Illustrative image. (source: TASR)
TRAVEL
Biblical Magi in a historic tram
In Slovakia, January 6 is observed as the day of the Three Magi. As such, many events related to them take place all over the country. One such event is a ride on a historic tram operating on a unique 114-year old railway connecting the towns of Trenčianska Teplá and Trenčianske Teplice in western Slovakia. On Saturday, the tram will be dispatched three times in both directions. For more information, click here.
A hike to castle ruins
The village of Kláštor Pod Znievom near Martin, northern Slovakia, will hold a traditional hike to the nearby hill of Zniev, luring all adventurers in with tea spiced with rum. All you need to do is be at the local House of Sorrow at 11:30 and then meet other fellow hikers at the ruins on the hill at 13:00.
Tourists at Zniev Castle. (source: TASR)
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SPORT
Run, run, run
If you've made running one of your new year resolutions, Saturday will give you an opportunity to follow that through. The city of Košice will hold a traditional Trojkráľový Beh (Three Magi Run). The 9th edition brings a slight change to the main route; instead of the old 5,100 metre route, participants will run a 100-metre shorter version through the city centre. For more information, click here.
MISCELLANEOUS FUN
Help those in need
For 14 years, the Anjelská Kapustnica (Angelic Sauerkraut) charity initiative has been helping people in need. The idea is simple: people can come in and buy the soup for a symbolic price of €2 to help others. At the beginning of January, the event is going to take place on Saturday near the Hrebienok Resort hotel in Starý Smokovec in the High Tatras, northern Slovakia. Seek out the 1,000-litre cauldron.
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Birds everywhere
For the first time in Slovakia, this weekend the Vtáčia Hodinka (Bird Hour) project will take place. The project allows for the general public interested in watching birds and their well-being to help with counting and gathering data on the feathered animals. Although a scientific endeavour in and of itself, the project enables the participation of literally everyone, elevating birdwatching to a citizen science level. All it takes is spending one hour in a single place, be it garden, park or forest, watching birds and counting them. For more details, forms, tips and tricks, and how to participate, click here.
In this regard, the Centrum Ekovýchovy eco centre on the Kamzík hill in Bratislava will hold a dedicated event on Saturday. The two-hour programme consists of a lecture on feeding birds, artistic session and watching and counting birds. There will be two slots, one at 10:00 and the other at 13:00. Admission is €2. You will get to the eco centre by following the red trail marker and when you reach the signpost, follow the yellow markers for approximately 100 metres.
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A night heron, a protected bird species, in Žilina. (source: Erika Ďurčová/TASR)
Go ice-skating
During the weekend, ice rinks will be open to the public in many towns and villages all over Slovakia, including Banská Bystrica, Zvolen, Nitra, Lučenec, Bratislava (here and here), Liptovský Mikuláš, Žilina, Bardejov, Trnava, Košice, Zlaté Moravce, Trenčín, Levoča, Revúca, Šaľa. Click on individual towns to learn more.
TIP: Last chance to hitch a ride in Bratislava's Christmas tram.
BEFORE YOU GO
WHAT TO DO FOR FREE: Are you new to Bratislava? This is the place where you can meet new people.
WHAT TO EXPLORE IN BRATISLAVA: Three Kings' procession, Three Kings' tour and other events abound in the capital.
WHAT TO READ: A Ukrainian talent busks in Vienna and Bratislava, hoping to become a Bocelli one day.
That's it for this week. Take care, and have a nice weekend!
