The Rendez vintage train show. (source: TASR)
TRAVEL
Sit on a giant lookout bench
The town of Pezinok near Bratislava has a new attraction in the form of a giant lookout bench. Being six metres wide and more than three metres high, the bench is accessible via a ladder. It offers a beautiful view of the surrounding vineyards, as well as the entire town. Go and have a look!
Trails in the High Tatras open again
The summer season in the High Tatras has just begun and once again the trails are open for hikers, including several peaks offering stunning vistas. If visiting the tiny epic mountain range is on your mind but you have yet to decide on which trails to hike, we have you covered.
The Skok waterfall is one of the most beautiful in the Tatras. Located near the Štrbské Pleso resort, it's an easy, few-hour trip suitable even for children. Click here to learn what to expect. Another easy trail from the same resort leads to the Popradské Pleso mountain lake. In summer, the red trail offering a beautiful view of the Mengusovská Dolina valley is accessible, so don't miss it.
If you want something more challenging - like a 7-hour long trek - here are some tips as well. Popradské Pleso is a place from which you can set out to three peaks - Kôprovský Štít with a view of the biggest mountain lake in the Slovak part of the Tatras, popular Rysy on the border with Poland, and nearby Ostrva if you can scale the twisting path up that slope right next to Popradské Pleso.
The heart of the mountain range also offers a stunning hike to the Východná Vysoká peak. You can make it a loop trail if you cross the nearby Sedlo Prielom saddle; but be warned, this one is very challenging and requires climbing and navigating piles of loose rock.
Bear in mind that new visitor regulations have come into effect. Learn more about them here.
Tourists in the Poľský Hrebeň saddle. (source: Matúš Beňo)
Discover Zamagurie
Known for its beautiful nature, historic architecture and monuments, and unique activities such as rafting on Dunajec, the Zamagurie region in northern Slovakia is absolutely worth visiting. This weekend, the 47th edition of the Zamagurské Folklórne Slávnosti folk festival taking place in the village of Červený Kláštor will showcase its full glory, including traditions, history, cultural heritage, crafts and more. Find out more here.
TIP: If you happen to be in Červený Kláštor, be sure to check out the local museum that allows you to experience the life of monks.
MISCELLANEOUS FUN
Vintage train show
On June 15-16, the so-called Old Depot or Rendez in Bratislava's borough of Rača will host another edition of the reunion of historical railway engines. In addition to an exhibition of historic engines, you will also be able to hitch a ride on some of them in Bratislava. Orchestra and swing concerts will enhance the atmosphere, and you'll be able to get some memorabilia. Learn more about the programme as well as the schedule individual train departures here.
Rendez in 2022. (source: TASR)
Have fun with parrots
Have you ever wanted to pet, feed, play, or take pictures with colourful parrots? If the answer is yes, then on June 15 you definitely need to visit the town of Topoľčany, Nitra Region. On Saturday, it will host a special exhibition of these beautiful birds. Find out more here.
Falconers at a castle
Between June and September, Trenčín Castle plays host to regular falconry performances in its courtyards, with the raptors flying right next to visitors. In addition to getting a first hand experience with the birds of prey, visitor will learn a lot of interesting details of their lives as well as the history of falconry that dates back to the 2nd millenium BCE. In June, the performances will take place over the weekends, in July and August from Tuesday to Sunday every week. Find out more here.
Falconers at Trenčín Castle. (source: TASR)
TIP: An unusual subject. Fifth-graders put on gloves and invite raptors to sit on their arms.
What are scientists up to?
The Slovak Academy of Sciences (SAV) is holding a special two-day event on June 14-15 in the centre of Bratislava focusing on communicating what SAV scientists are up to. Everything you'll see here is 'made in SAV'. In individual stands, each institute will showcase their research, experiments, explain phenomena and more. Learn more here.
Pick some lavender to calm down
On Saturday, the village of Trnava pri Laborci near the Zemplínska Šírava water reservoir in eastern Slovakia will host the first lavender festival in Slovakia, Levanduľa Fest. Combining the calming scent of lavender, craft drinks, delicacies, handmade products and more, this is a great opportunity to unwind in these trying times. Find out more here.
A lavender field. (source: TASR)
Cool off in swimming pools
Temperatures are slowly rising and that means that local swimming pools are slowly opening their gates as well. For example, the towns of Nitra, western Slovakia, and Lučenec, southern Slovakia, are opening their public swimming pools this Saturday, June 15. Check out the website of your place of residence to find out when your local swimming is opening.
UPCOMING EVENTS
June 21-28: The Art Film international festival in Košice
June 22: The Roleplaying Games day in Ihrysko board game store in Bratislava
June 27-29: The TOPFEST rock festival at the Žilina Airport near Žilina
June 28: The Garden Party event in the centre of Trnava
June 28: The HRAtislava board game festival in Bratislava
BEFORE YOU GO
WHAT TO DO FOR FREE: Come enjoy Hungarian culture until Sunday.
WHAT TO EXPLORE IN BRATISLAVA: Try exotic delicacies, make your own electronic kit, and attend festival for choirs and orchestras.
WHAT TO LEARN: Slovak Matters: Slovak language is rich in words for ugly.
WHAT TO READ: A Slovak American's dream of helping Slovakia qualify for Olympics in lacrosse.
WHAT TO BE HAPPY ABOUT: Slovak architects give new life to a 300-year-old house in Mallorca.
That's it for this week. Take care, and have a nice weekend!
