Visit a castle superpower in the heart of Europe
Did you know that Slovakia has the highest number of castles per capita in the world? Indulge in the charm of more than 180 castles and 425 châteaux scattered throughout the country in the heart of Europe, once ruled by mighty monarchs, and explore the captivating history of this old crossroad of cultures.
Watch the royal past come to life in Bratislava
Start your royal trip in the capital, which was also the coronation city of the Hungarian Kingdom, for almost 300 years. Make sure to visit monumental Bratislava Castle, a former royal residence perched above the Danube. Besides seeing the attractive exhibitions on display, climb up the Crown Tower for stunning views of the city. Spot a huge, gold-plated replica of the St. Stephen crown situated on the top of an 85-meter high tower at St. Martin’s Cathedral, where 18 monarchs, including Maria Theresa, were crowned between 1563 to 1830. Enter this biggest church in the city and relish the quiet atmosphere within its impressive Gothic interior, where Beethoven chose to premiere his Missa Solemnis. Then head to the center for more of the city’s history plus festivals and chic café culture: the Main Square, with architectural finery in almost every direction. Take a picture with the statue of a Napoleonic soldier leaning over a bench or have a nice cup of coffee beside the fountain featuring a statue of the first king crowned in the city.
The city’s majestic past comes to life every July during Bratislava Coronation Days. Witness the ceremonies from up close as they are reenacted by actors wearing period costumes. While you enjoy theatre, musical performances, and jousting tournaments, you may get the feeling that time travel is possible.
Step into a fairytale in Bojnice
Fulfill your Disney fantasies and discover fairy-tale-like Bojnice Castle, located 180 km northeast of Bratislava. Blushing sandstone towers and crenelated turrets make this romantic castle one of the most visited landmarks in the whole of Central Europe. Does the castle seem familiar to you? That’s because the last owners took inspiration during reconstruction from the castles of France’s Loire Valley. Its breathtaking aesthetic has also made it a popular filming location for fantasy movies.
Uncover stories of its glorious past, starting with the 12th century, while exploring the noble chambers furnished with period furniture and art from across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Make sure to visit the castle chapel with a 14th-century altar comprising ten-panel paintings by a medieval Florentine maestro. Under the castle is a beautiful karst cave with stalactite formations, and two lakes with crystal clear water are waiting for you. Your kids will fall for a falconry show or a tournament of skilled knights. You can also visit the town zoo.
In Slovakia, you can enjoy your royal trip to the fullest!
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Discover the capital of Slovakia, once the coronation city of Hungarian kings
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Bratislava Castle, sometimes described as upside-down table
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Fairy-tale Bojnice Castle in Central Slovakia evokes romantic legends
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Bojnice Castle: The richly decorated interior features art from around the world
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Exciting Bratislava Coronation Days take place July 29-31
Things to consider before traveling
Tips for communicating in another language
While it would be ideal to be fluent in the native language before visiting a foreign country, most of the time that is not going to be the case. Fortunately, it’s not too difficult to communicate what you want, even when you are not fully fluent. Many people in Europe speak some English, and it’s […]
Safety
Travel Insurance Travel insurance is highly recommended for overseas travel. A comprehensive plan should include coverage for trip interruption, delay and cancellation, medical expenses, emergency medical transportation, loss and damage to baggage, and a toll-free 24-hour travel assistance hotline. Comprehensive travel insurance usually costs 5 to 12 percent of your trip cost. Before purchasing, check […]
Tips for saving money
A trip to Europe is a big deal. So when you do go, you are going to want to stay for a while. That means you will need to save up some extra cash (or euros) so you can enjoy your trip to the fullest. Shop Around for Flights First things first, it’s important to […]
Transport and communication
Train Trips & Transportation For many, getting to Europe is just the beginning of the journey. Fortunately, transportation options are abundant. For sheer European romance, nothing beats a ride on the rails. Trains are often the most efficient means of getting around, also. Europe’s rail network includes high-speed trains, local and international trains, night trains, […]
Passenger rights
Flight Cancelled? A Quick Guide to Your Rights You may just be arriving at the airport, bags full of all those holiday essentials and ready for your holiday. Maybe you’ve been hiking in the Alps or exploring ancient ruins in the Western Mediterranean and you’re all set to head home and tell all your friends […]
Lifestyle
Meeting the locals while on vacation in Europe can be a little awkward, especially if you don’t know the language very well. It’s important to remember though that they will typically know you’re a visitor and that you won’t be familiar with their customs, so a little awkwardness is to be expected. You can, however, minimize […]
Some tips to consider while traveling
Accomodation
In Europe, where you choose to stay is all part of the experience. Farms, ancient monuments, former convents and monasteries are available today for travelers seeking unique accommodations that support and preserve local effect. But Europe also offers luxurious hotel experiences. Famous five-star hotel chains span the continent. Spas have always existed in Europe; they were created here. You’ll find plenty […]
Currency & measurement
Currency values fluctuate from country to country. The Euro, denoted by the € symbol (or EUR), has simplified traveling among many European countries. Before the Euro, exchanging money was time-consuming and costly. Fortunately, all coins and banknotes in the euro system can be used throughout the Euro zone. Countries currently using the Euro include Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, […]
Immigration
Visas & Passports All travelers to Europe, including infants, require a valid passport. Some countries may not accept a passport that will expire within six months of your departure. Apply for a new one if this applies to you. Ask the embassy or consulate of the country or countries you wish to visit for visa […]
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