![]() In the centre of the country is the Slovak Paradise National Park (Slovensky Raj), an immense national park filled with lakes, valleys and even ice caves. While the peaks may not be as densely packed as in the Alps, the landscape is still home to deep forests and beautiful rolling hills which were a pleasure to explore. When you decide to leave the Slovenian camp to reach Austria, be prepared: Take warm clothes, food and water for the waiting time. Sometimes people wait for only a few hours, sometimes much longer. You have to walk about 100 meters from one camp to the other. In my experience, one of the perks of these parks is the high standard of infrastructure, but with many less people using them. There is a police/army-controlled corridor between Slovenia and Austria. Slightly removed from the central ranges of the Alps, the Tatras mountains are equally impressive and play host to a wide network of trails, wildlife and adventure tourism. While much of Austrian tourism centres around the peaks and valleys of the Austrian Alps, Slovakia can also claim to have its own examples of pure natural beauty. Majestic Mountains : The Tatras mountain range and national parks Also a UNESCO world heritage site since 1993, this Romanesque turned Gothic castle was the home of Hungarian kings since the 13th century, and has the proud distinction of being one of the largest castle complexes in all of Europe. One of the most impressive medieval sites in Slovakia is Spiš Castle near Spišské Podhradie in the east of the country. While some may require a few days or at least an overnight stay, the travel time from Vienna is completely manageable for those with a bit of extra time and sense of curiosity about this untouched gem. In the rest of this post, you can find some of my favourite things to do in Slovakia. The country boasts natural beauty equal to any other European country, with the Danube snaking through the western regions, and the eastern regions dominated by the Tatra Mountain range boasting peaks over 2,000 meters high.Īlthough I love exploring Austria, sometimes I feel the need to be surrounded by a new language and culture, which is easy to do when Austria shares a border with so many other interesting countries. The Slovak language forms a core part of the Slavic languages, and borrows customs and cuisine from all over Eastern Europe. ![]() Many of the most impressive castles and forts around the country come from an age of empire expansion and sieged cities. It has a fascinating history which (like many countries in the centre of a continent) has involved periods influenced by Germany, Austria, Czechia, Hungary and Turkey. And at only an hour’s drive from Vienna, its also possible to just visit for a day-trip.ĭespite being a country that is often ignored by international travellers, Slovakia is actually larger than Denmark, Holland or Switzerland and has a higher population than Norway or Ireland. ![]() Stepping over the cultural border into Eastern Europe affords many chances to learn about fascinating history and to experience different traditions, language and customs. Slovakia is a perfect example of such a place, a beautiful and heritage-rich country which boasts equal opportunities for adventure, fun and history as one can find in Austria.Įven Austrians will admit to having travelled little in Slovakia, apart from a day trip to Bratislava to the shopping outlets. "But this (clash) has gained political connotations which must be avoided.For every tourist hotspot around the globe, there is nearly always an overshadowed neighbour sitting quietly to one side, unnoticed and unappreciated by the travellers (and even locals) who are wooed and wowed by the more famous sights across the border. "There is no doubt among the experts that Kranjska sausage must be given the geographical protected status," said Slovene ethnology professor Janez Bogataj. ![]() The Slovenes insist that the culinary specialty, made of minced pork and seasoned with garlic and pepper, originated on their territory in the 19th century when the tiny Alpine state was part of the Austro-Hungarian empire. The Austrians aren't demanding the Slovenes change the name of theirs. If Slovenia wins, the Austrians will have to change the name of their sausage. ![]() If the two EU neighbors cannot settle the dispute within the next few months, the Commission will have to make the ruling. "We expect the protection of the Kranjska sausage by the European Commission." "All the arguments are on our side," said Slovenian Agriculture and Environment Minister Franc Bogovic. That designation has been given to such famous brands as Champagne wine in France, Parmesan cheese in Italy and Melton Mowbray pork pies in the United Kingdom. Slovenia - which hosts the Kranjska (or Krainer) region - wants the sausage to be given special Protected Geographical Indication status by the EU. ![]()
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