SLOVAKIA ROUTE GUIDE: A 7 DAY ROAD TRIP TRAVEL ITINERARY
When planning our recent road trip through Slovakia we had no idea what to expect. We knew barely anything about the country and once we started doing our own research it seems that road trip itinerary ideas are quite limited here online. It may feel overwhelming trying to work out what to see, where to stay and how to get around this beautiful country, but there is no need to worry - we've done the hard work for you!
Here is our complete one week road trip itinerary to Slovakia. Full of videos, photos and guides on what to see & do during an epic adventure through this country.
One Week Itinerary
Day 1 - 2: Bratislava
A trip to Slovakia would not be complete without spending a couple of nights in the capital, Bratislava. Set along the Danube River, Bratislava is surrounded by stunning vineyards and mountains full of hiking and cycling trails. The pedestrian only, 18th century old town is a must see, full of hip cafes, bars and statues. For the best views over the city you need to hike up to Bratislava Castle, perched high atop a hill overlooking old town and the Danube.
Read more:Top 10 Things to do in Bratislava
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Day 3: Bojnice Castle & Overnight in Prievidza
It's now time to hire a car and leave the big cities behind. Driving east for two hours will take you to the town of Bojnice, home to the medieval Bojnice Castle. This is one of the most visited and most beautiful castles not only in Slovakia, but also in central Europe. Standing on a travertine hill overlooking the town, it was originally built as a wooden fort and gradually replaced by stone during the 13th century.
Every hour they hold tours through the castle in Slovak, however they do give out written guides in English.
Tip: For a delicious lunch we suggest heading to Meridiana Bojnice.
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We recommend staying at Ubytovanie Koliba Pacho for the night. For a very reasonable price you can spend the night in your very own log cabin just outside of Bojnice. They have their own restaurant, an outdoor jacuzzi, a garden with barbecue facilities and a children's playground. They also have free wifi and parking available on site.
Day 4: Čičmany Village & Súľov Rocks
Today you will be driving for around 4 hours to the High Tatras Mountains, with some amazing spots to stop off at along the way.
Your first stop needs to be the tiny village of Čičmany. It has a population of only 204 and it looks just like it did hundreds of years ago. The village is full of black timber houses, each one decorated with intricate traditional pattens in white lime paint. The village itself has been around since the 13th century, but it was only 200 years ago that they started to cover the houses in these white lime patterns to help preserve damaged wood.
Driving an hour north you will reach Súľov Rocks. This is the perfect spot to get out of the car, stretch your legs and go for a hike. There are a number of hiking trails through the area ranging from 20 minutes to 6 hours - it is all up to you how much time you would like to spend hiking through this nature reserve.
Another hour on the road will take you to Orava. This is where we suggest you stop for lunch, there are plenty of restaurants in the area to choose from. If you have time we also recommend checking out Orava Castle, built in the 13th century and is considered one of the most beautiful castles in Slovakia.
The final drive for the day is again around an hour long which will take you from the Low Tatras Mountains to the start of the High Tatras Mountains where you will be staying for the next 2 nights. We highly recommend staying at the Grand Hotel Kempinski High Tatras, a hotel with one of the most beautiful views we have ever seen!
Day 4: High Tatras Moutains
The High Tatras Mountains here in Slovakia are an outdoor paradise. Full of incredible hiking trails, emerald green lakes, jagged mountains and epic cable car rides. We suggest spending a full day taking in this stunning area of the country.
Spend the morning taking a wooden boat out on the lake which overlooks the Grand Hotel Kempinski High Tatras. In the afternoon hire some e-bikes from the hotel and cycle along the path that takes you to Popradské Pleso. You will pass through fields of wild flowers until you reach this beautiful lake. For lunch grab a hot cup of soup from the lake side restaurant.
Read more:Most Underrated Place in Slovakia | High Tatras Mountains
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Day 6: Ice Caves & Castles
Today say goodbye to the High Tatras Mountains as you loop back around and head west. Only a short drive away you will reach your first stop, Spiš Castle. These 900 year old ruins of Spiš Castle forms one of the largest castle sites all Central Europe and is a UNESCO site you do not want to miss.
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Something unique about Slovakia is its high amount of ice caves. During a trip to Slovakia you have to visit at least one, and the cave we recommend is Dobsinka Ice Caves. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the largest ice caves in Slovakia. Thanks to the icy air circulating through the cave year round the cave is full of fantastic ice formations that sometimes reach to the cave ceiling. The thickness of the ice in the Great Hall is as much as 26.5 metres - something you need to see for yourself!
For tonights accommodation we recommend staying in your very own Slovakian castle! The Grand Vígľaš is set in a fully restored 13th century castle. The castle even has its own indoor pool and spa area, wifi through out, plenty of restaurants and mountain views from your room.
Day 7: Back to Bratislava
It is time to hit the rood and head back to Bratislava. It is a two hour drive back to the capital and if you are looking for a place to stop off for some lunch and to stretch your legs we suggest heading to Banska Stiavnica. This is a beautiful medieval town rich in history and full of amazing places to eat.
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