% of the territory. In Harmanecka valley, there are also spread out special yew trees.

Visitors really like walking tours in this park and there is also a lovely little mountain village inscribed on UNESCO. It is Vlkolinec settlement and it is recommended to come and spend some beautiful time here.

Cave lovers can find Harmanecka cave, the only one accessible to the public.

NATIONAL PARK MURANSKA PLANINA

Established in 1997, located in central and eastern Slovakia.

Typical is wild mountain karstic landscape and probably the biggest attraction is 13 century Muran castle ruin, one of the highest situated castles of Slovakia. The views are stunning.

Animals? Brown bear, lynx, and wolf. Trees? Oaks, beeches, spruces.

NATIONAL PARK OF SLOVAK KARST / SLOVENSKY KRAS

Established in 2002, located in the southern part of Slovakia near the border with Hungary, it is the largest karstic area in Central Europe. The highest peak is Pipitka (1225m).

What is typical for this park? No doubt, it is the highest concentration of underground forms. More than 1350 caves and gorges are present here and in 1995 there were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

There are 5 caves accessible to the public: Ochtinska araganotiva cave, Domica, Gombasecka, Krasnohorska and Jasovska.

NATIONAL PARK OF POLONINY

The easternmost and most remote Slovak national park is situated where three frontiers meet, the Slovak, Polish and Ukrainian.

It was established in 1997. Because of the special value of original beech and fir-beech forests and the primeval forests, in 2007 it has been listed on the UNESCO list.

We believe you got motivated and come to visit our green, picturesque and untouched national parks.

Do you love walking in nature, mountain hiking, and adventures?
Simply take a look at Hiking Tours in Slovakia or Request a Private tour.

Thank you for sharing with your friends and keep reading our Travel Blogs.
We travel constantly and bring you always updated news.

Peter Blazicek, CEO & founder and as always a passionate traveler

The conference was very well organized by Czechoslovak Genealogical Society International (CGSI, with the, headquarter in St. Paul, Minnesota). Their main purpose is promoting genealogical research among descendants of ethnic groups who comprised the former nation of Czechoslovakia and other nations.

For comprehensive information about this society, visit Czechoslovak Genealogical Society International.

On this 3 day (we were there 3 full days as vendors) conference we got a chance to meet professionals, we took part in different workshops and knew lots of interesting facts about the arrival of Slovaks, Czechs, Ruthenians to the USA, back in the 1880-1920s and after.

Why the Slovak immigrants chose Pittsburgh as their new destination?

It was not by chance, Pittsburgh was at the end of the 19th century an industrial center for steel mills and coal mines. Along the Ohio River, there were factories, they gave the job for the newcomers.
The beginnings were very difficult and often dangerous, but it was the new Hope, the new Beginning.

Our friends Rudy and Marsha gave us a few-hour tour around the Old part of the town, showed us Pittsburgh from the top of Mt. Washington, brought us to the Strip area, and recommended us to trie the famous Pittsburgh Sandwiches. We knew more about the Pittsburgh Steelers and found out that it was a completely different city now from what it once used to be.

We also took part in the evening dinners and of course on Kroj – traditional Folk costume parade. I had a short speech introducing ourselves and have mentioned “It is our first America visit, our first Genealogical conference participation and our first time in Kroj parade ;)”. We truly enjoyed the evening.

We were very happy we could meet a Slovak-American icon, famous for her Love for Slovakia. Helene has been organizing tours to Slovakia for more than 25 years. Helene was very interested in our private small group tours and we exchanged lots of experiences. She was so friendly, enthusiastic, full of humor and energy from the early morning sessions up to the very last evening Folk Dance and Folk Costume Parade.

We promoted our lovely Slovakia at the conference and shared a booth with Judith Northup-Bennett, our partner for Slovakia Heritage Tours (tours with fixed departures every September since 2011).

People were curious about our offer of specialized Ancestry Private Tours where we help to connect the travelers and their Slovak relatives, organize family reunions, taking photos, and making videos.

