Day Trips From Bratislava, Slovakia - The Top 40 Destinations

Bratislava is located near the point where the borders of several different countries meet, which means that it is possible to make day trips not only in Slovakia but also in Austria, Hungary and the Czech Republic. Many of Slovakia's most interesting destinations are in the central and eastern parts of the country and are too far away to reach in a day, but I've included the best places to see in southwestern Slovakia along with a good mix of attractions in each of the three neighbouring countries. Vienna is an obvious day trip in Austria, and Budapest is also reachable in a day from Bratislava but I haven't included it in this list since it doesn't make much sense to travel so far to visit a city with as many attractions as Budapest has just for the day. For the purposes of this list I've included destinations that are reachable within three hours of travel by public transport, and given each place a star rating out of five to give you an idea of how worthwhile it is to make the effort to travel there. Instructions are also included for how to get there by public transport starting from the train and bus stations in Bratislava. I've organised the destinations into three categories, those which are within one hour of travel by public transport, within two hours, and within three hours. For more information about the destinations in Slovakia see this post about the Top 100 Destinations in Slovakia and for those in the Czech Republic see this post about The Czech Republic's Top 100 Destinations. The photos included in this post show, from top to bottom, Mikulov (CZ), Esztergom (HUN), Plavecký Castle (SK), Smolenice Castle (SK), and Kopčany Romanesque Church (SK).

Destinations Less Than One Hour Away From Bratislava:

***** Vienna, Austria - (55 minutes to 1 hour) Train from Bratislava main station or from Bratislava-Petržalka station

*** Devín Castle, Slovakia - (20 minutes to 25 minutes) Take Bratislava city bus #28 or #29 from under Nový Most (New Bridge) to Devín village

** Gyor, Hungary - (1 hour) Take the bus with the company called Student Agency from Bratislava main bus station (daily at 11:15am)

** Trnava, Slovakia - (30 minuntes) Train from Bratislava main station

** Hainburg, Austria - (20 minutes) Take Bratislava city bus #901 from under Nový Most (New Bridge) which goes across the border to Hainburg

** Piešťany, Slovakia - (1 hour) Train from Bratislava main station

** Čunovo Art Gallery, Slovakia - (25 minutes) Bus from Bratislava main bus station to the bus stop 'Čunovo Muzeum'

** Modra, Slovakia - (1 hour) Bus from Bratislava main bus station

* Pottenburg Castle, Austria (15 minutes) Take Bratislava city bus #901 from under Nový Most (New Bridge) to the Austrian border village of Wolfsthal, then hike up the red-marked trail to reach the castle ruin

Destinations Less Than Two Hours Away From Bratislava:

**** Mikulov, Czech Republic - (1 hour 50 minutes) Take a train from Bratislava main station to the Czech border town of Břeclav, then change to another local train to reach Mikulov

**** Esztergom, Hungary - (1 hour 25 minutes) Take a train from Bratislava main station to the Slovak border town of Štúrovo, then walk across the bridge over the Danube river to reach Esztergom. The huge dome of the basilica in Esztergom is visible when you get off the train in Štúrovo, so you can use it as a landmark to follow to reach the bridge over the river

*** Trenčín, Slovakia - (1 hour 25 minutes) Take a train from Bratislava main station

*** Čachtice Castle, Slovakia - (1 hour 25 minutes) Take a train from Bratislava main station to Nové Mesto nad Váhom, then change to a local train to reach the village of Višňové which is directly beneath the castle

*** Brno, Czech Republic - (1 hour 30 minutes) Take a train from Bratislava main station

*** Beckov Castle, Slovakia - (1 hour 40 minutes) Train from Bratislava main station to Nové Mesto nad Váhom, then take a bus from outside the train station to the village of Beckov

*** Lednice, Czech Republic - (1 hour 20 minutes) Take a train from Bratislava main station to the Czech border town of Břeclav, then take a bus from outside the train station to reach Lednice

*** Valtice, Czech Republic - (1 hour 35 minutes) Take a train from Bratislava main station to reach the Czech border town of Břeclav, then change to another local train to reach Valtice

** Červený Kameň Castle, Slovakia - (1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes) Take a bus from Bratislava main station to the village of Častá, then walk up the hill along the road to reach the castle

** Nitra, Slovakia - (1 hour 15 minutes) Take a bus from Bratislava main bus station

** Plavecký Castle, Slovakia - (1 hour 20 minutes) Take a bus from Bratislava main bus station to the village of Plavecké Podhradie, then hike up the hill to the castle ruins

** Smolenice Castle, Slovakia - (1 hour 15 minutes) Take a bus from Bratislava main bus station

** Skalica, Slovakia - (1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes) Take a train from Bratislava main station to Kúty, then change to a local train to reach Skalica

** Eisenstadt, Austria - (1 hour 10 minutes) Take a train from Bratislava-Petržalka station to Parndorf, then change to another train to reach Eisenstadt

** Trenčianske Teplice, Slovakia - (1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours) Take a train from Bratislava main station to Trenčín, then take a bus from outside the train station to reach Trenčianske Teplice

* Štefánik Hilltop Monument in Brezová pod Bradlom, Slovakia - (2 hours) Take a bus from Bratislava main station to reach Brezová pod Bradlom, then hike up the red-marked trail to reach the monument

* Tematín Castle, Slovakia - (2 hours) Take a train from Bratislava main station to Nové Mesto nad Váhom, then take a bus from outside the train station to the village of Lúka and walk up the blue-marked trail to reach the castle ruins

* Kopčany Romanesque Church, Slovakia - (1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes) Take a train from Bratislava main station to Kúty, then change to a local train to reach Kopčany village. Walk from the village across the fields towards the Morava river to reach the church

* Dražovce Romanesque Church, Slovakia - (1 hour 45 minutes) Take a bus from Bratislava main station to Nitra, then change to another bus to reach Dražovce village. The church is on the hill above the village

Destinations Less Than Three Hours Away From Bratislava:

**** Olomouc, Czech Republic - (2 hours 40 minutes) Take a train from Bratislava main station to Břeclav, then change trains to reach Olomouc

**** Visegrád, Hungary - (2 hours 25 minutes) Take a train from Bratislava main station to Szob in Hungary, then change to a local train to reach Nagymaros-Visegrad station. From there walk down to the Danube river and take the passenger ferry across the river to Visegrád on the opposite bank

