Slovakia is officially called the Slovak Republic, and it is a landlocked, Central European country with borders to Poland, Ukraine, Hungary, Austria and the Czech Republic. The main ethnic group in Slovakia is Slovaks at 80 percent. The official language is also Slovak. The capital and largest city in Slovakia is Bratislava in the south.
The climate of Slovakia can be described as continental and temperate. Summers are warm, but winters are cold, cloudy and humid. Southern Slovakia where the capital is located enjoys hotter summers with temperatures well over 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Tourism in Slovakia centers around its beautiful natural landscape as well as spas, ski resorts, historic churches and medieval castles. Many of Slovakia’s castles are in ruins, but it is home to Cachtice Castle, which was once the home of the infamous Elizabeth Bathory.
Destinations of Slovakia
Holidays in Slovakia – so far the destination Slovakia was not included in our plans. But after a visit to Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, we realize – this country is really worth a trip.
The largest city in Slovakia is the capital Bratislava. It is located on the Danube in the immediate vicinity of the triangle of Slovakia, Austria and Hungary.
Travel information about Slovakia
Best time to travel
The optimal travel time for winter sportsmen is the months December to March. For summer vacationers the warm months July and August are first choice. In the cities it can become warm in the summer already times to 35 degrees.
Arrival/Entrance regulations
Whoever travels to Slovakia as a German citizen requires a valid passport or identity card, which must always be carried with you.
All EU citizens must be registered with the police authorities from the 10th day of their stay. This will be automatically taken over by the hotel when you stay overnight in the hotel. Whoever wants to stay or work for more than three months as a German citizen must also register.
By train
From the direct neighboring countries of Slovakia you can easily enter by train. Some of them offer direct train connections to Bratislava.
From Vienna you can take the train to Bratislava in about 30 minutes. For this purpose, for example, the ÖBB offers a Bratislava ticket.
By bus
There are regular long-distance bus connections from Vienna, Prague and Budapest to Brastilva.
The Tatra Mountains, for example, can be easily reached by bus from Krakow in Poland.
From the Ukraine there is a bus connection to Eastern Slovakia.
By bike
The Danube cycle path Vienna-Budapest runs through Slovakia.
There are numerous signposted regional cycle paths from the Czech Republic and Austria.
By boat
The TwinCityLiner runs regularly between Vienna and Bratislava.
By car
The freeway network in Slovakia is still under construction. Since 2016 an electronic vignette is required for the use of freeways The network of highways is well developed. You can enter the country by car from all neighboring countries.
By plane
There is a larger airport in Bratislava, which, for example, has regular flights from Prague. There are also connections to other Eastern European cities.
Flights are also available from Germany.
Alternatively you can fly to Vienna and then take the bus to Brastislava.
From Prague and Vienna there are also flights to other destinations in Slovakia.
On the way in …
by train
The ZSSK is the Slovak state railroad company. It is the largest provider of public transport. The trains are often uncleaned and made of old wagon material. The comfort is acceptable. On some lines, refurbished trains run with wagons from former GDR stocks. These have been rebuilt and modernized.
Additionally, the Czech provider RegioJet offers train connections from the Czech Republic. The tickets are available at only a few stations at their own counters. The trains are modern and well maintained. The prices are slightly lower than those of the ZSSK.
There are also some smaller regional trains.
ZSSK and RegioJet tickets are not mutually recognized.
by bus
The train service offered in the country is supplemented by a regional bus service.
by car
The freeway network will be further expanded. Since 2016, an electronic vignette has been required to use the freeways. They can be bought online, at almost all gas stations and self-service machines, and the highways are very busy.
It applies:
in towns: 50 km/h
Country road: 90 km/h
Freeways: 130 km/h
Driving with dipped headlights is also possible during the day.
Per mille limit is 0,0 ! Especially in the evening it is strongly controlled and there are high penalties.
by bicycle and on foot
In many regions there are well signposted hiking trails and cycle paths.
by plane
Air traffic within the country plays hardly any role.
Language
In Slovakia, the main languages spoken are Slovak and Hungarian. In Eastern Slovakia also Romanes in Eastern Slovakia,
Younger people often also speak English or German.
Power plug
German vacationers need a travel adapter in Slovakia. Plugs of type C and E are used in the country. The plugs of type E are not compatible with the German plugs.
Currency
Slovakia is one of the countries that use the euro as their currency.
Tipping
In Slovakia, the invoice amount to be paid is rounded up by 10%. The exact amount you want to pay is stated at the time of payment.