And above all, we introduced them to the work of our specially trained professional Guide-driver-translators. They are essential.

I am personally responsible for every single private tour planning (from the first email contact up to the final, detailed itinerary), making use of knowing every corner of Slovakia (In the last 10 years, I probably visited every village even the smallest one and most of the churches, cemeteries and other sites).

How do we start with a precise Ancestry Private tour planning?

First of all, we ask for the travel dates, group size, and special requests. Secondly, we ask you to get as much information about your ancestors as possible. If needed detailed archive research, we connect you with our long-term partner – a professional genealogist.

Once we have collected all the necessary information, we will start putting together the day-by-day itinerary with a focus on the area where your ancestors came from.

We will arrange the meetings with your relatives and prepare everything for your visit.

We will add our passion for this unique experience, 10 years of travel experiences, travel tips, and of course the gastronomical delights, where and what to try;).

To read reviews before the tour planning is an essential idea, but, even better is to speak to our past visitors.

Thank you for reading our Travel Blog about our Czech-Slovak Genealogical conference.

Feel Free to get Free Travel Advice from our experts and a Non-obligatory draft itinerary with estimated costs for your Ancestry Tour in Slovakia.

Most of them were demolished at the end of the 18th century (1775-78 Maria Theresia, Austrian empress & Hungarian Queen ordered to demolish the city walls in Bratislava, see picture above), but you still can see them almost intact in 2 Slovak towns, while in the others there are now just remnants.

In Slovakia, most of the written evidence about the town establishments we have from the first half of the 13th century.

After the Tartar invasion (in the years 1241-1242) to upper Hungary (present-day Slovakia), the Hungarian king Bela IV. ordered to build the stone castles.

Later, at the beginning of the 14th century, when the towns became prosperous, they started building defensive walls. Later, they re-built them and made them higher in the 16th century, after the catastrophic Battle of Mohacs in 1526 where the winners were the Turks who started besieging and conquering Hungary and other countries.

There are 7 medieval towns we have mentioned here which we visit regularly on our tours as we consider them very special, picturesque and charming. Some of them are famous and even listed in UNESCO World Heritage List (Bardejov, Levoca), others are less visited, but charming such as Kremnica, Skalica, Trnava, Trencin. And Kosice, the 2nd largest Slovak city, is fascinating and the heart of the old town – the square according to some of our travelers is the most beautiful, green and lively. And I completely agree.

BARDEJOV town

Undoubtedly absolutely best-preserved medieval town with still-standing original defensive walls. Nowadays located out-of-the-beaten track, hidden in the northeastern Slovakia, but during the medieval times, there was an important ancient trade route going through this town, connecting the Baltic sea (the North) with the Black sea (the South).

The first written mention comes from 1241. It was king Louis I. from the Anjou dynasty who in 1352 ordered to build the fortification walls around the town. A few years later, in 1376, he granted the town another important privilege – Free Royal Town. Also, other kings such as Sigismund of Luxemburg and Matthias Corvinus supported Bardejov, which became a very developed and prosperous Hungarian town with around 50 guilds present. Even nowadays, almost the whole historical square is surrounded by fortification walls (many parts are original from the 14th century, some parts are already new but on original foundations).

What do we recommend?

A slow-paced stroll around the defensive walls, admire the different types of bastions and visit the Town’s square surrounded by 3 sides by fairy-tale houses. The Church of St. Egidius is a must. Climb the church tower too to get the stunning views and enter the museum of the town’s history in a stunning Renaissance building (former town hall). Some of my travelers described this town with all gems which it has to offer as a Text Book of history.

Once in Bardejov, don’t forget to discover the area. Bardejov Spa, located only a few minutes by car, is famous for healing mineral water tried by Maria Louisa (the wife of Napoleon Bonaparte), the Russian Tsar Alexander I, and also the Austrian empress Elisabeth.
Worth visiting is also an open-air museum where you can admire 19th-century houses from different villages (removed and replaced in this museum), such as peasant’s house, mayor’s house, wooden church, or stalls.

