SLOVAKIA: Land of castles and breathtaking nature

Outnumbering the whole population, Slovakia, a land rich in history and blessed with great natural beauty, boasts the most castles and chateaus worldwide! With almost six hundred of these amazing buildings, each with a different appeal and narrative, this Central European gem lets guests discover. Among the most well-known are the imposing Spiš Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the brilliant Bratislava Castle, an architectural wonder gazing across the Danube River. But Slovakia’s appeal goes beyond castles; it reaches under the ground, where more than six thousand caverns just wait for exploration. Often located within national parks across the nation, these underground marvels highlight the finest of nature’s artistic expression. Visiting Krasnohorska Cave lets one wonder at a 34-meter stalactite, a Guinness World Record holder.

The energetic capital of Slovakia, Bratislava is special in that it is the only capital city with two borders: Austria and Hungary. Its close proximity to Vienna, just 60 kilometers away, makes driving or a picturesque boat trip across the Danube River simple. Slovakia has adopted the Euro since 2009, which makes it handy for visitors to get about the nation free from hassle with foreign exchange.

Beyond its wealth in history and culture, Slovakia reveals a tapestry of natural wonders. Rising over two thousand meters, the magnificent mountain range known as the High Tatras calls adventurers with ancient lakes that soothe the soul. The several national parks that safeguard these immaculate settings clearly show the nation’s dedication to conserving its natural legacy. Slovakia provides over 1300 mineral water springs and thermal springs for those looking for rejuvenation and relaxation; many of these springs are included into spa resorts with a long history of offering reasonably priced wellness treatments.

Charming medieval town Levoča boasts a treasure with a world record: the highest wooden altar, six meters wide and eighteen.6 meters high. Made without one nail, this masterpiece highlights the time’s artistic and technical mastery.

The past of Slovakia is a tapestry made from many strands. Originally home to the Celts, then taken over by the Romans, the area is now home to the Slavs, who have molded the customs and culture of the nation. A fascinating story from diplomatic circles reveals that the Slovak and Slovenian embassies have monthly meetings to exchange misdirected mail, so highlighting the linguistic similarities between their countries. Slovakia keeps a strong feeling of national identity with almost five million people living there and another two million living abroad.

Slovakia also claims some original fame. Renowned Slovak model Adriana Sklenarikova holds the Guinness Book of Records’ record for longest legs in the world. Considered the most mutually intelligible among Slavic languages, Slovak is sometimes referred to as the “Slavic Esperanto.” Furthermore, annually in Košice during the first week of October, the oldest European marathon takes place.

With so many castles, cavernues, and natural beauties, Slovakia is a fascinating place that provides a wide spectrum of experiences for any kind of visitor. Hidden gem in Central Europe, its rich history, energetic culture, and dedication to protect its natural legacy define it.