Slovakia FAQ
Transportation, Attractions & Local Secrets
Many people confuse Slovakia (also known as Slovenska) with Slovenia — even their postal services have an ongoing arrangement to exchange mail that gets sent to the wrong country.
Slovakia has produced some famous names too! Angelina Jolie's grandfather came from Kosice (the second-largest city), Audrey Hepburn's grandmother was from Kovarce in the west, and Andy Warhol's mother was from Mikova in the northeast.
What Makes Slovakia Special?
- Home to the capital city closest to a national border — Bratislava is just 1.5 hrs by train from Vienna, Austria
- Cleanest tap water in Europe, fed by underground springs in the Zitny region
- 6,000 caves — the highest cave density in the world
- The oldest wooden churches in the world (not Norway — Slovakia!)
- The highest density of castles in the world (many are ruins)
- Europe's oldest and the world's second-oldest marathon is held in Kosice every first Sunday of October
- 1,300 thermal springs and nine national parks
Who Should Visit Slovakia?
- History lovers: 1918 independence from Austria-Hungary → 1939 Nazi occupation → 1948 Soviet-era communism → 1993 full independence
- Travelers looking for affordable, authentic European charm (a great cup of coffee costs just €1–2)
- Fans of old-meets-new vibes (Kosice has the energy of a city where youth culture collides with historic architecture)
- Hot spring and nature enthusiasts
How Do I Get to Slovakia?
- From the west: Fly into Vienna, then take a train (~1 hour) to Bratislava
- From the east: Fly into Prague, then take a day train (~3.5 hours) or overnight sleeper (~9.5 hours) to Kosice; alternatively, the sleeper takes ~8.5 hours to Banska Bystrica in central Slovakia
Can I Travel Around Slovakia by Train?
Absolutely! There are three types of rail service:
- ZSSK (National Rail): Older-looking but the most extensive network; free Wi-Fi on board. Rail pass holders ride free with no reservation required (except sleeper trains)
- LeoExpress (Private): Newer rolling stock
- RegioJet (Private): Operated by the same company as Student Agency cross-border buses; rail passes are not valid on private operators
- Scenic route: Choose a train that passes through Telgart Penzion to see the famous Telgart Viaduct
- Overnight sleeper trains (hub: Kosice)
- Prague → Kosice: ~3.5 hrs (day train) / ~9.5 hrs (sleeper, dining car included)
- Bratislava → Kosice: ~6 hrs (day train) / ~6.5 hrs (sleeper, route map below)
What Are Slovakia's Highlights?
- World's highest castle density: Once the coronation city of the Hungarian and Austro-Hungarian empires — try to visit at least 1–2 castles. Spis Castle is the most famous.
- World's highest cave density: Hike, climb, or even row a boat inside — crystal-clear spring lakes and stunning stalactites await
- Remarkably similar geography to Taiwan: West = Bratislava, East = Kosice, center = Tatra mountain range — essentially Taiwan rotated 90°
- Asian-friendly cuisine: A blend of Hungarian, Czech, Austrian, and Polish flavors — the daily soup even comes with vermicelli noodles!
- Thermal spa towns: Relax in mountain thermal resorts — especially Piestany's famous mud baths
- Craft beer: A booming craft brewery scene with excellent quality
- Boutique hospitality: Independent hotels and local restaurants dominate — expect a more personal, attentive experience. Pictured below: Grand Hotel Kempinski High Tatras
Which Cities Are Worth Visiting?
- Bratislava (Capital): A charming old town and Bratislava Castle — it feels like a once-great city that the world forgot about. Recommended stay: 1 day. Reachable from Vienna by train in ~1 hour.
- Kosice (2nd Largest City): A masterful blend of modern food culture, design, and historic architecture. Named European Capital of Culture in 2013. Don't miss the Kultsu city tours — themes include Jewish history, underground passages, and beer culture. Recommended stay: 2 days.
- High Tatras: Cable cars, skiing, hiking, and hot springs. Stay by the glacial lake Strbské Pleso for hotels with spas, pools, and mountain views. From Kosice: ~1 hr to Poprad, then 44 min by train to Strbské Pleso.
- Low Tatras: Great for skiing and hiking. Highly recommended: Hotel Grand Jasna — step out the door and you're on the ski lift.
- White Tatras (Spiš Region): Must-see: Castle Spišský Hrad and the Belianske Tatra mountain range.
- Piestany (Spa Town): Slovakia's most famous thermal resort, known for its mineral-rich mud baths with both therapeutic and beauty benefits. Top pick: Thermia Palace on Spa Island. Recommended stay: 1 day. Pictured below.
Both are manufacturing powerhouses — Slovakia makes cars (Foxconn and Delta also have plants there); Taiwan makes semiconductors.
High castle density? Slovakia has ~300 castles. Taiwan's convenience stores are probably close.
Slovakia was part of Czechoslovakia. Taiwan's official name is still the Republic of China. Both have awkward names.
Two major cities on opposite ends — Slovakia ~49,000 km², Taiwan ~36,000 km².
Slovakia has the Tatra Range running through the center — Taiwan has the Central Mountain Range.
Polish-influenced pierogi in Slovakia vs. traditional dumplings in Taiwan.
Communist-era Czech Coca-Cola vs. Taiwan's beloved Heysong Sarsaparilla.
Thermal spa towns!
Both have 9 national parks!