*** Kroměříž, Czech Republic - (2 hours 25 minutes) Take a train from Bratislava main station to Břeclav, then change to a second train to Hulín, then change to a third train to reach Kroměříž

*** Moravský Krumlov, Czech Republic - (2 hours 30 minutes) Take a train from Bratislava main station to Brno, then change to a local train to reach Moravský Krumlov

*** Znojmo, Czech Republic - (2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours) Take a train from Bratislava main station to Břeclav, then change to a local train to reach Znojmo

*** Carnuntum Roman Archaeological Site, Austria - (2 hours 15 minutes) Take Bratislava city bus #901 from under Nový Most to Hainburg, then walk southwest along the red-marked trail to reach the town of Petronell-Carnuntum where the Roman site is located

** Gýmeš Castle, Slovakia - (2 hours 10 minutes to 2 hours 25 minutes) Take a bus from Bratislava main bus terminal to Nitra, then change to another bus to the village of Kostoľany pod Tribečom. In the village there is a Romanesque church to see, then hike up the yellow and then green-marked trails to reach the castle on the nearby hilltop

** Sopron, Hungary - (2 hours 20 minutes to 2 hours 45 minutes) Take a bus with the company Student Agency from Bratislava main station to Gyor (daily at 11:15am), then take a train from there to Sopron

** Rust, Austria - (2 hours to 2 hours 15 minutes) Take a train from Bratislava-Petržalka station to Parndorf, change to a second train to reach Eisenstadt, then take a local bus from there to Rust

** Dobrá Voda Castle, Slovakia - (2 hours to 2 hours 20 minutes) Take a train from Bratislava main station to Trnava, then walk out to the bus station outside the train station and take a bus from there to the village of Dobrá Voda. From there hike up the red-marked trail to reach the castle ruins

** Tata, Hungary - (2 hours to 2 hours 20 minutes) Take a bus with the company Student Agency from Bratislava main station to Gyor (daily at 11:15am), then take a train from Gyor to reach Tata

** Komárno, Slovakia - (2 hours 5 minutes) Take a train from Bratislava main station

Top Day Trips from Český Krumlov, Czech Republic

Český Krumlov is an essential stop on anyone's tour of the Czech Republic, and settling in for a few days to fully experience the town's charms and surrounding countryside is highly recommended. There are a number of worthwhile day trips that can be made from Český Krumlov to see more of South Bohemia, such as a hiking trip in the Šumava National Park or a visit to nearby Rožmberk nad Vltavou castle. Here are ten possible destinations that can be reached using public transport, including a star rating out of 5 for each place. All of these options begin from the main train station or bus station in Český Krumlov. For more details on each of these destinations, see the post Top 100 destinations in the Czech Republic. The photos included in this post show, from top to bottom, Tábor, Třeboň and Prachatice.

**** Hluboká nad Vltavou castle - (1hour 15 min to 1 hour 45 min) Bus to České Budějovice, then change to another bus to Hluboká nad Vltavou village

**** Šumava National Park - (1 hour 30 min) For a great one day hike, take the train to Černý Kříž and hike along the yellow-marked trail (five to six hours) past some of the park's finest scenery until finishing at the train depot Ovesná to get the returning train to Český Krumlov

*** Rožmberk nad Vltavou castle - (35 min to 40 min) Bus to Rožmberk nad Vltavou village

*** České Budějovice - (55 min) Take the train for the very scenic journey

*** Jindřichův Hradec - (2 hours to 2 hours 30 min) Bus to České Budějovice, then change to a second bus

*** Tábor - (2 hours 25 min) It's easier to reach as a day trip from Prague, but if you're in Český Krumlov you can get there by train with a change of trains in České Budějovice

** Prachatice - (2 hours to 2 hours 30 min) Bus to České Budějovice, then change to a second bus

** Třeboň - (1 hour 25 min to 2 hours) Bus to České Budějovice, then change to a second bus

** Holašovice folk village - (1 hour 25 min to 1 hour 50 min) Bus to České Budějovice, then change to a second bus

** Kratochvíle chateau - (1 hour 40 min to 2 hours) Bus to České Budějovice, then change to a second bus

Day Trips from Prague, Czech Republic - The Top 50 Destinations

Prague's central location in the Czech Republic and role as the capital means that all transport connections lead to and from the city, making it possible to reach many destinations around the country as a day trip and even a few across the border in Germany. For the purposes of a day trip I've limited the options to places that can be reached in less than 3 hours of travel by public transport; many travellers prefer short day trips of around one hour of travel and I've included many in that category, but for those who are short on time in the Czech Republic and staying in Prague it can be worth the effort of making longer day trips to see top attractions like Český Krumlov or the Bohemian Switzerland National Park. I've given each destination a star rating out of 5 and grouped them into destinations of one hour of travel or less, two hours or less, and three hours or less. I've included details on how to reach each place using public transport and where the buses/trains depart from in Prague. For more details about things to see in each of these destinations, see the post Top 100 Destinations in the Czech Republic. The photos included in this post show, from top to bottom, Loket, Kolín, Jičín, Jindřichův Hradec and Nelahozeves.

Destinations Within One Hour of Prague:

***** Karlštejn castle - (40 minutes) Train from Prague Hlavní Nádraží station to Karlštejn village

**** Konopiště castle - (45 minutes) Train from Prague Hlavní Nádraží station to Benešov, then walk 1.5 km west through Konopiště park to reach the castle

**** Kutná Hora - (50 min to 1 hour) Train from Prague Hlavní Nádraží station

*** Terezín - (50 min to 1 hour) Bus from outside Prague Holešovice train station

** Mělník - (35 min to 45 min) Bus from outside Prague Holešovice train station

** Nelahozeves - (50 min) Train from Prague Masarykovo nádraží station

** Veltrusy - (35 min) Bus from outside Prague Holešovice train station

** Litoměřice - (1 hour) Bus from outside Prague Holešovice train station

** Pardubice - (1 hour) Train from Prague Hlavní Nádraží station

** Lidice - (20 min) Bus from outside Prague Dejvická metro station

** Lány - (50 min to 1 hour) Bus from outside Prague Hradčanská metro station

* Kolín - (40 min) Train from Prague Hlavní Nádraží station

Destinations Within Two Hours of Prague:

