Often overlooked in favor of its famous neighbors, Slovakia is one of Central Europe’s most rewarding destinations. Bratislava sets the tone for visiting Slovakia’s cities with its atmospheric Old Town, and proud arts and culture scene. But it can’t prepare you for all the other things to do in Slovakia: climb snow-capped peaks in the Tatras Mountains; wander tiny folk villages such as Čičmany; and marvel at the hilltop Orava and Spis castles. All of these attractions reflect the natural and cultural depths of the country.
For general sightseeing, the best times to visit Slovakia are spring (April–June) and fall (September–November), when there are fewer crowds. Those looking to hike should come from July to October when the mountains will be mostly clear of snow. However, if skiing is how you want to spend your time in Slovakia, come during ski season from December through April.
Slovakia’s rail network is an efficient way to travel between the country’s cities—it only slows down to skirt around mountain ranges. Buses complement trains by broadly covering the country, particularly smaller destinations and places near the mountains. Renting a car will be the most flexible option though as it frees you from public transport timetables and takes the difficulty out of getting to mountain attractions.
If you’re going hiking in Slovakia’s mountains, be sure to pack appropriately. Even in summer, it can be cold in the mountains and you’ll want layers of warm clothing to stay comfortable. It’s also important to understand that there are two different mountain ranges in Slovakia with Tatra in their name; the High Tatras are home to Tatra National Park in north Slovakia and the Low Tatras run through the center of Slovakia.
