Information
Frequently Asked Questions

Which kind of health insurance should we have for Slovakia?

People travelling to Slovakia are strongly adviced to take with them the European Health Insurance Card (or EHIC). In case of emergency this card provides them health-care in hospitals free of charge.

The EHIC can be obtained at your health insurance company (public or private).

Are roads in Slovakia safe enough for cycling?

In fact there are only two real bicycle tracks in Slovakia: one along the Danube starting in Bratislava and leading to Budapest, the other one along the river Morava leading from Bratislava to the north, to Moravia in the Czech Republic.

We are travelling by car. Is there anything we need to know about driving in Slovakia?

You are obliged to have a medical kit, a warning triangle, tow-line and a reflective coloured vest in your car. These you are able to buy at the border or at any petrol station.

It is obliged to have your lights on all year round, so also during daytime. You need to have winter-tires during snowfall and frost.

When using the highways, you will need a highway vignette, which you are able to buy at the border or at any petrol station.

In all cases there is 0% alcohol tolerance in traffic, also for bikers.

Are roads in Slovakia safe enough for cycling?

In fact there are only two real bicycle tracks in Slovakia: one along the Danube starting in Bratislava and leading to Budapest, the other one along the river Morava leading from Bratislava to the north, to Moravia in the Czech Republic.

80% of Slovakia consists of rolling countryside, hills, mountains, lesser and steeper climbs. So we advise you to wear a helmet and not to cycle next to each other. Like in any other country, one is part of traffic, and should be careful.

Are there any formalities we should know when entering the country or traveling through?

Citizens of the European Union only need a valid passport or a valid identification card.

Others should inform at the nearest Slovak embassy, because regulations for citizens outside EU tend to change sometimes.

Please do not forget to have a supplementary travel insurance for sport activities. You should avoid many unpleasant experiences when coming home in case of minor or major injuries.

Is Slovakia well prepared for cycle tourism?

Slovakia has almost 6 000 kilometers indicated cycle routes, but - as we stated before - these cycle routes are usually not cycle paths. On public roads outside town areas you are obliged to wear a bicycle helmet; children until 15 years need to wear this helmet also within town areas.

With a good map you can get almost anywhere in this country by bicycle, because there are very clear colored signs along the roads for cyclists.

Finding spare parts might still be a problem in smaller towns; on the other hand, Slovaks are very practical and handy, and it happens quite often they simply know how to help and repair when necessary.

How about communication? I don't speak Slovak.

In general we could say that the younger generation knows basic English, the older generation basic German.

There should be no communication problem in the larger towns, but in the smaller towns and in the villages a simple phrase book could surely help.

It is useful not only for communication, but also for knowing what one is going to order in the simple restaurants; Slovaks greatly appreciate it when their guests know or try some Slovak.

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