The ruins of Hrušov Castle. (source: TASR)
TRAVEL
Chasing sunrises
Have you ever watched the sun rise from a mountain summit? It's arguably one of the most magical experiences one can have. Central Slovakia offers a wealth of places to do just that. This list features five recommended spots, complete with useful tips. Among them is Ostrá Peak in the Veľká Fatra mountain range, pictured below.
The Ostrá peak in the Veľká Fatra mountain range, north Slovakia. (source: Matúš Beno)
Cycling in valleys
Speaking of Veľká Fatra, the mountain range offers not only stunning hikes but also beautiful valleys worth exploring – especially for cyclists seeking scenic routes and a bit of shade on hot summer days. This list highlights five valleys waiting to be discovered. The routes are also suitable for families with children.
Castle ruins on a hill
The history of Hrušov Castle dates back to the mid-13th century, following the Mongol invasion of the Kingdom of Hungary. The castle was originally built to protect a local trade route but was destroyed in 1708 during the final stages of long-standing uprisings against the ruling House of Habsburg. Today, the Gothic castle ruins sit atop a hill overlooking the road between the villages of Topoľčany and Skýcov in the Nitra Region and are easily accessible from the main road.
Stop by a fortified monastery
The former monastery in the village of Bzovík, located in the southern part of the Banská Bystrica Region, is one of the oldest of its kind in Slovakia. Originally built around 1130 by Benedictine monks, it was converted into a fortress some 400 years later following the disastrous Battle of Mohács during the Hungarian–Ottoman wars. Its thick walls and four bastions have withstood not only battles but even of World War II. Today, there are ongoing efforts to restore the site and open it to the public, complete with a new cycling path.
Rare vistas, rare access
A stunning new viewpoint has opened to the public in Slovenský raj (Slovak Paradise) National Park. The natural lookout, Gačovská Skala, offers sweeping views of the park’s southern section. It is accessible via a newly marked trail, starting from either the village of Dedinky or the nearby Geravy plateau. The project, which took over ten years to complete, lies in the park’s most strictly protected zone, meaning the surrounding nature is exceptionally pristine. Learn more here.
The view from Gačovská Skala. (source: Jana Ogurčáková - Korzár)
FESTIVALS
Celebrating hip-hop
Banská Bystrica is hosting the 16th edition of the Legits Blast Festival, a celebration of hip-hop culture. Artists, dancers and musicians from over 90 countries have arrived in the central Slovak town to compete in battles, offer workshops, and perform in concerts and other events. Although the festival started on Monday with workshops on the following days, the dance battles, competitions, parties taking place over the weekend. Find out more here.
Participants of a previous edition of the Legit Blast Festival in Banská Bystrica. (source: TASR)
A DIY theatre and dance festival
The town of Žilina in northern Slovakia is hosting a rather unconventional event. Known as Kiosk, this theatre and dance festival has a reputation for thinking outside the box—or perhaps outside the venue. For instance, on Friday afternoon, the programme will move to a nearby village, with performances and concerts staged in unexpected places such as a football pitch, a local pub, and the village hall. Given today’s global challenges – and the funding cuts affecting Slovakia’s cultural sector as well – the theme of the festival’s 18th edition is DIY. The festival celebrates a “creative strategy based on self-sufficiency, sustainability, and the discovery of new approaches.” Learn more here.
Trnava Organ Days
From this Sunday until mid-September, the town of Trnava will host the 30th edition of its Trnava Organ Days festival. The event welcomes renowned organists from around the world to perform on the historic instruments in the Basilica of Saint Nicholas – including one dating back to 1783. A highlight of this year’s edition will be the concert by Vincent Dubois, titular organist at Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, taking place on August 17. Each Sunday concert begins at 20:00. Tickets can be purchased here.
German organist Christian-Markus Raiser during a previous edition of Trnava Organ Days. (source: TASR)
MISCELLANEOUS FUN
The return of a popular pasttime
Last year, boating was reintroduced at Železná Studnička, one of Bratislava’s most popular leisure spots. Over a century ago, boating was a common pastime in the area – and this summer, it’s back again. Boats are available every Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00 on the so-called Štvrtý Rybník (Fourth Lake – though it’s actually the first lake you’ll come across when approaching from the direction of the Červený Most bridge). Each trip lasts 30 minutes, and the fee is €5. All necessary equipment is provided on site. The activity is weather-dependent; for updates, check the Facebook page of the Bratislava City Forest organisation.
