Information about Slovakia Type of government: parliamentary democracy

1. Information about Slovakia Type of government: parliamentary democracy Formation date: 1. January 1993 EU member since: 1. May 2004 Membership in international organisation: UN, OECD, WHO, V4, NATO, EU Area: 49.035 km2 Population: 5 379 450 (2001 census) Population density: 109.9 inhabitants per sq km Official language: Slovak Capital: Bratislava (population: 452.288) Self-governing regions: 8 self-governing regions: Bratislava, Trnava, Trenčín, Nitra, Žilina, Banská Bystrica, Prešov, Košice Borders: Hungary in the south, Poland in the north, Czech Republic in the west, Austria in the north-west, Ukraine in the east. Nationalities: Slovak (85.6%), Hungarian (10.8%), Czech (1.2%), Ruthenian (0.3%), Ukrainian (0.3%), German (0.1%), Polish (0.1%), other (0.2%) Religion: Roman Catholic (60.3%), Greek Orthodox (3.4%), Evangelic (6.2%), Orthodox (0.6%), non-denominational (9.7%), no data (18.2%) Electric current: 230 V/50 Hz, outlets with safety peg

3. BRATISLAVA, THE CAPITAL CITY Bratislava is divided into 5 parts: Staré mesto (I.), Petržalka (II.), Bratislava- Lamač (III.), Dúbravka (IV.) and Devínska Nová Ves (V). It is situated in the centre of Europe in the south-western part of Slovakia. It borders with Hungary in the south and with Austria in the west. The town spreads like a fan on both banks of the Danube River, and at the foot of the Low Carpathians. Due to its position on the border between the mild and warm climatic zones, it ranks among the warmest spots in Slovakia. The Austrian border is almost within sight of the city and Hungary is just 16 km away. Many beautiful monuments survive in the old town to tell of its past under Hungarian rule, and Bratislava's numerous museums are surprisingly rich. The old city and the castle are the best parts of Bratislava. The old city is packed with museums (such as the Municipal Museum which comes complete with torture chambers and the Museum of Wine Production) and palaces (Primacional Palace and the Mirbach Palace). The castle, built above the Danube, was a frontier post of the Roman Empire from the 1st to the 5th century. Since the 9th century it has been rebuilt several times. The castle is worth visiting because of various interesting expositions and a great view of all of Bratislava and its surroundings. Interesting points of a sightseeing tour may consist of the Gothic cathedral (Church of Saint Martin) from 14th century where 10 Ugrian kings were coronated and 1 Ugrian woman; a 13th century Franciscan church; the town hall; the Comenius University of Bratislava (1919) and the Slovak Academy of Sciences (1953)…

4. SLOVAKIA AS A HOST COUNTRY • If you are a citizen of the European Union, you will not need a residency permit or • visa. Contact the Embassy in your country of residence for more advice. • Hosting organisations should collect all volunteers arriving in Slovakia. If this is • not possible, at the airport are buses that go into the city centre. I is easy to get • there. • Travelling into Slovakia / Traffic Information • By plane from long distance • National airlines: • Slovak Airlines - www. http://danubewings.eu/ • Foreign airlines: • Czech Airlines - www.csa.cz Easy Jet - www.easyjet.com • Lufthansa - www.lufthansa.com Austrian Airlines - www.aua.com • Air Ukraine - www.ukraine-international.com Ryanair - www.ryanair.com • State airports: • Bratislava Airport - (M. R. Štefánik). It is 9-12 km from city center; • transportation options: bus (30 min.), taxi (15 min.) tel: +421-2-4857 3353, • www.letiskobratislava.sk • Košice Airport (KSC) - 10km from city center. Taxi (15 min.) and buses are also • available. Tel: +421-55-68 32 123, www.airportkosice.sk • Tatry-Poprad Airport (TAT) - 5km from town. Tel.: +421-52-776 3875, • www.airport-poprad.sk • Airport Sliač - Tel.: +421-45-544 33 23, 544 25 92, www.airportsliac.sk

5. By bus or car from shorter distance • There is an expansive network of roads in Slovakia comprised of highways, • expressways and 1st and 2nd class roads. 316 km of highways were constructed • in 2004. Tolls for using highways and expressways are paid by way of highway • stickers, which can be valid for one year, one month or one week; they are based • on vehicle tonnage. 24-hour stickers can be purchased for vehicles over 3.5 • tons. There is also a fairly dense intrastate and inter-city bus network. The • EUROLINES international network allows travel to many European destinations: • Prague, Budapest, London, Frankfurt, Paris, Zurich, Amsterdam, Nice, etc. • More info - www.eurolines.sk • By train from short distance • Among the most important railway routes are the segments Bratislava – Kúty, • Bratislava – Žilina, Žilina – Košice and Bratislava – Štúrovo. The Slovak railway • network is connected to neighbour countries and is part of the European rail • corridors. There are direct international connections to Vienna, Warsaw, • Budapest, Bucharest, Moscow, Kiev and Prague. • Railway Slovakia: www.slovakrail.sk • Timetables: www.cp.sk, www.zsr.sk, Input departure and destination, date and • time and it shows you all the possible ways how to get there. Searching is very • reliable.

