If you’re an Emirati dreaming of a cool, peaceful getaway, a September road trip in Slovakia is what you need. The weather is fresh, around 15 to 20°C, which feels comfortable after the summer heat back home. The mountains turn red, gold, and orange, creating views you will not see in the UAE. It is also a quiet month, so you can explore without big crowds and enjoy the holiday with family or friends. For Emiratis, the best way to enjoy this trip is to rent a car in Slovakia. You will have privacy, comfort, and space for shopping or picnic bags. You can stop at mountain viewpoints, clear lakes, and small villages at your own pace
Traveling in September gives you some of the best conditions for a road trip. Here’s what Emirati tourists in Slovakia can expect during this month:
The Little Carpathians are very close to Bratislava. The distance from the city center to Modra or Pezinok is around 20 to 30 km, and you can reach them in less than an hour by car. The main route is via the D1 motorway and Route 502.
Modra and Pezinok are famous for their long wine-making traditions, and September is one of the most active months in the vineyards. You can join harvest festivals where grapes are picked, pressed, and turned into fresh juice known as “burčiak.” Guided vineyard tours often include walks through the fields, explanations of the wine-making process, and tastings of young and aged wines.
Many wineries also sell bottled products you can take home. Examples are local red, white, and rosé wines, sparkling wines made in small batches, non-alcoholic grape juice, and traditional fruit brandies like slivovica and hruškovica. Restaurants in these towns offer seasonal Slovak dishes with local wines. In Pezinok, Zámocká viecha is a good option near the castle area, serving traditional meals in a rustic setting. In Modra, Hotel Sebastian u Hoffera Restaurant is known for regional specialties and local wines.
As you drive through the Little Carpathians, you will pass historic churches, small castles, and traditional Slovak houses. One notable stop is Červený Kameň Castle, about 40 km from Bratislava. September is a great time to visit because these sites are less crowded. The drive also takes you through vineyard-covered hills and to dense forest areas.
The High Tatras are the highest mountains in Slovakia and a must-see for any long-distance road trip. Driving from Bratislava to the High Tatras takes about 4 hours, covering roughly 330 km via the D1 motorway. This is the most efficient route and is a tolled motorway, so you will need to purchase an electronic vignette before driving.
The final stretch between Poprad and the Tatras involves regional roads that are in good condition but have more curves and changes in elevation, so you should reduce speed when approaching mountain areas. Parking is available in designated paid lots at Štrbské Pleso, Tatranská Lomnica, and Starý Smokovec.
You do not need to be an experienced hiker to enjoy the High Tatras. From Tatranská Lomnica, you can take a cable car to Skalnaté Pleso for panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and peaks. In Štrbské Pleso, the walking path around the lake is about 2.5 km, flat, and paved. You can also rent small rowboats. The Starý Smokovec funicular railway takes you to Hrebienok, where short, clear trails lead to waterfalls.
By mid-September, autumn colors appear above 1,000 meters, with larch and beech trees turning shades of gold and orange. Wildlife activity increases as animals prepare for winter, so you might see red deer in open meadows or marmots sunning themselves near rocky paths. The air is cool, the humidity is low, and you can see for many kilometers, making it great for landscape photos. The mix of scenic drives, short walks, and easy viewpoints makes the High Tatras a top place for autumn road trips in Slovakia.
The Orava Region is located in northern Slovakia, close to the Polish border. Driving from Bratislava to Orava takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes, covering 270 km. The most common route is Bratislava – Žilina – Dolný Kubín – Oravský Podzámok. The D1 section requires an electronic vignette for toll payment, while the R3 is toll-free. There are fuel stations in Dolný Kubín and Oravský Podzámok, and parking is available near Orava Castle and other major attractions.
Orava Castle is one of the best places to visit in Slovakia in September. It sits on a limestone cliff above the Orava River at 112 meters above the water. You can reach it by following the signs for “Oravský hrad” from the main road. The castle complex has Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque sections. You can explore it through guided tours that last about 60 to 90 minutes. Tours are available in English upon request. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online in advance. September is an excellent time to visit because the weather is cool for climbing stairs and walking through the courtyards. The site is also less crowded than in summer.
