I decided to take a Slovak holiday this year because I wanted to explore a place with history and nature. My dog always comes with me on my trips. First of all, I had to ask: is Slovakia dog friendly? I discovered the answer is a big yes, especially if you plan well. Dog Friendly Holidays in Banskå Stiavnica, Slovakia are now my favorite memory. This town sits in a massive caldera formed after an ancient volcano collapsed. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that used to be a famous mining center. I spent several Slovakia vacation days here and I want to share my experience with you.
Before You Leave: The Paperwork for Your Pup
You must prepare before you cross the border into Slovakia with dog. The rules are standard for the European Union. However, you must follow them strictly to avoid trouble. First of all, your dog needs a pet microchip. This chip must have 15 digits and follow ISO standards. You should get the chip on the same day as or before the first rabies shot.
Your dog must be at least 12 weeks old for the rabies vaccine. You cannot enter the country until 21 days have passed since the primary vaccination. On top of that, you need a European pet passport. A licensed veterinarian can give you this document after they check your pet. If you come from outside the EU, you need an EU Animal Health Certificate. This certificate is valid for travel between EU countries for 4 months.
I made sure my dog had all his shots up to date. Plus, I carried a written declaration that my trip was for non-commercial reasons. You can bring up to five pets on a non-commercial trip. I also checked the local laws about nature. The Slovak Republic has different levels of protection for its land. In areas with the third to fifth level of protection, you cannot let your dog roam free. Therefore, you should keep your dog on a lead in most parks.
Exploring the Heart of Banská Štiavnica
The town center feels like a medieval dream. Banská Štiavnica has cobblestone roads that remind me of Italy. It was the most important mining town in the Habsburg Empire during the 13th century. I walked with my dog to the Holy Trinity Square first. This square is famous for its large plague column. It was built to remember the end of the black plague that killed nearly half the village.
We visited the Old Castle (Stary zamok), which is an essential symbol of the city. It was built in the 16th century because the mountains made it hard to have a unified defense system. You can see the city from the castle walls. Additionally, the New Castle (Novy zamok) is worth a visit for the history of anti-Turkish battles. Both castles offer amazing views.
I also took a walk to the Bank of Love. This place is unique in the world because it holds thousands of love stories. Though a fire damaged the historic center in 2023, people are working hard on reconstruction. You can still see the beauty of the 16th-century buildings. I found that most people in town were very welcoming to my dog.
Hiking and High Views
We did a lot of walking because the terrain is very hilly. First of all, we climbed to the Calvary (Kalvaria). This monument sits at the top of Scharfenberg hill. It was built in the mid-1700s and is a significant site for tourists and religious pilgrims. The hike took us about 20 minutes. You have to pay a small entry fee to go into the towers. However, the view from the top overlooks the entire valley. This Calvary is often called one of the finest in Europe.
Later, we decided to tackle Sitno Mountain. This is the highest mountain in the area at 1009 meters. You can see it from almost anywhere in town. There are several routes to the top. One trail starts at the Počúvadlo lake and is about 4 kilometers long. The elevation gain is 330 meters. On the contrary, there is an easier trail from the village of Ilija marked with green signs. Even less experienced hikers can make it to the summit to see the ruins of Sitno Castle.
I also explored the Milan Kapusta Educational Trail. This trail follows a heavily mined ore vein and is about 7 kilometers long. It starts and ends at the Červená studňa reservoir. Another great spot is the Paradajs hill. The geological trail there is easy and about 3.6 kilometers long. My dog loved the fresh air and the forest smells.
The Magic of the Tajchy Lakes
The tajchy are artificial water reservoirs built in the 17th and 18th centuries. They provided energy for the silver and gold mines. At one time, there were 60 reservoirs. Today, only 24 survive. They are now part of the UNESCO site and are perfect for swimming.
Počúvadlo is the most famous lake because it has very clear water. It is a great base for tourists who want to hike or relax. I also visited the Richňava Lakes. These are among the highest reservoirs in the area. The water is clean and checked by inspectors. I spent a peaceful afternoon there with my dog. You must keep your dog on a lead here because other people have pets nearby. Additionally, you can find carp and pike in these waters if you have a fishing permit.
We also found Tajch Klinger, which is located just in front of the mining museum. It is a very pretty spot for a walk. Another lake, Tajch Veľká Vodárenská, is on the outskirts of the city. If you want to swim in a natural pool with your dog, you can drive about 30 minutes to Lom Devičie. This is a former quarry owned by a local family. The entry is only €2 per person. It is calm in the mornings but gets busy with local youth in the afternoon.