**** Křivoklát Castle - (1 hour 20 min to 2 hours) Train from Prague Hlavní Nádraží station, change to a second train in Beroun

*** Tábor - (1 hour 35 min) Train from Prague Hlavní Nádraží station

*** Plzeň - (1 hour 40 min) Train from Prague Hlavní Nádraží station

*** Hradec Králové - (1 hour 40 min) Train from Prague Hlavní Nádraží station

*** Kokořín Castle - (1 hour 10 min to 1 hour 30 min) Bus from outside Prague Holešovice train station, change to a second bus in Melník

*** Sobotka & Kost Castle - (1 hour 10 min) Bus from outside Prague Černý Most metro station to Sobotka, a hiking trail leads from there through the forest to Kost castle

** Liberec & the Ještěd Tower - (1 hour 15 min) Bus with the company Student Agency which departs from outside Prague Černý Most metro station, take a local tram from outside Liberec train station to reach the Ještěd Tower

** Český Šternberk Castle - (1 hour 45 min to 2 hours) Train from Prague Hlavní Nádraží station, change to a second train in Čerčany

** Jičín - (1 hour 25 min) Bus from outside Prague Černý Most metro station

* Říp Hill - (1 hour 20 min) Train from Prague Masarykovo Nádraží station, change to a second train in Vraňany, then get out in Ctiněves village and walk 1 km along a hiking trail to reach the hill

* Sázava - (1 hour 20 min) Train from Prague Hlavní Nádraží, change to a second train in Čerčany

* Blatná Castle - (1 hour 45 min) Bus from outside Prague Anděl metro station

* Jihlava - (1 hour 45 min) Bus from Prague Florenc bus station

* Žatec - (1 hour 20 min) bus from outside Prague Zličín metro station

Destinations Within Three Hours of Prague:

***** Český Krumlov - (2 hours 55 min) Bus with the company Student Agency which departs outside Prague Anděl metro station. Buy tickets in advance for this bus, especially in summer

**** Karlovy Vary - (2 hours to 2 hours 15 min) Bus from Prague Florenc bus station

**** Dresden (Germany) - (2 hours 15 min) Train from Prague Hlavní Nádraží station

**** Saxon Switzerland National Park & Bastei Bridge (Germany) - (2 hours 20 min to 2 hours 30 min) Train from Prague Hlavní Nádraží station to Bad Schandau, then change to a second train to reach Kurort Rathen. Take the local ferry across the river to beneath the Bastei Bridge, where many hiking trails lead into the park

**** Brno - (2 hours 40 min) Train from Prague Hlavní Nádraží station

**** Olomouc - (2 hours 20 min) Train from Prague Hlavní Nádraží station

**** Telč - (3 hours) Bus from Prague Florenc bus station to Jihlava, change to a second bus to Telč

**** Loket - (3 hours) Bus from Prague Florenc bus station to Karlovy Vary, change to a second bus to Loket

**** Nové Město nad Metují - (2 hours 30 min) Bus from Prague Florenc bus station

**** Litomyšl - (2 hours 20 min) Train from Prague Hlavní Nádraží to Česká Třebová, change to a local bus outside the train station to reach Litomyšl

**** Jindřichův Hradec - (3 hours) Train from Prague Hlavní Nádraží station to Veselí nad Lužnicí, then change to a second train to reach Jindřichův Hradec

**** Bohemian Switzerland National Park - (2 hours 50 min) Train from Prague Hlavní Nádraží station to Děčín, then outside the train station take a local bus to Mezní Louka, where hiking trails begin in the park

**** Czech Paradise National Park - (2 hours 20 min) Train from Prague Hlavní Nádraží station to Turnov, then change to a second train to reach Hrubá Skála, where hiking trails lead into the park

**** Hluboká nad Vltavou Castle - (2 hours 45 min to 3 hours) Bus from outside Prague Anděl metro station to Strakonice or Tábor, then change to a second bus to reach Hluboká nad Vltavou

**** Mariánské Lázně - (3 hours) Train from Prague Hlavní Nádraží station

*** Kuks - (2 hours 25 min) Train from Prague Hlavní Nádraží to Jaroměř, then change to a second train to reach Kuks

*** Třeboň - (2 hours 50 min) Train from Prague Hlavní Nádraží to Veselí nad Lužnicí, then change to a second train to Třeboň

*** Orlík Castle - (2 hours 30 min to 3 hours) Bus from outside Prague Anděl metro station to Písek or Mirovice, then change to a second bus to reach the village of Orlík nad Vltavou where the castle is

*** Zvíkov Castle - (2 hours to 3 hours) Bus from outside Prague Anděl metro station to Písek, then change to a local bus to reach the village of Zvíkovské Podhradí where the castle is

*** Červená Lhota Castle - (2 hours 45 min to 3 hours) Train from Prague Hlavní Nádraží to Soběslav, then outside the station take a local bus to Červená Lhota (this local bus only operates from Monday to Friday, not on Saturday or Sunday)

** Bezděz Castle - (2 hours 50 min to 3 hours) Train from Prague Hlavní Nádraží to Bakov nad Jizerou, then change to a second train to reach Bezděz village

** Prachatice - (2 hours 45 min) Bus from outside Prague Anděl metro station

* Pelhřimov - (2 hours 10 min) Bus from outside Prague Roztyly metro station

* Písek - (2 hours 20 min) Train from Prague Hlavní Nádraží

The Czech Republic's Top 100 Destinations

The Czech Republic is a country with an abundance of cultural and historical riches that warrant and reward extensive exploration. Visitors who spend just a few days in Prague before moving on to the next country are really just scratching the surface, there's so much more that this small Slavic nation has to offer. The list that follows contains what I consider to be the 100 most interesting destinations for tourists, taking into consideration a mix of cultural, architectural, historical and natural attractions.

1. Prague - A city that needs no introduction given its present status as one of the world's greatest tourist destinations. Some people feel it's become too popular for its own good, and I'd agree with that as far as the major routes through the old town and castle district are concerned, but take a stroll away from the tour groups by merely turning down a side street in Malá Strana or Hradčany and you can still see daily life going on just steps from the bustle of the tourist crowds. For a typical Czech experience, look beyond the historic centre to districts like Žižkov, Vinohrady or Holešovice for a place to enjoy local restaurants and pubs without the tourist prices. Experience the city to the fullest, but then be sure to get on a train and go out to see what the rest of the country has to offer, you won't be disappointed!

