You can enjoy the unusual combination of mountains and the Venetian atmosphere this Saturday. (source: TASR)
TRAVEL
A castle to visit
Near the town of Zvolen in central Slovakia lie the ruins of the Dobrá Niva castle. Dating back to the latter half of the 13th century, the castle once protected an important trade route connecting the heart of the Kingdom of Hungary with the Orava region and beyond. Sadly, from the 18th century onwards, the castle fell into disrepair, and only part of it remains today. The easiest way to reach the site is via a gentle 20-minute walk from the village of Podzámčok.
Tips for bike trips
The Veľká Fatra mountain range in northern Slovakia offers not only superb hiking opportunities, but also boasts several valleys with cycling trails that are safe, manageable, and surrounded by stunning scenery – perfect for family outings. Even on the hottest days, these five picturesque valleys provide plenty of shade for a pleasant ride.
Sink into a hole
Looking for a place to cool off during hot summer days while travelling through southern Slovakia? After several years of closure, the open-air swimming pool in Tornaľa, known as Morské Oko (Sea Eye), reopened last year and has seen a revival, with tens of thousands visiting in its first season. The pool is fed by a 38-metre-deep sinkhole – a draw for diving enthusiasts – which maintains a temperature of over 12°C in winter and reaches up to 18°C in summer. It’s also family-friendly.
FESTIVALS AND MUSIC
Cibula Fest
Now in its 16th year, the Cibula (Onion) Fest music festival is once again bringing Slovakia and Czechia closer together in spite of its politics. The line-up spans rock, pop, alternative and hip-hop from both countries, with artists including Richard Müller, Kabát, Tomáš Klus, Horkýže Slíže and more. Visitors can also enjoy stand-up comedy, theatrical performances, talks, and adrenaline-filled activities. The festival takes place at the airport in Holíč, near the border, from July 17–19. Click here to find out more.
The main stage of the Cibula Fest in 2017. (source: TASR)
A biopic to watch
Ahead of its official release in Slovak cinemas on July 31, the AMFIK open-air cinema in Košice will offer audiences a chance to see the biopic of beloved singer Karol Duchoň, accompanied by a live performance of his hits by the film’s cast. Grab your tickets here and read more about the film in this review.
A summer party
Looking to unwind after a long week? This Friday, the Nová Cvernovka venue will host another of its Leto pod Palmou events, featuring Irrenafford – a Ukrainian DJ who blends electro, jungle, footwork, and contemporary Ukrainian electronic music with her own compositions. The event starts at 19:00, and admission is free.
The Nová Cvernovka venue. (source: TASR)
MISCELLANEOUS FUN
A bit of Venice in the Tatras
Ever experienced the atmosphere of Venice and felt like something was missing? Perhaps mountains? This Saturday, you can enjoy just such a combination at Štrbské Pleso, a mountain lake in the High Tatras. During a romantic evening, visitors can row across the lake, sample wines, listen to the soothing sounds of harps, and watch theatrical performances. Admission is free, though boat tickets must be purchased. Click here for further details.
Part of the Venetian Night at the Štrbské Pleso lake involves rowing across it. (source: TASR/Adriána Hudecová)
A charming way to discover Rača's wines
Fancy discovering the winemaking tradition of Rača, a borough of Bratislava famed for its Račianska Frankovka variety? Every summer Friday, from afternoon until evening, a small bus called the Račanská Lokálka offers a charming way to sample local wines, explore vineyards, take in sweeping views of the capital, tour the old streets of Rača, and meet local winemakers. An English-speaking guide is available. Tickets must be purchased online in advance – click here to learn more.
A dish for a demanding day
Looking to try something truly unique? This Saturday, the town of Špania Dolina in central Slovakia takes a nostalgic step back in time to relive a piece of its mining heritage. When men went off to work in the mines, their wives would prepare a simple yet hearty dish called štiarc, based on potatoes – perfect sustenance for a demanding day. Each July, a festival celebrates this tradition; this year marks the 26th edition. Find out more here.
Cooking of štiarc in Špania Dolina. (source: TASR/Dušan Hein)
Crocodiles in Slovakia? Sort of
You won’t find crocodiles in the wild in Slovakia – but that hasn’t stopped the villagers of Banská Belá, near Banská Štiavnica, from staging a mock hunt for one said to have taken up residence in a local mining lake. The rumour, it’s said, began among a group of particularly merry locals. Now in its 63rd year, the quirky event includes a costumed parade, historical dress, local delicacies, and more. Click here for details.
An exhibition to see
As part of the 18th edition of Dolce Vitaj, the Italian culture festival in Slovakia, the Považská Galéria Umenia gallery in Žilina is currently hosting an exhibition dedicated to Pino Pascali – one of the leading figures in Italy’s Arte Povera movement. Literally meaning ‘poor art’, the movement embraces unconventional materials in place of oil paint and canvas, challenging the commercialised gallery system. Pascali’s work has been exhibited in New York, London, Paris, Rome and beyond. Learn more here.
SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL TO LOOK AT
European ground squirrels
European ground squirrels from a colony at the Milan Rastislav Štefánik memorial between the Bratislava airport and the village of Ivanka pri Dunaji. The site makes for an easy bike trip from Bratislava, with possible stops at nearby reservoirs to cool off during hot days. (source: Matúš Beňo)
MORE AND UPCOMING EVENTS
July 18: The Na Peróne music evening in Košice
July 18-20: The Pár Pekných Filmov movie festival in Banská Bystrica
July 19: The Piešťany Night City Run 2025 in Piešťany
July 19: The Kordický Extrém endurance run in Kordíky
July 20: Screening of Amélie at Nová Cvernovka in Bratislava
July 20-27: The Legits Blast hip-hop festival in Banská Bystrica
July 26: An antique market at the Červený Kameň castle
July 30-August 3: The Jánošíkove Dni folklore festival in Terchová
BEFORE YOU GO :
WHAT TO DO FOR NOTHING: Take part in summer workouts in the Bratislava gardens and don’t miss these two talented Slovak musicians.
WHAT TO LEARN: How a Slovak emmigrant ended up in the iconic photo called Lunch atop a Skyscraper.
WHAT TO READ: Slovakia is lucky to produce a very special commodity, and the country’s guests and citizens are even luckier to get it for free: fresh air.
WHAT TO EXPLORE: In the latest episode of the Spectacular Slovakia podcast, we delve into how Bratislava’s post–World War II transformation was shaped by ideological shifts, waves of immigration and an ambitious construction boom during the 1970s and 1980s.
WHAT TO EXPLORE IN BRATISLAVA: Celebrate diversity at Rainbow Pride, try your hand at embroidery, and see the knights on the banks of the Danube.
That’s it for this week. Take care, and have a great long weekend.
