A procession during a previous edition of the Summer Spa Season Opening in Piešťany. (source: TASR)
TRAVEL
Trails open again
The summer season in the High Tatras begins this Sunday, meaning the trails are once again open to hikers. This includes several peaks across the mountain range that offer breathtaking views. If visiting Slovakia's compact but epic mountain range is on your mind but you've yet to decide which trails to explore, we've got you covered.
The Skok Waterfall is one of the most beautiful in the Tatras. Situated not far from the Štrbské Pleso resort, it's an easy round trip of a few hours, suitable even for children. Click here to see what to expect. Another gentle trail from the same resort leads to the Popradské Pleso mountain lake. In summer, the red trail with a stunning view of the Mengusovská Dolina valley is also accessible—don't miss it.
If you're after something more challenging—a trek of around seven hours or more—don't worry. From Skok, you can continue onwards to the Bystrá Lávka saddle, a route that takes you past several mountain lakes. Popradské Pleso is also a starting point for reaching three peaks: nearby Ostrva, if you can manage the winding path up the slope beside the lake; Kôprovský Štít, which offers a view of the largest mountain lake in the Slovak Tatras; and the popular, often crowded Rysy on the border with Poland. Both peaks provide spectacular views of the surrounding range.
The heart of the High Tatras also offers a demanding but beautiful hike to the Východná Vysoká peak. You can turn this into a loop by crossing the nearby Sedlo Prielom saddle—be warned, though, this trail is very difficult and requires navigating loose rock and climbing with the aid of chains. Then there's Priečne Sedlo, considered one of the most challenging trails accessible without a guide. It features a long exposed section secured with chains and iron steps.
Old barn in a picturesque setting
Chamkova Stodola, an old wooden barn nestled below the Kráľova Hoľa peak in the Low Tatras, is one of the most photogenic remnants of traditional mountain architecture. In the distant past, it served as a seasonal shelter for farmers mowing grass in the area and storing hay, as well as a relay station for postal horses. Over time, exposure to the elements left it on the brink of ruin. Thankfully, a grassroots crowdfunding campaign saved the barn. It's located near Road 66, close to the villages of Telgárt and Šumiac in central Slovakia.
ART
Celebrating books
What binds not just books with different covers, but also people, institutions, cities, residents, and families? This is the central theme of the 12th Bratislava Book Festival, also known as BRaK. Running from 29 May to 1 June, the festival returns to Hlavné Námestie square in the heart of the Slovak capital, bringing with it major figures from Slovak and international literature. Visitors can enjoy author talks, readings, concerts, a book fair, and more. Events will be held across several venues in the historic city centre. Click here to learn more.
A still from a previous edition of the BRaK book festival. (source: TASR)
MISCELLANEOUS FUN
Breakfast to unwind
In 1906, a diesel power plant named Elektrárňa Piešťany was built in Piešťany, western Slovakia. Legend has it that every citizen of the town contributed a brick. Over 100 years later, the building was revitalised and opened to the public. This Saturday, the industrial monument will host the third edition of the Raňajky v Elektrárni community breakfast—an ideal way to start the day or unwind after a long week. Expect craft coffee, yoga, morning workouts, massages, and a make-up workshop. Entry is €8. Click here to learn more.
Opening of the summer spa season
While you're in Piešťany, don't miss one of the town's most important cultural events. This weekend marks the 32nd edition of the Summer Spa Season Opening, featuring concerts by Slovak musicians including the band Billy Barman, exhibitions with historical photos of Piešťany, dance and painting workshops, lectures, and much more. One of the highlights of the programme is the traditional Dragon Cup Piešťany rowing competition, where amateur and professional teams race between the Krajinský Most and Kolonádový Most bridges. Click here to learn more.
A still from a previous edition of the Dragon Cup Piešťany competition. (source: TASR)
15 years of Critical Mass rides
This Friday, the Critical Mass bike rides in Bratislava celebrate their 15th anniversary (the actual date was in April, but the celebration was postponed due to weather). These events promote safe cycling in the city and take place on the last Friday of each month. Expect DJs spinning tunes from mobile sound systems, international cyclists, and a birthday afterparty. Colourful, festive costumes are encouraged. The ride begins at 18:00 at Námestie SNP square.