6. Water Transportation • The Danube River is significant for over-water passenger and freight transport station. • The Danube is the most important river transportation artery - it connects • Bratislava, Vienna and Budapest, or Slovakia with Austria and Hungary. Thanks • to the Danube-Rhine-Mohan canal, it connects the North Sea with the Black Sea. • Slovenská plavba a prístavy - lodná osobná doprava • Tel:+421-2-529 32 226, 529 32 2266, www.lod.sk • River cruises: • Bratislava – Vienna - Bratislava • Bratislava – Budapest - Bratislava • Bratislava – Devin - Bratislava • Bratislava tour

7. Public transport • Mass transit operates in larger cities. Buy tickets at stations, machines or directly • on the bus in some cities. It depends on the city where you are. For example, In • Bratislava you have to buy bus ticket from machines. In Trnava, you can buy one • directly on the bus. Regular bus service stops after 10 pm and then there are • night buses. Website- www.imhd.sk • Taxi • Taxi service is available in all cities in Slovakia. The tourist rate for 1km in town is • from 20 SKK (varied in towns). There is an additional charge, a so called • boarding fee, which is generally from 20 to 40 SKK. • Travel Documents • You will need your passport, insurance and ID card. It is also wise to bring a • student card with you if you have one. If you are an EVS volunteer, you will be • covered by the AXA insurance policy which your sending organisation will have • arranged for you. If you are not an EVS volunteer, you are advised to take out • proper insurance to cover health, major travel costs and possessions. Check • that all your personal belongings are included.

8. Currency • Slovak Crown (SKK) , 1 SKK = 100 pence (h in Slovak) • Banknotes are issued to the value of 5 000, 1 000, 500, 200, 100, 50 and 20 • SKK. Coins are issued to the value of 10, 5, 2, 1 SK and 50 hal. • National Slovak Bank exchange rate is on www.nbs.sk • Using Euro as currency is assumed in 2008. • The Weather • The Slovak Republic is located in a moderate zone with characteristic changes of • season. The average daily temperature is -10ºC in winter and about 30ºC in • summer. The coldest month is January; the warmest are July and August. It can • be very cold and there used to be a lot of snow, so you can make snow-men. You • need warm clothes and boots in winter and T-shirts in summer. Sometimes an • umbrella is useful, but it does not rain often.

9. Geographical location The Slovak Republic lies in central Europe. You can find relatively big differences between various areas of Slovakia. Central and northern Slovakia is more mountainous; although the Carpathians extend in the west part. The south and the east of the country lie in the lowlands, an important agricultural area. Slovakia is rich in springs of mineral water and healing spa centres and famous for caves, mountains and another beautiful nature places. Sulov rocks People When getting to know people for the first time, it is most polite to greet them with a handshake. People usually hug or kiss people on the cheek even if they don’t know them very well. Most of people will prefer to be called by their first names and will tell you this. It is best to ask first if you are not sure. People are extremely giving, especially to foreigners and volunteers and tend to be very engaging and enjoy good conversation. Be careful though, it is best to avoid asking very personal questions as they are not so open-minded. People in general are helpful, if you need help. They listen to others carefully and they are friendly. In the past they used to welcome people by offering bread and salt, but they are still welcoming to others and they would be happy to be hospitable at any time.

10. WHILE YOU ARE HERE! Entertainment In Slovakia, there are several interesting cinemas, including the 3D one in Aupark in Bratislava. Here are also amphitheatre, e.g. in Trnava, If you have a student card, the tickets are cheaper. Programmes of local cinemas can be found on information panels, billboards, on the internet, in newspapers, information centres or in another places. If you live in village, you have to go to town to enjoy nightlife. The Aupark is not only home to cinemas, but also restaurants, cafés, concerts and shops. Being entertained at the Aupark, Polus City Centre or Max (as the most famous centres) can be more expensive than other in Slovakia. About 20 international film festivals take place in different towns across Slovakia each year. There are some of them: Agrofilm Nitra – international festival is focused on agriculture and agripolitics. Bažant kinematograf – outdoor screening of different films across Slovakia. Info: www.kinematograf.sk International film festival “Cinematik” Piešťany – screening different kinds of films, workshops and discussions. www.cinematik.sk ENVIROFILM – international film festival is aimed at the protection of nature and the environment. It takes place in Banská Bystrica. www.envirofilm.sk Asclepius Film Festival in Bratislava – film topics come from moral, physical and psychical health of human being and society. It is divided into 2 categories: moving films and documentary films. www.asclepius.sk