LEVOCA town

is another gem, firstly mentioned as a settlement in 1249, located on a significant ancient trade route Via Magna, which became a Free Royal Town in 1323. Similarly, as Bardejov, it is the town with most of the original still standing defensive walls and city gates. You can admire them by walking around.

The first thing which comes to my mind when I hear Levoca is the famous woodcarver Master Paul of Levoca. Start your Levoca visit by visiting the roman-catholic parish church of St. James and see the masterpiece from Master Paul – the world’s largest late gothic wooden wing altar, 18.6 meters high and 6 meters wide. It is truly amazing. (Of course, there is much more waiting for you to discover in this church, such as 14th-century frescoes on the wall and many side altars too).

Other sights to admire – the authentic burgher houses on the square, cage of Shame, Renaissance building (former town hall), Master Paul’s workshop, Thurzo’s house.

If you have more time, take a walk up to the top of Marianska Hill. Levoca is the Slovak oldest and most famous pilgrimage place where thousands of pilgrims from different countries each July walk and pray. The biggest pilgrimage gathering was here in 1995, in the presence of Pope John Paul II. More than 650 000 pilgrims came here.

KREMNICA town

one of the most significant central Slovakian mining towns where you can admire a castle with fortification walls.

Of course, Kremnica has a lot more than some remnants of the walls and a castle, it is nicknamed a Golden town and became famous in the 14th century for gold production, actually for the most gold extracted in the whole Kingdom of Hungary. King Charles Robert from Anjou granted this town privileges and established here a mint, soon afterward minting of Kremnica’s Ducats began. They were used as a valuable means of payment until 1919.

What is worth visiting?

Of course, the Mint Museum and a stroll around the square.
Did you know that in the surrounding Kremnica hills – there is a symbolical middle of Europe, a monument near the church of St. John the Baptist near Kremnicke Bane village?

SKALICA town

This charming little town close to the Czech borders, nicknamed also as the Pearl of the Zahorie region, also has some parts of the former fortification system. And 12th century Rotunda.
Skalica was firstly mentioned in the year 1256. In 1372, King Luis I. granted Skalica the privilege of the Free Royal Town, later king Sigismund of Luxemburg granted other privileges and Skalica became an important commercial, cultural and spiritual center.

What to visit?

Gothic church of St. Michael, evangelical church, Franciscan monastery, Jesuit church and monastery, and Synagogue is definitely recommended. From the more recent history, admire the so-called cultural house on the square, built in the Secession style in 1905 according to plans of famous Slovak architect Dusan Jurkovic.

Once in Skalica, try the specialties of this region – the famous red wine called Skalicky Rubin and the sweet delicacy Skalicky Trdelnik cake.

TRNAVA town

Has 11 Roman-Catholic churches, an Evangelical church, and a Synagogue. The most important decree comes from king Bela IV. from 1238 when he granted this town the privileges of the Free Royal Town and the town started to prosper.

This was the reason why they started building the first fortification walls, bastions, and gates in the middle of the 13th century, later in the 14th century they started using bricks. In total it had 3km with 35 towers, the height of the walls was 10meters and thickness up to 2meters 30cm. As Trnava was for almost 300 years a significant cultural and spiritual center of Hungary (after 1543 when the Turks conquered Esztergom town and the archbishop moved here).

It is also a great idea to visit the area around. What about Smolenice castle (re-built by its last owner from the famous Palfy dynasty) in Small Carpathians or a classist mansion house in Dolna Krupa, a place where world-famous composers Ludwig van Beethoven composed Moonlight Sonata.

The city of KOSICE

Firstly mentioned as Villa Cassa in 1230, from here the name Cassovia, German Kaschau, Hungarian Kassa, and later, Slovak name Kosice.

