Slovakia
The trail to Chata Plesnivec is one of the “short”, albeit pleasing, trails in High Tatras. The fact that its biggest part cuts through dense forest makes it the perfect route for the, often harsh, Slovak summer days. As a bonus, its moderate length and low elevation gain mean it’s a great trail for kids,…
On the mouth of Mlynicka valley, at the foothills of west High Tatras, rests Slovakia’s most popular mountain retreat, the glacial lake of Strbske or Strbske Pleso as it is widely known. Surrounded by huge Norway spruces and tall firs, with the bright red September pomes of an occasional rowan tree popping out of the…
When it comes to hiking in Slovakia, people tend to overlook the Low Tatras in favor of their more adventurous and popular siblings, the High Tatras. The Slovakian mini Alps indeed have an appeal to hikers and mountaineers because of their way steeper and more demanding peaks. But, the Low Tatras have also much to…
Deep in the Small Cold valley, resting at the edge of a cirque, Teryho chata has been weathering the abrupt summer storms and blinding winter blizzards of High Tatras for more than a century. Built in 1899, by the Hungarian Carpathian Association, this mountain refuge was named after the doctor and avid climber Edmund Tery,…
The forecast said it was going to snow, and indeed, thick flakes had started to fall with the first light of the day. I was looking at them slowly drifting down, layering the dark cobblestone outside the window, thinking what I should do next. It was a frosty but welcoming morning. I grabbed my camera…
Bratislava has an array of excellent museums and galleries to visit, but the most prominent, in my opinion, is actually a few kilometers outside the Slovakian capital, where the borders of Slovakia, Hungary, and Austria meet. There, engulfed in a green landscape right on river Danube, built on an artificial peninsula next to Cunovo dam,…
Slovakia is often praised for its pristine nature which is consisted of virgin forests and fierce mountain lines among which High Tatras is the most renowned. The country’s ski resorts on the other hand are many times overlooked. Yes, they surely aren’t as big and lush as neighbouring Austria’s but still they are good enough…
Zelene pleso means “green tarn” and that’s exactly the hue of its crystal clear waters. Located at the end of Bielej Vody valley, this small mountain lake is surrounded by towering peaks that soar one kilometer high above the valley, casting their long shadows on its floor for the biggest part of the day. On…
Every year, the missus and I try to tick off at least one summit from our bucket list. Last time, since we love the High Tatras, we decided to go for Gerlakovsky—Slovakia’s highest peak. But life is what happens to us while making other plans, and as we were organizing the whole thing a pregnancy…
First Race of the Year Every year between January and March, at the south foot of Low Tatras in Slovakia, a thrilling championship takes place. It’s the annual races of Krnohy—the traditional Slovak wooden sledges. These heavy sledges are stirred by two unstrapped daredevils who race down a steep snow road—usually through the woods, while…
Just east of the imposing High Tatras—Slovakia’s proudest mountain range, on top of a lofty hill, lies the mighty Spis Castle. Though a ruin today, the castle’s strength is still evident on its thick walls and rugged towers. Vast in size it occupies most of the hill casting its shadow on the nearby village of…
Jasna is Slovakia’s biggest and most renowned ski resort. Like all winter spots, it has a distinctive festive coziness which I like, so me and Veronika decided to spend three days there as part of our last winter escape. Having grown up in a Mediterranean country, I will always be impressed by northern lands with…
To Priecne Sedlo and Back I was really looking forward for this trip to Priecne Sedlo. It looked genuinely promising, a real adventure out in the High Tatras. And, I wasn’t wrong. This mountain hike proved to be extremely challenging for me, with all the good and bad things real adventures come with! Video from…
Weekend Escape in Drabsko Sometimes you just need a place to escape from your routine, even for a weekend. To have a change of air, to recharge your batteries, and why not? Get in touch with nature. That’s exactly what we were thinking when we booked one room for three days in a tiny village…
A contemporary 4star hotel , Mercure Bratislava Centrum counts 175 rooms. It has a beautiful pop art design that gives it it’s own character and differentiates it from the usual. Location Located in Stare Mesto. It’s three minutes from the train station and 15 minutes from downtown and the castle of Bratislava.…
The Majestic High Tatras Standing between Slovakia and Poland the proud mountain range of High Tatras has a special charm and atmosphere. Protected by National Park status and part of UNESCO Biosphere Reserves the Tatras are a great place to be for nature lovers, hikers and climbers. If you love mountains then you have to visit…
The ruins of Uhrovec castle are located on Nitricke Vrchy Hills which are part of Strazovske vrchy. Hidden inside the dense forest, the castle is really isolated and not accessible by car. But you wouldn’t want to go by car anyway because the trail that leads to the castle from Uhrovec Podhradie is ethreal. It’s…
Bojnice castle is made from the stuff that fairy tales are made of. The most visited castle in Slovakia is 3 hours from Bratislava and looks like it came out of a fantasy land with dragons, princes, and evil Queens. The turquoise tower tops have definitely something to do with it. It is located in…
The capital of Slovakia lies on the banks of river Danube near the country’s western border, forty five minutes from Vienna, and less than two hours from the other jewel of Danube—Budapest. Bratislava is the smallest of the three and definitely the most underrated. Many people consider it a single day destination, or even worst,…