The Noc Vedy festiva in Košice. (source: TASR)
ART
A movie tip
This Saturday evening offers a great opportunity for English-speakers in Bratislava to catch a screening of the new Czech/Slovak film Vlny (Waves). Kino Nostalgia, a neighbourhood cinema in Bratislava's Ružinov borough that's just five minutes' walk from the Nivy shopping centre and main bus station, is showing an English-subtitled version at 20:15. The film, an atmospheric historical drama set during the Prague Spring and Warsaw Pact invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968, features an all-star Czech and Slovak cast including Slovak actors Táňa Pauhofová and Tomáš Maštalír, and is hotly tipped for an Oscar nomination. It has received rave reviews on local and international film sites. Tickets are a bargain at €6 each (the box office is cash only, but you can still get them online). Kino Nostalgia regularly shows English-language and subtitled films.
TIP: 6 stylish alternatives to multiplex cinemas in Bratislava where €6 gets you in.
MISCELLANEOUS FUN
Science is great
The last Friday of September is inextricably linked to the Noc Vedy (Science Night) science festival, the biggest event of its kind in Slovakia. Taking place predominantly in five towns across country - Bratislava, Košice, Banská Bystrica, Žilina and Poprad - with some accompanying events in other places as well. For example on Saturday, astronomy and physics related activities will take place in the premises of the OC Promenada mall in Nitra.
Noc Vedy offers a unique opportunity to discover what science is about. It is not just about presentations, it features a lot of hands-on experiments, discussions, workshops, technological attractions, and various activities. Admission to the event is completely free. Click here to find out more about the programme.
Last year's edition of the Noc Vedy science festival. (source: TASR)
Bring your flash-light
This Friday evening gives you a unique opportunity to discover Trenčín Castle at night. Four guided tours have been prepared for the occasion, starting at 19:30. Don't forget to bring a flash-light - or a phone equipped with one. Learn more here.
A fun and unusual run
An unusual event called Oktoberfest Run will take place in the town of Nitra, western Slovakia, this Saturday morning, combining a running challenge with beer. Several beer stations will be placed on a 7.5-kilometre long track and each participant will have to drink a small beer before continuing, otherwise they will incur a penalty. Runners may choose non-alcoholic beer as well. Click here to learn more about this event.
Jump high
The eastern Slovak town of Košice will host the Slovak Trampoline Open 2024 international championship this weekend. In additional to Slovaks, athletes from several European countries that have participated even in world championship events will come, showcasing beautiful competition routines and acrobatics. Admission is free, find out more here.
Fly your kite high
Autumn and flying kites is a combination that just works. That is why the Snowparadise Veľká Rača resort near the village of Oščadnica, northern Slovakia, will hold the second edition of its kite flying event on Sunday afternoon. All you need to do is bring a kite, either of your own making or a bought one, it doesn't matter. The important thing is to have fun. Find out more here.
If you're not in northern Slovakia, you can fly your kite pretty much anywhere. (source: TASR)
FAIRS
Festivities abound
Traditional autumn events full of delicacies, drinks, music concerts, carousels and other accompanying activities continue this week, with Bratislava's boroughs of Ružinov (on September 28-29), Dúbravka (September 27-29), Karlova Ves (September 27) each holding an event of its own. Why not making it point to spend some time at each one in succession on just a single day? On Saturday, the borough of Vajnory invites people to visit its vineyards to taste burčiak, a seasonal hard grape cider, while the borough of Čunovo is holding a cooking and baking competition. Click on individual links to learn more.
On Sunday, September 29, Michal and Michaela celebrate their name day and this means a traditional fair called Michalský Jarmok is going to take place. Many towns and villages throughout Slovakia hold events on this occasion, such as Myjava, Martin, Ľubietová, Vyhne, and more.
TRAVEL
A challenging hike
Touted as the most difficult hiking trail accessible without a guide in the Slovak part of the High Tatras, the Priečne Sedlo saddle is a treat for hikers who want a challenge. If you go the entire loop trail from Starý Smokovec, it usually takes around 9 hours. In addition to long stretches you walk on what feels like stone stairs, it features several dozen metre-long rock climbing section secured with chains and iron stemples. Be warned though, it's definitely not for people who are afraid of heights. But once up the saddle you'll be treated to an amazing view. You can read our new travel guide here.
A vista from below the Priečne Sedlo saddle. (source: Matúš Beňo)
MORE UPCOMING EVENTS
October 3-6: The Autosalón Autoshow event in Nitra
October 4-6: The Biela Noc art festival in Bratislava
October 5: A kite flying event in Bratislava's Vajnory borough
October 6: The Košice Peace Marathon
October 6: The Kláštorný Beh run in Nitra
October 10, 13, 17, 20, 24, 27: The Nitrianska Hudobná Jeseň classical music festival in Nitra
October 11-13: The Biela Noc art festival in Košice
BEFORE YOU GO
WHAT TO DO FOR FREE:Cycle along little-known paths, and see some of the beautiful and unusual sights of Kittsee.
WHAT TO EXPLORE IN BRATISLAVA: An evening full of glitz and beauty, celebration of fantasy, charity run and more in this week's Top 10 events.
WHAT TO READ: A German who fell in love with Slovakia’s nature now shows its beauties to foreigners.
SOMETHING MORE TO READ: A Slovak’s fight to honour his Vietnamese dad, a man who didn't exist on paper.
WHAT TO BE HAPPY ABOUT: A novel intervention helps save newborn from breathing, feeding difficulties.
WHAT TO TRY: Where can you go on a lazy weekend morning to sooth a hangover, or fuel up for a long bike ride, with a big portion of calories and caffeine? Find out in this restaurant review.
That's it for this week. Take care, and have a nice weekend!
