• Norway!

    Norway: Sunnylvsfjord. Go Now!

    Norway
    Known for its natural beauty, Norway is home to isolated villages, fjords, and mountains that create a culture and landscape without compare. Begin Your Journey!

  • Vatican City!

    Vatican City: Vatican Museums. Go Now!

    Vatican City
    The smallest country in the world offers the heart of Catholicism and among the world's finest art collections, including the Sistine Chapel and the Raphael Rooms (ceiling pictured). Go to Vatican City!

  • Macedonia!

    Macedonia: Traditional architecture. Go Now!

    Macedonia
    Macedonia is a country still finding its unique identity, but its architecture is already one of a kind. Explore Macedonia!

  • Austria!

    Austria: Belvedere Palace. Go Now!

    Austria
    Belvedere Palace (pictured) is just one of many palaces found in Vienna. The capital is a good start to Austria, which also features the Alps, the Lakes District, and incredible history & food. Go Now!

  • Spain!

    Spain: Guell Park and Gaudi architecture. Go Now!

    Spain
    Fusion foods, lively music, historic ruins, and cultural events like the Running of the Bulls and La Tomatina make Spain and Barcelona (pictured) a favorite tourist destination. Explore Spain!

  • Ukraine!

    Ukraine: Traditional Village. Go Now!

    Ukraine
    Ukrainian culture is based on village life, particularly that found in the Carpathian Mountains (pictured). Begin Your Journey!

Geography, Weather, & Wildlife of Slovakia

Geography

Slovak Geography - Strbske Pleso Lake
Strbske Pleso Lake

Slovakia is a landlocked country in the middle of Central Europe. Slovakia borders the other half of its former country, the Czech Republic (northwest), Austria (west), Hungary (south), Ukraine (east), and Poland (north).

Geographically, Slovakia is fairly mountainous with the exception of the far south and southwest, through which the Danube River flows. Much of the country's small population lives in Bratislava or in the adjacent lowlands. Stretching across the northern part of the country are the Carpathian Mountains, which aren't significantly tall, but still difficult to access many parts of, causing low population levels in much of this area. Most of the population in the north lives along rivers, many of which drain into the Danube River.

Weather

Slovakia's seasons are very distinct. Winters (December-February) can be cold and covered in snow. In the mountains during this season temperatures tend to hover around 15˚ F (-10˚ C), but Bratislava and the lowlands typically remain at about 25˚ F (-5˚ C) during this time.

Summers can be very hot as the mountains tend to get average highs of about 70-78˚ F (20-25˚ C) with much cooler evenings, while Bratislava during this time typically reaches about 80˚ F (27˚ C).

Wildlife

Slovak Geography - Mountains
Mountains

Slovakia boasts various large and small mammals, including bears, wolves, lynx, and marmots among others. There are few fish and other sea life in the landlocked country, although the lakes and rivers do have various species.

There are numerous birds that are regularly domesticated in Slovakia, including ducks and pheasants. There are also various migrating birds that pass through, some of which are rare and protected, like some species of storks and cranes.

This page was last updated: November, 2013