Illustrative image. The botanical garden in Košice offers unique guided tours. (source: Marko Erd, SME)
TRAVEL
Meet Saint Nicholas in the mountains
If you happen to be hiking in the Malá Fatra mountain range this Saturday and Sunday, do not miss the opportunity to meet Saint Nicholas hiking from the Chata pod Chlebom mountain hut to the Chleb peak itself. He will be accompanied by angels, demons and other companions. He will start his ascent at 11:00 from the hut and whoever meets him is guaranteed a little surprise.
A tourist relaxes on the Chleb peak in the Malá Fatra mountain range. (source: TASR/Erika Ďurčová)
TIP: Rajec, a charming hilly region in the north of central Slovakia, has been eagerly working on becoming a paradise for cyclists in recent years. Set out on a bike trip around the region with us. In Banská Bystrica, also in central Slovakia, they completed a new colossal cycling bridge over motorway R1.
Holidays of the past in modern times
Living in rock dwellings in the 21st century? Located in the village of Brhlovce, Levice district, these unique buildings date back to between the 18th and 20th century, with some still occupied to this day. They belong to the Tekov Museum. This and next Saturday between 10:00 to 16:00, you will have the opportunity to experience Advent in them.
Exhibition dedicated to Bethlehem
Nativity scenes are inextricably linked to the Christmas holidays, and in this regard past and current Slovak households are no exception. The Radoľa Manor in the village of the same name, right next to the town of Kysucké Nové Mesto, northern Slovakia, is holding a special exhibition dedicated to nativity scenes in the collection of the Kysuce Museum made of wood, corn husk, plaster, wax, paper and other materials, with some on display for the first time ever. During weekends, the manor is open only on Sundays. For more information, click here.
TIP: Ski season begins in many resorts across Slovakia, rich amount of snow and freezing weather sped up the process.
The when and where of Christmas markets
There is no way escaping it: this weekend Christmas markets are opening in more towns and villages all over Slovakia, offering cultural programmes, gifts and specialities, including Žarnovica, Hriňová, Šaľa, Leopoldov, Stará Turá, Špačince, Modra, Spišská Nová Ves, Zvolen, Levoča, Zázrivá.
The Christmas market in Nitra. (source: TASR)
TIP: Christmas tram to take to Bratislava streets again, no ticket required.
MISCELLANEOUS FUN
Experience being a pilot
For a limited time, the interactive Slovak Museum of Maps in the village of Kynceľová near Banská Bystrica, central Slovakia, is providing a special opportunity to try a flight simulator. Not only will you be able to experience a flight, you will get to actually fly the plane yourself. One of the simulated scenes allows you to see the High Tatra mountain range from way up high. The experience is available until next Friday, December 15. For more information, click here. While you're in the museum, don't miss the interactive map exhibition.
Night in the jungle
This and next two weekends, the Botanical Garden of the Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice is holding special after dark guided tours, allowing visitors to get to know tropical plants under unusual circumstances. The guided tour takes 50 minutes and is designed for adults and older kids. Get the tickets here (Friday) and here (Saturday), but act fast as they sell out quickly. For additional dates, click here.
UPCOMING EVENTS
December 16 - Antique market in Nitra
December 14, 15, 16 - The Perinbaba musical will perform in Rimavská Sobota, Trebišov and Námestovo, respectively.
BEFORE YOU GO
WHAT TO DO FOR FREE: Do not miss the Night of the witches, as well as a Advent music festival. Find out more here.
WHAT TO EXPLORE IN BRATISLAVA: Medieval Market, Urban Market, Winter market in the Zoo, Winter Good Market... Markets all the way.
WHAT TO LISTEN TO: Many drunk people and almost no English speakers. For this Indian, Slovakia felt like a different world.
WHAT TO LEARN FROM HISTORY: Why the linden tree in Primaciálne Square was cut down, and the truth about Teddy Roosevelt’s visit to Bratislava.
WHAT TO READ: Bratislava had its Hachikō, too. Apollko lived about 20 years.
That's it for this week. Take care, and have a nice weekend!
