Thermal pools, national parks, castles, cities, and other attractions that Slovakia has to offer are practically within reach for tourists visiting Wisła. What interesting places near the Polish border are worth visiting?
Slovakia - reportedly the center of Europe is said to be here, in the village of Kremnické Bane. The country is known for its beautiful landscapes and well-prepared mountain infrastructure. Tourists also enjoy visiting the capital of Slovakia, Bratislava. We are also familiar with products such as Studentska chocolate and Kofola drink. Kofola is a beverage that was created in 1960 and is much more popular than other global brands such as Coca-Cola and Pepsi.
Being in the Polish mountains, the border with Slovakia is just a stone's throw away. In this text, we will describe places that are relatively close for tourists who have stopped for holidays in Wisła.
Slovakia - Thermal Pools and Aquaparks Near the Polish Border
Slovakia is a true paradise for all lovers of aquaparks and thermal pools. One of the most popular ones, Tatralandia, in the town of Liptovský Mikuláš, is located about 140 km from Wisła. Tatralandia is an extensive complex divided into two parts: Fun Park (26 slides and 14 pools with seawater and thermal water) is open in the summer, while Tropical Paradise (6 slides and 10 pools) is open year-round. When visiting this place, it's advisable to book accommodation for at least one night - there are plenty of attractions to enjoy.
Close to Tatralandia, in the village of Bešeňová, you'll find the Bešeňová Thermal Baths. The aquapark has 9 year-round pools, water slides, and a play area.
Close to the Polish border on the way to Tatralandia, you'll find the Termálny prameň Kalameny - a small wild hot spring. If you enjoy such places, be sure to stop here for a while.
100 km from Wisła, there's another thermal pool - the Oravice Thermal Baths. It's a complex of pools suitable for the whole family. The water in these baths is highly mineralized (sodium-calcium-magnesium-sulfur water with a high iron content), which has beneficial effects on the body. Of course, there are plenty of attractions on-site: water slides, artificial waves, water geysers, a sauna, a children's play area, and a restaurant.
Slovakia - Castles Near the Polish Border
If you're more interested in exploring historical landmarks than relaxing in thermal pools, consider a day trip to Slovakia in search of historical sites. You should first consider visiting Orava when planning such a trip. In this region, you'll find the beautiful Orava Castle (it's less than 90 km from Wisła). You can either go there on your own or book a tour through a travel agency.
Located in a picturesque landscape, Orava Castle is one of the largest attractions in northern Slovakia. It was built on a rock above the Orava River and was originally constructed on the site of an old wooden fort. Initially designed in Romanesque and Gothic styles, it was later rebuilt in Renaissance and neo-Gothic styles. The complex now consists of a lower, middle, and upper castle, palaces, and defensive walls. The castle houses the Orava Museum, so in addition to the historic fortifications, you can see many archaeological, natural, historical, and ethnographic exhibitions.
Strečno Castle is also located near the Polish border (less than 90 km from Wisła). It's reconstructed castle ruins also built on a rock. While smaller than Orava Castle, it has an interesting history. The site is open for visits from May to October. Nearby, you can find the ruins of Lietava Castle.
The romantic Bojnice Castle is a bit further from the Polish border. If you take Route 64 from Wisła, you'll have approximately 140 km to cover. However, it's worth the trip because it's a beautiful and scenically located site. The first mentions of the castle date back to 1113. Now, it houses numerous exhibitions (original furniture, everyday items, and late-Gothic paintings such as the Bojnice Altar by N. di Cione Orcagna from the mid-14th century). The castle also features a cave beneath it connected to a deep well and a castle park where a linden tree of King Matthias has been growing for 700 years. Nearby, there's also a botanical garden and a zoo in Bojnice (the oldest in Slovakia).
Slovakia - National Parks, Waterfalls, and Caves Near the Polish Border
However, Slovakia is primarily a mountainous country, with over 60% of its territory comprising the Carpathian Mountains. The Gerlach Peak (2655 m above sea level) in the High Tatras is the highest point in Slovakia. So, it's no wonder that you can admire beautiful national parks, waterfalls, and caves here, with over 6,000 caves in the country.
A picturesque place in the Small Fatra mountains, close to the Polish border, is Janosikove Diery (about 90 km from Wisła). It consists of a system of gorges, rocky steps, and waterfalls. It's an ideal place for a family hike, and you can climb ladders and walk on platforms. Small Fatra also offers many cycling trails. The village of Terchová is nearby.
The Sulowskie Skaly Nature Reserve is located 100 km from Wisła. It's situated in the Stražov Mountains region, not far from the Small Fatra. It's worth a visit if you're in the area.
The Demänovská Jaskyňa Slobody cave is located 145 km from Wisła. Demänovská Jaskyňa Slobody is on the northern side of the Low Tatras and is part of an extensive cave system with a total length of over 40 km. Demänovská Jaskyňa Slobody has a length of just over 8 km, but tourists can explore a section of less than 2 km. The cave is rich in various karst formations of almost every kind.
On your way to the thermal pool in Bešeňová, you can stop and see the charming Ľúčanský Waterfall. The waterfall is a natural monument and is located on the Teplianka stream. It never freezes because it is fed by warm springs. It is illuminated, so you can also see it at night.
Summary
If you're looking for attractions in Slovakia near the Polish border, you have many interesting places to choose from. If you're in Wisła and planning a day trip, we strongly recommend visiting Orava Castle or Bojnice Castle. However, if you plan to stay in Slovakia, there's nothing stopping you from visiting Orava Castle first and then heading to the Tatralandia thermal pool.
Wisła is not only an interesting city with many attractions, ski slopes, and hotels, but also a good starting point for day trips to the Czech Republic and Slovakia.