Tartar invasion devastated the town, however, soon afterward a skillful craftsmen & tradesmen especially from the Saxony region (Germany) started coming and settling down. The business started being prosperous and the town was surrounded by a very sophisticated fortification system with two entrance gates, several bastions, and several water moats.

Kosice town lied on an important trade route (similar to Bardejov, Presov, Levoca) connecting the Baltic and Black sea. It was a meeting point of rich and influential businessmen from the whole of Europe.

Kosice became a Free Royal Town in 1342 and as the first town in Europe, on 7 May 1369, they got the first coat of arms. (May 7 is nowadays the Day of the City of Kosice).

What to enjoy?

Stroll the square – it is a magical place with the largest gothic cathedral in Slovakia – St. Elisabeth Cathedral. Enter and enjoy. There are lovely green city parks, especially the one with a singing fountain is our favorite one. Discover more, little side streets, a famous lane of crafts (blacksmith, pottery workshop, and a lovely little café with homemade desserts). If you would like to see a short movie about the development of the city and its walls, go to Miklus’s museum.

TRENCIN town

Always connected with one of the most powerful leaders, Matthew Czak of Trencin, nicknamed the Lord of Vah river and Tatra mountains who made from an existing castle a mighty never conquered fortress.

It is worth mentioning the famous inscription on the rock – left here by Roman soldiers saying that in 179AD, there was a Roman military camp with approx. 855 soldiers. It is the easternmost evidence of the presence of the Romans on our territory. If you climb up to the castle, you can admire former fortification walls (still visible in some parts). In the past, there were several important visits of the kings, probably the most important one was in 1335, a meeting of the Hungarian king Charles Robert and his son Luis I. with the Czech king John of Luxemburg and the Polish famous king Kazimierz the Great. They negotiated peace after many years of conflicts between Poland and Bohemia.

Trencin became a Free Royal town in 1412 (king Sigismund of Luxemburg).
As you can see, historically important and nowadays a perfect stop once you travel between Bratislava and Central Slovakia.

We hope you enjoyed reading about the Medieval towns of Slovakia.

Would you like to visit some of these towns and get the most out of your holiday? Simply have a look at

our offer of tours and trips in Slovakia

or Request a Private tour.

Thank you for sharing with your friends and keep reading our Travel Blogs. We travel constantly and bring you always the updated news.

Next week about the Beauty of National Parks in Slovakia. Tips from locals, Advice from experienced guides, and much more. Stay with us 😉

DEVIN CASTLE

Situated in the beautiful scenery of protected natural reserve, only 15 minutes from Bratislava’s Old Town, one of the oldest castles in Slovakia – Devin Castle – sits on a top of 200 m high rock hill and guards, since the very first centuries, the confluence of two rivers: Danube and Morava.

Settled already in Neolithic times, the first fort was built here by the Celtic population to become later a strategic Roman military fortress. Its position was crucial in the past since it overlooked ancient trade routes going along the Danube.

The castle played an important role in the Great Moravian Empire and that´s when its first written mention dates back to 864 as Dowina which is a Slavic word meaning „a girl“.

In 1809 Napoleon’s troops blew it up and destroyed it significantly. That´s why today we can see just the remaining but still with a long and colorful history and most of all with a magnificent panoramic view of both Slovakia and Austria.

This is also the place where the former Iron Curtain directly went through and cut Slovakia off from Austria and „the West“ during the Communist era. At that time this area was one of the most heavily guarded ones in the country and many people were killed here in their attempt to flee the regime to Austria. A memorial below the castle commemorates all the victims, not a shortlist at all.

Devin area is also typical for a special blackcurrant wine production which is awaiting you, too ☺ So don’t hesitate! Come, see and taste!

BANSKA STIAVNICA

A gem among the towns of Slovakia situated in the heart of Štiavnica hills – less than two hours from Bratislava, was one of the first Slovak places subscribed to the list of UNESCO World Cultural Heritage.

