Slovakia [Slovak Republic] Overview Country Overview The Slovak Republic is situated in Central Europe, sharing frontiers with the Czech Republic, Austria, Poland, Hungary and Ukraine. Mountains, lowlands, canyons, lakes, cave formations, forests and meadows provide many examples of Slovakia's year-round natural beauty. Every historical period and century has left behind monuments in the Slovak Republic which are admired by the world. The capital, Bratislava, is the political, economic and cultural centre of the country. Its history is inextricably linked with the Celtic and Roman periods but the city contains palaces bearing the architectural style of almost every age: Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, classical. Devín Castle, recently renovated, is situated 10km from the city. Other sights include the 13th-century Old Town Hall. The Tatra National Park is the oldest national park in the country, with an abundance of wildlife (including chamois and marmot) and alpine plants (13,000 species). The park caters for all recreation needs with a good selection of accommodation and sporting facilities (mountaineering and hiking). Local dishes include bryndzové halušky (small potato dumplings with sheep's cheese). General Information Area: 49,034 sq km (18,933 sq miles). Population: 5,395,324 (1999). Population Density: 110.0 per sq km. Capital: Bratislava. Population: 616,982 (1999). GEOGRAPHY: The Slovak Republic is situated in Central Europe, sharing frontiers with the Czech Republic, Austria, Poland, Hungary and Ukraine. Mountains, lowlands, canyons, lakes, cave formations, forests and meadows provide many examples of Slovakia’s year-round natural beauty. Slovakia is a small country but its terrain varies impressively from lowlands to mountain ranges. Almost a half of the country is taken up by the Carpathian Arc, a range of mountains stretching across the north. The smaller ranges include the Lesser Carpathians, White Carpathians, Malá (Lesser) Fatra, Vel’ká (Greater) Fatra, High and Low Tatras and the Slovenské rudohorie Mountains (Slovak Ore Mountains). Government: Republic since 1993. Head of State: President Rudolf Schuster since 1999. Head of Government: Prime Minister Mikuláš Dzurinda since 1998. Language: The official language is Slovak. Hungarian, Ruthenian, Ukrainian and German are spoken by ethnic minorities. English is also spoken. Religion: The majority is Roman Catholic. Protestant churches comprise the remainder with Reformed, Lutheran, Methodist and Baptist denominations. There is also a Jewish minority. There is a Greek Orthodox minority in Eastern Slovakia. Time: GMT + 2 (GMT + 1 from last Sunday in October to last Saturday in March). Electricity: Generally 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Round two-pin plugs are in use. Lamp fittings are normally of the screw type. Telephone IDD is available. Country code: 421. Outgoing international code: 00. There are public telephone booths, including special kiosks for international calls. Surcharges can be quite high on long-distance calls from hotels. Dial 158 (police), 155 (ambulance service), 150 (fire brigrade) or 154 (emergency road service). Mobile telephone GSM 1800/900. Main network providers include Eurotel Bratislava (website: www.eurotel.sk) and Orange (website: www.orange.sk). Coverage extends over the whole country, with the exception of remote areas. Internet ISPs include Euro Web (website: www.euroweb.sk). There are Internet cafes in main towns. Telegram Facilities are available in all main towns and hotels. Services are available 24 hours at Kolárska 12 (centre of Bratislava) and next to the main railway station in Predstanicné námestie. Post There are Poste Restante services available. Post office hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1800. Press The Slovak Spectator, Slovakia’s English-language newspaper, is published bi-weekly; Slovak Foreign Trade is published monthly by the Slovak Chamber of Commerce. BBC World Service and Voice of America frequencies: From time to time these change. BBC (website: www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice): MHz 17.64 12.10 9.410 6.195 Voice of America (website: www.voa.gov): MHz 15.21 11.82 9.760 1.197 Passport/Visa   Passport Required? Visa Required? Return Ticket Required? British Yes No/1 No Australian Yes No/3 No Canadian Yes No/3 No USA Yes No/4 No OtherEU Yes No/2 No Japanese Yes No/3 No PASSPORTS: Passport valid for at least six months after expiry of visa required by all except nationals of the Czech Republic, Germany and Switzerland who can enter with a valid national ID card. VISAS: Required by all except the following: (a) 1. nationals of the UK for stays of up to 180 days; (b) 2. nationals of EU countries for stays of up to 90 days (except nationals of Italy for up to 30 days); (c) 3. nationals of Andorra, Aruba, Australia, Canada, Chile, Estonia, Hungary, Iceland, Israel, Japan, Korea (Rep), Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Malaysia, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands Antilles, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Slovenia, Sweden and Switzerland for up to 90 days; (d) 4. nationals of Argentina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Romania, San Marino, South Africa, USA and Vatican City for up to 30 days; (e) nationals of Singapore and Hong Kong (SAR) for up to 14 days; (f) nationals of the Czech Republic for an unlimited period. Note: (a) Visitors should have the equivalent £45 or US$65 per day spending money; this may be checked by customs. (b) Some nationals need to show proof of medical insurance See Health section for more details. (c) Further information is available from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (website: www.foreign.gov.sk). Types of visa and cost: Tourist/Transit: £19 (single entry). Double-entry (transit