Thermal swimming pools, aqua parks, but also dams and natural water reservoirs – these are among the places many Slovaks head for on hot summer days. Sunny weather, in combination with school holidays and the vacation season, is an ideal choice for spending free days by the water. Whether you head for southern Slovakia, where tourism is strongly linked to thermal areas, or visit some of our water parks, you’ll not only enjoy pleasant relaxation but also have a lot of fun.
Water attractions, however, are not only about swimming pools and water slides; several dams and water reservoirs also offer a wide range of other options. You can choose from comfortable sightseeing cruises, pedal boats, boating and action adventures in the form of wakeboarding, wakeskating or windsurfing. The surroundings of dams and reservoirs are gradually being improved across the whole country, with hotels and guesthouses being added as well as increasingly popular campsites.
Slovakia, however, is also a paradise for classic “rafters”; you’ll find countless opportunities for river rafting here. You can experience exceptional moments that you’ll remember for a long time on the rivers Váh, Hron and Dunajec. Such trips are ideal for young and old, whole families or groups of friends. You can choose calmer rafts that provide beautiful views of the surrounding nature and monuments, but also wilder white-water rafting or rafting on inflatable boats and kayaks. Here we offer you tips for traditional and unusual experiences associated with water across Slovakia.
The Nitra Region will be your summer haven
Summer is about sun, laughter, bare feet in the grass and most of all about water. If you’re looking for a place to enjoy water fun to the fullest – whether you’re an enthusiastic paddleboarder, a lover of quiet rafting or a parent longing to see joy in your children’s eyes – the Nitra Region is the right solution for you. Did you know that there are as many as 11 thermal swimming pools located here? And the water in them is not only pleasantly warm; it also has beneficial effects on the human body.
In villages such as Poľný Kesov, Podhájska, Nesvady, Diakovce, Santovka, Tvrdošovce, Patince, Štúrovo, Nové Zámky, Komárno and nearby Levice you’ll find a variety of options for relaxation and active fun. At the largest thermal swimming pool in Slovakia, located in Štúrovo, nearly 10 thousand square metres of water surface await you along with various water attractions. Try out the wave pool, the water slide park or the lake on a wakeboard.
In the southernmost village of Slovakia, Patince, enjoy a perfect wellness stay throughout the year. The aquapark in Poľný Kesov is an ideal place to restore both your physical health and your mental balance. The local saltwater relaxation pool offers beneficial effects on the joints, vascular system and skin. The summer water park with a huge pirate castle, slides and a lazy river will entertain the whole family.
In the thermal swimming pool in Nesvady, which you’ll find just 9 kilometres from the town of Nové Zámky, you can relax in geothermal water with favourable effects on the musculoskeletal system, nervous system and skin. Throughout the year, you can experience the unique atmosphere of the Dead Sea at the thermal swimming pool in Podhájska. The thermal swimming pool in Nové Zámky offers relaxation for children and adults, as well as several water attractions and sporting facilities.
The swimming pool in the village of Santovka will charm you with its grey travertine pools in the style of the Turkey’s Pamukkale filled with thermal water. In the renovated swimming pool in Diakovce, you’ll also experience unconventional swimming under the starry summer sky. A peaceful family atmosphere awaits you at the Margita – Ilona thermal swimming pool, not far from Levice, in Komárno and in the village of Tvrdošovce.
If you are seeking a place to enjoy summer to the fullest – in the water, on a bike or in the peace of the forest – we recommend Duchonka. Just a short hop away from the village of Prašice, you’ll find a 17-hectare reservoir surrounded by a birch-pine forest. The sandy beach that lines its western bank creates an atmosphere like that by the seaside, and the water itself invites you to go boating or paddleboarding, ride on pedal boats or to go fishing. There is fun on land, too, in the form of tennis, volleyball, minigolf, a playground and nearby cycling trails. In the Nová Duchonka area, you’ll find restaurants, buffets and accommodation options ranging from cottages to camping.