When a volcano erupted here about 15 million years ago, it predestined the fate of a man and nature in this region for a long time and precious metals such as gold and silver found their way to the surface.

Take a walk and explore a charming medieval town with a unique mining history and atmosphere.

An unusual down-the-hill square of the Holy Trinity with a beautiful plague column welcomes you in the center and you can start to explore the mining history of this region in the mining museums, mining tunnels, two different castles both built as anti-Turkish fortresses, two different churches in two different styles – the catholic late Gothic St.Catherine´s Church and the protestant Baroque Church.

As a highlight of your visit, you cannot omit one of the most beautiful Baroque calvaries in Europe, located on a hill and offering a magnificent view of all the splendid natural surroundings.

Slovak specialties of this region are a must and the cozy restaurants hidden in the medieval streets are happy to welcome you. The local brewery ERB (THE COAT OF ARMS) offers a genuine Slovak beer! ☺

Come, explore, and take back home in your heart!

CACHTICE CASTLE

Have you ever heard of a female serial murderer? Not really? Less than two hours from Bratislava the ruins of mysterious Čachtice castle stand up on a hill and whisper the history of the „bloody countess“ Elizabeth Bathory who lived here at the turn of the 16th to 17th century and with her sadist habits tortured and killed more than 500 young girls. Why not take a bath in their blood and stay young and beautiful forever, right?

A true story or a myth?

Come and re-discover the mystery hidden in the picturesque natural surrounding and take a walk through the picturesque village below the castle with beautiful Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture! ☺

SMALL CARPATHIAN WINE ROUTE

Are you a passionate wine-taster? If yes, then the Small Carpathian Wine Route is exactly for you! No high hills, no deep valleys… small but still beautiful – the Small Carpathian mountains for about 100 km decorate the horizon all the way along the western side of Slovakia, starting right in Bratislava.

This is where the history of fertile vineyards and wine production goes back as far as to the Celtic period, 7th century BC. and connects former royal towns Svätý Jur, Pezinok, and Modra and a chain of small villages with viticultural tradition.

Would you like to taste new unique Slovak varieties such as Dunaj or Devín? Or possibly the most commonly grown ones here such as Veltlínské zelené (Grüner Veltliner), Rizling vlašský (Welschriesling), Rizling rýnsky (Riesling) or Frankovka modrá (Blaufränkisch)?

This region is happy to welcome you! The largest underground cellars in Central Europe can be found in one of the best-preserved castles in Slovakia – the Red Stone Castle. Come, visit and travel back in time with its precious collection of historic furniture, weapons, and fine arts from all around Slovakia! ☺

BOJNICE CHATEAU

What would it be like to live in a real-life fairy-tale? One of the most visited and beautiful castles in Slovakia – Bojnice Castle – makes you try this idea. It is no coincidence that many filmmakers chose this splendid castle, built in the 12th century, as their filming stage.

No surprise that National Geographic Programme listed this castle among the TOP 10 castles in Europe in 2017!

Unique folk architecture with geometrical patterns originated some 200 years ago, in a small village of Čičmany, is a hidden gem of Strážov mountains.

One of the most famous open-air museums in Slovakia is ready to introduce you to the lovely traditional wooden houses, folk costumes, and customs of our ancestors!

TRENCIN TOWN

If you think the Roman Emperors stayed mostly in Rome, the opposite is true. About 2000 years ago the legions of one of the most powerful empires in history together with their Emperor Marcus Aurelius reached this area and set up their military camp known as Laugaricio right under the Trenčín castle.

The historically precious Latin inscription on the castle rock recalls the Roman presence and victory over the Quadi in 179 AD here. The castle above the rock was once a residence of one of the most influential oligarchs in the country in the early 14th century – Matthew Csak – who seized two-thirds of the territory of present-day Slovakia.

Many different exhibitions, medieval games, and attractive night sightseeing are organized at the castle throughout the year. The pleasant medieval Old Town below the castle offers a gorgeous walk through its narrow streets with different architectural styles.