The so-called Štvrtý Rybník (Fourth Lake) at Železná Studnička. (source: TASR)
Bratislava Coronation Days
Do you remember the medieval comedy A Knight’s Tale, with its modern pop culture references and Heath Ledger as a squire posing as a knight? If you enjoyed the film, you’re in for a treat – at least in terms of atmosphere. From Friday to Sunday, Bratislava will host its annual Coronation Days, recalling the era when the city served as the coronation capital of the Kingdom of Hungary. There’s a wide range of events to choose from (see the links below), but here’s one highlight: on Friday at 17:30, Tyršovo Nábrežie embankment will host a spectacular knight’s tournament, complete with clashing swords and heroic duels. Admission is free.
Summer in a historic village
Each weekend throughout the summer, the historic village of Vlkolínec – a UNESCO World Heritage Site near the town of Ružomberok in northern Slovakia – hosts showcases of traditional crafts, customs, and the scents reminiscent of the people who once lived there. Visitors are not only spectators but can try their hand at these activities. Every weekend brings something new. For example, this Saturday and Sunday, visitors can learn about healing herbs, woodcarving, tinkering, and the making of folk costumes. More events are planned throughout August. Click here to find out more.
Traditional wood carving in Vlkolínec. (source: TASR)
MORE AND UPCOMING EVENTS
July 25: The Na Peróne music evening in Košice
July 26: Antique Market at the Červený Kameň castle
July 26-27: Bear Days educational event in the High Tatras
July 30-August 3: Jánošíkove Dni folklore festival in Terchová
August 1-2: Víno pod Hviezdami wine and music festival in Pezinok
August 1-3: Atmosféra music festival in Hontianske Nemce
August 1-3: Podroháčske Folklórne Slávnosti folklore event in Zuberec
August 2: Knights at Devín Castle event in Bratislava
August 8-9: Grape music festival in Trenčín
August 8-9: Craft beer festival in Banská Bystrica
August 15: Večer na Hradbách music event in Bratislava
August 15-17: Lovestream music festival in Bratislava
August 15-17: Kinematograf film screenings in Trnava
August 16: Learn how to play the fujara flute workshop in Banská Bystrica
August 16: Letná Vlna Fantázie creative boat competition in Bratislava
August 16-17: Dragon Days fairy-tale festival at Budatín Castle
August 28-31: Kremnické Gagy humour and satire festival in Kremnica
August 28-31: The Bardejov fair
August 29-30: Uprising music festival in Bratislava
August 30: Dragon Days fairy-tale festival at Ľupča Castle
BEFORE YOU GO :
WHAT TO DO FOR NOTHING: Enjoy a powerful blend of sacred space and sublime music at this free evening concert.
WHAT TO LEARN: An owner with five husbands, frequent ruin in war, and fire, this little castle has survived to finally come into its own.
WHAT TO READ: American Jennifer Shevock and her brother were close, but pursuing Slovak citizenship has brought them closer. Thanks to their initial success, now even more of their family is interested.
WHAT TO LISTEN TO: Spanning 770 kilometres, Slovakia’s SNP Trail is an immersive experience, one that gives you the opportunity to test your limits. Give a listen to Peter Kvačkay, a computer programmer, who hiked it and shared his experience on the Spectacular Slovakia podcast.
WHAT TO EXPLORE: Separated by the Atlantic Ocean and approximately 7,500 kilometres, the two cities of Banská Bystrica in Slovakia and Charleston in West Virginia are not the first places that spring to mind when thinking of cousins. But here we are.
WHAT TO EXPLORE IN BRATISLAVA: This weekend it's all about the coronation days - taste Maria Theresa’s favourite wine, have a look at a replica of a royal crown, witness a procession.
That’s it for this week. Take care, and have a great long weekend.
