Lets fucking go!!!!! I recently spent some time in the beautiful country of Slovakia and although the main part of my experience there was mostly Hallucinations I still think I can help some fellow nomads so please bear with me and enjoy your fuckin pants off!!!!
We arrived in Bratislava a day before new years eve with 20 grams of Psilocybin mushrooms to discover that there where no hostels for less than 30$ night and I personally wouldn’t pay more than 20$ a night in most of Europe, so we started looking around and found a motel in a random village an hour from Bratislava, there wasn’t a tourist in sight or pretty much anything for that matter We shut off our phones and started eating the mushrooms at sundown Friday night and went till Saturday night, in those 24 hours in a small motel room with a bathtub in the room and light pink walls that made me feel like I was in some soviet era hotel I experienced 10 lifetimes, as I started hitchhiking towards Prague I realized that no words can do justice to the experiences I had in that motel but let me tell you this if you haven’t tried mushrooms please do it is the most amazing experience you can ever have and don’t listen to the people that tell you that you will have a bad trip and never come out of it that is complete bullshit I’ve personally tripped with my buddies hundreds of times and none of us ever experienced a bad trip there is one simple trick to not having a bad trip and that is Don’t fucking think just let your mind go freely and your life will change forever, sorry for my rant about psychedelic’s I really wish more people in the world would enjoy them like I do so here’s your backpacking guide to Slovakia. Enjoy!!!
WHEN TO GO:
Winter (December to March)
- Skiing and Snowboarding: Slovakia has a number of excellent ski resorts, including Donovaly, Jasna, and Tatranska Lomnica.
- Christmas Markets: Visit the Christmas markets in Bratislava and Kosice for a festive atmosphere and unique souvenirs.
- New Year’s Eve: Celebrate the start of a new year in Slovakia’s capital city, Bratislava.
Spring (April to May)
- Hiking: As the weather warms up, the High Tatras mountains become a hiker’s paradise.
- Festivals: Attend the Východná Folklore Festival in July or the Bratislava Music Festival in May.
- May Day Festivals: Experience ancient traditions and customs at the May Day festivals in smaller villages.
Summer (June to August)
- Hiking: The High Tatras hiking trails are all open, and the weather is warm and sunny.
- Festivals: Enjoy the Pohoda Fest in July, the Grape Festival in Piestany, or the Summer Shakespeare Festival in Bratislava.
- Water Sports: Take advantage of Slovakia’s many rivers and lakes for kayaking, rafting, or canoeing.
Autumn (September to October)
- Hiking: The weather is still warm, and the crowds have thinned out, making it an ideal time for hiking.
- Wine Harvest: Visit the wine regions of Slovakia, such as the Tokaj wine region, for a taste of the new vintage.
- Festivals: Attend the Bratislava Wine Festival or the Piešťany Cultural Festival.
Low Season (November to April)
- Fewer Tourists: If you prefer smaller crowds, visit Slovakia during the low season.
- Lower Prices: Take advantage of lower prices for accommodations and tourist attractions.
- Skiing and Snowboarding: The ski resorts are still open, and the prices are lower than during the peak season.
BEST ITINERARIES:
4-Day Itinerary:
Day 1: Bratislava
- Explore the Old Town, including the Main Square and St. Martin’s Cathedral
- Visit the Bratislava Castle and the Slovak National Museum
Day 2: Bratislava to Žilina
- Take a train to Žilina ( approx. €5)
- Visit the Žilina Castle and the Museum of the Slovak National Uprising
- Wander around the historic center and enjoy the local atmosphere
Day 3: Žilina to Tatranska Lomnica
- Take a train to Tatranska Lomnica (approx. €5)
- Hike in the High Tatras mountains, exploring the trails and scenic views
- Stay overnight in a hostel or campsite
Day 4: Tatranska Lomnica to Bratislava
- Return to Bratislava by train (approx. €5)
- Spend the day exploring the city, visiting any attractions you missed on Day 1
- Depart from Bratislava
1-Week Itinerary:
Day 1-2: Bratislava
- Explore the city, including the Old Town, Bratislava Castle, and the Slovak National Museum
- Enjoy traditional Slovak cuisine and local beer
Day 3-4: Žilina
- Take a train to Žilina (approx. €5)
- Visit the Žilina Castle and the Museum of the Slovak National Uprising
- Wander around the historic center and enjoy the local atmosphere
Day 5-6: Tatranska Lomnica
- Take a train to Tatranska Lomnica (approx. €5)
- Hike in the High Tatras mountains, exploring the trails and scenic views
- Stay overnight in a hostel or campsite
Day 7: Return to Bratislava
- Return to Bratislava by train (approx. €5)
- Spend the day exploring the city, visiting any attractions you missed earlier
- Depart from Bratislava
2-Week Itinerary:
Day 1-3: Bratislava
- Explore the city, including the Old Town, Bratislava Castle, and the Slovak National Museum
- Enjoy traditional Slovak cuisine and local beer
Day 4-6: Žilina
- Take a train to Žilina (approx. €5)
- Visit the Žilina Castle and the Museum of the Slovak National Uprising
