On my 2017 trip to Eastern Europe, I found Slovakia to be an criminally underrated gem. So underrated, in fact, that it didn’t even APPEAR in Rick Steve’s Eastern Europe travel guide. Here are five things I learned while visiting this amazing place:
1. It’s easy to get around
Back in 2017, there weren’t many travel guides about Slovakia. The few we did find were mostly focused on Bratislava. When we planned our trip, we only had a vague idea that there MIGHT be a bus to take us over the Tatra Mountains.
That’s why they call it adventure!
We boarded a bus from Krakow bound for the mountain village of Zakopane, Poland (worth a trip in and of itself). Aside from a bit of a scramble to find the lone ATM to get cash to pay for a ticket, it was a breeze to get on the second bus which took us into Poprad, Slovakia.
During our brief time in Slovakia, we traveled by bus, train, and boat, and they were all relatively smooth sailing (riding?). The bus drivers and ticket-takers were particularly helpful in navigating the land (and the language). Basically, if I can do it, you can do it!
2. You need more than two days to explore
Those who travel know the constant inner debate: do I cram as much in as possible, or do I spend a long time in two or three places? As I get older, the more exhausting I find the constant city-hopping of my hostel-filled youth. But even when I try to narrow it down, I always need more time! Slovakia was no exception.
When I go back to Slovakia, I plan on spending more time in Bratislava, hiking in the Tatra Mountains, discovering its many castles, heading east to Košice and Morské oko, and further exploring the incredible Slovenský Raj.
3. Raj means “paradise”. It’s not a figure of speech.
Slovenský raj, meaning “Slovak Paradise”, National Park is probably the best-kept secret in Eastern Europe. It is one of the most amazing places I have ever been, and I had never heard about it before! The park is a network of trails along the rivers and gorges, often times quite literally as you’re walking on metal rungs or climbing ladders to scale waterfalls. There are some proper climbing and caving opportunities too, but we declined to partake in those activities. Most of the trails into the park converge on Kláštorisky, a ruined Carthusian monastery.
The trails are well-marked and easy to follow. I recommend checking bus schedules ahead of time– we got scared we would miss the last one so we left early only to find out that there wasn’t a bus that came earlier… it’s always fun to spend an afternoon in a bus shelter!
I will definitely be back here!
4. The castles are impressive
I’ll be honest, when I think about impressive castles, Slovakia is not usually the place that comes to mind. Until I went there. Wow! We got a quick tease of Bratislava Castle and Devin Castle on our quick jaunt to the city, but the most impressive castle we saw was this beauty looming above the little village of Spišské Podhradie.
Spiš Castle is one of the most incredible castles I have ever visited. The bus from Poprad to Levoča drops you off in the town, and then all you have to do is hike the one mile to the castle. Only a mile, but it’s straight uphill. Woof. But persevere, and you will get the chance to wander around the entire twelfth-century ruin. From the furthest ramparts to yes, that little tower (hysterically, the only place my friend had cell service in the country), you can explore it all. And I do recommend it.
I also got a special kick out of this castle as it was featured in The Last Legion, a little movie that I may be the only person who has seen (even though it has an excellent cast including Colin Firth and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan!). In the film, the castle and rampart plays the role of Hadrian’s Wall. Having been to both, I think the filmmakers made a good choice in terms of awesome.
5. When a waiter asks if you want cream in your coffee, the answer is always “yes”
During our mad scramble of 4 cities in 24 hours (never again!), we stumbled across a little café in Bratislava. It was hot, and we had been lugging our bags all over town, so the opportunity for a snack and a rest was welcome. Luck was on our side as “iced coffee” was featured on the menu. Not one for drinking straight espresso, I of course was delighted when the waiter offered cream. Little did I know I was about to have the BEST coffee I have ever tasted.
It wasn’t just “cream” in the espresso; it was ice cream. I know what you’re thinking: it’s just an affogato, right? Well, perhaps. But I have had affogato since, and nothing has quite been able to measure up. Maybe it was the heat, the setting, or the novelty, but it was the most delicious beverage I have ever had.
I wish I could remember the name of this delightful café, but sadly I cannot. If you visit Bratislava in the future and come across an American wandering the streets calling out for ice cream and coffee, it’s probably me.
In conclusion…
Slovakia is amazing! Go check it out!
Any other best-kept travel secrets? Comment below!