2. Český Krumlov - One of Europe's most beautiful small towns, featuring an array of medieval buildings which are virtually untouched by modern development. The town has by now been well and truly discovered, and this is the one place outside Prague that a significant number of foreign tourists visit. Don't let that put you off though, this is an essential stop on any tour of the country and a great introduction to the Rose towns of South Bohemia.

3. Olomouc - A major city in the region of North Moravia, Olomouc features an exceptionally pretty old town area centred around two cobbled main squares. This is a great place to experience city life in beautiful surroundings without the accompanying tourist crowds and prices.

4. Karlovy Vary - The largest of the Bohemian spa towns, Karlovy Vary is set in a deep forested river valley with a series of natural springs along the valley floor. It may largely cater to a well-heeled audience of Germans and Russians in search of snazzy and exotic health treatments, but there is plenty for the average tourist to see and experience.

5. Karlštejn Castle - One of the most dramatically impressive castles in the country when viewed from afar, though the interior is somewhat less remarkable. This was King Charles IV's place of retreat from the bustle of Prague, and he forbid women from entering. His wife Anna successfully entered the castle dressed as a man, a tale which became a hugely popular comedy in the 19th century and is still loved today. The castle is at its best at 9am when it first opens, before the tour groups start to arrive.

6. Telč - A perfect medieval square of arcaded 16th-century buildings makes Telč a great place to pause and sample provincial life for a while. Visiting in autumn when the carp ponds which surround the town are drained to harvest the fish provides a uniquely Czech experience.

7. Mikulov - A beautiful small town in South Moravia, found just a few kilometres from the Austrian border. A large chateau sits on a hilltop in the centre with the town spread out on the slopes surrounding it. This is a great place to experience the local Czech wine industry, the white wines produced here are particularly good.

8. Adršpach-Teplice Rock Towns - Huge slabs of stone rise vertically out of the forest in weird and wonderful shapes, making this one of the most interesting natural landscapes in the country. The area provides plenty of hiking opportunities.

9. Loket - A small town in West Bohemia which gives Český Krumlov a run for its money in terms of picturesque location, without the large tourist crowds of the latter.

10. Konopiště Castle - The former home of the Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand, this castle is stuffed with an extensive display of his hunting trophies and furniture. The highlight is the landscaped garden and views of the castle while on the walking trail around the lake.

11. Kutná Hora - A medieval silver mining town which had a population equal to London in the 14th century, Kutná Hora holds a clutch of superb monuments within its old town centre. In the nearby suburb of Sedlec, the ossuary (bone church) forms the main reason most visitors come here, which is to gawk at the downright bizarre sculptures and decorations made from human bones. The highlight is the chandelier, which includes at least one of every different bone in the human body.

12. Bohemian Switzerland National Park - Found in the far north of the country near the German border, this region is famed for its unique sandstone rock formations. The Pravčická Brána is the largest natural stone arch on the European continent and is probably the most impressive sight.

13. Křivoklát Castle - A large castle to the south-west of the capital, Křivoklát is probably my personal favourite of the 'big three' castles near Prague (together with Karlštejn and Konopiště). Set in wooded, hilly countryside, the castle looks spectacular when viewed from one of the surrounding hilltops.

14. Brno - The largest city in Moravia and the country's counterpoint to Prague, Brno features a lively and strollable old town centre with a hilltop castle and the chance to try out some of the nation's finest pubs.

15. Tábor - A pretty town in South Bohemia, Tábor gets far fewer visitors than it deserves. Its web of cobbled streets are fascinating to explore, and as a bonus there is the colourful Klokoty monastery to visit on the outskirts of town.

16. Mariánské Lázně - A spa which once hosted royalty from across Europe, today this small town continues to draw visitors with its healing waters and beautiful 19th-century architecture.

17. Štramberk - Probably my favourite small town in the country, with a collection of wooden buildings in the distinct Wallachian style spread across a hillside below the round castle tower known as Trúba.

18. Český Ráj - The best hiking within easy reach of the capital, with dramatic sandstone cliffs and formations that create a fascinating environment to trek through.

19. Hradec Králové - A large city in East Bohmemia, with a showpiece main square and an impressive old town. Across the river lies the new town, built in the interwar years in the distinctive Czech style known as Rondo-Cubism.

20. Terezín - Originally a Habsburg-era fortress town, Terezín was put to much darker use during WW2 as a Jewish ghetto used as a transit point en route to the Nazi concentration camps in Poland. A visit to the museum here is an essential stop on a historical tour of the country.

21. Moravian Karst - A landscape of limestone canyons and caves just north of the city of Brno.

22. Slavonice - A small town on the Austrian border with an exceptional collection of sgraffito facades in its two main squares.

23. Lednice - Part of the Lednice-Valtice complex once owned by the Lichtenstein family, the town features a chateau with impressive gardens and a 30-metre minaret to climb.

24. Rožnov Pod Radhoštěm - The finest Skansen (outdoor museum) in the country, with dozens of wooden buildings representing the typical traditional architecture of the mountainous Wallachia region.

25. Plzeň - A large city in West Bohemia which has the Pilsner Urquell brewery as its prime attraction. The Gothic cathedral in the central square has the tallest steeple in the country, which you can climb for a panoramic view.

26. Hluboká nad Vltavou - A mock-Gothic castle in South Bohemia which was supposedly redesigned to resemble England's Windsor castle.

27. Pernštejn Castle - A classic Gothic castle on a wooded hill found north-west of Brno.

28. Litomyšl - A small town in East Bohemia with a beautiful old town and the bizarre Portmoneum. It was also the birthplace of the Czech composer Bedřich Smetana.

29. Šumava National Park - This is the most pristine stretch of mountain wilderness in the country, making it a magnet for visitors who enjoy hiking and outdoor activities.

30. Třeboň - A small walled town in South Bohemia surrounded by a network of carp ponds. The old town core is one of the most architecturally complete in Bohemia.

31. České Budějovice - A large city in South Bohemia which produces the famous Budvar beer. Try a glass while sitting in the picturesque central square.

32. Moravský Krumlov - Home to the Slav Epic paintings by Czech artist Alfons Mucha in the town's chateau. The paintings may soon be moved to Prague, so take the opportunity to see them in their original home before they head off to the big city.

