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Slovakia 
Slovakia is one of Europe's newest states. It gained independence for the first time in
1993, when Czechoslovakia split to form the Czech Republic and
Slovakia, which is now very keen to establish its own separate identity. A landlocked
state, it is an area of particularly beautiful mountain terrain, rising in the High Tatras
to form the highest peaks in Europe outside the Alps. Within living memory Slovakia was
almost entirely agricultural, and there are countless relics of its peasant past, but the
country was systematically industrialised under communism. Most of the population lives
around the capital, Bratislava, in the far west, or along the
tributaries of the Danube that cut through the mountains. Although modern suburbs now
surround many of the towns, nearly all of the town centres have a rich heritage of ancient
buildings, and easy access to fine scenery. Slovakia is already beginning to establish a
reputation as an attractive tourist destination.
Slovakia was part of Hungary for a thousand years and still has an
important Hungarian minority, mainly living along the Danube and around Košice, the
second city of the country. There is also a large Roma (gypsy) population, mostly
concentrated in the east of the country. Here too live the Ukrainian-speaking Ruthenes,
whose villages are known for their attractive timber churches. In the Middle Ages, Germans
settled in this area and helped to develop fine towns like Levoša,
Keűmarok, and Spišská Nová Ves. They also mined the precious metals that brought
wealth to charming small towns like Banská Štiavnica and Kremnica, which are among
Slovakia's main architectural treasures. All over the country, an often aggressive
nobility built castles, some of them now in ruins, others meticulously restored.
Slovak developed as a literary language only in the late 18th century, and its literature
is still comparatively little known abroad. There is, however, a strong tradition of lyric
poetry, the best known figures being Pavol Hviezdoslav, Svetozár Vajanský, and Ivan
Krasko, and the epic novelist Petr Jilemnický, who wrote mainly in the years between
World War I and World War II. More contemporary authors include the dissident Ladislav
M×aško and Petr Jaroš. Slovak music is strongly influenced by folk music; folk
motifs feature in many Slovak classical compositions, such as those by Ján Levoslav Bella
or the 20th-century composers Eugen Sucho× and Alexander Moyzes. Folk festivals are still
held in rural areas. Bratislava has a good jazz scene, including big-band jazz, and heavy
rock is also popular.
Travel Preparation
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Entry Requirements
Citizens of the European Union (EU), except Austria, may enter Slovakia with a
valid passport and stay for a period of 90 days without a visa. Citizens of the United
Kingdom and Ireland may enter the country with a valid passport and stay for a period of
180 days without a visa. Citizens of Austria may enter the country with a valid passport
and stay for a period of 30 days without a visa. Other nationals should contact the
Slovakian embassy or consulate in their country before departure for any visa
requirements.
Emergency phone numbers
Ambulance: 155
Fire brigade: 150
Police: 158
Time zones
Central European Time (GMT plus one hour). Clocks are put forward one hour from
the last Sunday in March to the Saturday before the end of October.
Driving
Vehicle documents
Check with your motor vehicle insurance company regarding any insurance documents
you will need and whether additional motor insurance is required. Foreign nationals may
drive in Slovakia with their own driving licences. A Green Card is not compulsory if you
already have third-party insurance, but is highly recommended. A red warning triangle,
spare light bulbs, and a first-aid kit must be carried by law.
Rules of the road
Always carry your full valid driving licence, vehicle registration documents, and
insurance documents with you at all times. Drivers and all passengers must wear seat belts
where fitted. Children under 12 years are not allowed to sit in the front seat. Traffic
drives on the right, and priority is generally given to the driver coming from the right
at all junctions. Note that it is illegal to drive if you have consumed alcohol
beforehand.
Roads, tolls and speed limits
There are several motorways in Slovakia, one of the most important being the
motorway connecting Bratislava and Brno in the Czech Republic; no tolls are charged. Speed
limits are 110 kilometres (68 miles) per hour on motorways; 90 kilometres (55 miles) per
hour on other roads, unless otherwise marked; and 40 to 60 kilometres (25 to 37 miles) per
hour in built-up areas and on secondary roads.
