Slovakia is benefiting from the continuing surge in low-cost air travel with the country and capital city Bratislava entering the mix of Europe’s most popular weekend playgrounds.
Land-locked in east-central Europe, Slovakia shares its borders with the Czech Republic and Austria, Poland in the north, Hungary in the south and Ukraine in the east. Formerly Czechoslovakia, the Czech and Slovak Republics parted in January 1993 with the bloodless Velvet Revolution and fall of Communism.
Situated on the banks of the famous Danube River, Bratislava is Slovakia’s political, economic and cultural capital. Lying beside Hungary and Austria, it is the only capital to border two countries. The Austrian capital Vienna is only 50km further along the Danube, making these the two closest capital cities in the world.
Like former Soviet controlled cities Prague and Budapest, Bratislava is now proving a cheap and popular tourist destination with a vibrant and emerging culture once locked behind the Iron Curtain. A typically European capital, Bratislava displays a diverse history, rich culture and progressive attitude that has recently seen the country join the European Union.
Bratislava’s cosmopolitan personality and heritage is discovered within the narrow cobbled streets of the historic town centre. The major cultural sites are within walking distance of a town square guarded by the Slovak National Theatre, and numerous churches, museums and classical buildings lining the side streets.
Land-locked in east-central Europe, Slovakia shares its borders with the Czech Republic and Austria, Poland in the north, Hungary in the south and Ukraine in the east. Formerly Czechoslovakia, the Czech and Slovak Republics parted in January 1993 with the bloodless Velvet Revolution and fall of Communism.
Situated on the banks of the famous Danube River, Bratislava is Slovakia’s political, economic and cultural capital. Lying beside Hungary and Austria, it is the only capital to border two countries. The Austrian capital Vienna is only 50km further along the Danube, making these the two closest capital cities in the world.
Like former Soviet controlled cities Prague and Budapest, Bratislava is now proving a cheap and popular tourist destination with a vibrant and emerging culture once locked behind the Iron Curtain. A typically European capital, Bratislava displays a diverse history, rich culture and progressive attitude that has recently seen the country join the European Union.
Bratislava’s cosmopolitan personality and heritage is discovered within the narrow cobbled streets of the historic town centre. The major cultural sites are within walking distance of a town square guarded by the Slovak National Theatre, and numerous churches, museums and classical buildings lining the side streets.
The most visible attraction is Bratislava Castle, towering ominously above the old city. A fortified settlement since Celtic and Roman times, the castle has witnessed all the cultural, political and religious influences the city has endured. Previous rulers represent a diversity of nations, making up the current population of Slovaks, Germans, Hungarians, Czechs and Roma People.
Bratislava’s attractions, bars and eateries all reveal a lively, relaxed and uncomplicated culture.
Beyond its capital, Slovakia offers tourists a cornucopia of activities due to a temperate climate catering for the best in both summer and winter activities. Dominated by the Carpathian Mountains in the north, the area is a Mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking, mountaineering, spelunking, water sports and skiing are all major attractions.
In winter, Slovaks invade the many ski resorts in the High Tatra Mountains forming the border with Poland. Relatively unknown to traditional European winter sports enthusiasts, the area attracts most of its visitors from Poland, the Czech Republic and CIS states including Russia and Ukraine.
Bratislava’s attractions, bars and eateries all reveal a lively, relaxed and uncomplicated culture.
Beyond its capital, Slovakia offers tourists a cornucopia of activities due to a temperate climate catering for the best in both summer and winter activities. Dominated by the Carpathian Mountains in the north, the area is a Mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking, mountaineering, spelunking, water sports and skiing are all major attractions.
In winter, Slovaks invade the many ski resorts in the High Tatra Mountains forming the border with Poland. Relatively unknown to traditional European winter sports enthusiasts, the area attracts most of its visitors from Poland, the Czech Republic and CIS states including Russia and Ukraine.
The lack of English-speakers in the region is obvious. A sense of humour and capable sign language are the only way to make any sense in general communication with the locals. Orders at restaurants are trying and humorous with animated finger-pointing and nodding easily turning a vegetarian platter into rabbit stew.
In the heart of the tourist region, Liptovsky Mikulas provides a perfect base from which to explore traditional Slovak culture, architecture, sports and the outdoors. Several Ski slopes, many caves (part of an extensive range across the country), water sports, hiking trails and thermal springs are all found within easy reach of the town. A country still finding its feet economically, there is a healthy mix of old and modern Slovakia.
The main winter resorts near Liptovsky Mikulas are Jasna, and Strebske Pleso, the largest in Slovakia and site of the 1970 Alpine Skiing World Championship. A legacy of communism, resort facilities are not always as state-of-the-art as those of their wealthier neighbours in Austria or Switzerland, but the slopes provide good and popular skiing for all ages and abilities at the height of the season. Ski passes, equipment hire and lessons are all available at a fraction of the usual cost.
Slovakia is steeped in history, with many cultural and architectural sites testament to the past empires that existed in the region through the millennia. A visible legacy is the many castles (almost 200) dotted throughout the country, providing a unique look into life as far back as the eleventh century.
Most noteworthy are Bratislava Castle, and Oravsky Hrad built in 1267. Dominating a rocky outcrop above the Orava River and village of Oravsky Podzamok, the castle is the most complete example of a Slovakian castle and site of the ancient Orava Museum. Oravsky Hrad is perhaps most recognised for the role of its looming towers in Nosferatu, the 1922 film version of Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
In European terms Slovakia is an inexpensive getaway. Food and drink is cheap, with Kolibas, traditional Slovak eating houses, providing outstanding value and great food. Set up by shepherds as places of shelter for travellers, and to sell agricultural products, the Koliba provides a unique insight into Slovak hospitality and tradition through music and food.
In European terms Slovakia is an inexpensive getaway. Food and drink is cheap, with Kolibas, traditional Slovak eating houses, providing outstanding value and great food. Set up by shepherds as places of shelter for travellers, and to sell agricultural products, the Koliba provides a unique insight into Slovak hospitality and tradition through music and food.
Common Slovak dishes include halusky (potato dumplings with sheep’s-milk cheese), sauerkraut soup, fried cheeses and pork. Game meats like boar, rabbit and venison are also popular.
To wash it all down, Slovak beers are regarded among the finest -a given with 12% alcohol content. A large variety of local vodkas and distilled spirits will help to ward off the cold.
Guesthouses are a cheap and cheerful alternative out in the country, also providing a unique insight into the Slovak way of life.
Guesthouses are a cheap and cheerful alternative out in the country, also providing a unique insight into the Slovak way of life.
Transport networks within Slovakia are regular and reliable. Tourist buses run between ski resorts and town centres, sometimes at no charge. Car hire is however recommended to take full advantage of all of Slovakia’s interesting sites.
Be aware that cars are left-hand drive and roads are notoriously slippery in icy conditions. Motor insurance is compulsory, as is travel insurance for those risking life and limb on the slopes.
The two major airports are found in Bratislava in the south and Poprad in the north. Due to its proximity, Vienna provides another viable entry route to Bratislava.
A fresh alternative to clichéd European travel, Slovakia provides a world both old and new and insight into a country and culture yet to be truly discovered.
Published reporter.co.za
No comments:
Post a Comment