Every week The Slovak Spectator brings you a selection of three short stories from across Slovakia from which pessimism and negativity are absent.
A new platform for hikers and explorers in Slovakia
A new social network has been created in Slovakia, connecting tourists and bringing fresh options for trip planning. (source: Turistnik.sk)
Slovakia has a new social network, one focused on hiking: Turistník.sk. Its developers say it is designed to inspire people to discover new places. Users can track visited locations, explore various destinations, and plan future trips all in one place.
Turistník also includes social features, allowing users to see where friends have travelled, exchange tips, and get ideas for their next adventure, news website Refresher reports.
For those planning a longer trip, the platform suggests additional stops along the way. The platform is still growing, with new locations constantly being added, making it an evolving hub for all adventure seekers.
A real rarity in Archeopark – a creature that was long extinct
The aurochs went extinct in Slovakia in the 1300s. (source: TV Noviny )
After an absence of centuries, a ruminant bred to resemble the extinct wild aurochs has returned in Slovakia. "This is the first individual here," says archaeologist Drahoslav Hulínek. The last aurochs in this region was hunted in the 14th century, with the species surviving in Poland until the 16th or 17th century.
Brought from Moravia, the 2-year-old bull currently weighs 650 kilogrammes and will grow to more than a ton. "He stays wild, but he's calm," says caretaker Martin Letko. His morning calls echo through the valley, mainly asking for food.
Caring for him is simple — hay, a straw bed, a salt lick and water. Soon, a female companion will join him, securing the aurochs’ return to Slovakia.
Rare sighting: Lone wolf captured on video in the High Tatras
A group of tourists in the High Tatras managed to capture a rare video of a lone Carpathian wolf standing calmly on a road before disappearing into the forest near Tatranská Polianka.
The short clip quickly gained traction on social media, with many admiring the majestic beauty of the wild predator. “A stunning Carpathian wolf,” one commenter wrote, while others praised the rare glimpse into nature.
However, the video also sparked concerns about wildlife protection. “It’s beautiful, but I wouldn’t post it. In our system, this poor creature might not survive,” one user warned. The sighting has not only captivated viewers but also reignited the debate on wolf conservation in the Tatras.
Five feel-good stories published by The Slovak Spectator for you to enjoy:
Slovakia’s next star? This footballer’s value has rocketed in just six months.
Bratislava introduces new parking rules at Železná Studnička, aiming to free up spaces for visitors, not commuters.
Skalica’s tourism playbook: a canal cruise, trdelník, alcohol, and singing in church.
Spišská Nová Ves completes its improbable rise to the top of Slovak ice hockey.
Bratislava’s Pasienky pool reopens after major overhaul – just in time for its 50th birthday.
Meme of the week
Caption: Vaccinated people, when they go out in the sun in summer.
This meme by the satirists at Zomri, might prompt you to ask: what does vaccination have to do with (pop)corn? To answer that we must step (briefly) into the world of government proxy and conspiracy-theorising MP Peter Kotlár.
This week Kotlár claimed that he had uncovered a global conspiracy involving pharmaceutical companies and political leaders, and cited an analysis of mRNA vaccines. His tests allegedly revealed that the Covid vaccines have changed our DNA.
"What shouldn't be there is there in large quantities. People, they've turned you into corn. You automatically become a genetically modified organism like corn," Kotlár declared. According to him, his claim is proven by the analysis – but has been unable or unwilling to produce it. Nor would he reveal who conducted it, how, or where.
You can send me your tips for good news stories about Slovakia or funny memes at: kseniia.husieva@spectator.sk. Thank you!
