Metal Detecting in Slovakia

Slovakia’s Monuments Board explicitly states that searching for archaeological finds with a metal detector or magnet without permission is prohibited. Archaeological finds belong to the Slovak Republic. The legal definition includes evidence of human life and activity dating up to 1918, as well as specified military objects from before 1946, so the rules also matter to anyone interested in wartime finds. A landowner’s invitation does not authorise this kind of searching. Accidental archaeological discoveries should normally remain in place and must be reported to the relevant regional monuments office no later than the second working day after discovery. Arrange any archaeological involvement through an authorised project.