only): £25. Multiple-entry (Tourist/Business): £39 (three months); £54 (six months). Fees are dependent upon bilateral agreements between the Slovak Republic and respective countries and may vary. Certain nationals receive visas free of charge. Contact the Embassy for further information. Validity: Tourist: up to 90 days within six months. Multiple-entry: unlimited number of 30-day stays during a three month period. Transit: Five days (plus seven extra days in case of any problems). Airport Transit: Valid within airport confines. Visas must be used within six months of date of issue and are only valid with the visa application form, which should be kept with the passport. Application to: Consular section at Embassy; see Contact Addresses section. Application requirements: (a) Passport valid for at least six months, with one blank page. (b) Completed application form. (c) One passport-size photo. (d) Fee (including processing fee), payable by cash, cheque or postal order. (e) Self-addressed, stamped envelope (for registered post) for postal applications. Working days required: All visa applications are referred to the Slovak Immigration Headquarters, and local embassies can not guarantee the time required for processing. Most applications take up to 30 days. Temporary residence: Special application form required. Enquire at the Embassy. Money Currency: Slovenská Koruna (Sk) = 100 halierov. Notes are in denominations of Sk5000, 1000, 500, 100, 50 and 20. Coins are in denominations of Sk10, 5, 2 and 1, and 50, 20 and 10 halierov. Further information can be found online (website: www.nbs.sk). Currency exchange: Foreign currency (including travellers cheques) can be exchanged at bureaux de change, main hotels, all banks, road border crossings, as well as major travel agencies. Credit & debit cards: Major credit cards (American Express, Diners Club, Visa and MasterCard/Eurocard) and debit cards (Maestro, Eurocheque cards and Visa Electron) may be used to withdraw cash from automatic dispensers and for payments in hotels, restaurants, shops and petrol stations. Credit cards can also be used to obtain currency. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available. Travellers cheques: Thomas Cook, American Express and Visa travellers cheques are accepted in banks and at bureaux de change. Exchange rate charges are at least one per cent of the nominal cheque value. To avoid additional charges, travellers are advised to take travellers cheques in Euros, US Dollars or Pounds Sterling. Currency restrictions: The import and export of local and foreign currency is permitted. Amounts above the equivalent of Sk3,000,000 must be declared. Exchange rate indicators The following figures are included as a guide to the movements of the Koruna against Sterling and the US Dollar: Date May ’02 Aug ’02 Nov ’02 Feb ’03 £1.00= 68.88 68.33 65.80 62.17 $1.00= 47.26 44.93 41.61 39.04 Banking hours: Generally Mon-Fri 0800-1700. Duty Free The following goods may be imported into the Slovak Republic by visitors 18 years of age or older without incurring customs duty: 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco products; 1l of spirits and 2lof wine; 50g of perfume or 250ml of eau de toilette. Note: (a) All items of value, such as cameras and tents, must be declared at customs on entry in order to facilitate export clearance on departure. (b) Only half the above quantities are permitted if stay lasts for less than for two days. Public Holidays Jan 1 2003 New Year’s Day and Independence Day of the Slovak Republic. Jan 6 Catholic Epiphany. Apr 18 Good Friday. Apr 21 Easter Monday. May 1 May Day. May 8 Liberation of the Republic. Jul 5 Day of the Apostles St Cyril and St Methodius. Aug 29 Anniversary of the Slovak National Uprising. Sep 1 Day of Constitution of the Slovak Republic. Sep 15 Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows. Nov 1 All Saints’ Day. Nov 17 Day of Freedom and Democracy of the Slovak Republic. Dec 24-26 Christmas. Jan 1 2004 New Year’s Day and Independence Day of the Slovak Republic. Jan 6 Catholic Epiphany. Apr 9 Good Friday. Apr 12 Easter Monday. May 1 May Day. May 8 Liberation of the Republic. Jul 5 Day of the Apostles St Cyril and St Methodius. Aug 29 Anniversary of the Slovak National Uprising. Sep 1 Day of Constitution of the Slovak Republic. Sep 15 Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows. Nov 1 All Saints’ Day. Nov 17 Day of Freedom and Democracy of the Slovak Republic. Dec 24-26 Christmas. Health   Special Precautions Certificate Required Yellow Fever No No Cholera No No Typhoid and Polio No N/A Malaria No N/A Food & drink: Mains water is normally chlorinated and whilst relatively safe may cause mild abdominal upsets. Exercise caution in rural areas. Bottled mineral water is available in grocers’ shops and restaurants. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Other risks: Tick-borne encephalitis is present in forested areas. Walkers and campers should take precautions against tick bites by wearing long trousers. Vaccination is advisable. Lyme disease is present. Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. For more information, consult the Health appendix. Health care: Medical insurance is mandatory for nationals of countries with no reciprocal health agreement: without this entry may be refused. There is a reciprocal health agreement with the UK, but for urgent treatment only. On production of a UK passport, hospital and other medical care will be provided free of charge should visitors fall ill or have an accident while on holiday. Prescribed medicines will be charged for. All international travellers are strongly advised to take out full medical insurance before departure. Travel - International AIR: The Slovak Republic is served by Air Slovakia (GM), Air France, Slovak Airlines, Sky Europe Airlines, Aeroflot, Czech Airlines, British Airways, Delta, KLM, Lufthansa and Lot. Approximate flight times: From Bratislava to London is 1 hour 45 minutes. International airports: Bratislava Airport (BTS), (M R Štefánik) (website: www.letiskobratislava.sk/eng), is 9km (6 miles) from the city. Buses run to the city (travel time – 20 minutes). Taxis are also available (travel time – 20 minutes). Airport facilities include duty-free shops, bank, post office, restaurant, bar, snack bar, 24-hour flight information, 24-hour left luggage, 24-hour tourist information, 24-hour first aid, disabled facilities and car hire (Hertz and AVIS). Košice Airport (KSC) is 6km (4 miles) south of the city (website: www.airportkosice.sk/eng/main.html). Taxis are available (travel time – 10 minutes). Buses are also available. Tatry-Poprad Airport (TAT) is 5km (3 miles) from the city. Vienna International Airport (VIE) (Schwechat) is 50km (31 miles) from Bratislava and can be used as a gateway for intercontinental travellers (website: www.english.viennaairport.com) Departure tax: None. RIVER: International connections from Austria are possible on the Danube which flows into the Black Sea, and is also linked with the Rhine and the Main. Services run as follows: Bratislava–Vienna–Bratislava; Bratislava–Hainburg–Bratislava; and Vienna–Bratislava–Budapest, both ways. RAIL: The most convenient route to the Slovak Republic from Western Europe is via Vienna or Prague. Slovakia’s network also provides direct connections with Hamburg, Berlin, Warsaw, Krakow, Budapest, Bucharest, Moscow, Lviv, Vilnius, St Petersburg and Kyiv. ROAD: The Slovak Republic can be entered via the Czech Republic, Poland, Ukraine, Hungary or Austria. There is a motorway from Bratislava via Brno to Prague. There are Eurolines bus links from Bratislava and other important towns to major cities such as Munich, Cologne, Paris, Venice, Vienna and London. For further information, contact Eurolines (4 Cardiff Road, Luton, Bedfordshire, L41 1PP; tel: (08705) 143 219; fax: (01582) 400 694; website: www.eurolines.com or www.gobycoach.com). Travel - Internal AIR: The domestic airlines are Slovak Airlines (9S) (tel: (2) 4445 0096; website: www.slovakairlines.sk), Sky Europe Airlines (tel: (2) 4850 1111; website: www.skyeurope.com) and Air Slovakia (GM) (tel: (2) 4342 2742; website: www.airslovakia.sk). RIVER: There are 2372 km of navigable waterways. The Danube is the main artery for transport by ship which is operated by Slovenská Plavba Dunajská (Slovak Danube Shipping Company) (website: www.spap.sk). Cruises covering historic and tourist interests are also operated. There is also regular passenger transport on the Danube. RAIL: The rail network, which has 3662km of track, is operated by Railways of the Slovak Republic (ZSR) (website: www.zsr.sk). There are several daily express trains between Bratislava and main cities and resorts. Reservations should be made in advance on major routes. Fares are low, but supplements are charged for travel by express trains. For further information, contact ZSR, Klemensová 8, 813 61 Bratislava (tel: (2) 5058 1111). ROAD: Traffic drives on the right. The major routes run from Bratislava to Prešov and Košice, via Kral’ovany and Poprad. The network of roads and supporting services (garages, petrol stations, restaurants, hotels and motels) is dense and reliable. Roads are standardised as motorways (200km), first- (3000km), second- (3500km) and third-class (11,000km) metalled roads, and are generally in good condition, particularly on the main arteries. Motorways are equipped with emergency telephones every half a mile or less. The Slovakia emergency system provides a fast and reliable network of garages, tow trucks and medical services. Road signs comply with European standards. Bus: The extensive network covers all areas and is efficient and comfortable. Car hire: Self-drive cars may be pre-booked through the tourist office in main towns and resorts. Traffic regulations: Seat belts are compulsory and drinking is absolutely prohibited. The speed limit in towns is 60kph (37mph); outside towns, 90kph (56mph) and on motorways, 130kph (81mph). Documentation: Most hire companies require a valid international driving licence. URBAN: Buses, trolleybuses and trams exist in Bratislava and several other towns. All the cities operate flat-fare systems, and pre-purchase passes are available. Tickets should be punched in the appropriate machine on entering the tram or bus. A separate ticket is usually required when changing routes. There is a fine for fare evasion. Blue badges on tram and bus stops indicate an all-night service. Taxi: These are available in all the main towns and are metered and cheap; higher fares are charged at night. TRAVEL TIMES: The following chart gives approximate travel times from Bratislava (in hours and minutes) to other major towns in the Slovak Republic. Air Road Rail Poprad 0.45 4.00 4.30 Košice 1.00 5.30 5.00 B. Bystrica - 2.30 4.10 Piešt’any Spa - 0.50 0.50 Accommodation HOTELS: There are over 1100 hotels in Slovakia. Prices compare very favourably with Western hotels, though services and facilities are often more limited. There is a shortage of accommodation in the peak seasons (May to October, but especially during July and August), and it is wise to pre-book. As yet, a relatively small portion of the hotel network is made up of intermediate and top-class establishments. At present, higher-standard hotels are to be found primarily in Bratislava, in regional towns (such as Banská Bystrica and Košice), in spas of national and international significance and in major tourist resorts (such as the High Tatras). Future developments and investment will result in upward reclassification of many establishments. For further information, contact the Slovak Association of Hotels and Restaurants, Námestie slobody 2, 974 01 Banská Bystrica (tel: (48) 414 4669; fax: (48) 414 3855; e-mail: