Slovakia is not a large country but it can offer many tourist attractions and opportunities to rest and relax. There are the high peaks of Tatra mountain range, thick forests with healing climate, lakes and mountain rivers, ancient castles, charming chateaus, historic towns and villages with unusual architecture and original folklore. Deep under the ground there are hidden treasures in the form of bizarre caves and springs of mineral and thermal waters, which is the result of Tertiary era's volcanic activities in the Carpathian Mountain Range. Geysers of crystal clear water gave rise to the building of spa towns as centres of recreation and health. In the most eastern part of Slovakia there are spas in Bardejov, in the central Vah river area it is Piestany, Trencianske Teplice and Nimnica

and in the Capathian valleys there are Rajecke Teplice, Bojnice, Turcianske Teplice, Sliac, Sklene Teplice and Vysne Ruzbachy. In the mountains there were suitable conditions for spas Lucky, Korytnica and Brusno and in the area of inner Carpathian range Dudince and C iz. In addition to water in Slovakia another factor, which has especially healing effect on the human body is also the healing climate.

Slovak climate spas are represented mainly by High Tatras healing and recreational resorts in Novy Smokovec, Strbske Pleso, Stos and Lucivna. Majority of spas can be proud of history going back to the Middle Ages. According to the earliest written records spa treatment in case of some of the thermal springs dates back to the end of 14th and beginning of 15th century. These were temporary facilities - small pools, dug out holes, alternatively wooden vats filled with hot water. The bathing and treatment took place in the open air, without any protection from rain and bad weather. Gradually, spa towns were built with a single purpose - to provide the visitor with health treatment, as well as relaxing atmosphere with entertainment. Inseparable elements of the spa

treatment are also cultural and social life. All Slovak spas, many of them of international importance offer their guests not only a wide variety of health treatment, but also a reconditioning programmes, recreation for the whole family, relaxation in an ecologically clean environment and many opportunities for various sports and mountain tours. There is a choice of tours to enjoy the beautiful countryside, its history and places of interest, or just wander wherever you like... In Slovak spa everyone will find the right thing to help his body to overcome the pitfalls of today's lifestyle full of stress.