Illustrative image. (source: Unsplash)
TRAVEL
How to explore the Skalica district
Visitors to Slovakia’s westernmost district, Skalica, would do well to begin their journey in Holíč, a border town steeped in history and flavour, suggests our colleague Jozef Ryník in his latest travel guide. One of the best places to start – especially if you are feeling peckish or in need of a drink – is Wywar Brewery, a family-run establishment easily spotted from the main road.
There is a lot more to see, including Holíč Castle, an observation tower, windmill, hillfort. Click here to learn more.
Observation tower in Holíč offers a stunning view on the town. (source: SME/Jozef Ryník)
An intriguing cave
The longest mine of the Western Tatra massif bears the name Medvedia Štôlňa, literally Bear Mine. Interestingly, bears are not known to hibernate in it, that is more of a local legend. However, what is definitely not a legend is that a skeleton of a WWII German soldier was found in it.
Today, the mine is open to the public. A the tour lasts about 30 minutes, visitors can experience the mining history of this region while following the light of an oil lantern, getting the feeling of what it was like for the miners who once worked in it. If you want to experience it for yourselves, you can learn more here.
The Medvedia Stälňa mine in the western part of the High Tatras. (source: Visit Liptov)
MISCELLANEOUS FUN
Find something new
SWAP events are a great opportunity to get rid of books, clothes, games, pretty much anything you no longer need or want, provided it is still in good condition. This weekend, events of this kind are held in several towns.
Book lovers in Košice are in for a treat as the eastern Slovak city will give not one, but two opportunities to find new additions to their shelves. The first book swaps will take place at the Re-use Centre at Kováčska Street, the second at the Važecká heat exchanger venue, with the former allowing people to come with up to 5 books and take the same number, the latter allows you to bring and take up to 10. The latter event will also serve as a toy swap, the same conditions apply.
If you are looking for some new clothes for the upcoming spring season, the swap taking place at the culture house in Bratislava's Kramáre locality might be a good bet. The event works like this: on Friday afternoon and early Saturday morning clothes - children's, women's and men's spring clothes, shoes and accessories - are collected, with the swap itself taking place between 09:00 and 11:00.
The town of Trnava will also hold an event of its own, but with a twist. For an admission of €15, you are not required to bring anything, but are allowed to take as many things you may find useful, such as clothes, hobby supplies, toys, appliances and more. The event will be held at the Baterkáreň venue.
And finally, a big one in Banská Bystrica. This swap event accepts everything from books, clothes, jewellery to kitchen appliances and toys. However, everything has to be functional and in good shape. Individual items are collected on Friday, the swap itself will take place the following day. Find out more here.
Illustrative image. (source: TASR)
An epic gaming session
In this modern age, hours long online video game sessions are nothing extraordinary. So why not try something more tangible instead? This Saturday at the Tabačka venue in Košice, an epic session of the board game Twilight Imperium IV will take place. In this strategy game, powerful factions vie for dominance over a galaxy using diplomacy, trade, politics and war. Each game can take up to several hours and none plays out the same. If you want to take part and learn the game - no previous experience is necessary as organisers will teach all the rules - you have to register on their Discord server. Admission is free, find out more here.
A game of Twilight Imperium. (source: WIKIMEDIA/CC)
Books of the past
It goes without saying that books are a treasure, especially the old ones. That is why the Západoslovenské Múzeum museum in Trnava will hold a special event dedicated to the oldest tomes in its collection, allowing attendees to learn about what the work with, restoration and digitalisation of such artefacts look like, among other things. Everyone is also welcome to bring old books from their collections and learn more about them. Find out more here.
Sending light signals, Lord of the Rings style
In the past, during Ottoman raids, the castles and towers near the River Hron in central Slovakia served an important function. They used fire to send light signals and warn against incoming attacks. Four years ago, a group of people who develop the so-called Pohronská Hradná Cesta (The Hron Castle Road) wanted to see whether at least some castles could still be reached visually. This Friday at 18:00, the fifth edition of a growing event will take place in several castles along the road. All you need to do is to make it to participating castles - Revište Castle, Šášov Castle, Pustý Hrad, Teplica Castle, Žakýl Castle, Peťuša Castle. In addition to them, Sitno Castle and the Vartovka Krupina and Vartovka Banská Bystrica sites will also join in on the activity at around 17:00. Signals will be sent at 18:00. Admission is free. Learn more here, here, and here.
MORE AND UPCOMING EVENTS
March 13-28: Konvergencie chamber music festival in Bratislava
March 14, 19: Night sky observation in Nitra (registration needed)
March 15: Discover the historical streets around Námestie SNP square in Banská Bystrica
March 15-16: The Víkend Kociek Lego exhibition in Trnava
March 18: Learn how to discern bird songs in Banská Bystrica
March 18, 28, 30: The Harry Potter movie music by candle light in Trenčín, Banská Bystrica and Poprad
March 18, 19, 22: Ludovico Einaudi music concert in Košice, Bratislava, Prievidza
March 21-22: The Coffee, Tea, Chocolate festival in Košice
March 22-23: The 24-hour run in Nitra
March 26-30: The Hory a Mesto travel festival in Bratislava
March 28-30: AnimeShow 2025 fantasy, sci-fi, anime and game festival in Bratislava
March 29: Day of Planetariums in Nitra
April 25-27: SlavCon 2025 fantasy, sci-fi and history festival in Bratislava
BEFORE YOU GO
WHAT TO DO FOR NOTHING: Go on a fascinating trip exploring the mysterious northern slopes of Devínska Kobyla.
WHAT TO EXPLORE IN BRATISLAVA: The Concert for Ukraine will take place over the weekend.
WHAT TO LEARN: How to get out of a conversation in Slovak in a hurry.
WHAT TO READ: In Skalica, a push for experience-based tourism is reshaping how visitors explore its past and present.
That's it for this week. Take care, and have a great weekend.