zhr@zhr.sk; website: www.zhr.sk/ang). Grading: The international 5-star system has recently been introduced for hotel classification. The present system is: 5-star, 4-star, 3-star, 2-star and 1-star. Visitors can expect rooms with a private bath or shower in hotels classified 3-star and upwards. MOTELS: Motels can be split into four classes. Grading: In cheaper motels every room is provided with central heating and a washbasin with hot and cold water; on every floor there are separate bathrooms and WCs for men and women. The more expensive motels are provided with the following extras: a lift, a bathroom or shower with every room, a radio receiver and in some cases a TV set. Car parking facilities are available in both types. PRIVATE HOUSES: Slovak Union of Rural Tourism and Agrotourism can arrange stays in private houses in the Slovak Republic throughout the year. Address: Safarikovo nam. 4, 81102 Bratislava (tel/fax: (2) 365 185). SELF-CATERING: Chalet communities in many parts of the country are available in three categories. Grading: The cheaper chalets offer drinking water, WC and heating in winter. Some may provide meals. The more expensive chalets have the following extras: electric lighting, flushing WC, washroom with running water, laundry facilities and an outdoor recreation area. YOUTH HOSTELS: There are a few hostels (mainly in Bratislava) affiliated to the International Youth Hostel Association in Slovakia (website: www.ckm.sk). Contact Slovakia Youth Hostel Booking at Vysoka 32, 81445 Bratislava (tel: (2) 5273 1024; fax: (2) 5273 1025) for more information. CAMPING/CARAVANNING: Campsites are split into four classes and have all the usual facilities such as showers, cooking amenities, shops and, in some cases, caravans for hire. For further information, contact the Federation of Camping and Caravanning in the Slovak Republic, Dom Športu, Junácka 6, 832 80 Bratislava (tel: (2) 4924 9226; fax: (2) 4924 9568). Camping outside official sites is limited. Car camps: In the lower classes these have a car park, fenced-in campsite, 24-hour service, washroom, WC, drinking water and a roofed structure with cookers and washing-up equipment. Car camps in the higher classes are provided with the following extras: sale of refreshments, toiletries and souvenirs, showers with hot and cold water, flushing WC, laundry facilities, communal sitting room and a reception office. Note: Visitors can find information about hotels and camping accommodation on the following website: (www.travelguide.sk). Introduction Although Slovak history is one of immense Magyar cultural repression, the country emerged from more than a millennium of Hungarian serfdom with its language and identity largely intact. Uniting with the Czechs after World War I was primarily a matter of convenience, thereby thwarting Hungarian plans to retain control. However, Slovakia was definitely the ‘junior partner’ throughout the 20th century and the country achieved independence in 1993. Modernisation fell well behind that of the Czech Republic and the country is only now opening up to tourism. Despite decades of Communism, Catholicism is almost as strong here as it is in Poland, and many rural communities resisted collectivisation almost completely. The country divides conveniently into three regions: Bratislava and The West, Central Slovakia incorporating the mountains, and The East. Other than the Alps, the Slovak Republic offers what may be Europe’s most exciting landscape – from the Danube plain to towering mountain peaks and quiet valleys, glacial lakes with crystal-clear waters, over 1300 mineral and thermal springs and extensive cave systems. There are seven national parks and 16 protected landscape areas, featuring well-preserved natural environments, the unique Carpathian landscape and remnants of the original virgin forests. Forests cover two-thirds of the country, the rest is agricultural land. Bratislava & the West BRATISLAVA: Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, is the country’s political, economic and cultural centre. Located on the River Danube (Dunaj in Slovak), the city is not, however, another fairytale city like Prague and far more buildings have been destroyed since the last war than were bombed during it. Known for centuries in the German-speaking world as Pressburg and in the Hungarian as Pozsony, it was the Hungarian capital from the Battle of Mohác (1526) until the Turks were finally driven from the Hungarian plains. Until 1918 the city was largely Hungarian, German and Jewish, rather than Slavic, and it was only renamed Bratislava – after the last leader of the Moravian Empire – after World War I. Matthias Corvinus established the first Hungarian university, the Academia Istropolitana, in 1465; however it constantly lost ground to those in Vienna, Prague and Kraków and closed in 1490. The centre of the Old Town (Stavé Mesto) is compact with much that is worth seeing near the Old Town Square; Trinity Church is noted for its magnificant trompe l’oeil frescos and the nearby Corpus Christi Church (kaplnka Bozieho tela) is now a museum packed with icons, jewellery and other aspects of ecclesiastical wealth. The Town Hall (Stará radnica) is a delightful mixture of Gothic, Renaissance and 19th-century styles, and the nearby Jesuit Church and the wonderful stucco decor of the Mirbach Palace are major tourist sites. The 15th-century hrad (Bratislava Castle), on the hill above the city, was burnt down by its own drunken soldiers in 1811; recently restored, it houses half of the Slovak National Museum, but visitors’ time is better spent with the wonderful views across the Danube plain. The Slovak National Gallery on the waterfront houses Bratislava’s most important art. The only other important site near the waterfront is Ödön Lechner’s Modrý kostolic (Little Blue Church), an Art Nouveau masterpiece dedicated to Bratislava’s