Holidayhomes in Slovakia

Slovakia is a young republic in Central Europe. It gained its independence on January 1, 1993 as the former Czechoslovakia dissolved. The country is located west of the Czech Republic, with Poland to the north, the Ukraine to the east, Hungary to the south and Austria to the southwest. Slovakia was a part of Hungary for centuries. The Slovakian people gained their independence rather late. In a referendum of May 18, 2003 the people of Slovakia voted to enter the European Union. Slovakia became one of the Member States of the European Union on May 1, 2004. Because of its history and cultural traditions, Slovakia is classified with the developed countries of Europe. With its central European location, Slovakia has become a melting pot of cultures. Every big city has its own theater, and in the three largest cities you will find opera and ballet ensembles. Two of these cities also have an opera theater. In Slovakia there are numerous chamber ensembles and three symphonic orchestras.

Slovakia has a lot to offer in the way of nature including vast forests, spectacular mountains and beautiful rivers, lakes and waterfalls. When it comes to sports you will also find everything you could possibly want. Slovakia has good winter sports facilities and water sports are also possible. You can go hiking and explore caves or you can enjoy horseback riding through the woods. Slovakia is a young country. Hence, tourism is still yet to be developed. The High Tatra are the most attractive and most visited mountains in Slovakia. They are the highest (over 2600 meters) and northernmost mountains of the 1200 km long Carpathian Mountain range. They are the smallest "high mountains" in the world but you will find snow here year round. On the western side there are the Western Tatra and on the east side the Belaer Tatra. In the middle lie the High Tatra. Together they make up the National Park of the Tatras. In 1969 it was recognized by UNESCO as a nature reserve. People with respiratory ailments often come here (upon medical advice) to benefit from the fresh air of the mountains. Even athletes are in their element here. They can hike or enjoy plenty of skiing, for example at the large ski resort of Strbske Pleso. This is also the highest resort in Slovakia.