The biggest summer music festival in Slovakia is here. (source: TASR)
TRAVEL
Discover Slanec Castle
Perched atop an andesite hill directly above the village that shares its name, all that remains of Slanec Castle are several walls and a dominant three-storey tower, visible from a distance. The village is located near the town of Košice in eastern Slovakia. The castle’s history dates back to the latter half of the 13th century. It was ultimately destroyed in 1679 and left in ruins. However, recent years have seen renewed efforts to preserve and restore what remains, as well as to carry out archaeological excavations. The castle is accessible year-round via a path from the village below and the walk typically takes just over half an hour.
See Gabčíkovo Dam from boat
On Wednesday, the state-owned enterprise and waterworks operator Vodohospodárska Výstavba unveiled a new attraction on the Danube River: a boat passage through one of the lock chambers of the Gabčíkovo Dam. Previously, this could only be viewed from an observation terrace, but now visitors can experience the lowering and raising of the water level from aboard a boat passing through the dam itself. These passages run daily throughout the summer, excluding Mondays and public holidays. For now, there is one passage per day—starting at 11:00—with tickets priced at €10 for adults and €5 for children, pensioners, people with disabilities, and students under 15. Tickets are available at the Gabčíkovo Information Centre. The boat has a capacity of 80 passengers and the entire experience lasts around two hours.
Swimming in the 'Slovak Sea'
Years ago, when Slovaks had limited opportunities to travel abroad, many flocked to the country’s second-largest reservoir—Zemplínska Šírava in eastern Slovakia. Though it no longer draws the same crowds as it once did, it still offers plenty for water sports enthusiasts: wakeboarding, wakesurfing, boat cruises, swimming in the heart of the reservoir, and more. In addition to hotel accommodation, visitors can camp in the area, which has a variety of attractions. Find out more here.
ART
Folklore festivals continue
This weekend, the town of Detva in central Slovakia picks up the proverbial baton from last week’s Východná festival, as it hosts one of the country’s most celebrated folklore events. The Folklórne Slávnosti pod Poľanou has been running since 1966. Now in its 58th edition, the festival once again welcomes performers from Slovakia and abroad, including Slovaks living in other countries. Expect music, traditional crafts, workshops, and a special focus on the fujara—the iconic Slovak overtone flute. Find out more here.
A still from last year's edition of the Folklórne Slávnosti pod Poľanou festival. (source: TASR)
Pohoda is back
Last year, Slovakia’s biggest festival was cut short due to severe weather. In response, musicians and bands quickly rallied to organise fundraising concerts to support Pohoda, ensuring its return this year with a bang—featuring headliners like Iggy Pop, Queens of the Stone Age, Damon Albarn, Africa Express, and more. Although the festival began on Thursday, tickets are still available here.
Also, if you're going, don't miss The Slovak Spectator's very own Oscar Brophy offering a curated line-up of music, comedy, and cultural highlights.
Pohoda Festival kicked off in Trenčín on 10 July 2025. (source: SME)
MISCELLANEOUS FUN
Evening on the ramparts
The first of two Friday evenings this summer—one in July and the other in August—dedicated to bringing new life to Bratislava’s city walls takes place today. Starting at 18:00, the ramparts near Prepoštská Street will host a competitive performance poetry event and two unique concerts. Entry is free—click here to learn more.
More music evenings
In a similar spirit, the Na Peróne venue in Košice, eastern Slovakia, is set to host another evening of music, featuring local DJs with a focus on electronic and ambient sounds. The performance begins at 19:00, and admission is also free. Find out more here.
Fill your belly
All fans of cauldron-cooked goulash will be pleased to know that at least three cooking competitions are being held this weekend in Slovakia—specifically in the villages of Ľubochňa and Valaská Dubová near Ružomberok, and in the Veľká Rača resort near the village of Oščadnica (all in northern Slovakia). Alongside delicious aromas, visitors can also enjoy live music. Find out more here, here, and here.
A cauldron goulash cooking competition. (source: TASR)
SOMETHING BEATIFUL TO LOOK AT
A lavender field
The European peacock sitting on flowering common lavender in the village of Višňové in the Žilina district in northern Slovakia. (source: TASR)
MORE AND UPCOMING EVENTS
July 14-17: The Trnavský Jazzyk festival in Trnava
July 17-19: The Cibula Fest in Holíč
July 18-20: The SunDance electronic music festival at Zemplínska Šírava reservoir
July 19: The Piešťany Night City Run 2025 in Piešťany
July 19: The Kordický Extrém endurance run in Kordíky
July 19: The Špaňodolinský Štiarc cooking event in Banská Štiavnica
July 19-20: Crocodile hunting event in Banská Belá
July 20-27: The Legits Blast hip-hop festival in Banská Bystrica
July 26: An antique market at the Červený Kameň castle
July 30-August 3: The Jánošíkove Dni folklore festival in Terchová
BEFORE YOU GO :
WHAT TO DO FOR NOTHING: Listen to a powerful voice or join a compelling conversation with Iranian poet Fatemeh Ekhtesari.
WHAT TO LEARN: Did you know where the town of Rimavská Sobota – aka Rimava’s very own Saturday – gets its name from?
WHAT TO READ: Kristína Kúdelová sat down for a chat with veteran filmmaker Dušan Trančík about his latest cinematic creation, “Operation Monaco” – a gripping tale that whisks viewers straight back to the murkiest days of the communist regime. Adding a splash of international flair, the French consulate in Bratislava makes a notable appearance too (ooh là là).
WHAT TO EXPLORE: Its collection comprises more than 4,000 species and subspecies of plants, while the site includes a complex of greenhouses spanning a total area of 3,500 square metres. The Košice Botanical Garden is, without question, the largest in Slovakia. This year, it celebrates its 75th anniversary.
WHAT TO EXPLORE IN BRATISLAVA: Dive into a world of stories at the Author’s Reading Month – or pop on a beret and be French for a day!
That’s it for this week. Take care, and have a great long weekend.