For lovers of a combination of water sports and adrenaline, we recommend letting yourself be carried away by the current of the River Hron. Rafting trips begin in the village of Jur nad Hronom, from where you can flow towards Želiezovce on an 8-kilometre route that is suitable for beginners. More experienced paddlers can set off on a 14-kilometre rafting trip from Kalná nad Hronom towards the campsite in Jur nad Hronom.
You’ll also find similar water adventures at the campsite in Kamenín, where you can rent equipment and embark on a journey of discovery along the River Hron to the Danube, or float the Danube all the way to Budapest or down the Ipeľ River to its confluence with the Danube.
In Komárno, you can rent a rowboat or pedal boat and discover the magic of a dead arm of the Váh River. This location offers a unique experience combined with relaxation, nature and adventure. The dead arm of the Váh is also unique for bird watching, photography, quiet moments with a book on the water or a romantic sunset cruise. Paddling on this quiet arm is ideal for individuals, couples, families with children and groups of friends.
A rafting trip on double-decker boats in the village of Kravany nad Dunajom is definitely an untraditional way to relax, recharge your batteries and experience something special. These long wooden vessels with a flat bottom were once a common part of the lives of local fishermen and transporters. Today they are brought to life as part of unique cruises that combine history, nature and relaxation. During the boating trip, a peaceful cruise awaits you with a guide who will tell you about the history of the Danube as well as the local nature and traditions.
The Tekov region offers experiential swimming in the arms of beautiful nature
Summer is the time when we all long for relaxation, sun and swimming in pools filled with refreshing water. In the south of Slovakia, in the village of Podhájska, you’ll discover a combination of healing and experiential swimming with family and friends in the arms of beautiful nature and wellness relaxation. The Podhájska thermal swimming pool is known for its natural springs of thermal water rich in minerals, which has a beneficial effect on the health of the musculoskeletal system, respiratory system and can alleviate skin diseases to a great extent.
The wave pool, a relaxation pool with a mushroom fountain and an adventure swimming pool create a real paradise for lovers of water attractions. With many different water streams, water jets and water massage zones, everyone will find something to enjoy here. The pool also has three swimming lanes set aside for more experienced swimmers. With regard to summer refreshment, Podhájska also thinks about the youngest visitors; so, there are children’s sliding pools, an octopus with a pool and other water attractions. And for those who crave adrenaline there are water slides of various heights available starting in mid-June.
The Aquamarin wellness centre is popular in the summer particularly among middle-aged visitors looking for a sauna and pool world away from the noise of a summer swimming pool. Whether you’re a professional, amateur or recreational swimmer, you’ll certainly be pleased with the indoor swimming pool, which provides the right conditions not only for improving your swimming technique, but also for regeneration in a quiet and pleasant environment. During the warmer months, it also offers active relaxation and escape from high temperatures.
The Horná Nitra will charm you with its family swimming pool and the Nitrianske Rudno water reservoir
You can enjoy classic summer fun on hot days in the Horná Nitra (Upper Nitra) region, too. The Chalmová thermal swimming pool is an ideal place for rest and fun on sunny days, but also for relaxation and regeneration during the cold winter. You’ll learn the history and enjoy the present of the village of Bystričany and the mining region of Horná Nitra directly from its heart.
At the swimming pool you’ll also find attractions for children or, for example, a volleyball court. You can find accommodation in cottages, at a tourist shelter or by camping. The area also offers a wide range of opportunities for active relaxation. Lovers of rock climbing will find something to enjoy here, while hikers will appreciate the climb to the Malý Ľubín lookout tower, and several cycling routes also lead through the region. The Nitrianske Rudno water reservoir is also certainly worth a visit.
The Trenčín Region also offers interesting water attractions
Foto: KOCR Trenčín Region
Do you want to enjoy summer by the water? We recommend you the Nosická priehrada dam, also known as the Priehrada mládeže (Youth Dam), located in the Trenčín Region. This is not only a technical work; it is above all an oasis of summer fun for everyone, from families with children to lovers of adventure. Whether you are drawn here for boating, sailing or quiet fishing, everyone will find something to enjoy at the Nosická priehrada dam. Its surroundings are lined by the built-up Váh cycling artery, so you can combine a trip to water attractions with sports activities. Simply pack your bikes and off you go.