33. Znojmo - A picturesque town perched on the edge of a deep river valley, with impressive Romanesque frescoes in its old town area.

34. Jindřichův Hradec - A small town in South Bohemia with an impressive castle complex.

35. Vranov Nad Dyjí Castle - A castle perched on a clifftop near the Austrian border in South Moravia.

36. Krkonoše Mountains - The best skiing in the country is found here, along with the country's highest mountain, Sněžka.

37. Kokořín Castle - A 14th-century castle which sits among wooded hills and valleys to the north of Prague.

38. Litoměřice - A small town in North Bohemia with an old town containing many picturesque churches.

39. Valtice - The southern town of the Lednice-Valtice complex, featuring the palace which the Lichtenstein family once called home.

40. Kroměříž - A pretty town in South Moravia with a chateau and extensive landscaped gardens.

41. Pardubice - A city in East Bohemia which includes a large palace and old town square containing several buildings with highly decorative facades.

42. Prachatice - A small walled town in South Bohemia with impressive sgraffito facades in its old town centre.

43. Bouzov Castle - A huge Neo-Gothic castle not far from the city of Olomouc.

44. Mělník - A town in North Bohemia which is noted for its wine production as well as its castle perched high above the point where the Vltava and Labe rivers meet.

45. Ride of the Kings Folk Festival in Vlčnov - A folk festival in the Slovacko region of Moravia held each year in May.

46. Červená Lhota Castle - A renaissance-era castle in South Bohemia beautifully situated in the middle of a lake.

47. Liberec - A major city of North Bohemia with a splendid neo-renaissance town hall.

48. Trosky Castle - A castle perched on a narrow blade of rock at the edge of the Český Ráj region.

49. Zvíkov Castle - A striking medieval castle found in South Bohemia.

50. Zelená Hora Pilgrimage Church in Ždár Nad Sazavou - A unique star-shaped structure on a hilltop designed by Giovanni Santini.

51. Český Šternberk Castle - A Gothic castle sitting high above a river valley to the south-east of the capital.

52. The Broumov Walls - A series of sandstone cliffs and unusual rock formations in East Bohemia.

53. Bítov Castle - A hilltop castle located in South Moravia.

54. Svatá Hora Shrine in Příbram - A colourful Marian shrine on a hill in an otherwise drab industrial town in Bohemia.

55. Ještěd Tower - A socialist-era TV tower and hotel near the city of Liberec which has become one of the most recognisable symbols of the Czech lands, at least to the Czechs themselves.

56. Františkovy Lázně - The third of the major spa towns of West Bohemia, with pleasant architecture and a much more relaxed feel than Karlovy Vary.

57. Bezděz Castle - A Gothic ruin perched on a rocky outcrop in North Bohemia.

58. Podyjí National Park - A series or rolling hills and woodlands dotted with various castles and ruins, creating an ideal destination for hiking.

59. Kost Castle - A large castle sitting on top of a column of sandstone in the Český Ráj region.

60. Strážnice Folk Festival - The largest and most popular folk festival in the country, held each year in June.

61. Kuks - A collection of Baroque spa buildings with a fantastic collection of ornate statues.

62. Cheb - A town on the German border in West Bohemia with a beautiful old town centre and an imposing castle.

63. Kladruby Monastery - A Benedictine monastery containing a central church in Romanesque and Gothic style.

64. Orlík Castle - A 19th-century riverside castle with elegant interiors found in South Bohemia.

65. Wooden Churches of the Beskydy Region - Several impressive Roman Catholic wooden churches can be seen in far-east Moravia. The finest is in the village of Guty, near the Polish border.

66. Blatná Castle - A water castle surrounded by an artificial lake found in South Bohemia.

67. Rabí Castle - A large castle ruin in South Bohemia sitting above the village of the same name.

68. Rožmberk Nad Vltavou - A quaint village near Český Krumlov with a huge fortress on a narrow ledge of rock above the Vltava river.

69. Landštejn Castle - A ruined 13th-century structure located near the Austrian border.

70. Holašovice - A village of baroque-style folk architecture in South Bohemia.

71. Pelhřimov - A small medieval town east of Tábor with a well-preserved central square.

72. Domažlice - A pleasant town centred on a long and narrow central square found not far from the German border in West Bohemia.

73. Písek Bridge - An 11th-century stone construction which is even older than Prague's Charles Bridge.

74. Lidice Museum - A small museum which describes the WW2 events in which the Nazis burned the village of Lidice to the ground and shot the inhabitants or sent them off to concentration camps in retaliation for the assassination of Nazi leader Reinhard Heydrich.

75. Buchlov Castle - A Gothic castle in hilly countryside in South Moravia.

76. Jičín - A welcoming town with an arcaded central square and a renaissance palace found in East Bohemia.

77. Nové Město Nad Metují - A small town in East Bohemia with a chateau and perfectly preserved central square.

78. Pustevny - A mountaintop settlement of fairytale wooden cottages painted in bright colours in the eastern Beskydy region of Moravia.

79. Šternberk Castle - A large castle in the town of Šternberk found north of the city of Olomouc.

80. Třebíč - Features one of the most well-preserved Jewish ghettos in the country, as well as a Romanesque basilica.

81. Slavkov (Austerlitz Battlefield) - The location where in 1805 Napoleon's troops defeated the combined forces of Austria and Russia. Today there is a Peace Monument and a museum on the site.

82. Boskovice - A town north of Brno with a fine chateau, castle ruin, Jewish synagogue and a rather unexpected Wild West theme park.

83. The Grave of T.G. Masaryk in Lány - This village to the west of Prague is where the first President of Czechoslovakia is buried, and his grave is a place of pilgrimage for many Czechs. Nearby the grave site is the Czech presidential summer palace.

84. Veltrusy - A beautiful baroque chateau surrounded by gardens and a park north of Prague.

85. Kašperské Hory - A pretty little village in South Moravia which was once a German mining town. The highlights include an eye-catching renaissance town hall and an unusual motorcycle museum.

86. Velké Losiny - A small Moravian spa town featuring an impressive Renaissance-style chateau and a hand-made paper museum.

87. Strakonice Castle - A 13th-century fortress with a round tower in South Bohemia.

88. Broumov Wooden Church - Probably the finest wooden church in the country along with the one in Guty. This is the oldest one in the Czech Republic, dating from the 14th century.

