Slovakia



Slovakia lies in the heart of Europe. It is a small country, even though it is a very interesting and attractive piece ofland. Indeed, in every season of the year it has enough with which to attract its visitors: beautiful mountain massifs adorned with torrents, waterfalls and tarns, many cultural, historical and artistic monument s, curative and mineral springs and beautiful folklor, spa centers. And then, this land conceals beneath its surface a magic, fantastic world of dripstone and ice caves.

The most of tourists visit the Slovakia for its beautiful nature.
The tallest mountains of Slovakia High Tatras situated in the north ofthe country with its tallest peak Gerlach peak (2654 m) is in fact the smallest in Europe in terms of area (what explains their attribute of the ,,miniature Alps"). However, they are among the most interesting in central Europe. High Tatras Mts. is the most visited mountain range and important ski resort (Štrbské pleso and Tatranská Lomnica are some of the most fanious ones).
Thanks to its pure air the settlements Štrbské Pleso, Vyšné Hágy provide services as climatic spas for the prevention and therapy ofthe respiratory system diseases.

Slovakia has a lot of national parks and one of them is National park ofPieniny. This park is located in the north of Slovakia in the mountain range. Pieniny is Slovakia' s smallest national park and is rich in natural beauty.
The biggest attraction ofthe Pieniny Mts. is navigation down the 9 km long reach of the Dunajec river on traditional Goral wooden rafts. The river offers fme views of lime stone rocks, remarkable cliffs and narrows. After the rafting trip, visitors can relax listening to the Goral music and tastingtheir exquisite goulash.
The main cultural event in the Pieniny is the Folk Festival of the region Zamagurie.A special rafting ceremony opens the event. Folk ensembles and tens of folk artists :from Zamagurie alternate on its stage presenting the typical Goral music, dance or popuiar usage.

Slovenský raj is in the east of Slovakia. The landscape of this mountain range is highly attractive for tourists who like adrenaline sports. They can climb over the roaring waterfalls. There are almost 200 caves and abysses but only the cave Dobšinská ľadová jaskyňa, the most important European ice cave outside the Alps is accessible to public.

Interesting place for the people mainly :from big cities is the typical Slovak village called Čičmany surrounded by the mountains which is famous for its original log houses with the typical white ornamentation.
The unique and charasteristic element oflog houses in Čičmany are their exteriors ornamented in geometricai pattern. The painting was intended to protect the logs agains the efect of sunrays.

Slovakia has also very rare historical places and monuments.One of the most beautiful monuments in Slovakia and the most visited by visitors :from all over the world is Bojnice castle.Bojnice castle is a national cultural monument and museum at the same time. The castle stands on a large travertine monticule and it has built in the style of romantic castles of the Loire.
Apart from a standard daily tours is performed special events for tourists every year. The typical is International Festival of Ghosts and Spirits in held here regularly by the end of April and beginning ofMay.It is when the bojnice castle becomes the meeting point of ghosts,spirits and witches.
Apart from a standard daily tours is peďormed special events for tourists every year.The typical is International Festival of Ghosts and Spirits in held here regularly by the end of April and beginning ofMay.It is when the bojnice castle becomes the meeting point of ghosts,spirits and witches. Zoological garden in the spa Bojnice is the oldest and most visited one in Slovakia.!t has the highest number of animals among the Slovak ZOOs.
Slovakia is rich of a curative springs and spa centres,for example Piestany,Dudince, Trencianske, Rajecke Teplice, ...

Slovakia is very attractive place for tourists,because in each part ofland it can offer fascinating nature,beautiful historical monuments and kind-hearted people.

Nika