Autumn is a fantastic time to experience Slovakia’s charm. In our guide, we have created a road trip itinerary that starts and ends at Bratislava Airport, perfect for British travellers in Slovakia. Renting a car is the best way to follow these routes, as it gives you the freedom to stop at smaller villages and enjoy mountain views. With your rental car ready at the airport, you can begin your journey the moment you arrive. Let’s dive in!
A Slovakia road trip in autumn offers natural beauty and cultural experiences for travellers. You can enjoy outdoor walks and hikes without the peak summer heat and before the deep winter chill. More importantly, Slovakia’s forests and mountains put on a display of autumnal colours, from golden yellows to fiery reds.
Travelling in autumn also means fewer tourists than in the busy summer. British tourists will find it easier to snap photos without crowds and mingle with locals in small towns. Autumn in Slovakia is also a harvest season, so you might stumble upon local wine festivals or farmers’ markets. The country’s excellent wines like Riesling and Grüner Veltliner from nearby vineyards can be savoured in cozy cellar wine bars on crisp evenings.
Understanding the autumn weather in Slovakia will make your trip easier to plan. Autumn, from late September through November, starts mild and steadily cools. In September, daytime highs often reach around 20°C, with warm afternoons for sightseeing. By November, temperatures drop closer to 5°C, and nights can dip towards freezing. Despite the chill, rainfall is lower than in summer. The clear days are perfect for exploring and taking photos.
Early autumn often brings what locals call an “Indian Summer.” During this period, usually in early to mid-October, you’ll find stable sunny weather, comfortable temperatures, and hillsides glowing with rich autumn colours. In the High Tatras, the season adds a magical twist. By late October, high peaks may get a light dusting of snow, creating striking views of white-tipped mountains above golden forests.
The key is to pack smart. Bring T-shirts and light jumpers for sunny afternoons, plus a fleece or sweater for cooler evenings. A waterproof jacket will keep you covered during showers, and sturdy shoes are essential for leaf-strewn paths. If you plan to hike in the mountains, add gloves, a hat, and proper boots.
As a UK citizen, you do not need a visa for tourist visits of up to 90 days within 180 days. Check that your passport is valid for at least 3 months after your trip. Since Brexit, passports must be stamped on entry and exit to track your stay. Slovakia uses the Euro (€). While card payments are widely accepted in cities and larger towns, carry some cash for small purchases in villages.
To truly experience Slovakia’s scenic nooks and crannies, renting a car is the best option. Driving in Slovakia is straightforward, but there are a few key points for British drivers. First, Slovaks drive on the right-hand side of the road. It may take a little getting used to if it’s your first time driving on the right. The car’s steering wheel will be on the left side, but most rental cars are automatic these days if you prefer.
When renting a car in Slovakia, you only need your full UK photocard driving licence, which is legally accepted for short visits. There’s no need for an International Driving Permit. The minimum age to hire a car is usually 21. A credit card in the main driver’s name is normally required for the security deposit. Vehicles are available directly at the airport, so you can set off as soon as you arrive.
Booking online in advance is the best way to secure a lower rate and wider choice of vehicles. When you pick up your car, always check about the motorway vignette. Slovakia requires a “diaľničná známka,” an electronic road tax permit for motorways. Most hire cars already include it, but it’s wise to confirm. If not, you can easily purchase one at a petrol station or online.
Before you drive away, make sure the car has the legally required safety equipment. This includes a warning triangle, reflective vest, and first aid kit. Traffic rules are strict, especially on drink-driving. Slovakia has a zero-tolerance policy with a legal limit of 0.0% blood alcohol. Even a single beer will put you over the limit, so always save the drinks until after your journey is finished.
Aside from right-side driving, British travellers can easily drive Slovak roads. Highways and main routes are in good condition. However, many secondary roads are single carriageways. The national speed limits are 50 km/h in towns, 90 km/h on rural roads, and 130 km/h on motorways. These are enforced by speed cameras and police checks, with fines issued on the spot for violations. Always wear your seat belt, both front and back. Headlights must be on at all times. Most cars have daytime running lights, but make sure they are working before you set off.
Another adjustment before driving is the need for headlamp beam converters. Your headlights are angled for UK roads. Without converters, you risk dazzling oncoming traffic. These stick-on patches can be bought at petrol stations, and some hire companies may supply them. While driving through forested areas, keep an eye out for signs that read “Pozor, zver!” which warn of deer or other wild animals crossing the road.
With a rental car, you can enjoy famous sights and hidden spots without rushing. Here are the best places to visit in Slovakia in autumn:
Start with a stroll through the Old Town (Staré Mesto). You’ll love the cobbled streets and pastel-coloured buildings. Must-see sights are clustered close together. Don’t miss Bratislava Castle, which is on a hill overlooking the Danube. You can either drive up to the castle area or take a 15-minute uphill walk from the Old Town. The castle’s ivory-white walls and red turrets are striking. From its courtyard, you will get a panoramic view over the city and river. The castle houses a history museum, but the exterior and views are the main draw. Next, walk down through the Baroque gardens behind the castle. Entry is free.
Back in the Old Town, check out St. Martin’s Cathedral, an imposing Gothic church that once hosted coronations of Hungarian kings. Then wander along the Main Square (Hlavné námestie) where you can see the old Town Hall and Roland’s Fountain. Keep an eye out for quirky statues like the famous bronze man peeping out of a manhole. In autumn, the sidewalks are strewn with leaves and there’s often a musician playing a violin or accordion.