11. International Festival of Animation for children and youth in Bratislava International Festival of Mountain Films in Poprad, www.mfhf.sk International Film Festival GRAND PRIX – this film festival took place in Bratislava year ago and there were about 200 films screened from all over the world. Info: www.iffbratislava.sk News from film world can be found on www.filmsk.sk Culture & traditions Slovakia is very rich in folk customs and traditions which have their specific features based on individual areas yet maintain a common ground and nature. Some of them persist even today, however, they are more prevalent in villages than in towns. The most important holidays are: Christmas celebrated on 24th December, St. Lucia as a symbol of luck and love (13th December) St. Nicholas (6th December), Easter holidays (in April), “Fašiangy” in February (Carnival) – time of dance and celebration.

12. Food The typical Slovak breakfast consists of bread, butter, salami or ham. If you prefer healthy breakfast you can have yogurt with cornflakes. Women usually prepare lunch including soup and main dish. It may be meat with rice or potatoes. Traditional food is "bryndzové halušky". The national meals can be found at any good restaurant. Slovak people don’t often eat at restaurants because they are used to eat food prepared by their wives. Many restaurants have very reasonable lunchtime deals, so it is a great way to eat out with your friends. Local markets offer fresh vegetable, fruits and you can find cheap clothes, too. Local people often go shopping there on Saturdays, so it might be crowded. You can find them in bigger towns in special places but also in small villages where sellers sell mainly vegetable and fruits. There is a great deal of ethnic food available from restaurants and shops, especially around Bratislava, Piešťany and Košice. Several vegetarian dishes can usually be found on any menu and restaurants are usually happy to satisfy any requests. Different kinds of cheese are available at any supermarket, famous Slovak cheese and cheese products as other typical Slovak specialties are the “korbáčik” – cheese strings interwoven into fine braids, “parenica” – steamed cheese strips woven into snail-like curls, “oštiepok” – smoked sheep cheese shaped in wooden moulds and “bryndza” – processed sheep cheese. You can find these cheese products in any grocery store. But the best of these are homemade. There are many cafés and pubs to have a drink. People like to go to pubs for a beer. Locals also like their coffee, especially in the morning, nearly as much as their tea. They drink it all seasons of the year. Coffee and tea can be ordered almost anywhere.

13. Smoking cigarettes or tobacco is still widely accepted and most places offer smoking areas. However, smoking is usually permitted on transportation and in public buildings and areas such as stations and bus stops. Different kinds of cheese are available at any supermarket, famous Slovak cheese and cheese products as other typical Slovak specialties are the “korbáčik” – cheese strings interwoven into fine braids, “parenica” – steamed cheese strips woven into snail-like curls, “oštiepok” – smoked sheep cheese shaped in wooden moulds and “bryndza” – processed sheep cheese. You can find these cheese products in any grocery store. But the best of these are homemade. There are many cafés and pubs to have a drink. People like to go to pubs for a beer. Locals also like their coffee, especially in the morning, nearly as much as their tea. They drink it all seasons of the year. Coffee and tea can be ordered almost anywhere. Smoking cigarettes or tobacco is still widely accepted and most places offer smoking areas. However, smoking is usually permitted on transportation and in public buildings and areas such as stations and bus stops. Gastronomy European continental cuisine is commonplace, but there are regional and foreign specialties as well. The selection is truly unlimited, including French cuisine, high quality buffets at exclusive hotels, pizzerias, Chinese, Indian, kosher and Arab. Transport cafés and roadside restaurants present regional specialties - from Slovak specialties in the north to Hungarian cuisine and specialties of Danube fisherman in the south of Slovakia.

14. Folk Art Items The most popular and authentic souvenirs from Slovakia include dolls dressed in the folk costumes, ceramics, carved wooden figures, a “črpák” – a wooden pitcher used by shepherds for acidified sheep milk, a “fujara” – a long wooden shepherd’s pipe, a “valaška” – a shepherd’s decorated hatchet and leather goods. You can find all of these products in souvenir shops and in special shops of the ULUV organisation (the Centre of the Folk Art Production) in Bratislava, Banská Bystrica, Bardejov, Košice, Prešov ... (www.uluv.sk) Modern Art versus Antiques The “Dielo” network of shops offer works of Slovak artists and craftsmen, such as paintings, ceramics, wooden toys, sculptures, etc. These shops can be found in Bratislava, Košice, Trenčín, Banská Bystrica and Žilina. You can find antique stores with a wide range of books, art and furniture in every larger Slovak town.

