Eastern Slovakia Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do and see in Eastern Slovakia, including cultural landmarks, natural attractions, must-try dishes, accommodations, transportation options, and safety tips.


Introduction to Eastern Slovakia

Eastern Slovakia is one of Slovakia’s best-kept secrets, located in the country’s central region. This lesser-traveled part of Slovakia is a haven for cultural and nature enthusiasts, offering historical landmarks, natural attractions, outdoor adventures, and scenic landscapes that will take your breath away. Eastern Slovakia is a perfect destination for those who are in search of a cultural or outdoor adventure off the beaten path.

List of Places to Visit in Eastern Slovakia

Eastern Slovakia has many must-visit places to explore, including cultural landmarks, nature destinations, and more. Here are some of the top places to visit in Eastern Slovakia:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Visit the medieval Spiš Castle – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Slovakia’s most significant cultural landmarks, offering magnificent views of mountain peaks, valleys, and the Tatras.
  • Stroll through the charming and historic town of Bardejov, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its well-preserved Gothic and Renaissance architecture and picturesque town square.
  • Explore the opulent St. Elisabeth Cathedral located in Kosice, the largest urban center in Eastern Slovakia.

Natural Attractions of Eastern Slovakia: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Trek through the stunningly beautiful High Tatras, a mountain range with vast and beautiful valleys, glacial lakes, and rocky peaks that will challenge even the most experienced hikers and nature lovers.
  • Take a cable car ride up Chopok mountain in the Low Tatras, another majestic mountain range in eastern Slovakia, and enjoy stunning views of untouched wilderness and ski slopes in winter.
  • Relax in the thermal baths of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Vlkolínec, a small and charming village located near the Low Tatras National Park.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Eastern Slovakia

Eastern Slovakia offers some of Europe’s spectacular hiking and biking routes, taking you through some of the most beautiful scenery in the region. Here are some of the most famous routes to hike or bike in Eastern Slovakia:

  • Tatranska Magistrala: A 50km hiking trail crossing the High Tatras from west to east.
  • Radweg R1: A cycling route that crosses Eastern Slovakia’s southern side, taking you from Austria border to the Ukraine’s border.
  • Slovak Paradise: A national park with 300 km of marked hiking trails, unusual rock formations, waterfalls, and gorges.

Best Things to Do in Eastern Slovakia: Activities and Tours

Eastern Slovakia offers various activities and tours for tourists, including:

  • Visit the Wooden Churches of the Slovak Carpathians, UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites, revealing the unique wooden folk architecture and traditions of eastern Slovakia.
  • Take a rafting or kayaking journey down the picturesque Dunajec River bordering Poland, which offers breathtaking views of the Pieniny National Park.
  • Explore the underground salt mines of Solivar, where the salt has been mined for over 4,000 years.

Week-Long Itinerary for Eastern Slovakia

Here’s an ideal Eastern Slovakia itinerary covering all the top attractions that this area has to offer:

Day Activity
Day 1 Arrival in Kosice, explore the opulent St. Elisabeth Cathedral
Day 2 Trekking in Slovak Paradise
Day 3 Exploring Spiš Castle and the medieval town of Levoca
Day 4 Visiting the wooden churches of the Slovak Carpathians
Day 5 Biking Radweg R1 and unwind in the thermal baths at UNESCO’s World Heritage Site of Vlkolínec
Day 6 Rafting or kayaking down the picturesque Dunajec River
Day 7 Departure

Food and Drink Scene of Eastern Slovakia

Eastern Slovakia has an exciting food and drink scene, with traditional Slovak cuisine offerings and numerous local beverages. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local drinks in Eastern Slovakia:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Bryndzové halušky – boiled potato dumplings with sheep cheese and bits of fried bacon.
  • Kapustnica – a typical Slovak soup made from their national staple, the sauerkraut.
  • Pirohy – traditional Slovak dumplings stuffed with various fillings like cottage cheese or stewed cabbage.

Local Beverages

  • Slovakia’s national drink, borovička – a type of juniper brandy that tastes perfect with halušky or meat.
  • Kofola – a domestic soda and a popular alternative to Coca-Cola or Pepsi.
  • Zlaty Bažant – a popular beer brewed in Slovakia since 1969.

Where to Stay in Eastern Slovakia: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Eastern Slovakia offers various types of accommodation, ranging from hotels, resorts, and guest houses to hostels and private apartments. Here are some of the top options you can consider during your stay in Eastern Slovakia:

  • Grand Hotel Bellevue** –** A luxury hotel in the High Tatras, offering the perfect combination of Alpine coziness and luxurious comfort.
  • Penzión Set* – a comfortable guest house located in the village of Smizany, at the foot of the High Tatras.
  • Hostel Blues – centrally located hostel in Kosice, offering affordable accommodation.

What to Buy in Eastern Slovakia: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Don’t leave eastern Slovakia without buying some of the traditional souvenirs and local products:

  • Folk Crafts. Traditional folk crafts such as pottery, carved wooden figures, embroidery, and lacework make perfect souvenirs.
  • Drumstick from the 20th anniversary of Woodstock Festival – The company is situated right in Poprad, Slovakia.
  • Medovina - A traditional Slovak mead made from honey.