Museums and History with a Dog
I wanted to learn about the mining history of the town. The Open-air Mining Museum (Banské múzeum v prírode) is located just outside the city. It has an underground excursion that is 1300 meters long and 45 meters deep. These mines date back to the 17th century. While I could not take my dog deep underground, he was allowed on the outdoor trails on a leash. Guided tours happen every hour.
I also recommend the Michal adit. This is a short tunnel right next to the tourist information center. You can walk through it in 10 minutes. It is a great way to see how miners worked without spending hours underground. For those who love art, the shop called Bethlehem has a miniature version of the town made of wood. It is very impressive to see the detail.
If you are curious about nature, the Banská Štiavnica Botanical Garden is a must-see. It is on the grounds of the old Mining and Forestry Academy. This was the first technical college in the world, founded in 1762. My dog enjoyed the quiet paths through the trees.
Where to Eat with Your Furry Friend
Dining out in Slovakia with dog can be a bit of a lottery. Local laws often prohibit animals in places where food is prepared. However, many places with outdoor terraces are very welcoming. I found that Bratislava is often more dog-friendly than smaller villages. But Banská Štiavnica has some great spots too.
First of all, I visited Lemberg Bistro. This is a dog-friendly place that allows dogs inside. They serve vegan dishes from all over the world. I had a great meal there and paired it with a local craft beer. Another excellent choice is Divná Pani. It has a dog-friendly garden terrace where you can enjoy fine Slovak food. It also has a play area for children.
I also stopped at the Brewery ERB. It is both a restaurant and a brasserie that brews its own beer. You can eat right between the brew kettles. The food is a bit more expensive but very high quality. Additionally, Tulsi is a small restaurant that offers vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. It is very affordable and has a mix of Slovak, Asian, and Italian styles.
If you want a quick coffee, Stara Skola (The Old School) is a stylish place. I saw many local hipsters there enjoying cake. For a more traditional experience, I went to Monarchia. They serve local dishes on a daily menu in a historic building. I found that most restaurants with a terrace would let my dog sit with me if he was well-behaved.
Dog-Friendly Places to Stay
Finding a place to sleep was easy because there are many pet-friendly vacation rentals in the district. I stayed in a cozy cabin near the forest called Chatka pod lesom. It was exceptional and had a large garden. The staff spoke English and there were no extra charges for my dog.
If you prefer a more historic feel, you can find many apartments in the town center. Libling is a loft apartment on the town hall square. It has wooden beams and is right under the Old Castle. Your “fur babies” are very welcome there. Another unique spot is the House with a well on the roof. It is a unique apartment right in the historical part of town.
For nature lovers, the Seven Lakes Cottage is only 250 meters from Bakomi Lake. It is a great starting point for hiking. Additionally, Meadow at Richňava Lake offers a chance to camp in the wild. You can sit by a fire and look at the stars. Pets are welcome on the meadow but must stay on a lead.
If you have a bigger budget, the SALAMANDRA Hotel allows pets and has a wellness area with a pool. Charges may apply for your dog at this hotel. Similarly, the Hotel Grand Matej in the historic center allows pets and has an elegant ambiance.
Day Trips and Nearby Towns
I used my Slovakia vacation days to see other towns too. Krupina is one of the oldest towns in Slovakia, dating back to 1135. It was the first town to get city rights in 1244. I visited the Vartovka tower, which is 13 meters high. It was used as a lookout during wars with the Turks. You can climb it for free and see a beautiful view of the city.
I also drove to Zvolen, which is about 47 kilometers away. It has Pustý hrad, one of the largest medieval fortresses in Europe. The ruin covers almost 8 hectares. The hike to the castle is about 4 kilometers long and has a steep climb. It is a great spot for a picnic with your dog. Later, I visited the Arboretum Borova Hora. It has the largest rose garden in Slovakia with 800 varieties.
One of my favorite short trips was to Svaty Anton. The town has a classical baroque mansion built by the Koháry family. It is now a museum with large English gardens nearby. I ate at Stary Hostinec, which serves excellent traditional Slovak food. The service was very friendly. Plus, there is a guesthouse there that allows pets in traditional Slovak style.
If you like water, you should visit Spa Sklené Teplice. It is one of the oldest spas in Slovakia. The mineral water is very hot, between 38 and 52 degrees Celsius. Most treatments are not for children and you need an appointment. Though my dog could not go into the baths, we enjoyed walking in the gorgeous landscape surrounding the spa.
Practical Tips for Your Slovak Adventure
I found that driving is the best way to get around the countryside. However, you must be careful at night because there are many deer near the roads. Also, most museums and castles are closed on Mondays. On the first Sunday of the month, entry is often free.