15. Common phrases Thank you Ďakujem Good morining Dobré ráno! See you later Dovidenia! What’s your name? Ako sa voláš? What time is it? Koľko je hodín? I’m lost Zablúdil/zablúdila som I don’t understand Nerozumiem Expensive/cheap Drahé/lacné Open/close Otvorené/zatvorené Call police Zavolaj políciu How much is it? Koľko to stojí? How can I get to ...? Ako sa dostanem ...? Where can I find ...? Kde nájdem ....? Cheers Na zdravie I need help Potrebujem pomoc

16. Slovak national anthem Above Tatra bolts of lightning, thunderstorm pounds wildly. Let's stop them brothers, they will be lost, Slovaks will rise alive. Our Slovakia was in deep sleep until now. But thunder's lightning is shaking it to its revival.

17. The important periods of Slovak history • 400 B. C. – the Celtic tribes (Bohems, Kotins) occupied the south-western • part of Slovakia and controlled it for more than three centuries. They brought in • new technologies of metallurgy and iron-tools manufacture, of pottery, textile • making and agriculture. Building of town-like settlements (oppida) and minting of • coins (BIATEC) took place in the Greater Bratislava area –for the first time in • history the actual capital of Slovakia was a genuine town. • Existence of the human in the territory of Slovakia goes back to the early • Stone Age and has been documented by many finds, like the skulls of Homo • Neanderthals in Gánovce. Since then, Slovakia has been permanently inhabited • by tribes and peoples of various origins until 5th C. A. D., when ancestors of • Slovaks came to be the dominant ethnic group in this area. • 179 A. D. – during the Marcoman war (166 – 180) the Roman Emperor • Marcus Aurelius tried to establish a new Roman province in the territory of • Slovakia under the name of Marcomania. • The nomadic Avars of Turkic origin conquered the Danube Basin and • became the dominant power in Central Europe. • 623 - the Slavic tribes rose up • against the Avar domination. Under the leadership of Frankish merchant Samo • they liberated themselves and created an "empire" that comprised territories of • current Slovakia, eastern Austria, Moravia and Bohemia.

18. 833 - Mojmir I consolidated the principalities of Moravia and Nitra into one • state called Great Moravia. The prince Pribina was expelled from his possession • and escaped to the Franks. The Frankish king Louis awarded him a principality in • Pannonia, but he was killed there by Moravians. Nevertheless, indepedence of • Nitra was partially preserved, and its relations to Moravia were comparable to • those between Wales and England. • 896 - after the death of King Svätopluk, his sons Mojmír II and Svätopluk II • started to quarrel for domination of the Empire. The old Magyar (Hungarian) • nomadic tribes that invaded the Danubian Basin took advantage of this situation • and in a decade of power in Central Danube region. The Moravian principality • was divided up between Magyar, Bavarian and Czech realms, the principality of • Nitra fell under domination of the old Magyar dynasty of Árpáds. • 1530 – for the first time Slovakia faced a Turkish raid. Due to Turkish • occupation of Lower Hungaria, Bratislava became the capital of the country, • coronation town and seat of the concilium. It maintained this position till the 1848 • revolution, when the capital was moved to Pest (Budapest). • Despite difficult historic periods and having no independence, the • Slovakian people knew how to keep their language and culture. They began the • era of "Lights" full of hope and ready to lead the fight for the rebirth of their state.

19. 1787 – Catholic priest Anton Bernolák codified the first standard Slovak • language, the Slovak national revival started with this act. 1843 –Slovak national • leaders codified the so-called Štúr linguistic reform, creating the standard Slovak • language that is valid until present. • 1880 – mass emigration of Slovaks to the United States began. Until 1910 • almost one-third of Slovaks left the country due the national and social • oppression. • Slovaks were aware of the fact they have to unify themselves and fight • against others fro their freedom. In October 1918, at the end of the war, Slovakia • announced its independence. The new republic of Czechoslovakia was • established including the Czech lands of Bohemia and Moravia, a small part of • Silesia, and Slovakia; within these boundaries were areas inhabited by thousands • of Hungarians. A parliamentary democratic government was formed and Prague • became the capital city. • There was strong domination by Nazi Germany, led by dictator Adolf Hitler • and the area was largely inhabited by Germans. The first independent Slovak • Republic was established in 1939 and Father Tiso was chosen as the head of • government. With independence, Slovakia came under heavy German influence • and protection. Tiso allowed German troops to occupy Slovakia and the country • entered World War II as Germany’s ally. When the war ended in 1945, the • republic of Czechoslovakia was resurrected, with the exception of Ruthenia, a • small area in the east that was taken over by the Union of Soviet Socialist • Republics (USSR). Prime Minister Tiso was hanged for treason and collaboration • with the Nazis, and other high party officials were also punished.

