Bratislava
A city between historical charm and modernity
It has been the capital of Slovakia since 1993 and, with over 470,000 inhabitants, is also the largest. The Danube flows right through the city. A metropolis that unites many things.
View of two countries
Perched on a rock 85 metres above the banks of the Danube, Bratislava Castle is square, with four corner towers and a smooth white front with red roof tiles. Today, the imposing building is home to the historical museum. One of the oldest preserved parts of the castle is the crown tower. If the view is good, you can see as far as Austria and Hungary from up here. Bratislava is the only capital city in the world that borders two countries.
Walk around the UFO
Not quite so far away and always clearly visible, a UFO has apparently docked at the bridge railing of the Danube. In 45 seconds, the lift takes its visitors up to the observation tower and to the restaurant. The ‘Skywalk’ offers the intrepid an extraordinary adrenaline kick: accompanied by a professional instructor and secured with a wire rope, one enters the window sill of the observation tower behind the windows of the restaurant. From there, you can walk around the dome from the outside. The futuristic building - called Ufo - is a drastic contrast to the historic old town, not only in terms of its name.
Old Town with ‘Observer’
Here, narrow alleys and picturesque squares dominate the townscape. Impressive buildings from different eras characterise the old town, including the Miachael Gate with its onion roof, the only surviving town gate. A path leads from there to the old town hall. During a walk, you can discover interesting and whimsical statues. The most popular among tourists is undoubtedly Čumil (‘The Observer’). With his arms propped up, the bronze journeyman watches passers-by from a manhole cover. He even has his own street sign pointing to him.
East of the old town, somewhat hidden in a residential area, stands a church with rarity value. Whitewashed in sky blue and richly decorated, it was completed in 1913. It is dedicated to Elisabeth of Hungary and is also called the ‘Blue Church’.
Young and dynamic
Bratislava is one of the youngest capitals in the world. This is also reflected in the population. The city is home to renowned universities. Especially at the weekends, students cavort in the bars and clubs of the metropolis. The city has experienced dynamic development in recent years. Numerous international companies are located here. There are industrial parks, technology centres and start-ups that contribute to economic development.
Bratislava - a mixture of history, culture and progress. Modern business centres meet historical charm. Or: A blue church meets a UFO.
INSIDER TIPS Panorama trip on the Danube
If you want to get to know Bratislava from a different perspective, I recommend a trip on the excursion boat on the Danube. The trip under the bridges offers interesting insights from the water side. You pass under the New Bridge, the only bridge without piers in the Danube.
In addition to the historic part of the city, you get a glimpse of the new Riverpark district and the modern Eurovea shopping centre. And to immerse yourself in Bratislava, you can take a tour of the old town on the Blaváčik train.
Radovan Papík
Robots Service Manager
Blumenbecker Slovakia
Hike through Devínska Kobyla (Small Carpathians)
The Devínska Kobyla nature reserve is located only a few kilometres northwest of Bratislava. And yet one has the feeling of being in a completely different world and time. The highlight of any hike is the towering Sand Mountain, a remnant of a sea reef whose origins date back over 15 million years. The 514-metre-high Sand Mountain consists of sandstone, gravel and limestone, among other things. Over the course of time, weather influences have given the Sand Mountain its unique shape. Steep cliffs, rugged rocks and a breathtaking view impress every hiker.
Peter Grňo
Managing Director
Blumenbecker Slovakia
The old town with the Miachael Gate
