TIP FOR THE WEEKEND
Cultural summer ends with concerts
The final weekend of August will mark the close of Bratislava’s cultural summer with a two-day programme on Námestie Slobody square titled Finále pri Fontáne (Finale at the Fountain). Saturday’s programme will feature three DJ sets from 17:00 to 22:00, mixing balearic, disco and house music. On Sunday, the Slovak Philharmonic will perform at 17:00, presenting highlights from the upcoming 77th concert season with a selection of works on the themes of dance and carnival by Hector Berlioz, Antonín Dvořák, Ľudovít Rajter and others. Admission to both events is free. Find out more here and here.
TRAVEL
Folklore architecture
Near the well-known Bardejov Spa lies Slovakia’s oldest open-air museum, the Museum of Folk Architecture. As its name suggests, it features 24 examples of traditional folk architecture from the 19th and early 20th centuries, including two wooden churches brought from the villages of Zboj and Mikulášová, as well as a blacksmith’s workshop, fruit-drying room, well, barns and granaries. The museum is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Find out more here.
A wooden church
Also recognised by UNESCO, the wooden articular church in the village of Hronsek is part of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage list. It is one of the rarest and most visited tourist sites in the Banská Bystrica district, central Slovakia, drawing thousands of visitors from home and abroad. Built between 1725 and 1726 during a period of strong Catholic dominance, the church had to comply with strict conditions: it was constructed entirely of wood, without a tower, and without a single iron nail in its main supporting structure. Tours are available from September to June only by request or appointment. Find out more here.
TIP: On Hradová, an 887-metre limestone peak above Tisovec, a newly installed via ferrata is making the dramatic ridge accessible to families and casual visitors.
A new cave to visit
Slovakia has a newly accessible cave. Located near the village of Malužiná in the Liptov region of northern Slovakia, Malužinská Jaskyňa is open daily (except Mondays) from March to November. Known for some 300 years, it once served as a test of courage: in the past, its narrow entrance led only to the largest chamber, now called Vysoký Dóm (High Dome), with a ceiling 14 metres high. Today, a 250-metre-long trail is accessible to visitors out of the cave’s total length of 328 metres. Click here to learn more.
TIP: From travertine cliffs hiding a “whale” to a functionalist pool reborn, the Košice Region offers swimmers lakes and rivers where myth and leisure converge.
MUSIC
End the summer with a bang
Since its inception in 2008, the Uprising festival has become a staple event to say goodbye to summer. This year's 18th edition will once again take place at the Zlaté Piesky lakes on the outskirts of Bratislava this weekend, August 29-30, bringing in acts such as Pendulum, Rudim3ntal, as well as musicians including Queen Omega, Don Carlos, Songer. Although originally targeting reggae fans, its scope has widened, bringing ska, Latino, drum and bass, dub and more genres. Grab your tickets here.
MISCELLANEOUS FUN
A historic fair
In the historic town of Bardejov, eastern Slovakia, the end of August is inextricably linked with a traditional fair. Taking place between August 28-31, the 52nd edition (actually the 672nd edition if you take into account its entire history - at the beginning of the 13th century, the town was known across Europe as a crucial intersection of important trade routes) once again welcomes traders, craftsmen, musicians, folk ensembles as well as visitors from all over the world to the Radničné Námestie square and its surrounding streets. One of the most popular attractions is the "street of crafts" where visitors can watch how carpets, pottery, jewellery, toys, glass vases and other items are being made. Find out more here.
Ride among the stars
On Saturday, astronomy enthusiasts will have the chance to join a unique excursion. Beginning at 20:00 at the Šánske rail switch, participants will learn about planets and constellations from professional astronomers. The journey itself is part of the experience—visitors can arrive either via the Čiernohorská Železnica railway from the village of Čierny Balog, or on a special cycle draisine from the depot in the village of Hronec. The programme will include a large 3D model of the Moon, a picnic, and telescope observations. Registration is required at least 24 hours before the event. More information here.
Celebration of fun
Just like Bardejov, Kremnica, a former mining town in central Slovakia, also holds a traditional event of its own at the end of August. Known as Kremnické Gagy, this festival focuses on humour and satire. The 45th edition is running from August 28-31 will be attended by both Slovak and foreign artists from Hungary, Italy, and as far as Brazil and Chile. Expect theatrical performances including pantomime, don't forget to visit the "street of famous noses", discussions, and concerts, among other things. Learn more here.
MORE AND UPCOMING EVENTS
August 28-31: Folklore festival in Dubnica nad Váhom
August 31: Trnava Organ Days festival
August 30: Dragon Days fairy-tale festival at Ľupča Castle
August 30: Grand Finale at the Fountain: DJ sets in Bratislava
August 31: Grand Finale at the Fountain: Slovak Philharmonic in Bratislava
September 5-7: Grape harvest festival in Modra
September 6: Red Bull Flight Day at Kuchajda in Bratislava
September 11-13: Salamandrové Dni town fair in Banská Štiavnica
September 11-14: Traditional fair in Trnava
September 19-21: Grape harvest festival in Pezinok
September 19-21: Comics Salón & AnimeSHOW event in Bratislava
BEFORE YOU GO :
WHAT TO DISCOVER: Can Košice become Slovakia’s Hollywood East? From HBO docs to local blockbusters, a small office has put the region on film maps. The next step: bigger sets, bigger budgets.
WHAT TO LEARN: Slovak scientists are developing an innovative drug delivery platform for smarter therapies.
WHAT TO READ #1: The offer of a teaching job in southern Slovakia would prove to be an invitation for an adventure that ultimately made Slovakia home to this New Zealander.
WHAT TO READ #2: It was not her grandparents’ choice to go to the US, but Slovak American Sara Holmes made her own and came to make Bratislava her new home.
WHAT EATERY TO TRY: An Old-Town favourite serving schnitzel, beer and a slice of history, this restaurant claims to be Bratislava’s oldest.
WHAT TO BE HAPPY ABOUT: A tram driver in Bratislava has touched hearts after helping a Swedish tourist recover her lost wallet – and proving that simple kindness is alive and well.
WHAT TO EXPLORE IN BRATISLAVA: Dance by the Družba Fountain, enjoy classical music under the open sky, and visit the Presidential Palace.
That’s it for this week. Take care, and have a great long weekend.
