A summer drive to Slovakia lakes is one of the most rewarding journeys. The country has many peaceful water bodies surrounded by mountains, forests, and cultural landmarks. If you want freedom on your trip, it is best to rent a car in Slovakia. Buses often skip remote lakes, and waiting for a schedule can waste your day. With your own car, you can follow the road you like, stop for photos when the view surprises you, and visit more than one lake without rushing. Our road trip guide will show you the best lakes to visit in Slovakia and the activities you can enjoy.
Štrbské Pleso, also known as Strbske Lake, is one of the most relaxing lakes in Slovakia. It is located in the High Tatras at 1,346 meters above sea level. The lake is of glacial origin and is surrounded by tall spruces, firs, and rowan trees. Its calm setting makes it perfect for walks, boat rides, and spa visits. Walking around the lake takes about an hour. Rowing boats can be rented daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and gliding on the clear surface is a peaceful way to spend your day.
In winter, the lake freezes for around 155 days, turning the area into a snowy wonderland. The ski resort nearby has eight and a half kilometers of slopes that are well-suited for families. Štrbské Pleso has a long history as a health spa. Since 1885, it has been known for its healing air and relaxing environment. Hotels and resorts here often organize bear-watching tours, where you can see wildlife in its natural habitat. Deer, eagles, foxes, and wildcats live in the surrounding forests.
How to Drive to Štrbské Pleso
The drive from Bratislava to Štrbské Pleso is about 318 kilometers and takes around 3 hours and 30 minutes. You leave Bratislava and join the D1 highway going toward Žilina and Nitra. Keep following the E571/E58 and Route 66, pass Banská Bystrica, then continue on Route 72 and E50 until you arrive at Štrbské Pleso in the High Tatras.
Liptovská Mara is the largest dam lake in Slovakia and often called the “Liptov Sea.” Built in the 1970s, it was created for flood control and energy production. Today, it is one of the best lakes to visit in Slovakia for water sports and summer leisure. The main recreation hub is Liptovský Trnovec, which has a beach, campsite, marina, and rentals for yachting and windsurfing. Sightseeing cruises also operate in the summer season, running from mid-June until September.
Nearby, you can find Tatralandia Aquapark and Bešeňová Thermal Park, both open year-round. These facilities make Liptovská Mara a family-friendly stop with options for both relaxation and adventure. The lake has a surface area of 22 square kilometers and a depth of up to 45 meters. Its location under the Tatra peaks gives it an impressive backdrop. From here, you can also start hikes into the Chočské Hills or Western Tatras.
How to Drive to Liptovská Mara
The drive from Bratislava to Liptovská Mara is about 285 kilometers and takes around 3 hours. From Bratislava, join the D1 highway, and follow the E571/E58 past Trnava and Nitra. Continue on the R1 and E77 toward Ružomberok, then take Route 18 and Route 2213 until you reach Liptovská Mara.
Orava Lake, also called Orava Reservoir, lies in the northern part of the country near Námestovo. It is Slovakia’s largest artificial lake and one of the most popular spots for fun activities. Around the lake, you will find marinas, campsites, and several recreational centers. The Slanicka Island of Art is one of the main attractions. Once part of a flooded village, the island is home to the 18th-century Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, which now houses a folk art museum. Cruise boats take you across the water to visit this unique site.
The lake is great for water sports like yachting, windsurfing, pedal boating, and motorboating. Fishing is also popular, with clear waters that allow you to spot different species from the dam viewpoint. Beyond the lake, you can explore Orava Castle, a medieval-renaissance complex made of three castle sections. Another highlight is the Oravice thermal pools, where geothermal waters reach 58 degrees Celsius.
How to Drive to Orava Lake
The drive from Bratislava to Orava is about 292 kilometers and takes around 3 hours. You start in Bratislava and join the D1 highway, then follow the E75 toward Žilina. From there, continue on Route 11 and Route 520, passing small villages and forested roads, until you reach Orava.
Known as the “Slovak Sea,” Zemplínska Šírava is one of the largest reservoirs in the country and the twelfth largest lake area in Europe. It is located near Michalovce in eastern Slovakia. The lake has seven holiday resorts, with accommodation, dining, and entertainment.