Apart from being polite and helpful locals, Trenčín also has a great selection of pubs, restaurants, and cafes with a special comfortable atmosphere.

Come and breathe the history here!

DRINY CAVE

Hardly anyone would look for an elephant ear below the Earth´s surface, right? In western Slovakia, less than 60 km from Bratislava, a breathtaking underground world full of special limestone stalactites and unique dripstone shapes (such as the elephant´s ear:) is hidden in the Small Carpathian mountains.

Driny Cave is the only accessible cave in this region and one of the main tourist attractions. A complex of narrow passages and small halls offers a 450 m long tour which is definitely a unique experience.

Don´t miss this natural marvel so close to Bratislava!

VIENNA CITY

Is the history, music, and arts or high-quality shopping what interests you the most?

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Franz Schubert, Johann Strauss, Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele, Sissi – the Empress Elisabeth of Austria, Sigmund Freud… these well-known personalities of music, fine art, Austro Hungarian empire´s history or psychoanalysis are just a tiny fragment of everything what the capital of Austria – Vienna – has to reveal you.

The historical city center with St.Stephen´s Cathedral, the imperial Hofburg complex, Schönbrunn or Belvedere palaces, Staatsoper, and Burgtheater form the unique heart of this imperial and music city on the Danube.

Albertina houses one of the largest and most important print rooms in the world with approximately 65,000 drawings.

On top of all don´t miss the opportunity to try the typical Viennese specialties such Wiener Schnitzel or Sacher cake!

BUDAPEST CITY

„The Paris of the East“ – this is just one of many awesome nicknames Budapest was attributed. Why? For many people the Hungarian capital is one of the most beautiful capitals of the world thanks to its stunning setting along the two banks of the Danube, combining tremendous medieval history, wonderful architectural heritage with a unique atmosphere.

Budapest is full of architectural gems, charming streets, and pleasant parks. The river Danube cuts the city into two parts: Buda and Pest which are different.

Pest is completely flat (this includes downtown Budapest), while Buda is a hilly area, and includes two of the most popular vantage points of the city: Castle Hill and Gellért Hill. Definitely, the best place to enjoy the panoramic view of the city and admire the European third largest Parliament built right on the river bank.

Budapest is also famous for its numerous (more than 120) steaming thermal baths and that´s what makes it a paradise, too!

So come and visit the romantic „Pearl on the Danube“!

CARNUNTUM – FORMER ROMAN MILITARY CAMP

You don´t need to travel far from Bratislava to see ancient Roman history. Less than half an hour from the Slovakian capital, The Carnuntum Archeological Park offers a fabulous journey back to Roman times in its open-air museum which stands right on a place of a former Roman military center of the Roman province Pannonia.

The history was definitely reconstructed in a unique way here!

Get the latest info about this spectacular place: Römerstadt Carnuntum.

Special attractions include numerous reconstructed Roman buildings and an ancient amphitheater, too.

Feel free to travel back in time and experience the Roman Empire!

ZOO PARK SCHONNBRUNN – VIENNA

Schönbrunn Zoo in Vienna is the world’s oldest zoo and has already been for several times voted Europe’s best zoo.

This was the first place in the world to see the birth of an African elephant and the birth of a panda baby.
The zoo is also comprised of a Desert House where the flora and fauna of the driest regions on Earth can be explored.

Opening hours and detailed information on Tiergarten Schönnbrunn.

So are you ready to see what more than two million visitors every year don´t want to miss here?

Thank you for reading our Travel Blog about TOP 11 Day Trips from Bratislava.
The next Travel Blog will be about UNESCO Heritage sights in Slovakia.

Would you like to Get the Most out of your Bratislava stay?
Look what we offer: Bratislava Top Day Trips.

Book & Enjoy your day with our excellent Guide/drivers.

Happy & Safe Travel!

😉