one important saint, Elizabeth, born in 1207. The controversial most SNP (Bridge of the Slovak National Uprising) with its single support column dominates the area; views from the restaurant at the top are superb. Between the Old Town Square and the Bridge is the graceful boulevard, Hviezdoslavolo námestie; at the eastern end are the great late-19th-century Slovak National Theatre and the more Sessionist Reduta Theatre. THE WEST: Devín with its famous ruined castle is 9km (6 miles) northwest. Near here the Germans were heavily defeated in 864 and 871 and the area is of immense Slovak Nationalist importance. The Small Carpathians stretch from Bratislava’s northern suburbs to the Váh valley and are a major wine-growing and walking area. Kamzík is the first major hill and the cafe, which offers superb views, can be reached either on foot or by chair lift. Modra is a major centre for wine and folk pottery. Trnava survives with its walled medieval character relatively intact and was the centre for Hungarian church administration from the 16th to the 18th century. Nitra is the country’s agricultural capital. Along the walk up to the ruined hrad (castle) are statues of saints, a fine plague column and two enormous gateways. The Gothic katedrála (cathedral) at the castle contains the remains of two tenth-century saints; next door is the Baroque Palace of the Bishop of Nitra. Two important spa towns on the Váh river are Piestany with its opulent late-19th-century Thermia Palace Hotel and Trencianske Teplice, best reached by narrow-gauge railway. Central Slovakia Slovakia’s greatest tourist sites are its mountains; the High Tatras receive the most publicity, but the Low Tatras and Malá Fatra, although less monumental, are also less developed. Mining and coin minting have played an important part in many of the Central Slovakian towns, with skilled German miners ‘imported’ in the 13th century. Banská Bystrica flourished as the capital of the seven ‘Hungarian’ (actually German) mining towns and was the centre for the failed 1944 uprising. The Town Museum in the Renaissance Thurso Palace and the 13th-century Panna Márie church with its Gothic altar by Master Pavol of Levoca are the most important tourist sites. Banská Stiavnica had the world’s first Mining University (1762). The 11 buildings of the Mining and Forestry Academy, as well as a number of Renaissance burghers’ houses are among its chief attractions. The mixed Gothic and Renaissance hrad (town castle), and the small gallery houses of the miners are the major sites in Kremnica, once the site of the richest gold seams in Europe. Although only 26km (16 miles) long, the High Tatra Mountains in the north are noted for impressive alpine features. The High Tatra National Park (TANAP) has an abundance of wildlife and over 13,000 species of alpine plants – due to the great differences in elevation from 900 to 2655m (2953–8710ft). There are more than 85 mountain lakes, of which Great Hincovo Lake is the largest. The park has a good selection of accommodation and sporting facilities, climatic spas and 350km (220 miles) of marked hiking trails. Tatranská Lomnica makes an ideal starting point for the eastern Tatras. Founded in 1892 as a State climatic spa, it nestles in the foothills of Skalnaté Pleso (1751m/5745ft) which boasts the Tatra’s best downhill ski and bobsleigh tracks. Other wintersports resorts are Smokovce (including a climatic spa), Strbské Pleso, and the picturesque Goral village of Zdiar lying at the divide of the Belianske Tatry and the Spišská Magura mountain ranges. The Low Tatras National Park covers the second-highest range within the western Carpathians. The park includes several ski and recreation resorts including Jasna, and the Demänová Valley, with its extensive ice-cave system. The Pieniny National Park is a bilateral national park shared with Poland, 30km (19 miles) northeast of the High Tatras. The Malá Fatra National Park is renowned for the scenic beauty of its valleys and gorges and its abundant wildlife. It is a favourite with hikers in both winter and summer; outside the park, the wooded spa town of Rajecké Teplice and the folk painted houses at Cicmany are important tourist sites. The East The Spis (Zips) region was resettled by Saxons after the 13th-century Tartar invasions; most villages combine Teutonic (including many Protestant churches) and Slovak traits. The walled town of Levoca became the wealthy capital of the Union of Zips Saxons in 1271. The Gothic church of sv Jakub (St James) houses the world’s highest Gothic altar (18.6m/61ft high and 6m/20ft wide) built by Master Pavol and complemented by 12 important side altars. Kezmarok is noted for its wooden Protestant Church, capable of seating 1500 worshipers. Walled Spisská Kapitula was the seat of provosts and later bishops from the 13th century. The Romanesque cathedral of sv Martin is featured in many postcards. Spiš Castle, dating from the 12th century, is the biggest medieval castle in central Europe. Southeast of Poprad, deep canyons cut through the Slovenský raj (Slovak Paradise) National Park. The pine forest landscape is riddled with basins and waterfalls, and the park contains Europe’s oldest ice-cave at Dobsiná (Dobsinská l'adová jaskyna). Hrabusice-Podlesok and Cingov are ideal starting points for the extensive hiking and biking trails. Further south, the Slovensky kras is a karst region at the Hungarian border. The Andrássy Mausoleum at Krásna Hôrka is Slovakia’s finest Art Nouveau building. Near the Polish border is the Saris region (Carpatho-Ruthenia, Podkarpatska Rus), home of the Rusyn minority. Presov’s Uniate Cathedral (Grecko-katolica katedrála), a unique blend of Orthodox and Roman Catholicism, has an enormous Baroque iconostasis. Bardejov is an almost perfectly preserved walled medieval German town; the Rathaus (Town Hall) houses the superb Saris