- Wander around the historic center and enjoy the local atmosphere
Day 7-9: Tatranska Lomnica
- Take a train to Tatranska Lomnica (approx. €5)
- Hike in the High Tatras mountains, exploring the trails and scenic views
- Stay overnight in a hostel or campsite
Day 10-12: Košice
- Take a train to Košice (approx. €10)
- Explore the city, including the Košice Cathedral and the East Slovak Museum
- Enjoy the local atmosphere and cuisine
Day 13-14: Return to Bratislava
- Return to Bratislava by train (approx. €10)
- Spend the day exploring the city, visiting any attractions you missed earlier
- Depart from Bratislava
1-Month Itinerary:
Day 1-7: Bratislava
- Explore the city, including the Old Town, Bratislava Castle, and the Slovak National Museum
- Enjoy traditional Slovak cuisine and local beer
Day 8-14: Žilina
- Take a train to Žilina (approx. €5)
- Visit the Žilina Castle and the Museum of the Slovak National Uprising
- Wander around the historic center and enjoy the local atmosphere
Day 15-21: Tatranska Lomnica
- Take a train to Tatranska Lomnica (approx. €5)
- Hike in the High Tatras mountains, exploring the trails and scenic views
- Stay overnight in a hostel or campsite
Day 22-28: Košice
- Take a train to Košice (approx. €10)
- Explore the city, including the Košice Cathedral and the East Slovak Museum
- Enjoy the local atmosphere and cuisine
Day 29-30: Return to Bratislava
- Return to Bratislava by train (approx. €10)
TRANSPORTATION:
Bus
- Slovak Lines: The national bus company, Slovak Lines, operates bus services throughout the country.
- Regional Bus Companies: There are several regional bus companies that operate in specific regions, such as Bratislava, Košice, and Žilina.
- Ticket Prices: Ticket prices vary depending on the route and type of bus. On average, a ticket costs around €1-€5.
- Schedules: Bus schedules are available online or at the bus station.
Train
- Železničná spoločnost’: The national railway company, Železničná spoločnost’, operates train services throughout the country.
- Types of Trains: There are several types of trains, including express, fast, and regional trains.
- Ticket Prices: Ticket prices vary depending on the route and type of train. On average, a ticket costs around €5-€20.
- Schedules: Train schedules are available online or at the train station.
Tram and Trolleybus
- Bratislava: Bratislava has a comprehensive tram and trolleybus network.
- Košice: Košice also has a tram network.
- Ticket Prices: Ticket prices vary depending on the route and type of transportation. On average, a ticket costs around €0.50-€1.
- Schedules: Schedules are available online or at the tram or trolleybus stop.
Hitchhiking
I hitched form Bratislava to Prague a few hours before new years and got a ride in a half hour, check out hitchwiki.org for hitchhiking guides.
Other Transportation Options
- Taxi: Taxis are widely available, but can be more expensive than public transportation.
- Ride-hailing: Ride-hailing services, such as Uber and Liftago, are available in larger cities.
- Bicycle: Slovakia has a bike-friendly infrastructure, making cycling a great option for shorter distances.
ACCOMMODATIONS:
Slovakia offers a diverse range of accommodations for travelers on a budget. From cozy hostels to comfortable apartments, and from rustic campsites to charming guesthouses, there’s something for everyone.
Hostels are a great option for backpackers and travelers on a tight budget. They offer dorms and private rooms, often with shared kitchens and common areas. Prices start from around €10-€20 per night.
Apartments are another popular choice, especially for travelers who want more space and amenities. They can be found in cities and towns, and often include kitchens, Wi-Fi, and other modern conveniences. Prices start from around €20-€40 per night.
Guesthouses are a charming option for travelers who want a more personalized experience. They’re often run by friendly families who offer home-cooked meals and a warm welcome. Prices start from around €20-€40 per night.
For the real men amongst us, campsites and farm stays are a great way to experience the beauty of Slovakia’s great outdoors. Campsites offer basic facilities like toilets and showers, while farm stays offer a chance to experience rural life firsthand. Prices start from around €5-€20 per night.
FOOD:
As a broke backpacker, I was thrilled to discover that Slovakia offers a wide range of delicious and affordable food options. From traditional dishes to modern twists, Slovakia’s cuisine is a fusion of flavors that will satisfy your taste buds and your budget. Here are some of my favorite food experiences from my travels in Slovakia:
Traditional Slovak Dishes
- Bryndzové halušky: A hearty dish of potato dumplings, sheep’s milk cheese, and bacon. You can find it for around €5-€7 at a traditional restaurant.
- Goulash: A flavorful beef stew that’s perfect for a cold day. You can find it for around €5-€7 at a traditional restaurant.
- Schnitzel: A crispy fried chicken or pork cutlet that’s a staple of Slovak cuisine. You can find it for around €5-€7 at a traditional restaurant.
Street Food and Markets
- Trdelník: A sweet pastry made from rolled dough, often topped with sugar and walnuts. You can find it for around €2-€3 at a street food stall or market.