Local Culture and Customs of Eastern Slovakia

Eastern Slovakia has rich folk customs and culture that are still living today. Here are some of the most notable ones to look out for during your visit:

  • Folk music and dance. Look out for the traditional Slovak music and dances like the Jánošíks wedding dance, ballads, and bryndzové halušky eating competitions.
  • Easter traditions. In Eastern Slovakia, the participants beautify their Easter eggs intricately by painting with wax.
  • Christmas traditions. During Christmas, the locals sing carols and light up large fires called “generating” to signify the birth of Jesus.

Best Time to Visit Eastern Slovakia

The best time to visit Eastern Slovakia is between May and September, which is the summer season. This period offers the best weather for outdoor activities with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C, less rainfall, and more extended daylight hours.

Winter transforms the region’s mountainous landscape into a winter wonderland, perfect for winter sports enthusiasts, with skiing opportunities, perfectly maintained ice-skating rinks, and Christmas markets in most of the towns and cities during the festive season.

Do’s and Don’ts of Eastern Slovakia

Here are some essential do’s and don’ts to keep in mind during your visit to Eastern Slovakia:

Do:

  • Do try authentic Slovak dishes – Slovakia has delicious food, and you don’t want to miss trying some local dishes.
  • Learn some basic Slovak phrases – Though most residents can speak English, learning some Slovak phrases helps you to communicate with the locals better.
  • Respect the local customs and traditions – The locals are proud of their traditions, and you should respect them, even if you don’t understand them.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter – Keep the environment clean for sustainable tourism.
  • Don’t forget to greet people – Eastern Slovaks consider it polite to greet strangers they share the elevator or public transport.
  • Don’t ignore the no photographs sign – Respect the rules of buildings and attractions imposing a no photography sign.

Safety and Health

Eastern Slovakia is primarily a safe destination for tourists. The general crime rate is low, and the people are generally hospitable and friendly. Here are some tips to ensure your safety and health during your visit:

Safety in Eastern Slovakia

  • Be watchful – Although crime is low, practice general safety measures like being watchful of your surroundings, avoiding dimly lit areas at night, and not carrying large sums of money.
  • Use reliable taxi services – If you’re taking a taxi, make sure to use reliable services, and ask for the fare estimates beforehand to avoid being overcharged.
  • Don’t leave your valuables unattended – Keep your belongings close to yourself in public places.

Health in Eastern Slovakia

It’s advisable to get travel insurance before heading to Eastern Slovakia, especially if you’re going to engage in outdoor activities. The region has excellent medical facilities if you need medical assistance. However, if you have a pre-existing medical condition or are on medication, it’s essential to consult your doctor before traveling.

Getting to Eastern Slovakia: Transportation Options and Logistics

Getting to Eastern Slovakia is easy, with various transport options available, including:

Airports Near Eastern Slovakia

The two nearest international airports to Eastern Slovakia are:

  • Kosice International Airport(KSC) - Located around seven miles south of Kosice city center.
  • Poprad-Tatry Airport(TAT)- Located in the High Tatras, around 10 miles from the town of Poprad.

Bus Stations Near Eastern Slovakia

The primary bus station in Kosice, amongst the largest towns and cities in Eastern Slovakia, offers regular international and intercity bus services to most destinations in Eastern Slovakia.

Other Options

Other options include trains, which are affordable and comfortable, and car rentals, providing freedom to explore the region at your own pace.

How to Get Around in Eastern Slovakia

Public transport in Eastern Slovakia is both affordable and reliable. Buses and trains cover all destinations in the region. It’s advisable to buy a travel card to save money if you intend to use public transport frequently. The transport system’s timetables can be accessed on their respective official websites or mobile apps.

Where to Go Next from Eastern Slovakia: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Eastern Slovakia is a region packed with interesting places to visit where history merges with modernity and breathtaking nature. Here are some of the top nearby destinations and excursions to consider:

  • Krakow, Poland – Located only 115 miles north of Kosice, Krakow is a charming city, considered one of Central Europe’s most beautiful and most historically significant cities.
  • Kezmarok, a small town located 10km from Poprad and a perfect example of medieval town architecture with a beautifully preserved castle and various ancient churches.
  • Kosice – The largest city in Eastern Slovakia, located in the East Slovak Plain, and is home to numerous cultural monuments and architectural landmarks.

Conclusion

Eastern Slovakia is a destination for those who love off-the-beaten-track adventures and explorations. It is famous for its stunning natural landscapes, rich culture, and vibrant history, offering tourists endless possibilities for exploration and discovery. Plan your next trip to Eastern Slovakia today and indulge in a memorable adventure reminiscent of Europe’s old world charm and hospitality.



    Gemer
    Lower Zemplín
    Slovak Karst National Park
    Spiš
    Upper Zemplín
    Šariš