Museum. Nearby is the spa town of Bardehovské kúpele, once the playground of the Hungarian and Russian nobility; the open-air folk musuem (skansen) is particularly fine. To the south Kosice is a lively city whose wealth was based on the salt trade; it still retains a strong Hungarian atmosphere. St Elizabeth’s dóm, the easternmost Gothic cathedral in Europe, is also one of the most beautiful. There are a number of good museums of which the Technical Museum is the best. Northeast of Kosice is the Herl’any Geyser, which sprays cold mineral water as high as 30m (100ft) every 32 to 34 hours. Sport & Activities The mountains, forests and lakes are ideal for outdoor holidaying as well as summer and winter sports. For more detailed information, see the Resorts & Excursions section. Outdoor pursuits: Europe’s longest cycling route passes through Slovakia, stretching from Passau in Germany along the Danube, through Vienna, Bratislava and on to Stúrovo. Cyclists can then continue their journey by taking a ferry across the Danube into Hungary. There is a very good network of marked trails in all mountain areas, and it is possible to plan a walking tour in advance. Golf can be played at several courses around the country including Košice, Tale (near Brezno-Law Tatras), Bernolakovo (near Bratislava; website www.golf.sk) and Velka Lomnica (High Tatras; website: www.golfinter.sk). There are also numerous lakes and rivers amidst the glacial landscape, offering excellent fishing, canoeing, boating, and swimming. The primary watersports areas are at Orava, Liptovská Mara, Zemplínska Sírava and Sl’nava. Rafting is particularly good on the Dunajec river in the Pieniny national park. Horse riding, hunting and dog cart races are other popular pursuits. Wintersports: There are popular centres in 30 mountain regions, the best of which are the Tatra Mountains, where over 40 ski tows and chairlifts are located. Other popular mountain areas include the Slovensky raj range, with its deep canyons, and the Malá Fatra range with its neighbouring Vrátna dolina valley. Spas: The country offers a great wealth of curative springs, thermal spas, climatic health resorts and natural mineral waters, renowned throughout the world. There are 23 spa towns officially recognised by the state authorities. Bardejovské Kúpele was already established as a health resort in the 13th century. Its healing properties have been said to cure indigestion, disturbed metabolism and various respiratory problems. Dudince’s spring is rated among the best in the area with a mineral composition suitable for the curing of internal organs, neurological and vascular diseases. The world-famous thermal health resort of Piešt’any specialises in rheumatic treatment. Sliac, first mentioned in 1244, is regarded as the most important spa for the treatment of cardiovascular disorders. Trencianské Teplice, established since 1488, is situated near a sulphuric spring and is suitable for the treatment of the motor neurone system. Bojnice is one of the most renowned spas for the treatment of rheumatism. Social Profile Food & Drink: Traditional Slovak eating and drinking habits date back to the old Slavic period influenced later by Hungarian, Austrian and German cooking. Slovak food is based on many different kinds of soups, gruels, boiled and stewed vegetables, roast and smoked meats and dairy products. The style of cooking varies from region to region. Slovak specialities include both sweet and savoury dishes made with flour, including dumplings. One such dish is the popular bryndzové halušky (small potato dumplings with sheep’s cheese). Popular drinks include Slovak beer, wine and mineral waters. Borovicka (strong gin) and slivovica (plum brandy) are particular specialities, as are wine from the Tokay region and sparkling wine from the Bratislava region. Restaurants: Restaurants and other catering establishments are many and varied, including cafés, buffets, snack bars, inns, ale houses and wine taverns. All restaurants are graded according to quality. The main meal of the day is usually lunch, comprising soup, a main meal and desert. Tipping: A five to ten per cent tip is usual. Nightlife: Theatre and opera are of a high standard. Much of the nightlife takes place in hotels, although nightclubs are to be found in major cities. Shopping: Souvenirs include pottery, porcelain, wooden carvings, hand-embroidered clothing and food items. There are a number of excellent shops specialising in glass and crystal, while various associations of regional artists and artisans run their own retail outlets (pay in local currency). Other special purchases include folk ceramics from all regions of the Slovak Republic and woodcarvings from the eastern and central parts of Slovakia (Spišská Belá, Michalovce and Kyjatice). Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1800, Sat 0900-1200. Special Events: Most towns have their own folk festivals, with dancing, local costumes and food. These tend to be in the summer months leading up to the harvest festivals in September. For full details, contact the Slovak Tourist Board (see Contact Addresses section). The following is a selection of cultural events which will be celebrated during 2003 in the Slovak Republic: Apr/May International Festival of Ghosts and Spirits, Bojnice. May Festival of Puppets, Poprad. Jun/Jul Castle Drama and Opera Festival, Zvolen. Jul Eurofolklore (international folklore festival), Banská Bystrica; International Folk Festival, Východná; European Exhibition of Folk Crafts, Kezmarok. Aug International Festival of Historical Fencing, Spiš Castle. Sep Prix Danube – International Festival of TV Programmes for Young Viewers, Bratislava. Sep/Oct Bratislava Music Festival. Social Conventions: Shaking hands is the customary form of greeting. Punctuality is appreciated on social occasions. The minimum drinking age is 18. Business Profile