The Nitrianske Rudno vodná nádrž reservoir is among the most popular recreational locations in Upper Nitra. In the summer months, it turns into a busy and lively place that attracts lovers of water, nature and active rest. It is a paradise for swimming, yachting and water sports. The reservoir, up to 13.5 metres deep, offers refreshment on hot summer days, as well as boating or riding on pedal boats. Sport fishermen, for whom the water is a valuable fishing ground, also come here to do their thing.
Children will have fun on inflatable water attractions or at the children’s playground at the recreation centre. The bank with a gradual entry into the water guarantees visibility and safety. Accommodation options from camping and tenting, to cottages, guesthouses and a hotel are located right next to the dam. The area is also suitable for caravanners.
Foto: KOCR Trenčín Region
Only two kilometres from Nové Mesto nad Váhom, you’ll find Zelená voda, also known as “Zelenka”. This extensive water area covering some 80 hectares has clean water suitable for swimming, boating, windsurfing and fishing. The area offers a wide range of active leisure options – water sports, children’s attractions, carousels and climbing frames, as well as beach volleyball, tennis, football, minigolf and horseback riding. The cultural programme in the summer includes discos, concerts and festivals.
The whole area is arranged to provide for the comfortable spending of time, whether you choose to spend the night in a campsite right by the lake, in a holiday cottage or in the guesthouses and hotels nearby. Several restaurants and buffets are available to visitors.
The Váh River in Trenčín and its surroundings also provide brilliant opportunities for active relaxation on the water. Thanks to the calmer current, the rafting here is also suitable for beginners, families with children and for school trips. Rafting is organised from May to September, and there are several routes on offer, such as Dubnica – Trenčín, Trenčín – Beckov or Nové Mesto nad Váhom – Piešťany. Choose from kayaks, canoes, paddleboards and rafts. Another possibility is sightseeing cruises on the Váh River, while lovers of team sports can try out dragon boats – traditional vessels with a crew of twelve that combine sport, fun and team spirit.
Malý Dunaj (Little Danube) – where living water turns the mill wheel
The Little Danube was once dotted with water mills. Millers later converted them into wheel mills. One of the last of these still adorns the riverbank near the village of Tomášikovo in Matúšova zem in the southern part of the Trnava Region. This is a place where the flow of water is converted into energy, thanks to which in the past grain was turned into flour.
A new visitor centre devoted to the history of the milling craft has grown in the vicinity of the Tomášikovo mill. It is a brilliant excursion destination for cyclists and boaters who float the Little Danube and can enjoy the view of this technical monument directly from the water surface.
The uniqueness of the nature surrounding is enhanced by the willows, life-giving wetlands and the diverse ecosystem of the Little Danube. These places are a refuge for many aquatic animals and remind us that water is a precious part of the heritage of our territory.
The willow trees also invite you to visit other technical monuments. We can continue our journey into the milling craft in Jelka and Dunajský Klátov, and the development of the milling trade on the Little Danube is also the subject of a permanent exhibition at the Vlastivedné múzeum (Local History Museum) in Galanta.
The Banská Bystrica Region is a paradise for paddlers
Experienced and novice paddlers alike can enjoy the calm upper stretches of the Ipeľ River with its charming and diverse nature lining the banks of the Novohrad region. Two- and three-seat canoes are parked and waiting at the dock at Holiša; all you have to do is get in and, using your own strength, after about three hours and a journey of about ten kilometres, you’ll reach your destination – the Kalonda dock near the Velické Ponds and the Kalonda Waterworks.
We also have a tip for enthusiasts who’ve never even been in a canoe and have a natural respect for rafting. They can first try out canoeing on still water “against the current” for a length of two kilometres at the exit point of the rafting in front of the Kalonda waterworks. You can also rent a large inflatable boat with an electric motor on the lower still section. For families, we recommend rafting the Ipeľ from Rapovce to Kalonda, but there are also other routes with varying levels of difficulty.
An uncommon experience on water in this region is rafting the Hron River, which is an ideal choice if you want to enjoy time with a group of friends or loved ones. You can choose faster sections with an adrenaline rush or calmer spots, where you can let yourself be carried away by the current and enjoy the sun’s rays. You’ll certainly not regret choosing the easier section downstream on the Nemecká – Šalková route, which runs for a length of 20 kilometres. The journey over water takes four to six hours.