89. Český Kras caves - A region south of the capital with a large number of caves, one of which is officially open to the public, the Koněpruské Jeskyně.

90. Žatec - A pleasant old town in North Bohemia with a museum dedicated to the hops industry and its role in beer production.

91. Nelahozoves - A village just north of Prague with a large chateau and the birthplace museum of the Czech composer Antonín Dvořák.

92. Nový Jičín - A town in north Moravia with an impressive central square with arcaded facades and a hat museum.

93. řip Hill - A hill north of the capital which legend claims was the place where the founding father of the Czech nation, Praotec Čech, declared all the territory which surrounded the hill as the Czech lands. There is a 12th-century rotunda at the top to visit, so climbing the hill is a popular patriotic activity for Czechs.

94. Helfštýn Castle - An excellent hilltop castle ruin in North Moravia, with great hiking in the surrounding hills.

95. Kadaň - A historic town in North Bohemia full of 18th-century buildings and a strikingly unique town hall.

96. Jihlava - An old silver mining town in South Moravia with an attractive old town centre.

97. Sázava - A small town featuring a chateau and an 11th-century monastery high on a plateau above the Sázava river.

98. Jaroměřice nad Rokytnou - A huge and colourful baroque chateau dominates this small town in south Moravia.

99. Kolín - A town to the east of Prague with a 13th-century Gothic church and a beautiful cobbled main square.

100. Náchod - A small town on the Polish border with a beautiful hilltop chateau.

Slovakia's Most Unique and Unusual Experiences

Following the list of the top 100 places to visit in Slovakia, I thought it would be useful to add a list of some of the most unique and strange experiences it's possible to have in the country. These are in no particular order, this is just a set of some of the most unusual or typically Slovak activities.

- See a Kamzik (Chamois) among the peaks of the Tatra Mountains

- See the quirkiest examples of communist-era architecture, such as the Slovak Radio building, the Hotel Kiev basement lounge, the Mladá Garda student housing complex, and the Štefánik airport private diplomatic arrivals area (all in Bratislava)

- Visit the supposed "Centre of Europe" site in Kremnické Bane

- Sit on a WW2 Russian tank in the "Valley of Death" north of Svidník

- Go mushroom picking with a group of locals in the Low Tatras, Malá Fatra, or the Malé Karpaty mountain ranges

- See the annual folk festival in Východná

- Go to an ice hockey game in Trenčín, the country's hockey hotbed

- Jump over a campfire holding an axe

- Learn how to cook Bryndzové Halušky

- Drive or have a ride in a 1980's-era Škoda car

- Learn about the Slovak Robin Hood, the outlaw Juraj Jánošík, and stand next to his metal statue on the hill in Terchova

- Put a carp in your bathtub at Christmas time

- Carry one of the scales from a Christmas carp in your wallet to bring good fortune throughout the year

- Follow the former line of the Iron Curtain along the Morava river north of Devín, plenty of old fence posts, wire and bunker emplacements can be seen

- Visit Príkra, the smallest village in Slovakia, population 7. It's north of Svidník near the Polish border, and has an impressive wooden church.

- See and photograph the best communist-era murals found in the country's train stations

- Visit the terrific guitar museum in the far-eastern town of Sobrance

- Watch someone play a Fujara, or better yet, have a lesson and give it a try for yourself

- Attend the Festival of Ghosts and Monsters held at Bojnice Castle

- Watch or take part in the traditional custom of pig killing on a farm in Orava or Kysuce region

- Watch or take part in the high-speed hay-cutting championships (done in the traditional manner with a scythe) held in Terchová

- Learn to appreciate the fine taste of a glass of Kofola

- Hike along the Cesta Hrdinov SNP trail (National Uprising Trail of Heroes) to reach the Dukla Pass

- See an opera in the old opera house in Bratislava, or in the Košice opera house

- See a concert by local Slovak bands, I'd suggest Longital or Žive Kvety

- Hear a concert by the Slovak Philharmonic in Bratislava, world-class performances for a great price

- Hike to the peak on the border where Slovakia, Poland and Ukraine meet, north of Nová Sedlica in the far north-east corner of the country

- visit the Chatam Sofer Jewish memorial in Bratislava

- Sample some of the country's lesser-known beers, such as Martiner or Tatran

- Visit Luník IX, the Roma ghetto in a Košice suburb, to get a first-hand impression of the difficulties these people face in Slovak society

- Learn how to operate a communist-era Tatramat washing machine

- Watch a shepherd tending a flock of sheep or goats in the mountain pastures of Orava region

- See the Good Soldier Švejk statue at the train station in Humenné

- Visit the village and train station in Čierna nad Tisou, the end of the main train line on the Ukrainian border

- Wait for the bus at the Campbell's soup tin-shaped bus stop outside the Andy Warhol museum in Medzilaborce

- Visit the museum house in the village of Uhrovec where two major Slovak figures were born, L'udovit Štúr and Alexander Dubček

- See some of the collection of communist-era cars displayed by the Košice Trabant club

- Visit the Romanesque chapel in the village of Kopčany, the oldest church in the country, dating from the 9th century during the Great Moravian Empire

- Ride one of the old red-and-cream coloured Czechoslovak trams in Bratislava or Košice

Slovakia's Top 100 Destinations

As a long-time Slovak resident, I've been to pretty much every corner of this small nation, from Skalica to Uličské Krivé and all points in between. I've tried to include a good mix of cultural, historical and natural sights, for this country has plenty to offer in all three categories, or everything except a sea, as the Slovaks themselves like to say. This list reflects each destination's appeal to the average tourist as well as including most of my own favourites. Enjoy!

1. The High Tatra Mountains - alpine peaks with hiking and climbing opportunities that rival anything in Europe. Wildlife spotting along the trails in some of the more remote parts of the park is almost guaranteed.

2. Spiš Castle - The nation's most spectacular castle, and one of the largest in central Europe. Now a ruin, it dominates the town of Spišské Podhradie from its position on a wind-swept hilltop. Spišská Kapitula is found on the hill opposite, a complex of churches and monasteries surrounded by old stone walls that adds a counterpoint to the castle's dominance of the landscape.

3. Banská Štiavnica - A medieval mining town that has managed to retain almost all of its splendour and unique character. Beautiful pastel-coloured buildings spread across a hillside, with two castles in their midst and a hilltop pilgrimage church within view.