If you are craving for a coffee or cake, pop into a traditional café. For dinner, try some Slovak cuisine. Bryndzové Halušky is the national dish of potato dumplings with sheep cheese and bacon. There are plenty of cozy pubs and restaurants around the Old Town. Since you’ve had a long day, you might turn in early. If you still have energy, take an evening walk by the Danube River embankment to see the UFO Bridge lit up at night.
You’ll head northeast toward the High Tatras mountains, with a stop en route at one of Slovakia’s most iconic castles. As you approach Bojnice by late morning, the castle’s pale stone towers and teal-blue copper roofs come into view. Bojnice Castle dates back to the 12th century and has been beautifully preserved and reconstructed in a romantic stle. It’s one of the most visited castles in Slovakia. Walk through the castle’s landscaped park, which will be sprinkled with autumn leaves. If time permits and it’s open, take a guided tour inside.
After visiting the castle, grab lunch in Bojnice. There are a few cafes and restaurants right by the castle gates, often serving Slovak and Czech dishes. Try a bowl of warm kapustnica (cabbage soup) or some schnitzel. In the afternoon, continue the drive toward the High Tatras. From Bojnice, you’ll head east through scenic countryside and small towns. As you get closer to the Tatras, the terrain rises, and the majestic peaks appear on the horizon. Aim for the town of Tatranská Lomnica or Starý Smokovec, which are in the Tatras region and good bases. The drive from Bojnice to Tatranská Lomnica is about 2.5 hours.
You will reach the Tatras by late afternoon. Check into your accommodation in the High Tatras area. There are many pensions and hotels around Tatranská Lomnica, Starý Smokovec, or Štrbské Pleso. Since you’ll stay in this area for two nights, you can unpack a bit and settle in. When the sun sets, the temperatures drop quickly here, so bundle up. Treat yourself to a hearty dinner. The Tatras region has some rustic koliba restaurants. These traditional mountain cottages serve grilled meats, cheesy soups, and other local specialties.
Immerse yourself today in the natural beauty of the High Tatras National Park, the “mini Alps” of Slovakia. The Tatras in autumn are breathtaking. The rugged peaks are capped with a bit of snow, forests are cloaked in orange and gold, and there are far fewer tourists than summer. Start with a hearty mountain breakfast. Then, choose a hike or excursion based on your fitness and weather. A highly recommended destination is Štrbské Pleso. This glacial lake has an easy walking path around it.
For a bit more adventure, consider hiking to Popradské Pleso, another mountain lake. The walk here rewards you with forests and mountain views. Or, if you would like to skip walking, there is a cable car from from Tatranská Lomnica up to Lomnický Štít (Lomnica Peak). You must reserve tickets in advance as it’s popular and space-limited. On a clear day, the view from 2,634 meters up lets you see autumn-coloured forests below and peaks all around. If you’re hiking, you can eat at a mountain hut for lunch. If you took the cable car, there’s a café at the upper station.
In the afternoon, drive through the mountain road called the “Cesta Slobody” (Freedom Road) that links the Tatras settlements. You can stop at Starý Smokovec town and take a funicular up to Hrebieno. There are short walks up top, like to some small waterfalls like Studenovodské vodopády. If you prefer a cultural stop, the village of Ždiar on the eastern edge of the Tatras offers traditional Goral culture and distinctive wooden cottages.By late afternoon, begin winding down. You’ve managed a memorable hike and are pleasantly tired. Head back to your accommodation to relax. Many hotels in this area have wellness facilities like a sauna or hot tub.
The next destination is Banská Štiavnica, a UNESCO World Heritage nestled in central Slovakia’s hills. You’ll drive south-west through parts of the Low Tatras and down into central Slovakia. After roughly 1.5 to 2 hours, consider a quick stop in Banská Bystrica to grab lunch. Banská Bystrica has a beautiful central square (Námestie SNP) with cafés and a clock tower. A short walk here will let you stretch your legs and soak in some local life.
By early afternoon, you’ll arrive in Banská Štiavnica. This medieval mining town is well-preserved and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s set in the caldera of an ancient volcano and surrounded by forests. In autumn, the hills encircling Banská Štiavnica are usually a mix of green pines and rust-coloured deciduous trees.
After parking near the town center, wander the historical center on foot. You’ll notice steep lanes, elegant churches, and mining relics. Banská Štiavnica was once a wealthy silver mining center, and its past grandeur shows. Visit the Old Castle and New Castle, two fortifications on opposite hills. The Old Castle is like a complex of Gothic buildings, and the New Castle is a white tower that served as a watchtower.
Be sure to see the Trinity Square (Trojičné námestie), the main square, with a massive plague column in the middle. Have your camera ready because every corner of this town is photogenic. If you’re interested in the mining history, the Slovak Mining Museum has an open-air site where you can go a short way into an old mine shaft.
It’s your final day, and today you will drive back to Bratislava to catch your flight home. The drive from Banská Štiavnica to Bratislava takes about 2 hours. If you still have time before your flight, consider driving up to Calvary Hill just above town. It has a series of chapels on a hill with a panoramic view of Banská Štiavnica below. Make sure you fuel up the car before returning. There’s a petrol station near the airport.
This autumn road trip in Slovakia will leave you with memories and a desire to return for a winter ski trip or a summer hike. To make your journey smooth, rent a car in Bratislava with Final Rentals. You can book online in advance, choose from a wide range of vehicles, and pick up your car at Bratislava Airport.
