The snow field at the bottom is the Medziholie saddle. From there, you can get to Stoh (left) or back to Štefanová (right) (source: Matúš Beňo)
TRAVEL
Take up a hiking challenge
Slovaka is replete with beautiful mountain ranges that are just waiting to be discovered. So why not make something from this opportunity and take up the Horská Osmičková Výzva challenge (Apline Challenge of Eight). The goal is to hike eight peaks or saddles with at least one 8 in its elevation on the sign. The challenge takes place between January 1 and April 30, 2024. For more information and registration, click here. If you need some ideas as to what peaks to hike, click here.
TIP: Start the new year with a hike. You will find two peaks with an 8 in their elevation here as well.
Hike Veľký Rozsutec
One of the most beautiful, if not the most beautiful peak in Slovakia. Search social media for the Veľký Rozsutec peak and you'll find these words pretty much on every post about it you tap on. To be honest, it's hard to argue. Rumour has it that Jánošík, the legendary Slovak "Robin Hood", hid the treasures he stole from wealthy aristocrats in the surrounding rocks and ravines. You will probably not find any of the gold; what you will definitely end up with is a treasure trove of experiences and views when you get there. The peak is beautiful in every season.
If you have the proper equipment, it can be scaled even in winter. The Slovak Spectator's Matúš Beňo took advantage of the perfect weather last weekend and hiked it. Learn more in this new travel guide.
Veľký Rozsutec in its full glory. (source: Matúš Beňo)
The beauty of ice sculptures
The High Tatras will host the traditional Tatry Ice Master event. Skilled sculptors from around the world will descend on the Hrebienok resort above Starý Smokovec to turn 50 tonnes of ice into beautiful work of art. The event will be accompanied by a rich programme and you can take part in the voting as well. Learn more here.
TIP: Tatra Ice Cathedral pays tribute to Queen Elizabeth II.
SPORT
Biathlon returns to Slovakia
Known as the Slovak biathlon centre, the village of Osrblie in central Slovakia is hosting the IBU European Championships. Dozens of athletes from 34 countries have come to participate in the event. Two races have already taken place on Wednesday, but there are six more planned over the course of the weekend. For tickets, programme and more information, click here.
MISCELLANEOUS FUN
Discover Slovak minerals
In addition to mountain ranges, Slovakia is also replete with minerals, with several minerals described for the first time on its territory. The Western Slovakia Museum in Trnava is holding a special exhibition dedicated to these treasures, showcasing pictures as well as samples from minerals mined in both well-known and lesser known historical areas. Click here for more information. And if you want to read more about the minerals in Slovakia, we have you covered.
A new mineral called argentopolybasite was found in Slovakia. (source: Luboš Hrdlovič)
How about wine tasting?
Here is a treat for the wine lovers out there. The town of Svätý Jur near Bratislava is going to host the Day of Svätý Jur wine cellars on the last January weekend. On Friday and Saturday, 25 cellars will open to showcase what they have to offer. Click here for more information.
Discover the career of Miro Žbirka
The Eastern Slovakia Museum in Košice is hosting an exhibition dedicated to one of the most popular Slovak musicians Miroslav "Meky" Žbirka. Sometimes called the unofficial member of the Beatles, Žbirka was also a lover of British humour. The exhibition shows not only Žbirka's career as a musician, but also his personal life, such as his wardrobe as well as never before seen pictures. Click here for more information.
TIP: Meky Žbirka's legendary bench returns to Bratislava’s Račianske Mýto.
Miroslav "Meky" Žbirka in 2018 (source: SME)
UPCOMING EVENTS
February Saturdays - Ice-skating on the iconic artificial lakes of Banská Štiavnica.
BEFORE YOU GO
WHAT TO DO FOR FREE: If you are craving classical music, do not miss this violin virtuoso's concert*.
WHAT TO EXPLORE IN BRATISLAVA: Witnes wolf pack feeding in the Bratislava Zoo, organ concert under the pyramid and more in this week's Top 10 events.
WHAT TO LEARN: Where can you find the 'spa of lumberjacks' in Slovakia?
That's it for this week. Take care, and have a nice weekend!
