A night heron, a protected bird species. (source: ERIKA ĎURČOVÁ/TASR)
TRAVEL
A different side of the Tatras
If you're not feeling like venturing into the snow covered valleys of the High Tatras or just want to rest before going on another hike, why not learn about the history, monuments and interesting facts of famous villages below the mountain range? This Saturday and Sunday, you will have the opportunity to spend some time walking around Nový Smokovec and Starý Smokovec, respectively. The guided tours take around two hours and the admission is free. Learn more, including the meeting points, here.
Illustrative image of Starý Smokovec. (source: TASR)
Cards inspired by the High Tatras
This weekend is the last opportunity to visit an exhibition of German-suited playing cards bearing illustrations of traditional Tatra motifs such as sherpas, animals, famous people and places. The exhibition is held in the Poliankovo Digital Gallery in the village of Tatranská Polianka near Starý Smokovec. Learn more here.
SPORT
Pond hockey championship
Although pond hockey lives in the shadow of the traditional ice-hockey, it still attracts a lot of people, players and fans alike. Actually, in 2023, Slovaks were crowned world pond hockey champions as they beat Czech rivals in finals. It is teams from these two countries that will take part in this year's edition of the Czech and Slovak championship being held this weekend in Košice. Nine Czech and six Slovak teams will play in a 4-on-4 format on a smaller rink with smaller goals and no board. The event will allow teams to qualify for the upcoming championship in Canada. Don't miss this opportunity! Learn more here.
Illustrative image. (source: TASR)
Swimming in cold water
It may sound unbelievable, but some people enjoy swimming in cold water. This Sunday, cold water swimmers - or "ice bears" as they are sometimes called in Slovakia - from all around the country will gather in Nitra for the 13th time, promising great experience, fun, and jolly atmosphere. The event will take place in the city park. Find out more here.
MISCELLANEOUS FUN
Birds everywhere
After the success of the first edition of Vtáčia Hodinka (Bird Hour), this weekend the citizen science project will take place once again. If you don't know, Vtáčia Hodinka allows for the general public interested in watching birds and their well-being to help with counting and gathering data on the feathered animals. The data gathered help ornithologists better understand the behaviour and occurence of birds in Slovakia. All it takes is spending one hour in a single place, be it garden, park or forest, ideally watching a bird feeder and counting birds. For more details, forms, tips and tricks, and how to participate, click here.
Illustrative image of a Eurasian blue tit. (source: TASR)
Winter food festival
From this Saturday to until near the end of February, the best chefs in Slovakia will prepare specialities and delicacies in three categories: iconic dishes, tastes of regions, and chef's choice. If you're looking for a fine dining experience, you definitely don't want to miss this opportunity. Dozens of restaurants all across Slovakia will take part in the event. Find out more here.
Where to go ice-skating
Public ice-skating is in full swing once again, with towns operating ice rinks for everyone to enjoy this activity, usually on the weekends. Here is a list where you can go ice-skating: Bánovce nad Bebravou, Bratislava (here, here, here, here and here) Košice (here and here), Poprad (the training hall), Trenčín, Levoča, Nitra, Banská Bystrica, Zvolen, Brezno, Prešov, Humenné, Trebišov, Liptovský Mikuláš, Pezinok, Dunajská Streda, Sládkovičovo.
Night in the jungle
This and over the next few weekends, the Botanical Garden of the Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice is holding special after dark guided tours, allowing visitors to get to know tropical plants under unusual circumstances. A guided tour takes 50 minutes and is designed for adults and older kids. Get the tickets here, but act fast as they sell out quickly.
Botanical Garden in Košice (source: TASR)
MORE AND UPCOMING EVENTS
January 11: Origami workshop in Košice
January 11: Paint your own painting inspired by Little Prince in Trenčín
January 15-18: The International Biathlon Union Cup 2025 in Brezno-Osrblie
January 16, 21, 23, 24, 28, 30, 31: The best movies and series of 2024 night with movie critic Peter Konečný in Bratislava, Košice, Prešov, Dubnica nad Váhom, Trenčín, Martin, Banská Štiavnica, respectively
January 18-19: Tatry Ice Masters 2025 in Hrebienok
January 22-29: The Scandi film festival throughout Slovakia
January 25-26: Learning the history of the High Tatras region in Vyšné Hágy and in Štrbské Pleso
January 18: New Year swap in Trnava
February 8: ModelCon 2025 plastic model and miniature show in Trnava
February 8: The best movies and series of 2024 night with movie critic Peter Konečný in Kremnica
BEFORE YOU GO
WHAT TO DO FOR FREE: Join conversational French sessions with a native speaker or discover the beauty of Slovak and Ukrainian embroidery in a workshop.
WHAT TO EXPLORE IN BRATISLAVA: A concert that brings the music from Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban to life, enjoy a silent disco and more in this week's Top 10 events.
WHAT TO LEARN: After 60 years, the most important poet of Ukraine is being published in Slovakia.
WHAT TO READ: Oldest philosophical texts translated to Slovak for first time.
WHAT TO BE HAPPY ABOUT: A new highway in Liptov will have a unique feature: A hidden cave.
That's it for this week. Take care, and have a great weekend.