Using public transport with a dog is possible. Dogs are allowed on buses and trams in cities. Small animals can travel in a carrier for free. Larger dogs need a muzzle and a short leash. You should also ask the driver for permission before you board. For trains, dogs can ride in 2nd class carriages. Large dogs usually need a half-price ticket.
If you need groceries, Krupina has several supermarkets like TESCO, COOP, and BILLA. Most are open from 6:00 or 7:00 in the morning until 21:00. I often bought local bread and cheese for picnics. Gradually, I learned a few Slovak words. “Dobrý deň” means good day, and “Dakujem” means thank you. If you want to order a beer for yourself and water for your dog, say “Pivo, prosím” and “Voda”.
Is Bratislava Dog Friendly?
Many people ask, is Bratislava dog friendly? I visited the capital for two days and found it very easy with my dog. While dogs cannot go inside Bratislava Castle, the grounds are expansive and free to explore. The gardens offer amazing views of the city. I also walked along the Danube River Promenade, which is a spacious area perfect for a dog walk.
We spent time at Sad Janka Kráľa Park, one of the oldest public parks in Europe. it has wide green spaces for dogs to play. For breakfast, I went to Urban House, which has outdoor seating and a cozy atmosphere. Additionally, the Flagship Restaurant welcomes dogs in its outdoor area and serves traditional Slovak specialties.
I noticed that car rentals are often cheaper in Bratislava than in Vienna. Therefore, it is a great place to start your trip. You can rent a car and drive to Banská Štiavnica in about two hours. The local tourism website even has a page for dog-friendly tips, which I found very helpful.
Fun for Kids and Families
If you travel with children as well as a dog, there are many fun activities. Terra Permonia in the center of Banská Štiavnica is a “crafts club” where kids can be creative. Additionally, you can go to the sand quarry of Príbelce to look for fossils. You might even find shark teeth that are 16 million years old.
In Zvolen, there is an indoor playground called Safari for kids up to 13 years old. It is perfect for a rainy day. Plus, you can visit the Treetop Walk near Zar in the bakova valley. A cable car takes you to the top of a hill, and the walkway is 600 meters long. It has an observation tower that is 32 meters high. It is a very unique experience for the whole family.
FAQ
Many people have extra questions when they plan a Slovak holiday. I have put together some answers to help you. Plus, these tips will make your trip much smoother.
Where is the best place to holiday with a dog?
Banská Štiavnica is an excellent choice for a trip. It has a beautiful nature area and very old streets. You can visit the clear lakes like Počúvadlo with your dog. Therefore, it is a top pick for pet owners.
Where can I take my dog on holiday with me?
You can take your dog to many spots in the Slovak Republic. Spiš Castle allows dogs to walk inside the ruins. Similarly, the historic village of Vlkolínec is open to pets. Banská Štiavnica also offers many trails and lakes where dogs are welcome.
Where to travel in Europe with a dog?
Central Europe is a great region for pet travel. You can visit Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, or Poland. These countries share borders and have similar rules for pets. Though rules change by city, most areas are very welcoming.
What is the most pet friendly city?
Bratislava is often called a very pet-friendly city. It has many green spaces like Sad Janka Kráľa Park. On top of that, the Danube River Promenade is perfect for long walks with a dog.
Which shopping mall can bring dogs?
You can bring your dog to the Europa Shopping Centre in Banská Bystrica. In the capital, the Eurovea mall is also open to pets. Most shops in these malls allow dogs, but grocery stores usually do not.
What is the most dog-friendly city in Europe?
Many travelers find Bratislava to be a top choice. It is affordable and has many outdoor cafes that welcome dogs. Additionally, there are woods like Železná Studnička where dogs can walk off their leads.
What country is most dog-friendly?
Slovakia is a very good place for a Slovak holiday with a pet. Though some restaurants do not allow dogs inside, many have outdoor areas for pets. Plus, the mountains and nature are perfect for dogs.
How to fly with a dog?
First of all, your dog needs a microchip and a rabies shot. You must also get an Animal Health Certificate or a pet passport. The travel crate must have enough air and space for your dog to move.
Concluding words
Banská Štiavnica is a wonderful place for a slovak holiday. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a mix of deep history and beautiful nature. You can hike up to Sitno Mountain or relax by the tajchy reservoirs. The town has many pet-friendly vacation rentals and cafes with garden terraces.
You should make sure your dog has a European pet passport and is up to date on shots. Slovakia is a hidden gem that you and your dog will love to visit. Plan your trip today and enjoy the fresh mountain air.
