a Travel Guide for Schengen Countries: Majestic Slovakia

an epitome of elegance, Slovakia is located in Eastern Europe. Culture, natural landscapes, and contemporary lifestyle blend together to offer you the ultimate experience. Slovakia's majestic castles and palaces that date back to the Middle ages offer a breathtaking view of traditional architecture.

Slovakia has nine national parks that are ideal destination spots for nature lovers. For the adventure seekers, the famous aquaCity water park is a must-visit. a country brimming with raw nature, historic sites and buzzing night life, Slovakia is the perfect place to find some respite from the mundane life.

Why Visit Slovakia

Visit Slovakia to experience nature's finest. Dense forests, untamed wildlife, and craggy mountains are just a few of Slovakia's highlights. Slovakian culture is a one that prefers wine to beer; its savors the essence of folk culture that is otherwise lost in parts of Europe. Having separated from Czechoslovakia in 1992, Slovakia has grown into Europe's top tourist attraction.

Slovakia's small size is one of its greatest characteristic. You can wander around its fresh National Parks one day and explore its wooden churches the other. With a population of just 5.5 million spread across 49,000 kilometers, you can even enjoy a swim in the lake all by yourself.

When to Visit

Slovakia has something to offer in every season. It has a moderate climate with reasonably hot summers and chilly winters. Winter is a great time to visit Slovakia's capital, Bratislava. The city covered with snow portrays a breathtaking view. However, other parts of the country have very less to offer duting the winter as sights are generally closed between November and March.

You can visit Slovakia in spring and be greeted with warm days and a mild weather. The blossomed trees with full flowers are a sight to behold. However, the season of summer sees the maximum tourists in Slovakia, Temperatures are high but may cross 30 degree Celcius with the occasional heat wave. If you are a nature lover and appreciate the small things like changing colours of the foliage, then autumn is the season for you. The weather is clear and the forests are fresh and welcoming.

Schengen Visa for Slovakia

Every tourist needs to possess a Schengen Visa to travel to Slovakia. Considered as a boon for tourists, the Schengen Pact is the result of cooperation between 26 European countries. These countries have eliminated individual visa requirements, thereby minimizing border control.

The Pact ensures tourists and citizens enjoy hassle-free movement within the member countries on a common visa. Simply put, a Schengen Visa lets one travel to any member country without applying for multiple visas.

How to apply for a Schengen Visa

To apply for a Schengen Visa, one needs to download the Visa application Form, which is easily available online. Submit the duly filled form along with valid documentation to the destination country's embassy in India. Remember, the form needs to be filled carefully stating the reason for your visit. It also needs to be supported with your recent financial statement. also, availing the right travel insurance plan is mandatory for securing a visa approval for a Schengen country.

How to Travel

Slovakia's international airport, Bratislava's M. R. Stefanik is well connected to some of the major cities across the globe. Travelling around Slovakia is covenient; the country has a well-connected transporttion system. Bratislava, Slovakia's capital has a major railway station that connects all parts of Slovakia. Trains in the country have integrated timetables and pricing usually depends on the distance travelled.

Busses in Slovakia can take you to places where trains cannot. In fact, some privat bus companies even offer discounts to foreign travellers with ISIC cards. To enjoy Slovakia's beauty upclose, you can even rent a car and enjoy your vacation at your pace. If you are feeling adventurous, you can rent a bicycle and paddle your way through Slovakia's streets.

Where to Stay

Slovakia is sprinkled with youth hostels that offer accomodations for backpackers and budget travellers. You can even opt for campsites that are equipped with the basic necessities like telephones and showers. If you are travelling on a small budget, you can rent a room in one of Slovakia's charming resorts.

You can enjoy some peace and quiet in mountain hotels that are located in the hills or in a wellness hotel that offers sports and other recreational facilities.

Things to Do

Slovakia is the place to create unforgettable memories. Famous for its awe-inspiring natural beauty, Slovakia's forests are home to various exotic species like lynx, chamois, and brown bear. You can take a stroll through its 9 national park and enjoy Slovakia's beauty up close.

• Caves
  Slovakia has more than 4,000 caves and caverns of which 12 are open to public. Its Ochtinsk aragonite Cave is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the only three aragonite cave. Discovred in 1954, it has blue limestone walls with dramatic shapes in white aragonite; a scene sure to leave you breathless.
• Spas and adventure Sports
  Go skiing on the High Tatras and the Low Tatras that offer sophisticated ski facilities. You can even go white-water rafting or kayaking in the mountain rivers. a famous spot for water sports is the Dunajec River, which passes through nothern Slovakia and southern Poland.
  Relax at Slovakia's elegant spas and mineral springs. Spas in Slovakia offer mud or peat baths that will rejuvenate your mind and skin. They are the perfect route to unwind after a hectic day of skiing or sight seeing.

Do's and Don'ts in Slovakia

a contemporary nation, Slovakia has cultures and traditions that one should follow when they visit this land.

• Slovaks do not appreciate sloppy or messy attire. So make sure you are well-groomed when you step out.
• Slovaks usually remove their shows in the hallway before entering their homes. Make a conscious effort to do the same if you are invited to somebody's house.
• Do not venture off the marked hiking trails. It is unsafe and illegal.
• Do not drive under the influence of alcohol in Slovakia. If caught, penalties are severe.

Ensure peace of mind while travelling with a comprehensive travel plan.

Change Country austria Belgium Bulgaria Croatia Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Finland France Germany Greece Hungary Iceland Italy Latvia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Malta Netherlands Norway Poland Portugal Romania Slovakia