Economy: Of all the Soviet bloc economies, the former Czechoslovakia experienced the highest degree of state control. In the late 1960s, after the Prague Spring, the Soviet-backed government revamped the economy to build up heavy industry at the expense of traditional strengths in light and craft-based industries, such as textiles, clothing, glass and ceramics. After the division of the country in 1993, the newly independent Slovak government found these heavy industries to be something of a millstone but they continue to play a central role in the economy. In a few cases, they have benefited from foreign investment. The other major economic problem was a dearth of natural resources: the most important of these, especially oil, were formerly available cheaply from the ex-Soviet Union but now had to be bought at market rates. The agricultural sector – almost all of which is now privately owned – produces wheat and grains, sugar beet, vegetables and livestock. However, its relative economic contribution (five per cent of GDP, eight per cent of the workforce) is not substantial. The bulk of the industrial economy has been transferred to the private sector, including the key areas of machinery industries, chemical industries, textiles, leather, shoes, glass, electronics, nuclear energy and car manufacturing. Slovak economic policy-makers chose a different path of development from their Czech neighbours, opting for a more gradual transition and retaining certain ‘strategic’ industries (notably the armaments industry) under state control. An estimated 85 per cent of the economy is now in private hands. Despite criticism from abroad about the conduct of economic reform, by 1997, the strategy appeared to have been largely successful as Slovakia’s economy registered steady growth, low inflation and stable unemployment. However, in the last five years, the economy has stagnated, suffering a large budget deficit and external debt while unemployment has climbed rapidly to its present level of just under 20 per cent, from which it stubbornly refuses to move. Current annual GDP growth is a moderate three per cent. In October 1993 Slovakia signed an association agreement with the European Union, as the first stage on the road to full membership. Despite its difficulties, Slovakia was able to meet almost all the accession criteria for EU by the end of 2002. Along with nine other countries, including seven others from East and Central Europe, Slovakia is expected to join the EU in 2004. Slovakia maintains its major previous trade links with Poland, Ukraine and Hungary, while important new ones have been established with Germany, France, Austria and the USA. Business: Businesspeople wear suits. A knowledge of German and English is useful. Long business lunches are usual. Office hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1600 (or longer). Commercial Information: The following organisations can offer advice: Slovak Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Gorkého 9, 816 03 Bratislava (tel: (2) 5443 3291; fax: (2) 5413 1159; e-mail: sopkurad@sopk.sk; website www.scci.sk or www.sopk.sk) or National Agency for the Development of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, Prievozská 30, 821 05 Bratislava 2 (tel: (2) 53 41 73 28; fax: (2) 5341 7339; e-mail: agency@nadsme.sk; website: www.nadsme.sk). Conferences/Conventions: Information can be obtained from the Slovak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (for address, see above). Climate The Slovak Republic lies in a moderate zone and possesses a continental climate with four distinct seasons. The average daily temperature in Bratislava in winter is -1°C (31 °F) rising to 21°C (70 °F) in the summer. January is the coldest month, the hottest being July and August. The highest peaks are snowcapped 130 days a year. Required clothing: Mediumweights, heavy topcoat and overshoes for winter; lightweights for summer. Rainwear is advisable throughout the year. History and Government History: Throughout its history, the Slovak Republic has been overshadowed and sometimes dominated by a succession of foreign powers, including Hungary, Germany, the Soviet Union and, most recently, the Czech Republic. The separation of Czechoslovakia into its constituent parts – the Czech and Slovak Republics – on 1 January 1993 was one of the rare occasions in history that two nations have accomplished this peacefully. It also marked the emergence of an independent and sovereign Slovak nation for the first time. The Republic’s essentially Slavic identity dates back to the fifth and sixth centuries AD when Slav peoples settled in the middle Danube region. There, they were effectively on the front line in confronting several attempted invasions by peoples from Central Asia. The ninth century was a relatively peaceful period, which saw the conversion of the Slav population to Christianity (and consequent alliance with Rome) and the establishment of the first Slav empire under King Ratislav and then King Svätopluk. The latter’s death in 894 was quickly followed by the first of a series of incursions by marauding, nomadic Magyar tribes. Over the course of the tenth century, these tribes gradually settled in the region and created an embryonic Hungarian state which adopted many of the systems and structures of its predecessor. Slovakia’s mineral deposits made it the richest part of the Hungarian empire and the region prospered, especially during the 13th and 14th centuries. This period came to an end after the Hungarians suffered a major military defeat in 1526 at the Battle of Mohacs at the hands of the Ottoman Turks, who promptly dismembered the empire. Slovakia, however, was able to resist the Ottoman occupation and allied itself with the Austrian Hapsburg monarchy. Between 1526 and 1784, the Slovak capital Bratislava (known to the Hapsburgs as Pressburg) was