The mountains, forests and lakes are ideal for outdoor holidaying as well as summer and winter sports. For more detailed information, see the
Where to Go section.
Outdoor pursuitsEurope’s longest cycling route passes through the Slovak Republic, stretching from Passau in Germany along the Danube, through Vienna, Bratislava and on to Stúrovo. Cyclists can then continue their journey by taking a ferry across the Danube into Hungary. There is a very good network of marked trails in all mountain areas, and it is possible to plan a walking tour in advance. Golf
can be played at several courses around the country, including
Bernolakovo (near Bratislava; website:
www.golf.sk),
Ko¡sice, Tale (near Brezno-Law Tatras) and
Velka Lomnica (High Tatras; website:
www.golfinter.sk). There are also numerous lakes and rivers amidst the glacial landscape, offering excellent fishing, canoeing, boating and swimming. The primary watersports areas are at Liptovská Mara, Orava, Sl’nava and Zemplínska Sírava. Rafting is particularly good on the
Dunajec river in the Pieniny national park. Horse riding, hunting and dog cart races are other popular pursuits.
WintersportsThere are popular centers in 30 mountain regions, the best of which are the
Tatra Mountains, where over 40 ski tows and chairlifts are located. Other popular mountain areas include the
Slovensky raj range, with its deep canyons, and the
Malá Fatra range with its neighboring
Vrátna dolina valley.
SpasThe country offers a great wealth of curative springs, thermal spas, climatic health resorts and natural mineral waters, renowned throughout the world. There are 23 spa towns officially recognized by the state authorities.
Bardejovské Kúpele was already established as a health resort in the 13th century. Its healing properties have been said to cure indigestion, disturbed metabolism and various respiratory problems.
Dudince’s spring is rated among the best in the area with a mineral composition suitable for the curing of internal organs, neurological and vascular diseases. The world-famous thermal health resort of
Pie¡st’any specializes in rheumatic treatment.
Sliac, first mentioned in 1244, is regarded as the most important spa for the treatment of cardiovascular disorders.
Trencianské Teplice, established since 1488, is situated near a sulphuric spring and is suitable for the treatment of the motor neurone system.
Bojnice is one of the most renowned spas for the treatment of rheumatism.
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