Explore Slovakia, a hidden gem of Europe
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Slovakia, between wild nature and vibrant culture.
Discover medieval castles and enchanting landscapes.
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Slovakia: Dive into a World of Traditions and Beauty.
A Mosaic Population:
With a population of approximately 5,445,000 inhabitants and a density of 111 inhabitants/km², Slovakia ranks among the smaller European nations, in 22nd place within the EU. The two most populous urban centers are Bratislava and Košice, with the capital hosting over 420,000 residents and Košice 238,000. Other cities in the country are medium or small-sized. Among the five most important ones are Prešov, Nitra, Žilina, Banska Bystrica, and Trnava with similar populations around 80,000 inhabitants. In a country where movement and the erasure of borders have always been the norm, there are numerous minorities that create an ethnic mosaic rich in diversity but also tension: Hungarians, Roma, Czechs, Ruthenians, and Ukrainians complete the landscape that many still perceive as very homogeneous.
Daydreams between Nature and History
Slovakia is one of the youngest countries in Europe, having emerged from its Soviet period in 1989 and separated from the Czech Republic in 1993. Today, Slovakia is in full transition, oscillating between modernity and tradition. Although the Soviet past is gradually fading from mentalities embracing the market economy, its legacy remains visible through imposing edifices. The society has adopted a new social and economic model, and few regret the communist era.
Integrated for a thousand years into the Kingdom of Hungary and attached to Czechoslovakia for much of the 20th century, Slovaks have managed to preserve their cultural heritage and defend their national identity. Since joining the European Union in 2004, the country has been rapidly evolving towards a Western development model. Although growth was slowed by the 2008 crisis, the country is slowly recovering. Surprisingly overlooked by tourists despite its charms, Slovakia is an unknown natural paradise that will not fail to seduce you. A piece of advice: hurry to discover this country before it becomes too popular...
A Land of Adventures and Discoveries
Despite its small size, Slovakia, a country that is three-quarters mountainous, holds a great diversity of natural riches. The Slovaks, aware of this wealth, live in harmony with nature. Many own a mountain chalet inherited from the Soviet era. They escape there on weekends to enjoy the forests and mountains. The marked trails provide access to unique caves or rivers set up for rafting.
The Tatras, an exceptional mountain range, and the Slovak Paradise National Park are natural treasures. The wildlife and flora are preserved there, with species such as lynx and brown bear. Slovakia also offers a rich architectural heritage with more than 100 castles and many wooden churches. Open-air museums and villages preserve vernacular architecture, contrasting with the socialist buildings of the big cities.
The Ubiquity of Thermal Baths in Slovakia
Slovakia, although one of the smallest countries in Europe, offers an impressive number of thermal springs with various therapeutic properties. Visitors can find quality treatments with baths and massages at much more competitive prices than in France. The thermal establishments are spread across the entire territory, but the choice is more extensive in mountainous areas. Nothing is more pleasant for relaxing after a day of hiking or skiing!
The town of Trenčín is home to the largest spas in the country, where you will be welcomed into true 19th-century palaces by a team of professionals. The Art Deco pools are genuine little gems. In Piešťany, the most renowned spas can be found with their waters exceeding 67 °C, once frequented by wounded soldiers of the Hungarian army during World War II. Today, they welcome over 35,000 visitors annually. Bardejovské Kúpele is also historically known, having been visited by Tsar Alexander and Sissi. Moreover, they have the advantage of being located in the heart of a forest, ideal for resting!
The Appeal of Winter Sports in Slovakia
Slovakia is largely traversed by the Carpathians, a mountain range composed of various massifs. Near Bratislava, the Little Carpathians present a landscape of hills and forests. In the northwest, the Malá and Veľká Fatras, small and large Fatras, extend parallel with deep valleys, canyons, and dizzying cliffs. In the north, the High Tatras border Poland, nicknamed "the little Alps," dominated by Mount Gerlach reaching 2,654 m. The south is occupied by the Low Tatras with vast wooded slopes. The ski areas, although varied in quality, offer attractive rates compared to France. Jasná is the major resort in the Low Tatras, while Štrbské Pleso in the High Tatras has hosted world competitions. Zuberec and Ždiar are picturesque villages with rich folklore and traditional accommodations, although their infrastructures are sometimes modest.
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