You can swim, sunbathe on sandy beaches, or rent paddle boats, kayaks, and jet skis. Fishing is another favorite pastime here, with many locals spending weekends on its shores. The surrounding Vihorlat Mountains provide hiking trails, including routes leading to Morské Oko, a scenic mountain lake.
Zemplínska Šírava is also known for its thermal spas. Resorts like Kaluža give you access to mineral-rich pools where you can unwind after a day of outdoor fun. Easily accessible by car from Michalovce or Košice, this destination combines natural beauty with lively resort energy, making it one of the best lakes to visit in Slovakia.
How to Drive to Zemplínska Šírava
The drive from Bratislava to Zemplínska šírava is about 489 kilometers and takes around 5 hours. You leave Bratislava and join the D1 highway, then follow the E571/E58 through Trnava, Nitra, and Banská Bystrica. Continue on Route 66, Route 72, and E50, then drive toward Michalovce and follow Route 582 until you arrive at Zemplínska šírava.
Sĺňava Reservoir sits next to the spa town of Piešťany in western Slovakia. It is a well-known summer resort thanks to its sunny climate and variety of water sports. You can stay close to the water at two camping sites, Pullmann and Lodenica, to make your visit more convenient.
The reservoir is famous for its water skiing facility in Ratnovská Bay during the summer months. Kayak, rowing, and canoe races are also hosted here. A 12-kilometer paved trail runs around the reservoir, making it perfect for cycling or inline skating. One unique feature of Sĺňava is its bird island, an artificial nature reserve. Rare species, such as the gray gull, nest here, giving birdwatchers the chance to see wildlife up close. Fishing is also possible in the reservoir and the nearby Váh River.
How to Drive to Zemplínska Šírava
The drive from Bratislava to Sĺňava Reservoir is about 92 kilometers and takes around 58 minutes. You start in Bratislava, merge onto the D1 highway, and continue along the E75 toward Piešťany. Take the exit at Piešťany, follow Route 499 and Route 507, and soon you will arrive at the peaceful Sĺňava Reservoir.
Ružín Reservoir is located near Košice in eastern Slovakia. This V-shaped lake was created by damming the Hornád River and is enclosed by the Čierna Hora hills. Covering 600 hectares, it reaches depths of 50 to 60 meters. From the peak of Sivec, which rises 781 meters high, you get one of the best views of the water and mountains. Emerald tones reflect across the surface, curling around forested slopes and rocky ridges.
Popular activities here include swimming in the eastern part of the lake, fishing, and boating. At the Zelena Perla camping site in Košická Belá, you can rent boats, water bicycles, and sports equipment. Cruising across the water, you can reach small spots like the Island of Love or Small Island.
How to Drive to Ružín Reservoir
The drive from Bratislava to Ružín in Malá Lodina is about 437 kilometers and takes around 4 hours and 35 minutes. You leave Bratislava and join the D1 highway, then follow the E571/E58 past Trnava, Nitra, and Banská Bystrica. Continue on Route 66, Route 72, and E50, then take the Lemešany exit and follow local roads until you reach Ružín Reservoir.
Počúvadlo Lake, also called Počúvadlo Tajch, is a man-made reservoir located near Banská Štiavnica. Built originally as part of a mining water system, it is now one of the most visited sites in central Slovakia. The lake covers 12 hectares and is popular for swimming, boating, and water cycling during summer. In winter, nearby ski resorts give visitors more options. Cultural programs and events are often organized at the lake, making it great to visit in the warmer months.
Počúvadlo is also the main starting point for hikes up Sitno, the highest peak of the Štiavnica Mountains. Trails lead through forests and meadows, offering views of the surrounding countryside from the top. From here, you can also visit the historic town of Banská Štiavnica, with attractions like the Old Castle and New Castle.
How to Drive to Ružín Reservoir
The drive from Bratislava to Počúvadlianske jazero in Banská Štiavnica is about 184 kilometers and takes around 2 hours. From Bratislava, join the D1 highway, and follow the E571/E58 past Trnava and Nitra. From Žarnovica, continue on Route 428 and Route 51, then follow Route 524 and Route 2533 until you reach Počúvadlianske jazero.
Driving to lakes in Slovakia gives you a full experience of the country’s nature, culture, and leisure. From the High Tatras to central and eastern regions, our road trip guide shows the many destinations worth visiting. Rent a car with Final Rentals to shape your trip the way you want and move freely between mountain retreats, spa resorts, and water sports centers.