20. In the 1960s party leaders and intellectuals in Slovakia and the Czech • lands created a movement to reform the Communist system which was known as • "Socialism with a Human Face" led by Alexander Dubček, a Communist from • Slovakia who became the head of Czechoslovakia’s Communist Party in 1968. • Slovaks joined with Czechs in mass protests against the Communist government. • 1989 - downfall of the Communist regime, leading to new hopes for the • future. Everybody wanted the democracy but there were different perceptions of • democratization between Slovaks and Czechs. The former wanted to achieve a • real autonomy, not only a formal democracy, while the latter did not want to give • up their dominant position in the state. It was impossible to find an acceptable • agreement, and therefore political representatives of both nations agreed on a • peaceful split. • 1993 – on January 1, 1993 the Slovak Republic became an independent • state. • 2007 – president of the Slovak Republic – Ivan Gašparovič, Prime • Minister – Róbert Fico

21. Legends & myths Legend of 7 stone monks There is small village called Červený Kláštor /Red Convent/ which links to legend about monks living in the convent in the past. Near Poland, there was situated another one where lived nuns. Sometimes, they used to work and help each other. Once, strange man came to the village and said monks: “Life is given for living and enjoying yourself. You should take your time into your hands. Beautiful things are waiting for you.” From that moment, seven monks started to long for something new and curious. One night, 7 monks left from the convent and went to see nuns living in Poland. To go there, they had to pass through the mountains. As they were going to nun´s convent their desire was bigger and bigger. Local people saw 7 stones in the shape of human beings the next day. It is said that these stones are 7 lost monks form their convent. They were punished for their sins by God. From that time they had to be stones as warning for another people. This legend is spoken tourists while going down the river Dunajec. It is possible to see them.

22. Water well of Love /Trenčin castle/ It is the oldest legend about Omar, Fatima and water well of love. Omar fell in love into Fatima, slave of Stefan Zapolsky living in Trencin castle. Once Stefan told Omar: “If you make water well from this hard stone Fatima will be free”. Young guy agreed. He was working hard for three years. Finally he created nice water well. He said: “Stefan here is your water and give me back my love.” As they were escaping from the castle Fatima lost her wedding veil. After couple of years, people built pub in the place where veil was found and called it VEIL. Nowadays the pub is named after Fatima. Bloody lady from Čachtice castle Lady Elizabeth Bathory was very rich, she had own servants and lived in castle. She symbolised cruelty and bloodiness, because she abused young nice woman. They died in terrible torture. It is said she liked having bloody bath. She was accuse of cruel killing young women, but she was never punished because of her aristocracy origin. These rich people couldn’t allow to blacken their “blue blood”. It is said last members of this family suffered from syphilis. Zigmud Bathory living in Prague was fool, who sledged in summer and Anna was famous for witch-craft.

23. Famous people Žigmund Pálffy (1972) Slovak ice hockey player, representative of the national team. He has been playing in the NHL since the 1993/1994 season; starting off with the New York Islanders club and since the 1999/2000 season playing in the Los Angeles Kings team. He was three times part of the NHL All-Stars team. Pálffy has also represented at the ice hockey world championships; in 2002 he brought a golden medal with his fellow players from Göteborg and a year later a silver medal. He is known as an excellent skater, elite goal-kicker and a real back bone of the Slovak team. The other famous slovak ice hockey players are Miroslav Šatan (1974), Marián Gáborík (1982) and others. Milan Rastislav Štefánik (1880 – 1919) Slovak politician, astronomer, military pilot. He was born in a family as the sixth of twelve children. He studied astronomy at the Faculty of Philosophy. Together with his professor Julo Janssen, they were observed the Sun and Mars. He was granted many rewards for his scientific works. During World War I. he fought in the French air force. Despite his French citizenship, he remained Slovak at heart and was involved in the Czecho-Slovak national revolt. In February 1916 he founded the Czechoslovak National Council of which T.G.Masaryk became the president. On during his return home his airplane crashed during landing at Ivánka pri Dunaji. Štefánik died together with his crew.

24. Andy Warhol (1928 Pittsburgh) one of the most famous artists of the 20th century. He introduced Pop Art to the world, and was the first artist to use a photographic silk-screen technique in his work. His parents, originally from the village of Medzilaborce, in the Northeast of Slovakia, came over to America to seek their fortune, like so many other Slovakians at that time.

