Fortunately, Slovakia is not very big, so you can get around these 10 cities, each in a different corner of the country, in a few days. It's definitely worth the photos.

Bratislava Castle Gardens


The castle and its gardens must not be missing from any tourist's album. An interesting building in the shape of an overturned table rises above the Danube in the city center and you will not miss it, even if you wanted to. Of course, the whole castle is worth a visit and a photo, but its baroque garden is especially beautiful. You might not expect it was created in 2016, but it is based on the original drawings, which were designed for Empress Maria Theresa. The original garden was built in 1743 but disappeared in the 19th century. The garden is planted with 122 silver lindens, about 6,000 evergreen boxwoods, and more than 1,500 annual summer plants. The garden also has Baroque statues and a fountain. It is surrounded by a high wall, which is built on the original foundations. Entrance to the garden is free and is open from 9.00 to 17.00, during the summer holidays until 21.00. From the castle garden, you have a short walk to the Cathedral of St. Martin, the Bratislava promenade, or the Eurovea department store on the Danube embankment.

    UFO

    One of the dominants of Bratislava, which stands out on every postcard, is the UFO towering over the largest bridge in Bratislava - the SNP Bridge. And not only does it rise above it, but the bridge is suspended from it, so it is a suspension bridge, of which there are not many in the world. The pylon is 85 meters high, the dome is another 10 meters high and 35 meters in diameter. It serves as a lookout tower, cafe, and restaurant. An elevator will take you up in 45 seconds. It is located in the eastern pillar of the bridge and on the western pillar you will find an emergency staircase with up to 430 steps. In the photos from the Petržalka side of the river and also from the side of the city center, it looks amazing and offers breathtaking views and a panorama of Bratislava, which cannot be seen from another place. If the weather is good, you can see up to 100 km from the iconic UFO.

      Old Bridge

      The Old Bridge, which in the past was also called the Franz Joseph Bridge or Štefánik Bridge, was the first bridge connecting Petržalka with the city. It was built between 1889 and 1890, and the Hungarian King Franz Joseph I attended its opening. It was a bridge for pedestrians, rail, and road. However, at the end of World War II in 1945, its steel structure and one pillar were destroyed. After the liberation of Bratislava, the bridge was called the Red Army Bridge, in 1989 it was renamed the Old Bridge. But, its technical condition did not allow the tram transport, because the bridge construction was still declining, so gradually it was used only for pedestrians, and later it was completely closed. Its complete reconstruction was done in 2014 and the bridge was carried to today‘s form. The tram transport was also restored on it, which finally connects Petržalka with the city. The bridge is popular for cyclists, and families with children and is an integral part of the city. In the evenings the bridge is beautifully lited and offers views of both embankments of the river. Beautiful sunsets can be seen from here, so be sure not to miss him for a walk through the evening in Bratislava. (Photo: www.visitbratislava.com)

         

        Blue Church - Parish Church of St. Elizabeth


        It is an Art Nouveau church in the center of Bratislava, which with its sky blue color attracts even those who do not visit churches. It was designed by the Hungarian Art Nouveau representative - architect Edmund Lechner. The blue pottery used on the roof and as a mosaic in blue strips on the walls was the reason why the church came to be called Blue. One of the main gems of the church is its entrance, which is monumental, yet quite simple. It depicts St. Elizabeth and her miracle with roses: God turned the bread she brought to the hungry into roses. The rose motif is therefore the main motif of the facade and interior of the entire building. The Blue Church is an extremely photogenic building. It is the pride of the capital, which has even become a symbol of Slovakia in the Mini-Europe Park in Brussels.


          Bojnice Castle

          One of the most beautiful Slovak castles is located on the outskirts of Bojnice in Trenčín county. It can be seen from a large part of the Ponitrie region because it is built on a high travertine rock. Visually, it is very nice and looks literally like a fairy tale. The first mention of the castle dates from 1113, but its current form was acquired gradually. At first, it was Gothic, later Renaissance and it got its present-day romantic neo-Gothic appearance only at the beginning of the 20th century, following the example of beautiful Italian and French castles. In 1950, it underwent a complete reconstruction after a large fire. Since this year, the castle has also housed a museum and is thus accessible to all visitors. It regularly hosts exhibitions and events for families with children. The castle is extremely photogenic on almost every side. Bojnice is an ideal place for a weekend trip, in addition to the castle itself you can visit the spa, zoo, or prehistoric museum.

