Best Places to Eat
¨ Traja Mušketieri (p381)
¨ Koliba Patria (p386)
¨ Republika Východu (p391)
Best Places to Stay
¨ Hotel Marrol’s (p380)
¨ Grand Hotel Kempinski (p386)
¨ Hotel Bankov (p391)
When to Go
Jun & Jul Fes-tivals abound across the coun-try, High Tatras hiking trails are all open.
Jan & Feb Peak ski season in the mountains, but many other sights are closed.
Sep Fewer crowds but wine season means it’s ripe time for alcohol-themed festivities.
-20/-4
40/104
0/32
F DNOSAJJMAMJ
Bratislava°C/°F Temp
20/68
Rainfall inches/mm
2/50
2.9/75
3.9/100
0
1/25
4.9/125
SlovakiaWhy Go?Going strong over two decades as an independent state after the breakup of Czechoslovakia, Slovakia, Europe’s most cas-tellated country, is a bastion of untrammelled wildernesses, where some of the continent’s densest forest coverage gives way to dramatic fortresses and craggy mountains harbour-ing outstanding hiking. It savours wine over beer and, in its tradition-steeped hinterland, cradles an entrancing folk culture most European nations have lost.
Slovakia’s small size is possibly its biggest attraction. You can traipse woodsy waterfall-filled gorges one day and yodel from 2500m-plus peaks the next.
Dinky capital Bratislava is awash with quirky museums and backed by thick forests, but don’t leave without head-ing east, where fortresses tower over tradition-rich medieval towns such as Levoča or Bardejov and hiking trails lace the hills. Down a slivovica (firewater-like plum brandy) and drink a toast for us – nazdravie!
Includes ¨Bratislava ................... 377Poprad ........................383High Tatras .................384Levoča ........................ 387Spišské Podhradie .....388Slovenský Raj & Around .......................389Košice.........................390
©Lonely Planet Publications Pty Ltd
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