25. Ivan Bella (1964, Brezno) was a Slovak cosmonaut; He was the first Slovak to enter outer space if not considering U.S. astronaut of Slovak origin Eugene Cernan. He participated in 9 days joined Russian-French-Slovak mission on spacestation Mir in 1999. Juliana Korponaiová-Géciová (Julie Korponay), the „White Lady of Levoča“(1680-1714) – a legendary person responsible for the capitulation of the town of Levoča during the Francis II Rákóczi Uprising. This white lady is linked to many legends. Michal Martikán (1979) is a Slovak slalom canoeist. In 1996 he became the first athlete to win an Olympic Games gold medal for Slovakia after the county's independence in 1993. He has also won the World Championships three times, in 1997, 2002 and 2003 and silver medal in Athens 2004. Juraj Bača is also another famous person in water sports, he is an excellent sportman with charisma. Daniela Hantuchová (1983) a professional tennis player. The Englishman Nigel Sears has twice been her coach. She is currently working with a number of coaches who work under the Sanchez-Casal Academy. Her WTA Tour mentor in the Partners for Success program was Martina Navratilova, who was her doubles partner for a brief period in early 2005. As of 30 October 2006 she was ranked 17 in the world in singles and 13 in the world in doubles.

26. Juraj Jánošík (1688-1713) - Polish: Jerzy Janosik, Hungarian: Jánosik György was a famous Slovak outlaw, often described as the "Slovak Robin Hood". He was born in Terchová. According to the legends he was stealing from the nobles and gave the stolen things to the poor people. He was fighting with the king at that time. He became the leader of a forest robber group in northwestern Slovakia in 1711. He was captured in 1712 in Hrachov, but managed to escape. Finally, he was captured again and imprisoned. His trial took place on March in 1713 and the next day he was sentenced to death by hanging on a hook.

27. HIKING There are beautiful places for hiking. It was hard to choose the best places but there are some of them: National park Low Fatra lies in the north-west part of Slovakia. It is characterized by geological, climatic and surface features such as canyons, abysses, crests and edge, unique cave features and rare kinds of flora and fauna. It includes natural protected reservation e.g. Rozsutec, Chleb, Tiesňavy, Kľačianska Magura, The most attractive sightseeing places are: the biggest mountain of the Low Tatras Ďumbier (2043 meters above see), Chopok (2024 m above see), Kráľova hoľa (1946,1 m above sea), Orlová (1840,4 m above sea), etc. Slovak paradise – it is a great place for hiking, water sports and fishing; Dobšin ice cave lies near. Tomašov view is unforgettable, there are also wooden ladders near stream, deep and narrow roklina from 150m to 450m, rocky towers, caves, waterfalls and abysses. Whole area of this national park is 3461108 hectares. Big Fatra - is one of well-preserved mountain ranges in Slovakia. In the north and in the east is bordered by Liptov kotlina; in the west by Turčianska kotlina and in the south part by Kremnice Mountains. Its main characteristic feature is widespread hills.

28. Mountain Veľká Homola lies in the south part of Low Carpathian. There is a wooden viewing tower about 709 meters above sea. Its height is 20 meters. There is a beautiful view and you can see nice surroundings. You can get here along footpath called Ľ. Štúr (blue mark) from town Modra and from Zochova cottage follow red mark. Lake Sea Eye – Remetské Hámre – natural lake Sea Eye or Big Vihorlat Lake lies in deep beech forests Vihorlat as a memory of volcanic activity of this mountain. It lies 618 meters above sea, its length is about 750 m and depth is 25-28m. It is connected by 6 clear streams. If you like hiking, Slovakia is ideal place to do that. There are so many beautiful places where you can go. If you go hiking don’t forget to take with you: good tracking boots, warm clothes, raincoat, rucksack with a bottle of water and food. If you don’t have enough experience don’t go alone, it can be dangerous. You can get lost or get hurt. You will have much fun with your friends. Remember to take a map and check your route lines before. Hiking is exhausting, but it is worth trying. It is unforgettable experience and it gives you more self-confidence.

29. Places to see in Slovakia Slovakia is famous for waterfalls, beautiful nature, national parks, caves and historical buildings. It is welcoming and friendly country. But it offers even more. Little wooden churches Slovakia has become a country of various kinds of culture thanks to its location in the centre of Europe and due to its historical development. All the little wooden churches have a dominant place in the villages. They are usually situated on higher places, sometimes rather difficult to access, eccentric to the other buildings in the village. According to historical documents, there were 300 wooden churches. Now we have about 50 from the 16th -18th centuries. They have a basic construction offering a lot of opportunities for different points of view to see the different shape of the object. They are made just from wood. They symbolise not only basic spirit but even spirit from the certain historic period as well. There are famous wooden churches such as Nová polianka 1766, Ladomirová 1742, Nižný komárik 1958, Potoky 1773, etc. There are 10 wooden churches in Svidnik region, 7 in Bardejov region, 5 in Snina region, 1 in Presov region and so on. National parks Famous parks are: High Tatras (TANAP) and Low Tatras National Park (NAPANT), Mala Fatra National Park, Slovak Paradise National Park (area 197 km2), Pieniny National Park (21 km2), “Muránska planina” in Revuca.

