Slovak koruna. Photo by Anthony Citrano.

On January 1, 2009, Slovakia switched its circulating currency from the koruna to the euro, making it the 16th European Union member state to join the “euro zone”.

The country was granted permission by the European Union to make the switch during the summer of 2008, when the exchange rate was pinned at 30.126 koruny to the euro. The currency, however, didn’t switch until January 1, 2009.

In the months leading up to its circulation, Slovakia hosted Euro-themed events to raise awareness and entertain, and also pay tribute to the exiting currency. (Among these, chocolate euro coins were thrown to children, and a theater troupe staged a play about the demise of the koruna.  Sad clowns.)

What it means

The introduction of the euro in Slovakia could mean that Cheapos heading to Bratislava or other Slovak cities will notice restaurant prices and hotel rates listed in both currencies (euros and Slovak koruny), a trend that will last until January of 2010.

Others may notice that prices have jumped a bit. According to a piece in Slovak Today, consumer prices increased 0.5% in the 10 days following the changeover.

In case you’ve got a koruna or two hanging around the house, banks in Slovakia will still exchange banknotes through the end of 2009 and coins through June 2009 (although they may charge you for it!).

Need help with your own euro conversion? Check out xe.com to see today’s euro exchange rate.

Traveler? Check.

Slovakia’s switch to the euro is just another great excuse for us to shine the spotlight on Bratislava, a city well-poised for day tripping. Check out our city guide articles for info on the hotel scene and for tips on finding hearty Slovak cuisine, and a whole lot more.

Then, get packing!

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No adventure in Bratislava is complete without experiencing (and embracing) the Slovak language itself. Slovak, a West Slavic language, is closely related to Czech and Polish and spoken by 6 million people. Why not bring some of that language home?

Bring home some Slovak

We recommend purchasing one of the local newspapers for a few SKKs or (for serious Cheapos) picking up a free used issue. You could find them on a bench by Ganymede’s Fountain, a seat on the bus, or anywhere else around town.

Sure your could pick up a copy of The Slovak Spectator, the English speaking news magazine, at the city’s central square, Hviezdoslavovo nám. That would be understandable (literally!). However, we’d suggest opting for a copy of the economic Hospodarske Noviny, the gossipy Novy Cas or Katolicke Noviny, the Catholic paper. These would serve as a more adventurous souvenir once you’ve returned to your native tongue.

While you’re at it…

While you are busy finding newspapers on park benches, pick up free brochures in Slovak at the Bratislava Castle, the Slovak National Gallery and the Primate’s Palace, or any other destination with free guides to offer.

Also see: Our recommended budget hotels in Bratislava.

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Bratislava, thankfully for us Cheapos, is a pretty reasonable city.  Most museums here do charge an entrance fee, of which the average cost is SKK80 (just over $4).

But, one of Bratislava’s national treasures is free and open to the public every day except for holidays and Mondays.

Bratislava Castle sits high on a hill. It’s a national landmark you simply can’t miss, visually or otherwise. The castle itself probably dates back to the 9th-Century and was first inhabited by the Celts. It’s known for the four, massive towers at each of its corners; these giants seem to dot the sky with importance.

Today, the Castle houses the Museum of History - an impressive collection of art, artifacts, and architectural marvels - all under the umbrella of the Slovak National Museum. Exhibits at the Castle include art and sculpture by Slovaks, venues exploring Slovakian culture’s reach across Europe, and lots of military objects, ceramics, and items of folklore. Note: From time to time, some exhibits do charge a nominal admission fee, typically SKK60 (about $3).

To visit the grand collection and see parts of the old castle, pick up a free ticket, available at the visitor’s center on the premises.

Note: Much of the Castle will be undergoing planned renovation from 2008-2011. While the castle doesn’t have its own web site, you can check for more details via the Slovak National Museum page, where you can also learn more about the current exhibitions that open to the public.

Join us again tomorrow, Cheapos, for more free tips. Next stop? Brussels!

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Photo by The Sly Gentleman

Everyone has heard of Munich’s Oktoberfest, but few people know of Bratislava’s Junifest, which will celebrate its fourth year this June, from June 8 through June 17, 2007.

This is a shame, because Slovak beer is excellent and the festival has a great program, and is very cheap. A ten-entry pass costs SKK550 (€16.25; $22) and includes a free Junifest beer glass, a discount card, vouchers, and ten raffle tickets.

And the festival is certainly not just about beer. Every night is a themed music night, rock, dance, R-n-B concerts as well as a men’s night and a ladies’ night, and also a performance by the Scorpions. The highlight of the festival: an attempt to break the Guinness Book of Records entry for the largest mass toast.

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Photo by antshez

Last Sunday the Twin City Line opened up for business after a long winter slumber. The ship connects the capital cities of Vienna and Bratislava via the Danube River three times a day. The journey takes about 75 minutes and the Twin City boats can accommodate up to 102 passengers.

The liner is not only a service to tourists but also another means of transport for locals of both cities as well as business people who would like to try an alternative to trains and cars. Ship passengers don’t have to worry about parking spaces or grumpy cab drivers—the liner takes passengers from city center to city center. Plus, the murky waters of the famous Danube afford great views along the way.

The cheapest one-way ticket costs €15 on weekdays and goes up to €17 on weekends and holidays. Kids up to two years old travel for free, and there’s a 50% reduction for children under 12. Twin City Line is also wheelchair-accessible and accepts dogs and bikes.

For the month of April, 2007, the line is offering a child-free-with-parent special. The offer is valid for all routes but can only be reserved by telephone: +43 1-588-80. For more information, please email twincityliner@ddsg-blue-danube.at.

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photograph courtesy of Alex Robertson Textor

We were pleased to open our FT this morning to find a Special Report on Slovakia, written by Robert Anderson and Katka Krosnar. We love these four-page FT Special Reports. They’re pithy and they cast a broad net.

The FT’s Slovakia report notes the booming Bratislava property market and forecasts continued growth in the Slovak capital. Among the evidence marshalled to support this claim, the authors cite the expected completion of a direct motorway between Bratislava and Vienna later this year and the planned expansion of the EU’s passport-free Schengen zone to include Slovakia in 2008.

The report also outlines the tourist pressures on Slovakia’s Tatra Mountains, where environmentalists and developers are engaged in a pitched battle over the future of the region.

And of course, there’s an interesting corporate profile on SkyEurope. The FT profile observes that SkyEurope is looking to expand to airports in Russia, Turkey, and Ukraine—all of which would be welcome inclusions on the low-cost map.

We suppose this would be a good time to mention that SkyEurope’s €5 flight sale has been extended to February 25, 2007.

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