             

            Dražovský Church (Church of St. Michael the Archangel)

            This ancient sacral building from the 12th century is the oldest Romanesque church in Slovakia. It targets many photographers, influencers, and even film directors because it is an extremely photogenic place. It is located in the town of Nitra under the western side of Zobor hill. The church has a mysterious "look" because it stands alone on a hill and in the photo, it looks great in any weather. The history of this place is full of various legends, there are even testimonies of the apparitions of the Virgin Mary or the legend of finding the stone from which the blood flowed. Extensive burial grounds have also been found here. The church is closed all year round, except for pre-announced visits, weddings, or Mass, which takes place once a year, on September 29, when is the name-day of Michal. You can easily get here from Nitra by public transport or by car. After parking, it will be just a 15-minute walk up a gentle hill along the path to the green meadow where the church stands.

               

              Museum of Folk Architecture in Bardejov Spa

              In this open-air museum in the east of Slovakia, you will find so many objects for a good photo that you will have a problem choosing. It is the oldest facility of its kind in Slovakia and was opened in 1965. On an area of 1.5 hectares, there are 24 exhibition buildings in the ethnopark, which present the folk culture and architecture of two ethnic groups: Slovak and Ruthenian, living in the Šariš region. Residential log houses, farm buildings, technical buildings, and sacral buildings are represented here, and in fact, it looks like it was in the old times. This is a total trip into the past. You don't have to worry at all that something would disturb your view, because where your eye lands, there is nothing to resemble the present days. If you come here, be sure to go to the center of Bardejov, whose historic core, along with the Jewish suburb (suburb) has been included in the UNESCO list. This square is one of the most photographed places in Slovakia.

                 

                Danubiana Museum

                Only 20 km from Bratislava is one of the youngest but most beautiful museums of modern art in Europe - the Danubiana Meulensteen Art Museum. Since its opening in 2000, the museum has held dozens of exhibitions of the most prestigious personalities of the Slovak and world art scene and has been visited by many important personalities, including royal visitors. The museum has an interesting location on the borders of three countries - Slovakia, Austria, and Hungary and is built on a peninsula on the Danube River. Architecturally, it is very sensitively set in the surrounding countryside. It offers visitors unique views of the exhibited works, as well as the flora and fauna in the area. In the adjacent sculpture park, you can admire various sculptures. The sunset or the view of the majestic flow of the Danube is very emotional. You will leave Danubiana with more than one perfect photo. (Photo: www.bratislavskykraj.sk)

                   

                  Walkway through the treetops

                  A path that will show you the forests of Bachledova valley, Belianske Tatry mountains, and Pieniny National Park from a completely different perspective. It is a unique experience for children and adults. The trail is 600 meters long and will take you through a species-rich forest, you are walking among the treetops. The sidewalk is dominated by a 32-meter high tower. From the information boards, which are located along the sidewalk, you will learn interesting facts about the local fauna and flora and you can take countless photos with the Tatras or Pieniny behind your back. In Bachledova valley, where the sidewalk is located, you can choose from many activities even during the summer season. There is an educational and amusement park for the whole family called the Kingdom of the Bachledka Forest, you will also find an electric bicycle rental, a bobsled run, or you can watch regular falconry performances. (Photo: www.bachledka.sk)

                    Štrbské Pleso Lake

                    One of the greatest points of pride in Slovakia is the extremely photogenic Štrbské pleso lake. It is a moraine lake created by a receding glacier in the High Tatras, and if you did not stop at it, as if you were not even in the Tatras. It covers an area of almost 20 hectares and in some places reaches a depth of 20 meters. In the past, the lake was used for entertainment and boating, and later, when fish breeding was started here in 1860, so did fishing. In the winter months, ice was mined here for Budapest's restaurants, Poprad and Kežmarok butchers, and the imperial court in Vienna. The ice was transported by train and the last shipment left in 1902. Since 1912, the Tatra tram has been operating here. Today, a tourist resort has been built around the lake, including a ski resort and several beautiful hotels. It is also the starting point of many beautiful Tatra tours. You can go boating at the ball and during this activity in nice weather, you will take amazing photos with the majestic Tatras in the background.