Every week The Slovak Spectator brings you a selection of three short stories from across Slovakia from which pessimism and negativity are absent.
Railway company attracts passengers with traditional kapustnica
Passengers traveling on Slovak trains can enjoy the festive atmosphere in the weeks before Christmas. ZSSK, the state-owned railway operator, in collaboration with its catering partner Wagon Slovakia Košice, has introduced a new seasonal menu in its dining cars, featuring traditional Slovak Christmas dishes.
During the winter months, passengers can savour cabbage soup (kapustnica) and mulled red wine, SITA reports. In addition to the full menu available in the dining car, passengers can also order meals online through the WagonExpres.sk website or the Eatster app. Using the self-service option, passengers can pick up their food directly from the bar in the dining car and enjoy it at their seat on the train.
The safest place in the EU?
According to data published by Eurostat, Slovakia reported the second-lowest theft rate among European Union countries in 2022, after Cyprus. The statistics suggest that Slovakia had significantly fewer thefts per capita than most other EU member states.
The statistics, which encompass many theft incidents, including pickpocketing, burglary and vehicle theft, reveal some unexpected outcomes. Judging by the number of reported thefts per 100,000 inhabitants, Nordic countries including Sweden, Finland and Denmark, plus France and Luxembourg, are among the most crime-ridden.
Should you reconsider that trip to Copenhagen? Probably not. As Eurostat notes, somewhat drily: "The differences among countries are explained not only by the level of crime, but also by the different attitudes in reporting and recording crimes, especially minor ones."
Wild bison are thriving in Slovakia
A European bison. (source: TASR)
The bison population in Slovakia's Poloniny National Park is thriving, with the National Park Administration reporting the highest numbers since their reintroduction into the wild in Slovakia. Currently, over 80 bison roam the area above the Starina reservoir in the north-east of the country, the Korzár daily reports.
Remarkably, a recent photo captured them near the site of their former acclimatisation area, i.e. the place from which they were released into the wild nearly 20 years ago. This marks a symbolic return to their roots, according to the park administration.
Slovakia is now one of just seven European countries where bison live freely in the wild.
Five feel-good stories published by The Slovak Spectator to read
"We are immigrants," they say laughingly. A Canadian and an American are playing for Slovakia in the under-18 prep hockey project.
The Posey family has found traditions and roots in Slovakia. The Czech-American family is on the move, experiencing the world beyond the US.
Students of the theory of digital games from the University of Ss Cyril and Methodius in Trnava are aiming to put Slovakia on the digital gaming map.
Inspired by Paris and Utrecht, the historic Mlynský Náhon waterway will return to the centre of Košice.
Pohoda comes out swinging after a disastrous conclusion to its 2024 edition. The first performers have been announced for this and other summer 2025 festivals.
Meme of the week
Caption: The only way to see cheaper food in Slovakia.
This meme, published by the Zomriofficial satirical page on Facebook, humorously critiques the economic situation in Slovakia, where the cost of groceries has risen significantly.
The image features President Peter Pellegrini wearing a VR headset, engaging with a virtual farming simulation.
You can send me your tips on good news stories about Slovakia or funny memes at: kseniia.husieva@spectator.sk. Thank you!
