Wooden church in Topoľa (source: Courtesy of Spectacular Slovakia Travel Guide)
TRAVEL
Hiking Kľak, but which one?
Before you set out to conquer Kľak, you have to make sure you set your navigation to the right one. Yes, the right one, as there are actually three mountains bearing the same name. One is in the Malá Fatra mountain range, another in the nearby Veľká Fatra mountains, and yet another (the highest) in the Slovenské Rudohorie range in south-central Slovakia. The Slovak Spectator's Jana Liptáková hiked the first one, known for its distinctive rocky nose offering a 360-degree view of the surrounding country. Read her travel guide to learn more about the trail and see the views.
The Kľak hill in Malá Fatra mountains is a popular destination of hikers. (source: Jana Liptáková)
TIP: Cuckoo! Cuckoo! An enchanting rarity emerges in the middle of nowhere.
Discover Poloniny
Located in eastern-most Slovakia on the border with Poland and Ukraine, lies a beautiful national park called Poloniny. Forests, mountain meadows, waterfalls, bison, wolves, and complete darkness can be had in the area, with the last aspect coming especially useful because of the Perseids in the night sky these days (more on those below). This weekend offers the best opportunity to discover the distant area, with special events and experiences planned just for the occasion. Locals will invite you to their homes, allowing you not only to experience their hospitality, but to cook specialities, try traditional crafts and more. Find out more about the programme, activities, and where to find them on the official website of the event.
TIP: Poloniny is not only about natural beauty, visit the local people for an experience.
MISCELLANEOUS FUN
Observe a meteor shower
For night sky afficionados, it's that time of the year again. One of the best shooting star displays, the Perseids, are visible every year from around mid-July to late August. The Perseids result from our planet passing through pieces of ice and rock left behind by Comet Swift-Tuttle. The shower is currently increasing its activity, with the peak expected during the night of August 12-13. According to the Slovak Academy of Sciences, the best conditions to observe the meteor shower will be in the days ahead of the peak, which is this weekend. Although the Moon will be partially illuminated, it will set around midnight. A better view will be available move outside cities. The shower's radiant is in the constellation of Perseus in the north-eastern part of the night sky. You can use this light pollution map to find a good spot.
A shooting star from the Perseids meteor shower. (source: TASR)
Creative boat competition
On Sunday, all crazy and creative boat builders will descend upon Bratislava's Veľký Draždiak lake as the Veľká Vlna Fantázie (Big Fantasy Wave) competition is back. In other words, if you ever wanted to try whether your idea of a boat will float, this is the place to be. Bring your family, friends, colleagues and see how long will you stay dry. At the end of the day, band Medial Banana will perform. Find out more about the programme here.
Know your history
Once again, the town of Nitra, western Slovakia, will be home to a two-day event inspired by Great Moravia, the first major and predominantly Slavic state in Central Europe in the 9th century. Taking place on Saturday and Sunday, attendees will be able to learn more about its culture. For example, Buganka, the oldest restaurant in Nitra, will serve dishes inspired by the once great empire. In addition, there will be a guided tour through the Zobor Monastery with workshops, among other things. Learn more here.
The remains of the Zobor Monastery. (source: TASR)
FESTIVALS
Grape is here
The Grape music festival is once again returning to the Trenčín airport. This year the headliners such as Two Door Cinema Club, Son Mieux, Charlotte de Witte, Kiasmos and more will come all the way from the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Iceland, respectively. In addition, visitors will also get the chance to listen and dance to Czech and Slovak artists. Also, there are plenty of activities to choose from for a change of pace, such as various sport activities, dance battles, Urban Market and more. The festival takes place on August 9-10. Get your tickets here.
A bunch of grapes made of CDs at a previous version of the Grape festival. (source: TASR)
Craft beer all the way
And for beer afficionados, the central Slovak town of Banská Bystrica is the place to be on Friday and Saturday on the Námestie SNP square in the centre. Expect a lot of local craft beers. In addition, you can look forward to local musicians, singers and bands that will take it to the stage of the 5th edition of the Voľné Pódium (Free Stage) town music festival. Find out more about both here.
Illustrative image. (source: TASR)
MORE AND UPCOMING EVENTS
August 10: Dragon Days fairy-tale festival at Bratislava Castle
August 10, 17, 24, 31:Discover Abov region in eastern Slovakia using bike bus
August 11, 18, 25: Trnava Pipe Organ Days
August 14:Fencing training for children in Žilina
August 16-18: Lovestream music festival in Bratislava
August 16-18: Bratislava Coronation days
August 16-18:Trnavská Brána international folklore festival
August 17-18:Triathlon Festival in Žilina
August 18:Vietnam Day in Bratislava
August 21-23:Dobrofest 2024 international music festival dedicated to the dobro guitar
August 23-25:Kremnické Gagy humour and satire festival
August 24:International Jazz Festival in Špania Dolina
August 30-31: Uprising music festival
August 31: Dragon Days fairy-tale festival at Ľupča Castle
BEFORE YOU GO
WHAT TO DO FOR FREE: The interior of the Old Market Hall is filled with three monumental bubbles created by Slovak photographer and multimedia artist Lousy Auber.
WHAT TO EXPLORE IN BRATISLAVA: Come cheer for floorball players, go camping at a castle, dance by a fountain and more in this week's Top 10 events.
WHAT TO LEARN: John Palka, a retired Professor of Biology, is a first-generation immigrant to the United States. His parents and he were driven out from home twice for political reasons.
WHAT TO READ: In Myjava's hills, restaurant owners face tough times but find inspiration in brandy traditions.
WHAT TO BE HAPPY ABOUT: First blooming of 'world's smelliest flower' lures hundreds to Bratislava.
That's it for this week. Take care, and have a nice weekend!