4. Bardejov - A perfectly-preserved Saxon town centre, with a cathedral and town hall positioned on a cobbled main square of burgher houses covered in sgraffito facades. The town's set of medieval walls, towers and fortifications is nearly complete, making for a stunning view from the nearby hills.

5. Levoča - A small town par excellence, with a perfect set of medieval fortifications and small winding cobbled lanes. The world's largest wooden altar can be seen in the town's main church.

6. Bratislava - The capital and hub of the country's modern development. The old town quarter is a maze of small streets connecting several large cobbled squares. It has the best restaurants and pubs the country has to offer, and plenty of worthwhile museums. Socialist-era architecture surrounds much of the centre, but a few buildings from this period, notably the National Radio Building, are quirky enough to warrant taking a look at. The town's castle sits on a hill above the Danube, overlooking the UFO-topped SNP bridge, known locally as Nový Most.

7. Čičmany - A small mountain village of wooden houses with a unique twist - most of the dark log homes are covered from top to bottom in white geometric folk designs based on the local patterns used in lacework and traditional costumes.

8. Vlkolínec - A UNESCO heritage-listed mountain village of wooden cottages that has remained untouched by modern development. Spending a night in a cottage here is a highly memorable experience.

9. Orava Castle - perched on a tiny blade of rock which sits high above the Orava river, this is one of the country's finest restored castles. Guided tours will take you through most of the castle's rooms, with superb views from the upper castle windows.

10. Slovenský Raj National Park-A series of steep river canyons amid the forested mountains, this is one of the most unique places for hiking in the country. A series of ladders and metal grids stuck into the cliffs allow you to hike right up the side of crashing waterfalls and through gorges that are strikingly misty and green.

11. Bojnice Castle - A fairy-tale castle in the tradition of French Loire valley castles, with an annual Ghosts and Monsters festival

12. Ždiar- A small village at the eastern end of the Tatra mountains, a perfect base for hiking trips to the nearby peaks. The village has many traditional wooden homes that are beautifully decorated, and has preserved many elements of the unique Goral mountain-peasant culture found in the region.

13. Malá Fatra National Park- Some of the best hiking outside the Tatras, with Vrátna Dolina being the most popular location.

14. Kremnica- A small town in a wooded valley dominated by a castle at its centre with a memorable tower to climb. Watch for the instructions given at the bottom of the stairs warning of the 'pretentious stairs'. The national mint is found on the leafy square that sits below the castle, while the old stone walls that encircle the square make for an impressive sight when viewed from the nearby hills.

15. Košice- The country's second city, with the most easterly Gothic Cathedral in Europe. The main square features many perfectly restored 16th to 18th century buildings, and the 'singing fountain' which plays music in time to the movement of the water jets.

16. Krásna Hôrka Castle and Andrássy Mausoleum- A restored hill-top castle with a commanding view of the countryside. The nearby mausoleum is an art-nouveau masterpiece.

17. Devín Castle- A castle perched on a cliff above the Danube river near Bratislava.

18. Pieniny National Park - An ideal place to experience rafting on a traditional wooden raft, steered by oarsmen in traditional costumes.

19. Trenčín- A pretty settlement on the Váh river with a cliff-top castle that dominates the town.

20. Spišská Kapitula - found on the hill opposite Spiš castle, a complex of churches and monasteries surrounded by old stone walls that adds a counterpoint to the castle's dominance of the landscape.

21. Čachtice Castle- A hill-top castle ruin associated with the blood-thirsty deeds of the Countess Báthory.

22. Špania Dolina- A traditional medieval mining village just north of Banská Bystrica.

23. Spišská Sobota- Nowadays a suburb of Poprad, this village square is one of the finest in the Spiš region, with many well-restored merchant houses.

24. Kežmarok- A Saxon town in the Spiš region with an impressive castle and old town, and probably the finest Evangelical wooden church in the country.

25. Slovenský Kras Caves- This series of caves near Rožňava include the bizarre Argonite cave with unusual stone formations, and a chain of caves that run under the border into Hungary.

26. Piešťany- The country's finest spa town, popular with German and Austrian visitors. A man breaking his crutch after being treated with the healing waters is the town's symbol.

27. Banská Bystrica- A large town in the hills of central Slovakia, with a memorable main square and castle. The museum of the Slovak National Uprising details the struggle to free the country from Nazi occupation during World War II.

28. Strečno Castle- A cliff-top ruin on the Váh river, east of Žilina.

29. Andy Warhol Museum in Medzilaborce- One of the strangest places in the world to find a major art gallery, with many famous works by Warhol displayed. His parents came from a small village a few kilometres from the town.

30. Zuberec- A village in Orava region, this is a great base for hikes in the western part of the Tatras and has an outdoor folk museum of wooden homes and churches.

31. Beckov Castle- A mighty ruin dominating the small village below it, this castle is also associated with the Countess Báthory, accused of many grisly deeds.

32. Terchová- A small village in the Malá Fatra mountains that is famous as the home of the 'Slovak Robin Hood' hero Juraj Jánošík. His statue sits on a hill above the town. This is a great place to see traditional Slovak music and customs, as there is a major annual folk festival and many smaller events throughout the year. This is also a god base for hiking in the Vratná valley.

33. Bardejovské Kúpele- A spa town just north of Bardejov, with an excellent folk architecture museum containing two Greek-Catholic wooden churches.

34. Demänovská Valley - South of Liptovský Mikulaš, this is a major outdoor recreation area with hiking trails, winter skiing, and several unique caves.

35. Ladomirová - One of the finest Rusyn wooden churches in the country, found north of Svidník near the Polish border.

36. Danubiana Art Gallery in Čunovo- An art gallery at the end of Slovakia, or that's how it feels as you walk out to its island location in the middle of the Danube. Showcasing the best in Slovak modern art with regularly-changing installations and many international exhibitions.

37. Poloniny National Park- An untouched corner of the country in the far north-east, this region has excellent hiking and many traditional Rusyn villages to explore.

38. Nitra- 'The Mother of Slovak towns', as it is called here, has a castle on a hill at its centre with a history that dates back to the Great Moravian Empire and the arrival of the Saints Cyril and Methodius who created the Cyrillic alphabet.