nominated capital of the ‘Kingdom of Hungary’ and over a dozen Hapsburg monarchs were crowned in the city. Throughout this period, until the final expulsion of the Ottoman Turks from Central Europe in 1786, Slovakia was once again on the front line of the struggle between rival empires. But the Slovaks were still under the effective control of the Austro-Hungarian empire. The first nationalist movements – which have since become a recurring feature of Slovak history – had started to emerge in the late 18th century and continued to grow during the 19th century. One of the most potent of these was led by Ludovit Stur and Andrej Hlinka (whose name was adopted by the Slovak World War II fascist movement, the Hlinka Guard). The Slovak struggle for independence from Austria and Hungary suffered a setback in 1867 when Austria agreed to give the Hungarians free rein within its territories, and a period of Magyarisation of the region followed. This period, in particular, is the cause of deep-seated anti-Magyar feeling in Slovakia which persists in some quarters today. With the end of World War I and the Austro-Hungarian Empire came the birth of Czechoslovakia, founded by Tomas Masaryk, the country’s first President, aided by Milan Rastislav Štefánik, and an age of prosperity that lasted until 1938 and the advent of Nazism. A dark period followed, in which the country was effectively under German control. In 1948 the Slovaks voted for a democratic government which was aborted when Slovakia was grouped together with its Czech neighbours after the Yalta agreement between the world’s superpowers. Another defining moment took place in 1968 when Alexander Dubcek (then leader of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia) introduced the policy known as ‘socialism with a human face’ that ended with the Prague Spring and the crushing of the reformist movement by the Soviet army. The period of ‘normalisation’ under democratic socialism finally gave way to democratic reforms in November 1989. This led to the appointment of Václav Havel as President while the country set about introducing a pluralistic political system and a market economy. While appreciating the new opportunities offered by the post-Soviet order, the Slovaks were worried – mainly for economic reasons – about the crash liberalisation programme planned by Havel and his finance minister, Václav Klaus. After two years of negotiations (following the first democratic elections of June 1990) between the two republican governments, the population voted for the ‘sovereignty association’ platform proposed by the Movement for a Democratic Slovakia (Hnutie za Demokratice Slovensko, HZDS) led by Vladimir Meciar. The HZDS was by now the dominant force in Slovak politics: in the second national election, held in June 1992 specifically over the issue of separation, the HZDS polled 37 per cent nationally, gaining the lion’s share in the Slovak region. On 1 January, 1993, the two nations parted amicably. The following month, the former speaker of the Czechoslovak parliament, Michal Kovac, was chosen by the country’s new parliament, the National Council (Narodna Rada), to take over the post of President. The party leader, Meciar, continued as Prime Minister at the head of an HZDS-dominated government dominated by the HZDS. From then until the expiry of president Kovac’s term of office in March 1998, Slovak politics were dominated by the feud between these two dominant political figures. Meciar was much lauded at the time as the principal architect of Slovakian nationhood. However, he was not a natural democrat, and his use of state agencies to suppress opponents and blatant tolerance of organised crime provoked strong international criticism. Nor was Meciar enthusiastic about the economic reforms which were equally essential to any EU aspiration. The struggle between Meciar and Kovac, as a pro-European, pro-NATO liberal, reached extraordinary levels. However, it finally came to an end in 1998, when Kovac’s term of office ended and Meciar’s HZDS was excluded from power by a multi-party coalition – set up specifically for the purpose – which won the national elections in September that year. Meciar himself lost the next presidential poll, held in May 1999, to Rudolf Schuster of the small centrist Party of Civic Understanding (part of the ruling parliamentary coalition). Meciar tried to stage a comeback at the most recent parliamentary election held in September 2002. The outcome was critical: the main power-brokers of the EU had made it clear to the Slovakians that Meciar’s return to office would scupper Slovakia’s chances of joining the EU. In the event, the poll closely mirrored the outcome of the 1998 parliamentary election; premier Mikulas Dzurinda continues in office. Under Schuster and Dzurinda, Slovakia made up for lost time, embarking on an economic reform programme and accelerating membership negotiations with the EU. By the end of 2002 Slovakia had met almost all the conditions required for membership and will almost certainly be joining the Union, along with nine other countries – including most of its immediate neighbours – in 2004. It also hopes to join NATO within a few years. Meciar has managed to survive various corruption and abuse of power charges, and the HZDS remains the country’s largest single political party. Government: The Slovak Republic ratified its first national constitution in September 1992, having agreed to all of the existing treaties and obligations of the former republic. Under its terms, executive power lies with the Prime Minister and ministers, the first being appointed by the President, who in turn is selected by the National Council. This is the country’s supreme legislative body, which has 150 seats and is directly elected for a four-year term. The President is elected for a five-year term. Copyright © 2003 Columbus Publishing Ltd.