Illustrative image. (source: TASR)
TIP FOR THE WEEK
A night in a museum
Experience science, culture, history and art all during one night. This Saturday, museums, galleries and other institutions all accross Slovakia will once again open their gates as part of the very popular Noc Múzeí a Galérií (Night of Museums and Galleries) annual event.
In addition to visiting exhibitions accompanied with special lectures and guides, the venues also invite visitors to otherwise unavailable premises and learn the ins and outs of their various activities, allowing them to experience museums in totally different ways. Be sure to check this website for the list of participating institutions and what you can expect to see on this special day.
Visitors to Stredoslovenské Múzeum (Central Slovakia Museum). (source: TASR)
TRAVEL
Places to visit in the Senica district
The Senica district offers more than just scenic views — it promises a journey through time and diverse landscapes, writes our colleague Jozef Ryník in his travel guide. Whether you're a cyclist, a water sports enthusiast, a golfer, or a lover of historical landmarks and churches, there's something here for everyone. If you're wondering where to begin, Jozef recommends a leisurely bike ride along the Morava River. Find out more here.
TIP: Add unique dimension to stargazing by spending night in glass cabins.
Will you disturb the sleeping monk?
Near the village of Kamenica in eastern Slovakia lies an intriguing rock formation steeped in legend. Long before Benedictine monks established their centre in the area in the 10th century, locals referred to it as Spiaci Obor (the Sleeping Giant) for its resemblance to a human figure — head, neck, and torso clearly visible from afar. With the arrival of Christianity, it was renamed Spiaci Mních (the Sleeping Monk). Several caves dot the formation, and the short walking trail to the site takes just a few dozen minutes. Click here to learn more.
TIP: Drown yourself in luxury with Slovak charm while visiting Bratislava. Tourists can relax in a torture chamber or take a private balloon ride.
MISCELLANEOUS FUN
One for those who care
Pucung is a unique multi-genre, anti-corruption festival aimed at addressing the challenges Slovakia faces today. Alongside concerts, talks, workshops and humour, it features voices from the civic, journalistic and artistic spheres who are eager to share their vision for a better future. The event will be held at the Kasárne/Kulturpark venue in Košice on May 16–17. Find out more here.
Lacework exhibition
Until the end of May, the Regional Cultural Centre in Žilina is hosting a lacework exhibition titled Vodný Svet – Čipkované Radosti (Water World – Lace Delights). The display showcases intricate bobbin lace creations inspired by aquatic flora and fauna, crafted by members of a local lace-making club. Visitors can also learn the basics of this traditional handicraft during Wednesday workshops. Entry to the exhibition is €2. Find out more here.
Enjoy trdelník in its home
The traditional pastry known as trdelník from the western Slovak town of Skalica has the honour of being the first Slovak product to receive protected status from the EU. The sweet treat is made by wrapping dough around a wooden rod (trdlo) and baking it over an open flame, then coating it with crushed nuts and sugar. This Saturday marks the 19th annual Trdlofest — a celebration of this beloved pastry. Visitors can sample fresh trdelník, witness the baking of a giant version, and enjoy local wines. Learn more here.
Baking of trdelník. (source: TASR)
Discover invisible cities
As part of Dolce Vitaj, the Italian cultural festival in Slovakia, an exhibition inspired by writer Italo Calvino's classic novel Invisible Cities is now open in Bratislava. The show features evocative illustrations by Daniela Olejníková, created for the Slovak edition of the book. It is hosted in the exhibition hall of the University Library in Bratislava. Click here to learn more.
Up, up and away!
Back for its 28th edition, the international Balloon Fiesta is once again lifting spirits in Košice. Held at the Technical University of Košice, this beloved event brings together balloonists from Slovakia, Czechia, Hungary, Austria, and the United Kingdom for a breathtaking spectacle of colour and flight. Morning and evening launches take place from May 14–18, with the dazzling highlight — the night-time balloon inflation — scheduled for Friday evening. Find out more about the event here, admission is free.
A still from the last year's edition of the Balloon Fiesta. (source: TASR)
SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL TO LOOK AT
Wild flowers
The cypress spurge (Euphorbia cyparissias) near the village of Kamenica, eastern Slovakia. (source: TASR)
MORE AND UPCOMING EVENTS
May 17: The May edition of the Trnavský Rínek market in Trnava
May 17: The Pavol Čirko Veteran Rally in Nové Mesto Nad Váhom
May 17-18: The Festival Rastlín plant festival in Nitra
May 18: The Spring vegan festival in Bratislava
May 22-24: The Staromestské Slávnosti event in Žilina
May 23-25: The Svätourbanské Zoborské Slávnosti event in Nitra
May 23-25: The Cirkul'art new circus festival in Malacky
May 24: The Halušky Terchová cooking and eating festival in Terchová
May 29-June 1: The BRaK book festival in Bratislava
June 6-7: The Bratislava Collector Days
June 6-8: The Weekend of Open Parks and Gardens
Until June 1: The Trnavská Hudobná Jar classical music festival in Trnava
BEFORE YOU GO :
WHAT TO DO FOR NOTHING: You don't want to miss the event that is once again going to transform the Bratislava city walls into a hub of underground sound in daylight.
WHAT TO EXPLORE IN BRATISLAVA: Enjoy music in all its variety, dance at a roller disco, go watch American football!
WHAT TO BE HAPPY ABOUT: A spontaneous wink by Šimon Gabčo, a student from Púchov who was in the crowd in the Vatican City witnessing the first appearance by the new Pope, was captured by TV cameras and has since taken the internet by storm.
WHAT TO ADD TO YOUR VOCABULARY: If you happen to be part of a Slovak wedding, things can go from an idyllic image to downright strange.
WHAT TO BITE INTO: Underground vampires are taking over Slovakia one rave at a time. Forget the garlic — this blood-soaked party scene is fuelled by roleplay, passion and a very strict dress code.
WHAT TO DISCOVER: Eugen Rosenberg helped shape post-war Britain with landmark buildings across the UK. Yet his most intimate creation stands quietly in a small Slovak town.
That's it for this week. Take care, and have a great long weekend.