30. Waterfalls The nicest and huge waterfalls are those in the High Tatras, in the west and the Belianských Tatras. Their origin is linked to the ice age. Time spent near waterfalls is great way of relax and get energy. You can breathe fresh air and enjoy natural beauty. The most of them are situated in national parks and protected areas. Some of them are not publicised because of their protection and natural richness. Vodopád Bystrého potoka Hriňová, region Detva above sea level 983 m, height of fallswater 23 m. Vajskovský vodopád Dolná Lehota, region Brezno above sea level 1200 m, height 9 m. Králický vodopád Králiky, region Banská Bystrica above sea level 650 m, height 7 m. Vodopád Spády Valaská, region Brezno above sea level 940 m, height 15 m. Obrovský vodopád Vysoké Tatry, region Poprad above sea level 1355 m, height 15 m. The largest and deepest Natural Lake – Big Hincovo mountain lake (the High Tatras) – 182 000 m2, depth 53 m.

31. Thermal open air pool Laura – Rajecké Teplice - It lies near Rajec spa. You can play minigolf, beach volleyball and get refreshments or go to restaurant there. There is Slovak wooden Bethlehem in Rajec region (Rajecká Lesná) symbolising slovak culture, life and way of lifestyle, crafts … All figures from this Bethlehem are moving and working. Admission is free. Sunny Lakes (Aquathermal)– Senec – it lies in the west part of Slovaka. There are also thermal parks in Veľký Meder, Sládkovičovo, Horné Saliby, Dunajská Streda or in Štúrovo which lie in the south or south-west part of Slovakia. Just find this one which is the nearest to you. There is wellness centrum in Patince (cca 15 km from Komárno) including 4stars hotel. You can find here different kinds of swimming pools with thermal water, sauna, relaxing places, jagusy and so on. www.wellnesspatince.sk Thermal open air pool in Liptovský Ján lies in the Low Tatras in the north part of Jánská valley. It is an area of thermal and mineral springs with hydrosulphide and nitrogenous water. Aquacity Poprad – it turns into aqua world in summer where you can find many attractions for everyone. www.aquacity.sk

32. Caves Caves open to the public from 15th May to 15th September. The most famous ones are: Demänovská ice cave - Liptovský Mikuláš - Nízke Tatry. Lengh - 8126 m; depth - 120 m. It is the oldest cave from 13th century. It has four levels with icefalls. Domica – Kečovo – Rozňava – Slovenský kras. It is beautiful cave giving opportunity for boating in cave´s river Styx. It is unforgettable. Its length is 5 km, but only 2 km is accessible. Krasnohorská cave - 450 m is accessible from 1,5 km. Cave tour consists of Perejového dómu, Puklinovej chodby, Veľkého kaňonu, Albonyiho dómu a Siene obrov. There is stream and the biggest cave dripstone which was written about the Guinness book of records. Dobšinská ice cave - Dobšiná - Slovenský raj. It was visited by Eugene Ruffini first time in 1870 and it was opened to public one year later. It is length 1368 m and it has more than 125 000 m3 ice. Belianska cave – Tatranská Lomnica – Poprad. Its length is 3641 m and depth is 160 m. It was opened to public in 1846 and was used as safe shelter for inhabitants at that time Archeologists discovered relics from Neolithic age there.

33. There are other beautiful caves such as Jasovská cave in Jasov, “Driny” near Smolenice, Jaskyňa mŕtvych netopierov (Dead Bats Cave), Ochtická cave in Ochtiná near Rožňava, Važecká cave in Važec and so on. Caves are opened from May-September during season and also out of season from January till October. Admission is from 4-10€. It depends on season which you go in and your age. If you have student card or Euro26 you will have concession. If you want to use camera or video camera you have to pay for that about 7-10€. In some places, it is not allowed at all. Search www.ssj.sk to get more information before your cave tour. You can find interesting and useful information here.

34. Centres of free time activities There are couple of youth centres and centres of free time activities. It is great place to have fun or help another. They organise different activities – dance, sports, drama, summer camps, etc. Most of their activities are for pupils but they also do programme for young people. Sometimes it can be the advantage to be a member of the centre because of interesting activities and events. For example, if you help them to organise summer camp or anything else, you will have fun, obtain new experience and meet new people. You can just have fun and enjoy your time or you can also become a volunteer in your free time in one of these centres, if you like. It is up to you, but I think it is challenging. You can not lose anything, just obtain more. If you like dancing, it is cheaper to take dance class there than in a professional dance club. You can find here something new. If you don’t want to waste your free time, click on this website – www.kamvyrazit.sk which includes useful and interesting information about different activities, opportunities and nice places where to go. You can look up info according town or region or thing of your interest.