39. Červený Kameň Castle- A square-sided castle in the Small Carpathians, it has huge corner towers that protected it through many invasions.

40. Dukla Pass World War 2 monuments- This region was heavily defended by the Germans, and thousands of Russian and Czechoslovak troops died trying to capture it. Today there is a viewing tower and huge memorial to the victors, and many tanks and military vehicles lie scattered across the surrounding landscape, left where they came to rest in the fighting and restored as a part of the memorial.

41. Hervartov - A small village south of Bardejov featuring a Roman Catholic wooden church, the oldest wooden church in Slovakia.

42. Betliar- A palace that has been superbly renovated, with an extensive collection of exotic items collected from around the globe. Large gardens and parks with a man-made waterfall surround the palace.

43. Plavecký Castle- A ruin found in the Small Carpathian range which is in very good condition.

44. Hronsek - A village between Zvolen and Banská Bystrica which contains an evangelical wooden church with UNESCO heritage status.

45. Pribylina Folk Architecture Outdoor Museum- A collection of wooden homes and a stone church and manor house with the Tatra mountains as a backdrop.

46. Smolenice Castle- A restored castle in the Small Carpathians, with a tall central tower.

47. Modra- An attractive small town famous for its wine production.

48. Trnava- A walled town nick-named 'The Slovak Rome' - although the name is a bit much to live up to, the town has many beautiful churches.

49. Miroľa - a small village north of Svidník featuring a fantastic Greek-Catholic wooden church.

50. Gýmeš Castle- A castle ruin east of Nitra, with great views.

51. Dobroslava - A village north of Svidník with a superb Greek-Catholic wooden church.

52. Skalica- A town near the Czech border with a pleasant old town and central square, and a Romanesque rotunda.

53. Východná - a town in the Tatra mountain region made famous by its annual folk festival.

54. Lietava Castle- A huge castle ruin south of Žilina.

55. Žilina - A large town with an enjoyable old town square and Budatín Castle on its outskirts.

56. Ruská Bystrá - A remote Rusyn village near the Ukrainian border featuring a UNESCO-listed wooden church.

57. Zvolen- A large town in central Slovakia with a well-fortified castle and a huge town square.

58. Detva - A small town known for its folk festival and preservation of folk traditions.

59. Stará Ľubovňa Castle- A half-ruin above the town of Stará Ľubovňa with a folk architecture museum on the grassy plain below.

60. Žehra - A UNESCO-listed church with a unique onion dome and inerior frescoes, found just south of Spiš castle.

61. Trenčianske Teplice- A spa town surrounded by forested hills with a relaxed atmosphere.

62. Podbiel- A village in Orava region that has a wonderful collection of traditional wooden folk cottages.

63. Brhlovce- A village east of Levice that contains several cave houses; the locals dug their way into the cliff faces around the town for protection from invaders, and several still remain today, including one that has been turned into a museum.

64. Bodružal - A village north of Svidník with a UNESCO-listed wooden church.

65. Svidník Folk Architecture Outdoor Museum- A collection of Rusyn farm buildings and homes, with one of the region's finest wooden churches.

66. Dobšiná Ice Cave- A cave south of the Slovak Paradise National Park.

67. Prešov-A major city of eastern Slovakia, with an impressive main square and several orthodox churches.

68. Komárno- A town along the Danube river with a large ethnic Hungarian population. It has a large fortress and the European square, featuring a set of buildings in many different national European architectural styles.

69. Osturňa- A small village north of Ždiar near the Polish border with many preserved wooden folk cottages.

70. Dobrá Voda Castle- A large castle ruin in the Small Carpathians

71. Nižný Komárnik - A village north of Svidník with an unusual wooden church.

72. Martin - A town featuring the National Folk Architecture Outdoor Museum, the main branch of the National Museum, and the National Cemetery.

73. Slovak Bethlehem Wooden Diorama in Rajecká Lesná- A diorama made entirely of wood that contains moving parts in the scene.

74. Dražovce - A beautiful Romanesque church on a hilltop north of Nitra.

75. Tvrdošín - A town in Orava region with a UNESCO-listed wooden church.

76. Lednický Castle- A ruin on a steep cliff-edge near the Czech border.

77. Svätý Kríž - A village in Liptov region with an Evangelical wooden church which was moved to its present location to save it when the Liptovská Mara reservoir was constructed.

78. Humenné Folk Architecture Outdoor Museum- A collection of Rusyn houses and a wooden church.

79. Likava Castle- A large castle ruin north of Ružomberok.

80. Rusovce - a village featuring a Roman Legion Camp Museum and a bizarre palace.

81. Topoľčianske Castle- A spectacular castle ruin with a tall central tower.

82. Budmerice Palace- An impressive palace west of Trnava.

83. Pezinok - A town near Bratislava that is famous for its wine festival.

84. Slovenská Ľupča Castle- A large restored castle east of Banská Bystrica.

85. Leštiny - A village in Orava region with a UNESCO-listed Evangelical wooden church.

86. Červený Kláštor Monastery- A monastery found in Pieniny national park, one of the oldest in the country.

87. Spišský Štvrtok - A town with a Romanesque church in Spiš region.

88. Tokaj Wine Region- Found in the far east along the Hungarian border, this region produces some of the country's best wines.

89. M.R. Štefáník Monument in Brezová pod Bradlom- A stone monument on a ridge built for a defining figure in Slovak history. Štefáník was instrumental in the creation of the Czechoslovak state after World War I.

90. Uličské Krivé - A small village near the Ukrainian border with a wooden church.

91. Hronský Beňadik Monastery- A town featuring a hill-top monastery.

92. Svätý Jur- a pretty small town near Bratislava with plenty of good wine on offer.

93. Hrabová Roztoka - a village near the Ukrainian border with a wooden church and several orthodox churches.

94. Vychylovka Folk Architecture Outdoor Museum - A set of wood and stone buildings and a forest railway in Kysuce region.

95. Šomoška Castle- A ruin sitting directly on the Hungarian border south of Lučenec.

96. Frička - a village north-west of Bardejov with a large wooden church.

97. Jasov Monastery- A monastery found west of Košice in a small town.

98. Strážky Palace- A white fortress-like palace north of Kežmarok.

99. Ruský Potok - A small village near the Ukrainian border with a well-restored wooden church.

100. Podolínec- A town north of Kežmarok with traditional Spiš-style architecture.