Slovakia, formally and still officially the Slovak Republic, is a landlocked country in Central Europe. It is surrounded by Austria to the west, Czech Republic to the northwest, Hungary to the south, Poland to the north and Ukraine to the east. With numerous medieval gothic and baroque towns, nine national parks, plenty of caves, well preserved folk architecture and traditions, lively and cosmopolitan capital city and probably the highest number of castles and chateaux per capita in the world, there's something for every traveler to enjoy in Slovakia.

Much of the central and northern part of Slovakia is rugged and mountainous. Gerlachovský štít at 2,655 m in the High Tatras is the highest point. The Tatra Mountains in the north, shared with Poland, are interspersed with many scenic lakes and valleys. The lowlands are in the south with the lowest point of the Bodrog River being 94 m above sea level.

Slovakia is also a country of massive medieval castles built on the rocks, beautiful detailed ones located on plains (there is about 180 castles and ruins) as well as country of caves. Only a small number of the over 3000 caves is open to the public, however. These mostly consist of traditional karst caves,but there's also an ice cave, and one of the world's few aragonite cave open to the public.

Slovakia has a temperate climate with sunny hot summers and cold, cloudy, humid and snowy winters. The climate is continental, with four seasons, and while the overall climate is mild, there is a considerable temperature difference between summer and winter months.

Some of the major cities of Slovakia include Bratislava (capital and the largest city of Slovakia with a beautifully restored historical centre full of Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance churches, houses and palaces, cobblestone streets, fountains, pleasant cafes and lively and cosmopolitan atmosphere), Levoca (a magnificent medieval pearl of the Spis region surrounded by town walls with a unique renaissance town hall, burger´s houses, numerous churches and St. James Cathedral where the biggest gothic wooden altar of the world is situated) and Rajecké Teplice (a very peaceful spa town surrounded by magnificent Mala Fatra National Park).

The train is by far the best option to travel across Slovakia, provided you don't have a private vehicle. The rail network is extensive, the only exception is central southern Slovakia, where buses are more efficient. Trains are fairly priced, reliable and clean.

Slovakia is covered with hundreds of miles of extremely well-marked hiking trails, that especially in the national parks lead though georgeous landscapes. Visit the nearest chateau/castle - many are hundreds of years old, some preserved in a habitable state with period furnishings and many guided tours are offered.

Local festivals are worth visiting when in Slovakia. In the early spring 'Fasiangy' (Mardi Gras) is celebrated, especially in the countryside, and in early autumn the end of the harvest period is celebrated in wine-producing regions. The part of the centre of the town will be closed and a traditional market available, mostly with local produce and handicrafts for sale and plenty to eat and drink. In bigger cities, similar Christmas markets open in December/around Christmas.

There is a wide diversity of rooms available in Slovakia. These range from AquaCity, based in Poprad, through to budget priced rooms in rental chalets.