Things to enjoy in Slovakia during your stay in Košice
Make the most of your stay in Slovakia and explore this hidden gem in the heart of Europe. The most interesting cities, unique nature, spas, and UNESCO sites that have been survived during centuries.
Beauties of Slovakia are rich and varied. We will show you what not to miss, especially near Košice, the second largest city in the country. Come and enjoy what you won’t find anywhere else!
Buy your tickets for EMF EURO 2022 in Košice, Slovakia!
Tips for UNESCO World Heritage hunters
Did you know that from Kosice you can reach 18 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in just 100 minutes? Take advantage of it! Start at Spiš Castle, one of the largest castle complex in Central Europe and probably the most photographed place in Slovakia. Enjoy town Levoča with the world's largest late Gothic wooden altar and the beautiful historic center surrounded by medieval city walls, where you can have a cup of coffee in a cozy café. Explore the underground kingdom of the Ochtinská Aragonite Cave, one of only four of its kind in the world. Or go for a trip to the village of Ruská Bystrá, where one of many region’s unique sacral wooden treasures is located.
If you are a fan of cycling in nature with some beautiful sightseeing, follow a cycling path to the Poloniny National Park, also known as the Dark Sky Park. Thanks to the absence of light smog it is one of the best places for observening the stars. Sprinkle all this with tasting the noble king´s drink in the wine region of world-famous Tokaj and your unforgettable trip is done.
Click on the www.unesconadosah.sk/en and check out all the unique UNESCO sites you can easily discover during your stay in Košice.
Enter the waterfall-kissed paradise
Constant sunlight, loud songbirds and fragrant flowers in full bloom – of nine Slovak national parks, none attracts the photographer's attention as quickly as the aptly named Slovenský raj or Slovak Paradise, another breathtaking place near Košice. The park has more plant species per square meter than anywhere else in Europe, and it will enchant you with its incredible diversity. Discover one of the largest ice caves in Europe called the Dobšinská Ice Cave, listed by UNESCO.
You can hike through beautiful gorges full of jungle-like greenery, such as Suchá Belá or Veľký Sokol. Visit the natural rock gallery named Tomášovský view, that offers one of the best photo opportunities in the park, and be moved by nature’s performance at Závojový waterfall with a total drop of 75 metres. You can also enjoy the park charm from a river point of view – go rafting in the 12 km long canyon Prielom Hornádu, or visit a meadow in the hamlet of Biele vody, not far from the park, that is full of European ground squirrels. You can buy sunflower seeds in the village and feed these cute rodents by hand.
Hike in the most significant summer destination in Europe
Speaking of Slovak national parks we need to say that hiking in „the smallest alpine mountains in Europe”, as the High Tatras are often called, is simply „must have“ for every outdoor enthusiast. In 2019 the Lonely Planet Travel Guide named them the most significant summer destination in Europe. Majestic rocky peaks (26 of them are over 2,500 m), deep valleys, pine forests, waterfalls and gorges are here for you to discover them.
Reach the peak of Gerlach with a local mountain guide and be rewarded by hypnotizing views from the Slovakia's highest mountain. Boat on the glacial lake of Štrbské pleso, try to spot chamois and marmots or get above the clouds in a funicular to Lomnický štít, where you can relax in the stylish Dedo café. Your coffee served at an altitude of 2,634 metres will have a very special flavour. Visit the highest located botanical garden in Europe, stay overnight at one of two luxury rooms located right here or be sure to „taste“ traditional hospitality offered by several high-altitude mountain huts.
Replenish energy in thermal water parks
If you seek relax and refreshment, you are in the right place! Slovakia is a country blessed with immense subterranean wealth, namely plentiful mineral and thermal springs with healing effects, with many spas and aquaparks which are located throughout the country. One of the best-known is AquaCity Poprad, situated right at the foots of the High Tatras. It offers 13 outdoor and indoor pools, toboggans, 350 water attractions, the largest wellness and spa centre in Slovakia, children’s corners, playgrounds, animation programmes for kids and most modern 3D Laser show.
Or head to the nearby Thermal Park Vrbov. Boost your immune system in one of their 10 thermal pools with geothermal water containing important minerals and relax your body by Thai massage.
Or visit AquaPark Tatralandia, the biggest aquapark in Slovakia, that is opened whole year thanks to thermal water. It is situated in the Liptov region, just 2 km from the town of Liptovský Mikuláš, right within a gorgeous scenery of the West Tatras on the northern shore of the dam Liptovská Mara.
Discover mining treasures of Central Slovakia
If you like to wander through the old towns with many historical buildings and scenic walks, go to the central area of the country, that is famous for its mining tradition. Discover the historic town Banská Štiavnica listed in UNESCO that glittered with silver and gold in its best days. Don't miss the chance to explore the remaining underground mining shafts, where you will descend with your helmet and lantern into the illuminated tunnels. You can feel what the life of miners was like in ancient times. After visiting the mines, you will be ready for a swim in a 'Tajch'. These artificial water reservoirs were built in order to provide energy for mines and are now popular as the recreation areas for swimming.
Or you can go to the nearby town of Kremnica and visit the Kremnica Mint. Minting coins since 1328, it is the oldest continuously working mint manufacturer in the world. If you are interested in climbing, you can visit the recreation centre Skalka with the hardest ferrata route in Slovakia, marked with the letter F.
Experience the capital
Bratislava is not so close to Košice, but your visit to Slovakia will not be complete without the trip to its capital city. Discover the most famous sights of the „Beauty on the Danube“, located on the very west border of the country, only 60 km from Vienna. Starting with the most obvious – visiting the Bratislava Castle is „must have“ for the first time visitors. The castle is rich with its history, dating back to the Stone Age. On the walk in the picturesque Old Town, situated directly underneath the castle, be sure to make a selfie with the most photographed bronze statues of Napoleon’s Soldier or quirky Čumil („Watcher“), looking out from beneath a canal cover, and don´t forget to visit the St. Martin Cathedral, where 18 Hungarian kings and queens were crowned in the past. One of the most iconic places in Bratislava is the architectural unique Bridge of Slovak National Uprising. It incorporates a fully functional restaurant in the top part, shaped like an UFO (hence the nickname UFO Bridge), that provides an astonishing view of the city.
But there is much more to find in Slovakia! Get inspired and visit places that will turn your idea of an perfect vacation into reality. All you have to do is choose from a wide range of destinations on the National Tourism website www.slovakia.travel
Photos: © SLOVAKIA TRAVEL