Source: Canva1) EXPLORE SLOVAK MOUNTAINS

Slovakia has beautiful national parks with great mountains to hike. You might have heard of the Tatra Mountains, but that’s not all we have. We also have the Fatra Mountains and Slovak Paradise. The best time to visit these areas is from June to September. For example, you can’t hike in the High Tatras until June 15th due to the seasonal closure of hiking trails. Don’t forget about proper gear when going for a hike. You should always have a good pair of hiking boots, a waterproof jacket or at least a raincoat, a small backpack to carry some spare clothes and warmer layers (even in summer), and of course, food and water. Check out good tips for hiking in Slovak national parks: Top Best Hikes in Slovak Mountains.

Source: Canva2) VISIT SLOVAK OPEN-AIR MUSEUMS

"Skanzen" is the name for open-air museums in Slovakia that show what village life once looked like. Each region has its own. Slovakia has around 14 open-air museums, or skanzens, showcasing the country's folk traditions, architecture, and economic history. The museums include examples of traditional buildings and furnishings, and many offer demonstrations of traditional handicrafts. The largest open-air museum is the Slovak Village Open Air Museum in Martin. Here are some tips to see typical Slovak open-air museums that reflect life in Slovakia in the past: Kysuce Village Museum, Liptov Village Museum, Museum of the Slovak Village, Museum of Folk Architecture in Čičmany, Orava Village Museum. READ MORE: Open-Air Museums in Slovakia.

Source: Canva3) EXPLORE SLOVAK FESTIVALS

For many people, visiting music festivals is an inherent part of the summer experience. Slovakia will surprise you with a wide range of musical genres performed at unique locations and on special occasions. The biggest Slovak event, the Pohoda Festival, has confirmed its place among the top festivals in Europe. Even small countries like Slovakia offer top-quality summer music festivals. The bonus point is that they are not as overcrowded and overpriced as other major festivals around the world, and you can definitely explore the local music scene, which can be a very pleasant experience. We have selected the top 5 music festivals happening this summer in Slovakia: Pohoda, Grape, Uprising, Jánošikove dni, Topfest. READ MORE: https://www.studyinslovakia.saia.sk/en/main/life-in-slovakia/daily-life-in-slovakia/events-and-festivals

Source: Canva4) DISCOVER UNESCO SITES

Slovakia is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the historical town of Banská Štiavnica, Spiš Castle, and the wooden churches of the Slovak part of the Carpathian Mountain Area. Several sites in Slovakia have been listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list, which was established in 1945 to protect the most valuable cultural and natural objects on our planet. The list of World’s Cultural and Natural Heritage contains 812 places, and exactly 7 of them can be found in Slovakia. Choose the UNESCO sites according to your preferences and visit: UNESCO Sites in Slovakia.

Source: TripAdvisor5) SWIM IN SLOVAK WATERS

During the summer months, cooling off in cold water is very refreshing. Although Slovakia doesn’t have a sea, it has many lakes worth swimming in. Take a dip in regularly checked lakes and reservoirs. The swimming season in the country kicked off on June 15th and will end on September 15th. If you are tired of pools full of chemicals, check out natural options where you can swim, which are also free of charge: https://www.slovakia.com/tag/swimming/

Source: Canva6) VISIT SLOVAK CASTLES

Slovakia boasts more than 300 historic gems, including over 100 castles and at least twice as many manor houses built in various historical eras. Among them, the largest castle in Central Europe, Spiš Castle, stands out. These fortresses, castles, and mansions are monumental witnesses of the past, crafted by the hands and know-how of the inhabitants of our beautiful country. Many have been reconstructed several times and now house valuable exhibitions and inventories. This unique adornment, composed within magical nature, is an inseparable part of many Slovak towns worth sightseeing. READ MORE: Slovak Castles.

Source: Canva7) EXPLORE WINE ROUTES

The tradition of wine drinking is well-established in Slovakia, especially in the southern part of the country where vineyards cover significant tracts of land. While wine tasting has only recently gained popularity, places along the Small Carpathian and Tokaj Wine Routes offer opportunities to savor local vintages. Slovakia has 6 wine-growing regions and eight wine routes, enabling you to experience reputable Slovak wines—from light white and rosé to red and unique sweet wines from the Tokaj region. READ MORE: Wine Routes.

Source: Canva8) ENJOY THE PERSEID METEOR SHOWER

In August, the Slovakia's sky will be filled with the Perseid meteor shower and aligning planets. One of the best places to admire the sky is the observatory in the High Tatras on Lomnický Peak, the highest publicly accessible space for stargazing. Besides the High Tatras, Slovakia has three “parks of dark skies” ideal for astronomy enthusiasts and star lovers to see the Milky Way. The best spot is in the Poloniny National Park in eastern Slovakia, known for its dark, clear skies. The other two parks are located in Horné Kysuce in western Slovakia and Veľká Fatra in northern Slovakia. Watching falling stars is possible anywhere in Slovakia, ideally away from larger cities to avoid light pollution. No equipment is required to enjoy the sky, making these spots perfect for observing space phenomena. READ MORE: How to Be an Astronomer on a Budget.

Source: Nomad Paradise9) TASTE LOCAL GASTRONOMY

In Slovakia, you will find quality gastronomy at affordable prices. When asked about the most typical Slovak food, every Slovak would mention bryndzové halušky. These gnocchi-like dumplings made of potato dough served with bryndza, a traditional, strong-tasting Slovak sheep’s cheese, originate from the mountainous regions of northern and central Slovakia. They are served in practically every restaurant offering local cuisine, usually seasoned with fried bacon or onions. Another popular dish, especially at Slovak swimming pools, is fried cheese (vyprážaný syr). This dish is best enjoyed with beer or Kofola, a typical Slovak soft drink during hot summer weather. READ MORE: 10 Traditional Slovak Dishes You Must Try.

Source: VisitPiestany.sk10) TRY SUMMER SPORTS

Sports in Slovakia are influenced by its climate and geography. Popular summer sports include football, tennis, volleyball, swimming, cycling, and hiking. Slovakia also offers conditions for more adrenaline-filled sports such as mountaineering, skydiving, gliding, bouldering, and bungee jumping. Look for sporting opportunities in your area and try a sport according to your preferences. READ MORE: https://showmeslovakia.eu/summer-sports/