Go to Kysuce to discover the beauty of farm life
It is only an hour's drive from Ostrava to Kysuce, where in the middle of unspoilt nature lies Gazdovstvo Škradné, a small farm where you will find vast pastures with horses, donkeys, cows and lots of wild animals.
This is where we recommend you head to when you want to clear your head of everyday worries and enjoy a bit of occupational therapy. For example, you can try out a two-day blacksmithing course here, where you can try out the craft with all the trimmings. You'll get a good workout, sweat out your worries and go home with a clear head and a forged product.
Horse lovers won't miss out either. Instead of the classic hour-long rides, you can enjoy a two-day journey in the saddle. And not just any saddle, these western saddles are so comfortable that you can ride up to 60 km a day. This experience is suitable for both seasoned riders and those who haven't experienced much in the saddle before, everything will be tailored to your ability and capabilities.
TIP: Do you want to enjoy the Kysuc Mountains on your own? Rent a chalet in Slovakia for up to 10 people and enjoy wandering around the mountains, rent electric bikes or relax in the sauna and hot tub.
Discover the Tatra Mountains on your own with an expedition balloon flight
It's a no-brainer that a trip to Slovakia will include the Tatra Mountains. It's still about a 3-hour drive from the Czech-Slovak border, but it's definitely worth the trip. That is where the highest peak of Slovakia, Gerlachovský štít, is located, which rises to 2654 m above sea level. Did you know that there are 50 two-thousanders in Slovakia? And that almost half of them are accessible to tourists?
In addition to the High Tatras, the Low Tatras also attract tourists, for example on the ridge of the Heroes of the Slovak National Uprising, along which you can walk the entire mountain range.
If you've had enough of valley views, pop into one of the many caves that are open to the public. Among the most extensive is the Cave of Dead Bats, where 14 floors of interwoven passages have been discovered so far. Just remember that the caves are cold and you should remember to pack warm clothes and sturdy shoes.
If you are not a complete fan of hiking, but you like to admire the natural panoramas, make sure to go on an expedition balloon flight, where you will float over the Tatra Mountains for 1 to 3 hours, during which you will admire the snow-capped peaks of the mountain massifs and the flame of the burner will warm you. Moreover, you will go home with a noble title, which will make you a rightful member of the ballooning family.
Discover the history, sights and culture of Žilina
Are you eager to explore Slovakia without your tootsies on? Just over 200 km from Brno, Žilina, Slovakia's fourth largest city, lies at the confluence of the Váh and Kysuce rivers. It offers a great combination of history, culture and architecture.
Walking through the centre, you will be captivated by Marian Square, which has retained its historical charm. The Town Hall with its original Gothic cellars stands there and passers-by are delighted by the chimes every hour. Nearby you will find the majestic Holy Trinity Church, which dates back to the 15th century, and next to it the Burian Tower, which is reminiscent of Italian bell towers and gives the whole square a unique atmosphere. Art lovers should not miss the Považská Gallery of Art, where you will find works by the famous Slovak painter Vincent Hložník.
And what else? Take a tour of Budatín Castle, originally a 13th-century water guard castle, which today attracts visitors with an exhibition dedicated to wirework - its collection is the largest of its kind in the world. In the castle's surroundings, you can also stroll through the beautifully restored park or climb the accessible tower with a view of the countryside. If you are fascinated by architecture, don't miss the Neolog Synagogue from the 1930s, which is a unique cultural monument.
TIP: In need of a little adrenaline? In Žilina, you can enjoy the indulgence of a flight in an L-29 Dolphin fighter jet. We can't guarantee that you'll see the beautiful city and its surroundings from above, but we'll bet our boots that you'll have an incredible amount of fun and adrenaline!
Where to go in Slovakia for a real treasure?
If you're looking for an unconventional experience, head to the opal mines in the village of Červenica in the Prešov region. The Dubnica opal mines are located about five hours away from the Czech-Slovak border and are a real treasure of Slovakia. Their history dates back to Roman times and they are the oldest opal mines in the world where this precious stone was mined until the 19th century.
Opal was valued more than gold in the past, as evidenced by famous owners such as Napoleon's wife, who wore the famous opal, the Fire of Troy, from these mines. The largest opal found, the Harlequin, weighs an incredible 594 grams and can be admired today in a museum in Vienna.
A visit to the mines allows you to walk through the corridors of the Jozef adit, where you will not only discover beautiful opals, but also learn more about the hard work of the miners who worked here more than 100 years ago.
To Slovakia for experiences and emotions
Do you want to experience our neighbours with memories to last a lifetime? Check out the packed range of experiences from adrenaline to relaxation on Adrop.sk's Slovakian brothers. You definitely won't be bored here.