Cycling enthusiasts in Košice can join a ride as well, this one focusing on the cultural corners of the city. The meeting point is Dolná Brána at 18:00.
An orienteering race
Looking for an adventurous and engaging way to spend this Saturday? Take part in Spoznaj Les 2025 (Get to Know the Forest 2025), an orienteering race set in the beautiful Bratislava city forests. While it’s a competitive event for seasoned runners, specially designed courses suitable for the general public and families are also available. No prior experience is necessary. The registration fee for public categories is €6, with chip hire costing €2. You’ll receive your map at the start line. Don’t forget to bring a compass and insect repellent. Click here to find out more.
Season of roses begins
The village of Dolná Krupá near Trnava is a popular destination for tourists—not only for its beautiful manor house and renowned mead producer, but also as the home of the largest private rosarium in the country. The tradition of rose cultivation in Dolná Krupá has deep roots, with the first mention in the press dating back to 1910. Countess Mária Henrieta Choteková, affectionately known as the Rose Countess, cultivated more than 6,000 roses in her garden and even exported them abroad. However, the rosarium disappeared after the Second World War. In a fortunate turn of events, it was restored several years ago. This year marks its sixth anniversary, and the season officially opens this Saturday. Visitors can look forward to guided tours, live music, mead tastings, and more. Click here to find out more and purchase your tickets in advance here.
Roses from the Dolná Krupá rosarium. (source: TASR)
A day for children
June 1 is closely associated with Children's Day. To mark the occasion, towns and villages across Slovakia host special events for kids. It would be impossible to list them all, but here are a few highlights. The railway station in Martin will become a playground for model trains; the Čiernohorská Železnica railway will show children how a steam locomotive works; a veterinary clinic in Žilina will host a canicross competition for children; the town of Nitra invites families to a park full of activities; the Košice Zoo will offer a special programme; and the local National Theatre will perform two plays, one of which is The Little Prince. If you need more tips, check out this link.
SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL TO LOOK AT
A field full of colours
(source: TASR)
MORE AND UPCOMING EVENTS
May 31: The Randevú pri Víne wine tasting event in Trnava
May 31: The Stupavské Hry sports games event for children in Stupava
May 31: Astronomical observations of the night sky in Hlohovec
June 6: The Rooftop Music party in Košice
June 6-7: The Bratislava Collector Days
June 6-8: The Weekend of Open Parks and Gardens
June 6-11: The Divadelná Nitra theatre festival in Nitra
June 7: The Stredovek v Sade medieval event in Bratislava
June 7: The Rytieri na Devíne knight festival in Devín
June 7: Soundgarden Festival 2025 in Liptovský Mikuláš
June 8: The Ovenálie 2025 sheep farming festival in Východná
June 11-28: The UEFA Under 21 Championship in Slovakia (tickets here)
June 14: Rendez 2025 historic train exhibition in Bratislava
June 20-27: The IFF Art Film festival in Košice
June 21: The Roleplaying Games day in Ihrysko board game store in Bratislava
June 21: The Morning Disco party in Košice
June 21-30: Radničné Hry open-air theatre event in Trnava
June 24-29: The Fest Anča 2025 international animation festival in Žilina
BEFORE YOU GO :
WHAT TO DO FOR NOTHING: Go to a community picnic in a vineyard or to a concert that pays tribute to one of the greatest musicians who brought the Viennese waltz to international fame.
WHAT TO EXPLORE IN BRATISLAVA: Taste delicious coffee, see rock legends live, and celebrate International Children's Day.
WHAT TO LEARN: How do you say something intelligent (or even not so intelligent) about a concert in Slovakia? This article has got you covered.
WHAT TO READ: After years of straddling two worlds, Slovak American Benjamin Demko is now reconnecting with his Slovak roots.
WHAT PODCAST TO LISTEN TO: From London to Poland, and now to Slovakia, this story shows how languages can open doors — to careers, cultures, and even love.
WHAT TO LOOK FORWARD TO: An Irish metal band is to make its long-awaited debut in Bratislava. Ten Ton Slug will bring their heavy sound – and a homecoming for one member – to a cycle-path punk venue.
That's it for this week. Take care, and have a great long weekend.