Driving tips
Special care should be taken in cities with a tram service. Trams may not be
overtaken when they are stationary, and cars must stop to let passengers cross the road at
tram stops where there is no central reservation. Note that many mountain roads have steep
gradients and hairpin bends. Chains may be required if you plan to head into the mountains
in winter.
Assistance
In the event of a breakdown, contact emergency services by dialling 154. Check
whether your own motoring organisation has a reciprocal agreement with a motoring
organisation in Slovakia—this can reduce costs substantially in the event of a
breakdown. For more information about breakdown and repair services, contact Bratislava
Information Service, tel: +421 7 533 43 70 or 533 37 15.
Electrical devices
The electrical current in Slovakia is 220 volts AC. Round two-pin plugs are used.
An adapter is essential for UK and Irish appliances.
Money
Notes and coins
The Slovenská koruna (Sk) is Slovakia's official currency. There are 100 hellers
in a koruna. Slovakian notes are issued in denominations of Sk5,000, 1,000, 500, 100, 50,
and 20. Coins are issued in Sk10, 5, 2, and 1, and in 50, 20, and 10 hellers.
Currency exchange
Travellers cheques are the safest way to carry cash, and you should buy these in
your country of residence before departure. Travellers cheques are accepted in bureaux de
change and some tourist shops, hotels, and restaurants. Credit cards are accepted in major
tourist areas, but they are not accepted in all shops, restaurants, and hotels, and you
are advised to check in advance. Foreign exchange rates are listed in major newspapers and
in banks and bureaux de change. Banks tend to offer the lowest commission rates, generally
about 1 percent. In Bratislava most major banks accept Eurocheques and handle cash
advances on Visa cards-look for the sign zmenáre×. Banks are open 07.30 to 12.00
and 13.30 to 15.30 Monday to Friday; bureaux de change tend to have longer opening hours,
but higher commission rates
Tipping
It is customary to round up the bill for taxis and at restaurants. Tour guides and
porters also expect a small gratuity.
Public holidays
1 January: New Year
10 February: St Paul's Shipwreck
19 March: St Joseph's Day
31 March: Freedom Day
Good Friday
Easter Monday
1 May: Labour Day
5 July: Day of the Slav missionaries Cyril and Methodius
29 August: Anniversary of the Slovak National Uprising
1 September: Constitution Day
15 September: Seven Sorrows of the Virgin Mary
1 November: All Saints Day
24, 25, and 26 December: Christmas
Travellers with disabilities
Contact the Slovak National Tourist Office (Satur) for information on facilities
for travellers with disabilities.
Transport
Metro, buses and trams
The bus, tram, and trolley service in Slovakian cities is efficient. Tickets must
be purchased in advance from kiosks or machines and then cancelled once on board. Various
discount passes are available from the municipal transport authority in the main railway
station; tickets valid for 24 hours are available from machines. There is no metro service
in Slovakia.
Ferries
Boats run along the River Danube from Bratislava to Devin Castle, and Brno in the
Czech Republic. There are also connections to Vienna and Budapest.
Bratislava
The capital of Slovakia is situated on the Danube at the
point where the last ridge of the Carpathian Mountains ends in cliffs above the great
river. On the hill stands Bratislava Castle with its four corner towers, home of part of
the Slovak National Museum. The view from the ramparts takes in most of the city and its
modern high-rise suburbs, and seems to extend almost to Vienna, only
about 65 kilometres (40 miles) away. The Danube is spanned by the ultra-modern Bridge of
the Slovak National Uprising, while the approach to the old town, with its squares and
narrow streets, is guarded by St Martin's Cathedral to the south and Michael's Tower to
the north. Outside the old town are modern monuments like the elaborate 19th-century
National Theatre and the late 20th-century Slovak National Gallery.
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Levoša
Still encircled by its original walls, Levoša is one of the best preserved
medieval towns in central Europe. For many years it was the capital of the Spiš
district, a semi-independent region settled in the Middle Ages by German immigrants. Its
ancient streets are lined with fine old burghers' houses and aristocratic palaces, but the
most significant sights are the arcaded renaissance town hall and the late medieval St
James's Church. One of the country's greatest treasures, the beautifully carved high
altar, can be found here.
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