Driving through Orava takes you past traditional wooden houses, rolling meadows, and forested hills. Villages such as Zuberec and Podbiel are known for their folk architecture, and you can take photos here. You can also find small roadside markets selling local Orava cheese and honey, which are specialties of the region.
In September, some Orava towns host folk music and harvest festivals. You can watch performances in traditional costumes, see craft demonstrations, and try local food. These events are often held in open-air spaces, and parking is usually available in nearby lots for a small fee. Attending one of these festivals can be a great addition to autumn road trips in Slovakia.
Slovak Paradise National Park is one of Slovakia’s most unique natural areas. It is known for its narrow gorges, waterfalls, and wooden ladder trails. From Bratislava, the drive is about 4 hours and covers 326 km. The fastest route passes through Poprad or Spišská Nová Ves, both gateways to the park. You will need an electronic vignette for motorway travel. Paid parking is available near main entrances like Podlesok, Čingov, and Kláštorisko, with daily rates posted at entry points.
You do not need to be an expert hiker to enjoy the park. Easier routes like the Prielom Hornádu trail follow rivers and pass smaller waterfalls. For more challenging adventures, you can explore gorge trails like Suchá Belá or Piecky, which involve climbing wooden ladders and crossing metal platforms. In September, water levels in the streams are usually lower than in spring. This reduces the risk of slippery surfaces. Trail markers are color-coded and easy to follow, and most routes have estimated walking times posted at starting points. Make sure to wear good hiking boots, even for easier trails.
Banská Štiavnica is a UNESCO World Heritage town in central Slovakia. It is known for its rich mining history and well-preserved architecture. From Bratislava, the drive is 2 hours, covering roughly 174 km. Fuel stations are available in larger towns along the route, such as Žiar nad Hronom. Parking is available in designated lots around the historic center, as the narrow streets are mostly pedestrian zones.
Banská Štiavnica was once a major mining hub for gold and silver during the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Today, you can walk through its historic center, lined with colorful Renaissance and Baroque houses, old squares, and churches. Key sites include the Old Castle and New Castle, which offer panoramic views over the town. In the Open-Air Mining Museum, you can enter old mine tunnels with a guide. The town also has several small museums explaining its mining legacy, including exhibits on medieval mining technology and the famous Mining Academy.
In September, Banská Štiavnica takes on a warm golden hue as the surrounding hills change color. Daytime temperatures range between 15°C and 20°C. Lookout points like Kalvária Banská Štiavnica give you views of the autumn-colored valleys, while evening walks in the historic center are quieter and more atmospheric than during summer.
For city visits like Bratislava and Banská Štiavnica, small cars are easier to park and more fuel-efficient. An SUV is more comfortable and stable for mountain areas such as the High Tatras, Orava, or the Slovak Paradise National Park. If you plan to visit several destinations in one trip, look for a car with good luggage space and GPS navigation to find rural attractions.
In Slovakia, the speed limit is 50 km/h in cities, 90 km/h on open roads, and 130 km/h on highways. Highways require a toll sticker, which you can buy online or at fuel stations. Always bring your driver's license, passport, and rental agreement. Parking zones are marked, and you should always pay at designated machines or mobile apps to avoid fines.
Because September is popular for festivals and road trips, booking your rental car early gives you more options. You can pick up your vehicle at Bratislava Airport, Košice Airport, or from city rental offices.
Exploring Slovakia in September is one of the best ways Emiratis can enjoy the country. The weather is cool, the autumn colors are beautiful, and there are fewer crowds. It is the perfect time for mountain drives, peaceful villages, and charming historic towns. You can tour vineyards in the Little Carpathians, hike in Slovak Paradise, visit castles in Orava, and see UNESCO gems like Banská Štiavnica. With a car, you can go anywhere you like and enjoy the views.
Rent a car in Bratislava with Final Rentals for a smooth and comfortable trip. You can choose from various vehicles, from small city cars to spacious SUVs for mountain routes. Book in advance to ensure you get the right vehicle for your road trip in Slovakia.
