Slovakia , a land most travelers know little about -- and therefore a land with many surprises (mostly pleasant) in store for its visitors. Slovakia is a landlocked republic in Central Europe . It borders the Czech Republic in the northwest, Poland in the north, Ukraine in the east, Hungary in the south, and Austria in the southwest.

Slovakia has great natural beauty. The north is forrested and mountainous and has great hiking and skiing possibilities. The countryside is dotted with castles that remind the visitor of the attacks the Slovaks suffered from Tartar invasions. Amongst them are the high peaks of the Tatra mountains, which are a popular skiing destination and home to many scenic lakes and valleys as well as the highest point in Slovakia, the Gerlachovský stít at 2,655 m. Lowlands are found in the southwestern (along the Danube) and southeastern parts of Slovakia. Major Slovak rivers, besides the Danube , are the Váh and the Hron.