The gothic castle and renaissance manor house in Liptovský Hrádok near Liptovský Mikuláš, northern Slovakia will host its own ghostly weekend on October 28-29. (source: Pexels)
HALLOWEEN SPECIAL
Three haunted castles to check
Over the weekend, ghosts will gather to haunt the picturesque Smolenice Castle near Trnava, western Slovakia. This year's edition of the popular family event called Strašidlá na Smolenickom Zámku (Haunted Smolenice Castle) is inspired by the Hansel and Gretel fairy tale but with a twist - ghosts and monsters from Slovak folklore. In addition, visitors can buy a souvenir at a craft fair in the castle grounds, as well as witness historical fencing. For more information and tickets, click here.
Smolenice Castle (source: Jiří Kučírek)
On Saturday, ghosts will return to the premises of the historical Holíč Castle near Skalica, western Slovakia. In addition to a haunted guided tour through the castle, visitors will be able to participate in a lantern procession, carnival and witness a fireworks and laser show. For more information, click here. Tickets are available in advance here, or you can get them on site.
The gothic castle and renaissance manor house in Liptovský Hrádok near Liptovský Mikuláš, northern Slovakia will host its own ghostly weekend on October 28-29. In addition to meeting a witch, you will learn about the witch-hunts in the region and even get the opportunity to take part in a night guided tour through the castle. For more information, click here. You need to reserve the tour in advance.
TIP: Ethnologist: Halloween no threat to All Saints Day in Slovakia.
Halloween in a cave? Of course
Jánske Dušičky is a special event for children who love to don masks. Taking place at the Stanišovská Jaskyňa cave near Liptovský Ján, northern Slovakia, the event offers a unique and spooky way to spend Saturday, October 28. You're not afraid of big spiders, are you? Because you are going to meet one in the cave...
Pumpkin party with big cats
Malkia Park, the big cats rescue in Orechová Potôň, south-western Slovakia, will host another edition of the popular pumpkin party on Saturday. In addition to commentary while feeding, children can look forward to having their faces painted, creative workshops and much more. For more information, click here.
TIP: Pumpkin! Worms! Action! What to do with your pumpkin after Halloween.
Will you dare enter a labyrinth?
Between October 27-29, the town of Stará Ľubovňa, north-eastern Slovakia, promises to hold the spookiest Halloween in Slovakia. Taking place in the Devil's Rock Maze, the biggest maze of its kind in Central Europe, you will be able to test your navigating skills even during the night. Be aware, there will be ghosts! For more information, click here.
MISCELLANEOUS FUN
Time to play board games
Forget Monopoly and Scrabble and other games of the olden days. Board games of today are far more diverse and much, much more fun than that. If you have never had the opportunity to try what this budding form of entertainment has to offer, this Saturday, October 28 is the best chance you will have. Non-profit Hrad Hier (Castle of Games) will bring dozens of games to the Výmenník Važecká venue in Košice. Admission is free of charge and everybody is welcome, from child to senior. If you cannot come, do not fret as on November 25 you will have another chance. For more information, click here (in Slovak).
Beer lovers, rejoice
If Halloween is not for you, then maybe an event celebrating craft beer from around the world would be more up your alley? In that case, the town of Martin is the place to be on Friday, October 27. Starting at 17:00 at the Kesta Bistro restaurant, in addition to beer you can look forward to grabbing a bite of grilled specialities as well. Get your tickets here.
Handmade fair in Zvolen is back
Key chains, headgear, decorations, candles, jewellery and much more can be had during the handmade fair that will take place this Saturday, October 28 in the Ľudovít Štúr Dormitory in Zvolen, central Slovakia. For more information, click here.
UPCOMING EVENTS
November 4: Concert of the band Billy Barman at the Zbojnícka Chata mountain hut in the High Tatras. Number of tickets is limited, contact the hut at zbojnickehochata@gmail.com.
November 6-12: Science and Technology Week will feature dozens of events all over Slovakia.
November 11-12: HRAtislava, the celebration of modern board games in the capital.
BEFORE YOU GO
WHAT TO DO FOR FREE: Take an easy hike to a popular hill above Bratislava, and do not miss the opening of a legendary pharmacy.
WHAT TO EXPLORE IN BRATISLAVA: This weekend, the capital is full of Halloween parties, but there are other things to do if this is not for you.
WHAT TO LEARN ABOUT SLOVAK: You may have learned the language, but it may not help you much when trying to understand its dialects.
That's it for this week. Take care, and have a spooky, but Cthulhu-free weekend!
