Slovak mountains and recreational centres located in their hearts or at their foots belong to the most visited holiday resorts in Slovakia. You can find several of them directly in national parks (movement in this territory is subject to special rules). They are an ideal starting point for lovers of hiking or adrenaline sports. In winter, the most lively places in mountains are the ski resorts offering possibilities of skiing and other winter activities.   

Although Slovakia has no sea and the natural lakes are not numerous either, it can offer water bodies for bathing and water sports. There are many artificial water reservoirs, which were made by blocking rivers or after extraction of gravel and sand. The majority of dams in Slovakia, with exception of reservoirs of drinking water, were also adapted for bathing and recreation.

Spa towns are also important centres of recreation and relax.

The Carpathian mountain range starts in the westernmost part of Slovakia. And they undulate throughout the whole country. The highest point of one of the most striking mountain ranges in Europe can be found in the Tatras. There is no higher mountain range further north in Europe. Slovakia is the roof of Central Europe. Water from the mountains runs into the Danube and then south to the Black Sea, as well as through Dunajec heading north to the Baltic Sea. But it isn’t only the Tatras which offers excellent opportunities for mountain tourism. You can also experience beautiful countryside views from the ridges of the Low Tatras, Malá and Veľká Fatra.

If you want to enjoy waterfalls, gorges and rock formations then visit Slovak Paradise, Pieniny, or Strážovské Hills. The plateaus, meadows with colourful flora and unusual karst formations in the Muránska Planina and Slovak Karst National Parks will take your breath away. Take a trip to watch wild animals in the deep forests of Poloniny, Čergova or Poľana. Your guide through the mountains will be one of the best marked networks of hiking paths in the world. Whichever path you take, you can take a rest in the cosy atmosphere of mountain chalets or traditional shepherd’s cottages.