Welcome to BRATISLAVA The only capital in the world bordering two countries The capital of Slovakia, Bratislava, lies on the borders with Austria and Hungary. That makes the city the only one capital in the world that borders two independent countries. Moreover, Austrian capital Vienna is distant only 60 km! Both cities are stretched on the banks of Danube river and the boat cruise from Vienna to Bratislava takes only 90 minutes.
World’s highest number of castles and chateaux per capita Just imagine an incredible number of 180 castles and 425 chateaux in a country with the entire population far smaller than the city of New York! The most popular castles such as Bratislava castle, Orava castle or Bojnice castle draw thousands of visitors every year. The real highlight amongst Slovak castles is undoubtedly medieval Spiš Castle, which belongs to the largest castles in the Central Europe.
More than 6000 caves Yes, it’s true. More than six thousand caves have been discovered in Slovakia so far! Most spectacular caves can be found in the national parks of Low Tatras, Slovak Paradise and Slovak Karst. Ochtinska Aragonite Cave is the only one aragonite cave located in Europe and a huge 34 m high sinter column in Krasnohorska cave is even listed in the Guinness Book of Records. Remarkably diverse nature Slovakia with its 9 national parks and 14 protected landscape areas is literally a paradise for tourists. No trip to Slovakia would be complete without a visit to the wonderful mountains of High Tatras with peaks over 2500 m and glacier lakes that have been formed thousands of years ago. Other spectacular places are undoubtedly Slovak Paradise with its wild canyons, Low Tatras with lush alpine meadows and beautiful valleys in Little Fatra and Pieniny.
More than 1300 mineral springs Slovakia has incredible sources of mineral water and healing thermal springs. Most of them are actively used for therapeutic and recreation purposes within 21 spa resorts. While, for example, the US thermal springs are mostly viewed as the luxury and they are generally expensive, Slovakia’s spa resorts and aquaparks are affordable thanks to their long- lasting traditions. Romans, Celts and also famous Ludwig van Beethoven visited spa town of Piešťany to enjoy the healing effects of town’s thermal water.
First reservation of folk architecture in the world The picturesque village of Čičmany in Northern Slovakia has a status of world’s first reservation of folk architecture. Surrounded by mountains the village is famous especially for its traditional wooden houses. The walls of these timber houses are decorated with white geometrical patterns, same shapes can be found on the folk costumes of the villagers. More than 130 houses belong to the historic preservation area.