Add some local flair to your itinerary
Be adventurous, ready to travel beyond the typical guidebook recommendations. If you’re looking for unique, enriching experiences that differ from your everyday routine, then Slovakia is an excellent choice. Have you ever tried bryndza, which is full of probiotics? Would you like to learn how to make your own indigo bag? Do you enjoy light conversation over a glass of fine wine under a sun-drenched pergolas? Slovakia offers plenty of opportunities for these experiences and exploration.
Adventure to the western part of Slovakia, to the capital, Bratislava. The Little Carpathian region is home to many vineyards with a long history of producing outstanding wines. Explore over 100 wine cellars spread across 20 different villages and charming royal towns such as Svätý Jur, Pezinok, and Modra. During the traditional cellar opening in St. Urban in May, you can enjoy last year’s wines in beautiful settings, under summer pergolas or in gardens, while enjoying exquisite delicacies. How about tasting mead, a drink believed to have given the ancient gods beauty, youth and immortality? Medolandia in Dolná Krupá is an excellent place to discover the history of bee products. Need more inspiration for your trip? Check out the Meet the Locals project and watch short videos about the remarkable people of this region.
Immersing yourself in the local culture means trying regional cuisine, some of which may have difficult names. Try bryndza (pronounced “brindtsa”) cheese, an essential ingredient in the traditional Slovak dish bryndzové halušky (“halushky”). Other delicious treats made from sheep’s milk are oštiepok (“oshtyepock”) and korbáčiky (“korbaecheekee”)], which have numerous health benefits, such as boosting the immune system and strengthening bones. The Liptov region is the perfect place to sample these cheeses – and learn how to make them – while enjoying picturesque views of grazing sheep and shepherds’ huts. If you’re searching for a chic gift, Ateliér Rabada in Párnica, in the nearby Orava region, sells indigo-colored bags with minimalist white decoration. A workshop is available for those interested in making their own blue and white piece by hand.
Consider visiting eastern Slovakia and Košice, the country’s second largest city. While there, explore Pottery Lane, a street that showcases the traditional crafts of blacksmiths, carpenters and potters. Indulge in a unique herbal tea blend from the local herbalist or learn the art of making crispy-crusted bread from the local baker. For those seeking the great outdoors, in nearby Poloniny National Park you can camp under the stars, hike through a thriving forest and see European bison roaming free. In August participate in a variety of cultural activities that highlight Rusyn culture, such as playing traditional flutes, weaving handmade carpets, or writing religious icons.
Visit Slovakia and immerse yourself in a variety of scents, flavors and the warm hospitality of the locals!
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Start your journey with a sip of one of Slovakia's equisite wines, once served at the imperial court in Vienna and on board the legendary Titanic. The picturesque Little Carpathians region has over 100 unique wine cellars to explore. "Na zdravie!" (Cheers!)
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Have you ever heard of a drink called mead? According to ancient legends, it was consumed by the gods for its properties of beauty, youth and immortality. Dive into Medolandia in Dolná Krupá and discover the range of natural bee products on offer.
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Looking for the ultimate souvenir? Get your hands dirty at a workshop at Ateliér Rabada in Párnica and create your own indigo bag with a minimalist white design.
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Add a unique recipe to your repertoire by visiting traditional shepherd's huts in the Liptov region. Expert locals will guide you through the process of making bryndza, a pleasantly soft cheese with an impressive density of more than a billion microorganisms per gram.
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The famous Craftsmen's Alley in Košice, the modern metropolis of eastern Slovakia, with its charming, colourful houses, transports you from the hustle and bustle of city life to the immersive experience of the Middle Ages.
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Experience true wilderness and explore the primeval forest in Poloniny National Park. Over the long August weekend, local Rusyns share their knowledge of traditional flute playing, carpet weaving and religious icon painting.
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