By water to the central Pohronie region – raft the Hron River and visit the Tajch in Nová Baňa
If you’re longing for summer adventures by the water, the central Pohronie region has a lot to offer. Get to know the Gron region from the water – raft the Hron River and relax by the tajch in Nová Baňa. The Hron is one of the most popular rivers for rafting in Slovakia. The section between Žiar nad Hronom and Žarnovice, some 40 kilometres in length, is ideal for beginners, families with children, and recreational paddlers. The calm river current and the beautiful views of the surrounding hills and castle ruins make rafting here an unforgettable experience.
The route offers several boating bases that provide the opportunity of relaxation or camping. The best equipped boating base is at the Drevenica Revište Autokemping site near the ruins of the castle of the same name. Here you’ll find a campsite, a restaurant and the possibility of renting rafts and canoes with transport. The campsite has shared sanitary facilities, electrical connections, fire rings, a gazebo, a children’s playground and a sports area. You can stay in a tent, a caravan or in comfortable rooms. We also point out the boating base in Hliník nad Hronom and the boating camp Lodenica pod Orechmi in the village of Brehy.
The historic Tajch reservoir, originally used in the mining industry, is also a popular place for summer relaxation. On the bank you’ll find the Penzión Tajch and the Riviera Tajch with an amphitheatre, where concerts, children’s events and film screenings take place in the summer. MotoCamp Slovakia is built not only for motorcyclists, but also for caravanners or adventurers with a tent. The surroundings of the Tajch are made for walking, running or inline skating. More active tourists can set off along the Zbojnícke studničky nature trail to the popular Zvonička area which offers via ferratas for children.
Central Slovakia charms with swimming pools and unconventional water experiences for children
Summer in central Slovakia is perfect for refreshing yourself by the water, whether you’re seeking out adrenaline adventures on white water or quiet fun for the little ones. Whatever option you choose, central Slovakia offers you unforgettable experiences for the whole family.
Aqualand in Banská Bystrica is an ideal spot for families with children. It offers extensive water surfaces, children’s pools with a water temperature of 30°C, water slides, an aquafun park and several sports facilities, including a wake park, an in-line track and a beach volleyball court. Also worth a visit is the thermal aquapark Holidaypark Kováčová with its indoor and outdoor pools, healing mineral water, a fitness park and children’s attractions including trampolines.
Natural swimming in a former quarry with clean water, the option to camp out, refreshments and beach volleyball can be found in Lom Devičie. You’ll find a summer swimming pool with healing thermal water rich in minerals at the Sliač thermal swimming pool. Two pools (a swimming pool and a children’s pool) with constantly flowing water ensure cleanliness without chemical treatments.
The Kúpalisko Strelníky swimming pool, with a swimming pool and a children’s pool, is a smaller area in the natural setting of the Poľana Protected Landscape Area. The family-orientated Tepličky swimming pool in Krupina offers three pools with heated water, a bouncy castle, climbing frames and places for barbecuing.
Two unusual water experiences for children are hidden in central Slovakia. Just a short hop away from Banská Bystrica, in a quiet valley near the village of Rakytovce, you’ll be surprised by a natural treasure – the historical Rakytovo water chute. Who would have thought that children would enjoy watching the flow of water through a wooden chute that was once used to transport timber down from the mountains? But believe it; they will. Children will certainly be thrilled by the interactive walkway, where they can literally “release the water” with their own hands. They pull the switch that opens a compartment, and they can then just watch the water rush down the chute.
Just 40 minutes from Rakytovo you’ll find a totally different world – Myšiačikov vodný svet (water world) in the Donovalkovo area, the children’s town in Donovaly. This is a place where nature meets playful science. Water mills, wheels and pumps all await children here, and the little ones can release the flow of water, spin it, pump it and pour it. This is a form of playful learning – each attraction provides an explanation of what is happening and why.
