Illustrative image. (source: TASR - Erika Ďurčová)
TRAVEL
An overlooked mountain range
When it comes to the Tatra Mountains - the whole chain that is - people usually think of the High Tatras with the popular resorts of Štrbské Pleso, Hrebienok and Tatranská Lomnica. However, there is more to the chain than just that. Belianske Tatry, the eastern part of the chain, are often mistakenly overlooked by tourists and hikers alike. While they may not offer as many popular hiking trails or meadows as other parts of the Tatras, there is still plenty to see and do in this beautiful region.
Exploring caves, walking along treetop paths, and enjoying the tranquillity on the slopes—all of this can be experienced here. Find out more here, including tips on what to see.
Belianske Tatry in the distance. (source: TASR)
An overlooked town
Given the nickname "the Garden of Turiec" due to its location in the Turiec river basin, the town of Martin is the centre of the historic Turiec region in northern Slovakia. Last year, Martin welcomed over 34,000 visitors, including nearly 9,000 international travellers, who stayed an average of two nights. Despite this, it remains an underrated gem of this part of the country, often overshadowed by nearby Žilina, the centre of northern Slovakia, and by the adjacent Liptov region and nearby High and Low Tatra mountains. The Slovak Spectator compiled a two-day itinerary of what to see in the town. Find out more here.
A view of Martin from the Ethnographic Museum. (source: Peter Dlhopolec - The Slovak Spectator)
An adventurous film festival
Taking place in the town of Trenčín, the 19th edition of the HoryZonty adventurous film festival showcases intriguing stories of people who seek dangerous experiences. Come and witness films about riding a secluded desert in southern Ohio on bike, riding around Annapurna on a bike, riding down ice waterfalls and more, including discussions with the people themselves. The event takes place on November 7-9, find out more here.
A travel festival
One of the biggest non-commercial events of its kind, the Bez Hraníc (Without Borders) festival offers something for everyone who is interested in travel, people, culture and nature. Over three days, you will be able to learn about what to expect when travelling to Africa, how life looks like in mountain villages in Tajikistan, driving 20,000 kilometres from Czechia to Himalayas in Pakistan, and much more. Admission is free, the event takes place on November 7-9, find out more here.
MISCELLANEOUS FUN
Get on the ice
Public ice-skating is in full swing once again, with more and more towns opening rinks for everyone to enjoy this activity, usually on the weekends. Click on individual towns to see when you can put on ice-skates and show what is in you: Bánovce nad Bebravou, Košice, Poprad, Trenčín, Levoča, Nitra, Banská Bystrica, Prešov. If you want to know when ice-skating is available in the future, look for schedules on individual pages.
Illustrative image. (source: Sme)
Fly your kite high
Although it's getting cold out there, this weekend is still supposed to be nice weather-wise. With autumn in full swing, why not go out and fly a kite? Two villages near Bratislava, Bernolákovo and Šenkvice, will each hold its own šarkaniáda, a kite flying event this Satutday starting in morning. Have fun! Find out more here and here.
Learn your video game history
In just the last few decades, video games have come a long way, with those being released now looking like nothing from 20 years ago. If you want to see the games your parents may have played in their childhood and early adulthood, visit an exhibition dedicated to retro video games being held in the OD Prior shopping mall in the centre of Nitra, western Slovakia.
Visit light parks
This weekend, two light parks will open in Banská Bystrica and Košice, central and eastern Slovakia, respectively, with another one opening early next week in Komárno, Southern Slovakia. Each place will offer a unique selection of light statues. The Banská Bystrica light park will feature light statues of aquatic, land and flying animals. The Košice light park will showcase fairy tale characters, creatures and buildings. Finally, the Komárno light park will bring you back in time to the era of the Habsburg monarchy. Find out more here, here, and here.
The first light park was in Bratislava. (source: Decont)
MORE AND UPCOMING EVENTS
November 8-9: The Nitra Wine Festival
November 9: St. Martin's fair in Stupava
November 10: Country-wide meeting of collectors in Banská Bystrica
November 16: The night of theatres
November 23: The Chute Malých Karpát (The Tastes of the Little Carpathians) wine festival in Bratislava Region
November 23-24: The Hratislava board game weekend in Bratislava
November 24: Best Film Soundtracks with Candlelight in KošiceNovember 24: Best Film Soundtracks with Candlelight in Košice
BEFORE YOU GO
WHAT TO DO FOR FREE: Enjoy young wine and go volunteering to make the Bratislava hinterland more beautiful.
WHAT TO EXPLORE IN BRATISLAVA: Experience a day full of magic, go to several concerts and learn about the Danube in this week's Top 10 events.
WHAT TO DISCOVER: The unbelievable story of a rock that may be anything but ordinary.
WHAT TO LEARN: In the past, land ownership was a crucial factor among big farming families when selecting a potential spouse. People would say that the bride could be a goat, but as long as she had a 'šéska', meaning a plot of farmland, that was all that mattered.
WHAT TO READ: Trading Tokyo for Bratislava, Shogo Mashine fell in love with a land filled with different kind of castles.
That's it for this week. Take care, and have a nice weekend!
