Discover the beauty of Slovakia

Bachledova Dolina is well-known not only in the winter for its ski resort Bachledka Ski and Sun, but also year-round for its popular tourist attraction Chodník Korunami Stromov, a treetop walk bordering Pieniny and High Tatras National Parks. A gentle climb takes you to the treetops at a height of 24 meters, revealing why the local vegetation is so distinctive.

One of the most notable examples of a significant mining community that has grown since the Middle Ages is the Historic Town of Banská Štiavnica. This vast property, which is situated in the Štiavnické Vrchy Mountains, has a total area of 20,632 hectares and contains the city of Banská Štiavnica as well as the surrounding areas, which are home to significant artifacts from former mining and metallurgical operations, particularly those involving gold and silver. Even though mining has been documented as far back as the late Bronze Age, Banská Štiavnica is the oldest mining town in Slovakia which was officially founded in the 13th century.

Not far from Banská Štiavnica, you can find one of the world’s oldest mints, the Kremnica Mint, which was founded in 1328 by King Charles Robert of Anjou. The local mint has been producing coins for approximately 700 years.  In the past, Kremnica ducats were highly valued for their high quality and were regarded as Central Europe’s hardest money. In addition to a unique tour of the ancient coins mint, Mint Kremnica has established a mint exhibition that allows a look at intriguing exhibits in the refurbished chambers of the historical structure of the Mint. The Kremnica Mint produces commemorative and circulation coins for the National Bank of Slovakia (Slovak euro coins), but due to its capacity and quality requirements, it is also exporting coins to other nations throughout the world. In the past, Kremnica has manufactured coins and investment/aid coinage for nations including Bangladesh, Thailand, India, and other countries in South Asia, and Latin America.

Slovakia is also popular among locals and foreigners for numerous spas and thermal baths with their mineral springs, among which the most popular are Bešeňová, Vrbov, Trenčianske Teplice, Turčianske Teplice, Rajecké Teplice, Lúčky, Kováčová, Dudince, Číž, Piešťany, Vyšné Ružbachy, and Bardejov Spa. Bardejov Spa is located five kilometers from my hometown of Bardejov, and its mineral springs, geographical location, and professional approach of staff members have beneficial effects on the treatment of diseases for both children and adults, especially oncological diseases, circulatory system diseases, digestive system diseases, women’s diseases (climacteric syndrome), kidney and urinary tract diseases, and mobility system diseases.

Among others, tourists should definitely not miss the capital of Bratislava, water parks Meander Park Oravice, Vodný park Bešeňová, Tatralandia Liptovský Mikuláš and Aquapark Dolný Kubín or cities such as Košice, Banská Bystrica, Bardejov, Levoča, Čičmany, and Vlkolínec with its rich history in culture and folklore.

In addition to beautiful and historic tourist destinations, Slovakia also has a hidden gem in its inhabitants. Slovaks are very friendly and hospitable people who will offer their loved ones whatever they have. Not just among family members but also among friends and coworkers, frequent visits are quite popular, and the tables are always piled high with a wide variety of traditional foods. Bryndzové halušky, or in English dumplings with sheep cheese and fried bacon, are one of the most traditional foods in Slovakia.

Slovak folklore frequently draws on the country’s rich traditions to depict its culture. Folk traditions continue to be well received in the nation, from handicrafts to open-air markets and festivals to music and dance ensembles. Lace embroidery, beekeeping, sheep farming, pottery making, and woodcarving are examples of Slovak arts and crafts. Slovakia’s folklore is mostly passed from one generation to the next, with each area retaining its distinct character in terms of characteristic attire, rituals, dialects, and general aesthetic. Two reputable professional folk groups in Slovakia are Lúčnica and Sľuk.

The Východná Folkloric Festival, the Pod Poľana Folklore Festival in Detva, Jánošíkové Dni in Terchová and Myjava International Folk Festival are significant Slovak folkevents.

Several Slovak customs have a Christian connection and are observed at the most well-known Christian events. The most unique is the traditional Slovak Easter, when men splash cold water on women on Easter Monday to assure them of good health and beauty for the entire year. Carnivals at the start of the year, St. Nicholas Day, Epiphany, the burning of Morena, and traditional Christmas dinner with unique foods are some other traditions.

Morena is a symbol of winter and burning it an expression of longing for the end of cold weather and cold days. It is a huge doll that is usually carried on a stick by women during the procession and it takes place 2 weeks before the Easter.

Christmas traditions differ from region to region and the following ones are the common ones in our region of Šariš and our family. During the whole day on the 24^th of December, we are all fasting and have a dinner together, usually at my grandparents’ house where the whole family meets. Traditional dinner includes an apple, wafers with honey, cabbage soup with mushrooms and sausage, lentil soup, potato pie, carp fish with potato mayonnaise salad, and bobaľky (sweet balls with poppy seeds). There dishes are usually not eaten during the year, and therefore they´re closely connected to Christmas dinner. After dinner we all enjoy time together at the Christmas tree by unpacking presents while listening to Christmas songs.