Horehronie – a region where the underground power of nature reigns
The Horehronie (upper Hron) is a true gemstone of central Slovakia; it is a place where pure wilderness meets rich traditions and warm-hearted people. This region, spread out between the peaks of the Nízke Tatry mountains, the Slovenské rudohorie ore mountains, the Muránska planina national park and Slovenský raj (Slovak Paradise national park), is perfect for lovers of nature, water and adventure. The Horehronie is exceedingly rich in natural springs, mineral waters and healing springs, as well as winding streams and deep lakes located in mysterious valleys and forests.
When visiting it, you’ll certainly not want to miss an adrenaline adventure on the Hron River. Simply jump into a raft or kayak and enjoy the wild power of the second longest river in Slovakia, which springs below Kráľová hoľa mountain and, after 289 kilometres, flows into the Danube at Štúrovo. It is minimally affected by human activities, which is why it is often sought after by boaters. Trips can be taken on the Hron from early spring to late autumn. You can enjoy a river rafting trip in a single day, but you can also plan a two- or three-day trips with your family or for a company teambuilding event. The operators will provide you with transport, boats, paddles, accessories and complete service on site.
Foto: OOCR Region Horehronie
Foto: OOCR Region Horehronie
If you’ve had enough of crowded aquaparks, swimming pools and wellness centres, in the Horehronie you can find pleasant water reservoirs surrounded by peaceful forests in the Krpáčovo and Tále recreation areas, which will enchant visitors with their charm. Along with fishing, the artificially built Krpáčovo water reservoir is widely used during the summer season for pleasant natural swimming or other water sports. The reservoir and its surroundings offer ideal conditions for refreshing tourists upon returning from exhausting hikes and cycling trips in the Nízke Tatry mountains.
Near the Krpáčovo reservoir, you’ll also find the Tále reservoir, which is located next to the Partizán hotel and the Gray Bear Tále golf course. In the area around the reservoir, you’ll find dining facilities, a playground where you can play various beach ball games, and a children’s area with swings and climbing frames. Not far from the reservoir is also the popular Tarzania rope park.
Foto: OOCR Region Horehronie
Foto: OOCR Region Horehronie
Experience rafting on the Muráň River near Jelšava with us
Are you planning a summer sojourn to the Revúca area? On warm days, rafting the Muráň River, or the Muránky, as the locals call it, enriches the tourists to this region. Lovers of water tourism can discover the beauties of the Jelšava údolie valley individually or in groups on one- to four-seater kayaks, which are rented out by the Jelšava Municipal Services.
They also provide complete customer care services as well as preparation, rental and transport of boats with accessories. The rafting season lasts from April to October, and under suitable water conditions, river rafting is conducted in the Teplá Voda – Jelšava, road bridge section
This easy terrain, characterised by gentle bends and beautiful nooks and crannies, is suitable even for beginners. As part of the beautiful fauna and flora, you can also observe the presence of beavers here, as evidenced by gnawed and fallen trees.
Water that unites – fun for the whole family in the heart of Turiec
Foto: Archive OOCR Turiec
Summer in the Turiec means water fun that refreshes, entertains and brings the whole family together. Surrounded by the majestic mountains of the Veľká and Malá Fatra mountains, the region offers a diverse range of water experiences – from relaxation in thermal swimming pools and adventurous river rafting to children’s water playgrounds. Come to know this colourful corner of Slovakia, which literally lives with water in summer.
The heart of summer water fun in the Turiec is without a doubt Aquapark Turčianske Teplice, which is one of the most modern and popular aquaparks in Slovakia. Both outdoor and indoor pools await you here with thermal healing water, relaxation zones, water slides, a children’s world and many attractions for the whole family. A place where adults can relax while the kids go crazy at the same time.
You’ll also discover several swimming pools in the Turiec. The summer swimming pool in Vrútky offers a 50-metre swimming pool, a children’s pool and relaxation areas with a view of the surrounding hills. The Kúpalisko Drienok – Mošovce swimming area is a popular recreational facility with three pools and a quiet atmosphere. All the pools here are filled with water from a thermal well with a temperature of 22 °C. The area also offers a slide for children.
