Highlights of Slovakia in 3 days

On the first morning, it’s vital that we leave no later than 8 o’clock. A two-hour journey takes us to Cicmany village.

The unique and characteristic element of log houses in Čičmany are their exteriors ornamented in geometrical pattern. The authors of ornaments, as rule, were women who originally adorned only the corners of houses first with mud and later with lime. The painting was intended to protect the logs against the effect of sunrays. Geometrical ornamentation was also used in embroidery applied to garments, pictures or tablecloths. The Reserve counts 136 houses.

Next, we’ll drive about an hour to one of the most beautiful castles in Slovakia: Oravský hrad, where one of the first ever vampire movies was filmed – Nosferatu (1922).

The castle, built on a rock above the river Orava in Oravský Podzámok village like an “eagle nest”, is one of the greatest tourist attractions of Slovakia, but not only. It was built in the place of an older wooden hillfort after the Tartar invasion in 1241. Through the following centuries, this small fortress transformed into an extensive castle structure with 154 rooms. Since 1556, the castle was administered by Thurzo family who initiated the greatest rebuilding actions in its history. The castle then acquired its final form in 1611.

From this picturesque village and castle we head on our way to eastern Slovakia,

Overnight accommodation in High Tatras.

In the morning we’ll visit Spis Castle, one of the largest mediaeval castles in central Europe. This castle is the biggest in Slovakia and is also among the largest castles in Europe. The oldest writing about the castle is dated on 1120. The castle is listed in the historical heritage of UNESCO.

Also we’ll visit wonderful medieval town Levoca, located close to Spis castle. Levoca town was inscribed on the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage List in 2009 for its well-preserved original Medieval core, dating back to the period between the thirteenth and sixteenth centuries, including the town fortifications and the Church of the St. James. The church boasts ten Gothic altars, the main altar being the real magnet for visitors. With a height of almost 19 metres, it is a masterpiece of Master Paul, dating back to the sixteenth century.

Next, we'll visit the wooden articled Evangelical church near the village Svätý Kríž is one of the largest wooden buildings in the Central Europe.

The ground plan of the church is in the shape of a 43 metre-long cross. The church takes almost 6,000 persons.

The wooden Baroque furniture together with the remarkable wooden Baroque altar from 1693 with the painting of Christ's Transformation were designed to inspire awe. Also the pulpit standing on log foundations supported, as if by a Baroque angel is unique both in terms of visual impression and acoustics.

Next, we'll go back to High Tatras National Park and spend the rest of the day there.

An hour journey through Low Tatras National Park takes us to the town of Banská Štiavnica, a UNESCO Heritage site, famous and most visited former medieval mining town in Slovakia.

The town was registered as a UNESCO heritage site in December 1993. Until 1919, town was also the site of the first technology-oriented university in the world.

First mining university was established here. Banská Štiavnica became a center for science and technology development in Europe.

This town is one of the most beautiful and historically interesting towns in Slovakia, attracting artists and romantics with its old mining roads, stylish cafés and many restaurants.

We’ll take in a tour of this picturesque town, then have a short break and lunch.

Also we'll visit remote village Vlkolinec, hidden in a forest, UNESCO heritage site. Vlkolinec is a typical central European mountain hamlet with log houses. It consists of the best-preserved example of an authentic mountain settlement in Central Europe. There are wooden houses and a wooden belfry, dating back to 1770, as well as an old wooden well, dating back to 1860.

Late afternoon/evening we'll drive back to Bratislava/Vienna.

Expected arrival back in Bratislava/Vienna: 6 - 7 pm