A cave guide in Brestovská Cave. (source: P.D. for The Slovak Spectator)
TRAVEL
Concert at a mountain hut
The Zbojnícka Chata mountain hut, located in the valley of Veľká Studená Dolina (Grand Cold Valley), will host another special concert on Saturday, November 18. British multi-instrumentalist based in Slovakia James Evans and his band will perform at an altitude of almost 2,000 metres above sea level. Admission is €50 and includes accommodation, dinner at 19:00, the concert at 20:00 and breakfast the next day. As space is limited, you need to contact the hut beforehand at zbojnickehochata@gmail.com. Don't forget to bring hiking boots and check the mountain rescue service website for warnings.
The Zbojnícka Chata mountain hut in winter. (source: Matúš Beňo)
Ice dome opening
On your way down from Zbojnícka Chata, you can stop by the Hrebienok resort. On Friday, November 17, the Tatra Temple of Ice dome opens for the 11th time. The theme of this year's edition is secret, so you'll have to check it out yourself. The temple will be open until April next year.
Discover mountains in the winter season
If you plan on staying in the High Tatras a little longer, why not take up the 8 Mountain Hut challenge? Although not restricted to the High Tatras only - you can visit any of the following mountain huts in Slovakia - in this mountain range there are often several on the same trail, allowing you to tick a few off in one day. The challenge runs until the end of the year, for more information and registration click here.
TIP: Even a good summer season is not enough to make up for the rest of the year, say hut keepers.
What a Slovak cave and Taylor Swift have in common
Situated just outside Zuberec, a town of 1,900 inhabitants in Slovakia’s scenic Orava region, Brestovská Cave is just like a Taylor Swift concert: tickets sell fast and failing to get one results in not getting in. The cave hauntingly promises people that they will discover their phobias. Find out more about it here.
ART
One for theatre afficionados
This Saturday promises a treat for theatre goers. The annual Theatre Night will be held in the many venues in towns all over Slovakia, allowing you to just sit back, enjoy, watch, or even participate in the performances. For the program, participating towns and more click here.
The National Theatre resides near the river Danube, which makes for a great walk. (source: Marko Erd, SME)
And one for club lovers
The club scene in Banská Bystrica will hold the second edition of the Klubové Povstanie (Club Uprising) event, showcasing the stories of people behind the clubs as well as those who visit them. Over three nights, the clubs promise to offer something for every generation. Click here for more information.
MISCELLANEOUS FUN
Get your skates ready
More and more towns in Slovakia are providing opportunities for the public to skate. Last time it was Žilina, Poprad, Lučenec and Košice, and now ice rinks in Hriňová, Zlaté Moravce, Bánovce nad Bebravou, Banská Bystrica, Liptovský Mikuláš and Bratislava join in on the fun. Click on individual towns to learn more about times and admission.
When lights tell stories
This week, dozens of light sculptures have started to illuminate the racecourse in Bratislava's Petržalka borough, including an 8-metre tall Christmas tree, light tunnel, and even Bratislava Castle. Called Lights Tell Stories, the event offers a unique experience. For more information and tickets, click here. According to the organiser, online tickets are cheaper.
TIP: Abandoned Slovak quarry yields other rarities after gems.
UPCOMING EVENTS
November 24 - Fairy tale-like Christmas events at a replica of an iconic house from a Slovak bedtime story
November 23-24 - The opening of Christmas markets in several Slovak towns
November 25 - Donate a toy to a charity event for children from orphanages and socially disadvantaged families
December 2 - Winter Hobby Bratislava, an event for plastic model, Lego, miniature and model train collectors
BEFORE YOU GO
WHAT TO DO FOR FREE: How about a trip to Sandberg by following an unmarked trail? Also, there are two tips for concerts.
WHAT TO EXPLORE IN BRATISLAVA: Get in the mood for upcoming holidays by attending a swing Christmas party and markets.
WHAT TO LEARN: Englovak? Slovlish? English words get absorbed into Slovak, but sometimes unrecognizably.
WHAT TO READ: The incredible story of the mother of the pop art king. Andy Warhol's iconic writing comes from his mother.
That's it for this week. Take care, and have a nice weekend!