35. Museums, open air museums and galleries The Bee-keeping museum in Slovakia- Kráľová pri Senci Museum includes materials and documents about development of bee-keeping and its use in different parts of human life. The Slovak mining muum (OAM) – Banská Štiavnica This open air museum is focused on history of mining and town from 13th century. The exposition shows way of mining, education, technology, culture and life of local people, especially miners. Interesting part is mining tunnel about 75 metres and coal-mining machines from Slovakia and the Czech Republic. The museum of Kysuce village (Open Air Museum) - Kysuce It is an open-air museum showing life and culture of the people in Kysuce from the 19th and the 1st half of 20th century. The exhibition includes 34 buildings. The part of the exhibition is also a historic forest locomotive connecting Kysuce and Orava. It is a amazing place. The Police museum – Bratislava - Old town It consists of 3 parts: history after 1989, development and activities of police, third part-criminalistics and international cooperation. There is also inscenation of crime. It is FREE. Info: www.minv.sk Orava Gallery – Dolný Kubín The Orava Gallery is situated in the Country Hall built at the end of the 17th century. It documents culture and people of Orava region.

36. The Museum of aviation - Košice – Old town The first museum of aviation in Slovakia documents the development of aviation and its technique since the beginning up to 1943. It was opened to public in 2002 at the Košice Airport. The Guitar museum – Sobrance It is the only one. Founder Ján Ferko, fancier of guitar, created unique collection in Czechoslovakia after Second World War. Nowadays, there are around 130 guitars including many photos and materials. You can also find old radios, TV and boosters. The Museum of folk architecture (OAM) – Bardejovské kúpele The Open air museum is situated in the centre of the Bardejov Spa. It includes 30 buildings of typical Slovak wood architecture which are situated in ethnopark on an area of 1,5 ha. During tourist season, folk dance, folk music groups, products of craftsmen and schools of folk crafts can be seen there. The wax museum – Košice The first waxmuseum in Slovakia is situated in Urban tower in historical centre of Kosice. Come and look at 23 wax figurines portraying famous people connected to Slovak history.

37. The Museum of Matica Slovenská - Bratislava – Old town It is focused on an emigration and life of the Slovaks, it is part of Matica Slovenska. The Museum of folk architecture (OAM) - Svidník The museum of Ukraine-Ruthenian culture, history and traditions in Slovakia from past till nowadays. It is worth to see. More information - www.muk.sk If you would like to visit one of the beautiful museums or open air museums (skanzens) you are welcome. If you like, search more information on www.muzeum.sk. There is a database of all museums, galleries and skanzens in Slovakia. You have to pay admission almost everywhere.

38. CASTLES Bojnice castle It is situated near Bojnice spa where you can have a rest, including the museum. During summer season, there are different attractions and performances. Minimum number of visitors for one tour is 15 which lasts over 1 hour. They offer day-shows and night-shows with ghosts. You can also find here a big zoo with many different animals, groups of hawkers and historical shermers. Spiš castle It is one of the huge Slovak castle as well as the dominant one of the Spiš region. It is beautifully placed in the countryside on a travertine rock. There was a fire in 1780 and most of the castle was damaged. It is important cultural and natural monument in the world together with Spišské podhradie, Spišská kapitula and the church in Žehra. Lubovňa castle It has rich history and interesting architecture and towers. It is situated on a hill. It is famous for many visits of the kings and hidden polish crown jewels. There is a museum founded in 1956 and also a nice open air museum with a wooden church near the castle.

39. Krásna Hôrka castle The castle is from 13th century. It has become property of Andrassy family since 1642 that started to create their family museum. It was opened to public in 1906. Exposition includes original furniture, fireplace, castle kitchen, collection of weapons from 16th century, etc. There is a big cannon. Castle directly links to manor-house Betliar. Trenčín castle The museum is the part of this cultural monument and the first mention of it is in 1113. In the past, it was important an safe fortification of Ugrian State guarding banks of the river Vah and Carpathian defile which connected Ugrian area and mining towns with Czech, Poland, Moravia and other ones. Levice castle It is a beautiful castle with a rich history. Levice is also famous for the Tekov museum and castle celebration in June. They are organized for all local people showing craftwork, musical, historical and theatre performances. Červený kameň (red stone) castle It lies in Častá. This castle is famous for shooting films such as Fantagiro or Dragon heart. There are different shows of hawkers, swordsmen and another performers. These shows run from 1st April till 31st October.

40. State & religion holidays 1. January Day of Establishment of the Slovak Republic 6. January The Three Wise Men 6. April Good Friday 9. April Easter Monday 1. May Labor Day 8. May Day of Victory over Fascism 5. July St. Cyril and Methodius Holiday 29. August Anniversary of the Slovak National Uprising 1. September Slovak Constitution Day 15. September Day of Saint Mary 1. November All Saints Day 17. November Fight for Freedom and Democracy Day 24. December Christmas Eve 25. December Christmas Day 26. December Boxing Day