The Radoľa Manor in the village of the same name near the town of Kysucké Nové Mesto houses an exhibition of around 300 alphabet books from all over the world. (source: TASR)
TRAVEL
An icy concert
This Sunday at 15:00, the Tatra Ice Cathedral in the Hrebienok resort will play host to soprano Mária Tajtaková, a talented opera singer that has performed in theatres and festivals in Italy and Austria. She will perform several well-known arias. Find out more here. More concerts will follow in the coming weeks.
This edition of the Tatra Ice Dome is dedicated to the memory of Pope John Paul II, who visited the Tatras 30 years ago. (source: TASR/Veronika Mihaliková)
Tip for a hike
Every year, a beautiful ice-fall forms at the Šikľavá Skala rock formation near the village of Matejovce and the Hornád River, eastern Slovakia. If the conditions are good, the icicles, ice walls and other formations can grow up to 10 metres in height. This Saturday, a family friendly hike will be organised in Košice with the meeting point at the main railway station that will bring hikers right to the place. Everyone can join provide they register first. In case of unfavourable conditions, an alternative programme will be available. Find out more here.
The Šikľavá Skala icefall situated between the villages of Chrasť nad Hornádom and Matejovce nad Hornádom, eastern Slovakia. After relatively warm weeks in early January, the icefall has finally started to form at the end of the month. It belongs among the most beautiful winter spectacles in Slovakia. (source: TASR)
Do you need some sauna in your life?
Saunas are a popular part of wellness resorts around the world, and Slovakia is not exception in this regard. If you're wondering which resort in the country offers the largest sauna world and where is the largest sauna ceremony located, you'll find the answer in this list.
The hidden gems of northern Slovakia
"Travelling to Kysuce offers a range of surprises. Visitors seeking natural beauty will undoubtedly find it in abundance; however, they can also uncover architecturally and historically significant sites and buildings," writes our colleague Jozef Ryník in his latest travel guide for the Kysuce region. You can expect new lookout towers, developed interesting educational trails, and revitalised tourist attractions. Click here to learn what to look for.
Slovak astronomical clock in Stará Bystrica. (source: Daniel Stehlik)
ART
A concert with candle light
This Saturday and Sunday, the first two of a series of concerts of music from Italian composer and pianist Ludovico Einaudi will take place in towns of Brezno and Prešov, respectively. Einaudi's music is famous for its minimalist melodies. In addition, he produced music for various famous movies. The music of will be performed by Czech pianist Alexandr Starý who will be surrounded with hundreds of lit candles. More concerts will take place in March and April in other towns as well. Get your tickets here.
MISCELLANEOUS FUN
Alphabet books from all around the world
The Kysuce Museum has prepared a special exhibition dedicated to alphabet books in its Radoľa Manor in the village of the same name, right next to the town of Kysucké Nové Mesto, northern Slovakia. The exhibition showcases almost 300 alphabet books from a private collection of late Štefan Peteja who in total had managed to collect 500 of them from countries on all continents, including Africa, Australia and Oceania. The oldest book on display dates back to 1898. The exhibition is open every day with the exception of Saturday. Find out more here.
Valentine at castles
This weekend, several castles in Slovakia will hold special events dedicated to the Valentine's Day.
On Saturday, Beckov Castle in Trenčín Region will open its gates for the first time this year and visitors can look forward to an event rich in romantic atmosphere, fun and Medieval tastes. A witch will prepare a special love potion, people will be able to write poetry, there will be medieval pancakes, among other things. Find out more here.
If you are more of a traditional type, the picturesque Smolenice Castle will hold a special romantic night for couples who would like to go on a special dinner together with live music. In addition, the castle tower will host a special photo booth. To grab a table you need to register here.
Bojnice Castle will also hold a dedicated event on February 14-15, with a special evening guided tour during which visitors will learn about seven historic and literature love stories, including Orpheus and Eurydice, Tristan and Isolda, as well as some some involving famous Slovaks. Get your tickets here.
Beckov Castle. (source: TASR)
Have fun on the slope
The Malinô Brdo ski resort near Ružomberok, northern Slovakia, will host the 19th edition of its Snow Show event, inviting fans of skiing and snowboarding for the biggest free test of winter equipment, discussions with famous personalities, and music. Find out more here.
The Malinô Brdo ski resort. (source: TASR)
MORE AND UPCOMING EVENTS
February 14, 28: Night sky observations in Nitra (registration needed, here and here)
February 15: Antique market in Nitra
February 15: SWAP event in Banská Bystrica
February 22: The Krňačky Chopok sleighing competition in Jasná
February 23, March 2, 9, April 20: More concerts in the Tatra Ice Cathedral in the High Tatras
February 28: The Critical Mass cycling event in Bratislava
March 1: The Trnavské Fašangi carnival in Trnava
BEFORE YOU GO
WHAT TO DO FOR FREE: Visit the Night of Architecture and Design or set out on a hike close to Bratislava.
WHAT TO EXPLORE IN BRATISLAVA: Some tips on Valentine's Day parties, exhibitions in this week's Top 10 events.
WHAT TO ADD TO YOUR VOCABULARY: Using the law to control the presence of foreign nationalities in food names, and the names of dishes in general, may sound absurd, but actually it is not such a bad idea.
WHAT TO READ: Isolated from others, disintegrating, with a bottle in his hand. Such was a character in a script Gary Oldman got from his favourite director Paolo Sorrentino. The former knew exactly what to do. Isolated from others, disintegrating, with a bottle in his hand; it was what he had been for many years, until he reached a point when he knew it was either he would pull himself together or die.
WHAT TO LEARN: International team led by Slovak scientist sheds light on ancient climate enigma. Their study employed a novel approach pioneered by Hana Jurikova.
WHAT TO WATCH: Belarusian trio have put an iconic Slovak hotel on the map – now they’re back to pay tribute. The Tatra hotel stars in an international music video.
That's it for this week. Take care, and have a great weekend.