A smaller but still popular thermal swimming pool in a great location in nature is the Termálne kúpalisko Vieska – Turčianske Teplice. Here you’ll find a 50-metre swimming pool with a temperature of up to 27 °C and a children’s pool with a temperature of up to 29 °C. The Kúpalisko Sunny – Martin municipal swimming pool offers water activities for people of all ages. Visitors have two pools available here – a swimming pool and a children’s pool. The water temperature in both pools is around 28 °C.
If you’re seeking a connection with nature and a mild adventure, definitely try rafting on the Váh River. Floating down the 14-kilometre stretch from Lipovec to Strečno is a two-hour adventure that is suitable for physically fit individuals. An alternative is a trip on raft, which is a relaxing experience for the whole family.
The Valčianska dolina valley also turns into a centre of active recreation during the summer. Aside from mountain biking and hiking, a variety of water games and attractions await you here, which are prepared especially for children – inflatable water playgrounds and splash zones, but also natural elements perfect for frolicking on hot summer days.
Foto: Archve OOCR Turiec
Foto: Archve Fatraski
Dolný Zemplín offers comfortable sightseeing cruises and a unique zip-line
You can also fully enjoy water attractions in the Dolný Zemplín region. We recommend sightseeing cruises on the cruise ship Elbe on Zemplínska Šírava as part of a trip here. You can experience a delightful cruise with a view of the surrounding nature on a boat with a capacity of up to 170 people; it’s ideal for families and groups. Another popular attraction at Zemplínska Šírava is PLAVBA.sk, which offers motorboat rental without the need for a driver’s licence. It’s found in the Hôrka – Lúč recreation centre, just a few minutes from Michalovce.
Zemplínska Šírava also has its own yachting centre – the Yacht Club Michalovce (YCMI) – which serves as a home base for sailing and water sports enthusiasts. The club is dedicated to organising yacht races, training young people and developing yachting in the region. You’ll also find several paddleboard and bicycle rental shops at Zemplínska Šírava, which will allow you to actively discover the beauties of this recreational region.
The premium water attraction at Zemplínska Šírava, MasterCraft Šírava, which offers adrenaline experiences on a modern motorboat, is definitely worth a mention. This service is ideal for lovers of water sports, families and groups of friends looking for unforgettable moments on the water.
You’ll experience fun on Vinianske Lake, where you’ll find a new electric water lift, the Wakemaster 2.0, which is designed for wakeboarding, wakeskating, water skiing and kneeboarding. The lift is 180 metres long and has two obstacles for jumps and tricks. To enjoy a more peaceful experience, you can rent water pedal boats on the lake.
For truly courageous visitors, we recommend the zipline Beňatina. This is a unique adrenaline attraction located in a former travertine quarry near the village of Beňatina in the Sobrance district. This zipline is the first of its kind in the region. It offers an unforgettable experience of flying over the turquoise water surface of the quarry, also known as the “Beňatinská whale”.
Come out and explore the waters of northern Spiš and experience enchanting rafting on the Dunajec River
Rafting on the Dunajec River ranks among the most attractive experiences in northern Spiš. This unique activity combines the natural beauty of the smallest national park, PIENAP, with adventure on the water. It’s suitable for families with children, groups and adrenaline enthusiasts.
The most famous form of rafting is the traditional rafting on wooden rafts, which has been conducted by Goral highlanders for centuries. The route leads through the picturesque Dunajec Gorge, where the river meanders between high limestone cliffs. Along the way the rafters, dressed in traditional costumes, tell interesting stories about the region and local legends.
For those seeking out even more adrenaline, rafting or float trips on inflatable boats and kayaks is ideal. Rafting on the Dunajec River is safe and manageable even for beginners, because the river has a rather calm current. You’ll have plenty of fun thanks to the smaller shoots of rapids and the scenery, which is constantly changing. The rafting starts in the village of Červený Kláštor and ends in the village of Lesnica.
The Dunajec rafting is a seasonal activity, traditionally starting in April and ending in October. Aside from the experience itself, it also offers visitors the opportunity to discover cultural and natural attractions in the area, such as the Carthusian monastery in Červený Kláštor, a cycling route along the river or a climb up the Tri koruny (Three Crowns) mountain.