- Langos: A crispy fried dough topped with garlic, cheese, and ham. You can find it for around €2-€3 at a street food stall or market.
- Fresh Fruit and Vegetables: Slovakia’s markets offer a wide range of fresh produce, perfect for a quick snack or picnic. You can find it for around €1-€2 per kilogram.
Budget-Friendly Eats
- Penzióny: Small, family-run restaurants that offer traditional Slovak dishes at affordable prices. You can find a meal for around €5-€7.
- Cafeterias: Self-service restaurants that offer a variety of dishes, including soups, salads, and main courses. You can find a meal for around €3-€5.
- Supermarkets: Slovakia’s supermarkets offer a wide range of pre-packaged foods, including sandwiches, salads, and snacks. You can find a meal for around €2-€3.
TOP THINGS TO DO:
Nature:
- Tatras Mountains: Hike and explore the beautiful mountains, free admission.
- Slovak Paradise National Park: Hike and explore the park, free admission.
- Danube River: Take a stroll along the river, free admission.
- Fatra National Park: Hike and explore the park, free admission.
- Slovak Karst National Park: Explore the caves and hiking trails, free admission.
Cities:
- Bratislava: Explore the Old Town, free admission.
- Košice: Visit the St. Elisabeth Cathedral, free admission.
- Žilina: Walk through the historic center, free admission.
- Banská Štiavnica: Explore the historic town, free admission.
- Bardejov: Visit the historic town, free admission.
Castles:
- Bratislava Castle: Visit the castle, €10 admission.
- Čachtice Castle: Explore the ruins, €5 admission.
- Spiš Castle: Visit the castle, €5 admission.
- Bojnice Castle: Explore the castle, €10 admission.
- Branč Castle: Visit the castle, €5 admission.
Museums:
- Slovak National Museum: Learn about Slovak history and culture, €5 admission.
- Bratislava City Museum: Explore the city’s history, €5 admission.
- East Slovak Museum: Discover the region’s history and culture, €5 admission.
- Slovak Museum of Folk Architecture: Learn about traditional folk architecture, €5 admission.
- Museum of the Slovak National Uprising: Learn about the country’s history, €5 admission.
Other:
- Traditional folk architecture: Visit villages like Čičmany and Vlkolínec, free admission.
- Wine tasting: Sample Slovak wines, €10-€20 per tasting.
- Festivals: Attend festivals like the Bratislava Music Festival or the Košice Jazz Festival, €10-€20 admission.
- Hiking trails: Explore the country’s many hiking trails, free admission.
- Caves: Visit caves like the Demänovská Cave of Liberty or the Ochtinská Aragonite Cave, €10-€20 admission.
NIGHTLIFE:
Bratislava: The Capital of Nightlife
Bratislava, the capital city of Slovakia, is the epicenter of the country’s nightlife. Here, you’ll find everything from trendy bars to underground clubs, and from live music venues to dance festivals.
- The Loft: A popular bar and club in the heart of Bratislava, known for its live music performances and DJs.
- Subclub: A legendary club that hosts some of the world’s top DJs and producers.
- Atmosphere: A stylish bar with a rooftop terrace, perfect for sipping cocktails and enjoying the city views.
- If you walk around the old town there are a ton of small bars with some wild stuff happening inside, make sure to bring cash as these spots usually wont take credit card.
Košice: The Eastern Gem
Košice, the second-largest city in Slovakia, has a thriving nightlife scene that’s worth exploring.
- Collosseum: A massive club that hosts top DJs and events.
- Jazz Club: A cozy spot for jazz lovers, with live performances every week.
- Cassovar: A popular bar with a wide selection of beers and a lively atmosphere.
Festivals and Events
Slovakia’s festival scene is one of the most exciting in Europe, with a wide range of events that cater to all tastes.
- ** Pohoda Festival**: A three-day festival featuring top DJs, bands, and performers.
- Bratislava Music Festival: A classical music festival that showcases some of the world’s top talent.
- Košice Jazz Festival: A celebration of jazz music with performances by local and international artists.
BACKPACKING slovakia COSTS:
Accommodation:
- Hostels: $5-10 per night (€4-8)
- Camping: $3-5 per night (€2.5-4)
- Wild camping: Free (but be sure to follow the rules and regulations)
Food:
- Fast food/street food: $3-5 per meal (€2.5-4)
- Groceries: $10-15 per week (€8-12)
- Cooking your own meals: $5-10 per week (€4-8)
Transportation:
- Bus ticket: $1-3 (€0.8-2.5)
- Train ticket: $3-5 (€2.5-4)
- Hitchhiking: Free (but be sure to follow the rules and regulations)
Attractions:
- Museums: $2-5 per person (€1.5-4)
- Castles: $3-5 per person (€2.5-4)
- National parks: Free (but some may require a small fee for parking)
Other expenses:
- Souvenirs: $5-10 (€4-8)
- Miscellaneous: $10-15 (€8-12)
Total cost per day: $15-20 (€12-16)
