15 Dec 2024 14:30:00 GMT?.css-1txiau5-AnswerContainer{color:var(--GlobalColorScheme-Text-secondaryText2);}Skalica vs Zilina on Sun Predicted lineups are available for the match a few days in advance while the actual lineup will be available about an hour ahead of the match The current head to head record for the teams are Skalica 3 win(s) Have scored 11 goals in their last 5 matches 15 Dec 2024 14:30:00 GMT?Skalica vs Zilina on Sun 15 Dec 2024 14:30:00 GMT ended in a 0–0 tie.InsightsHave scored 4 goals in their last 5 matches Skalica is playing home against Zilina at Mestsky Stadion Skalica on Sun a push for experience-based tourism is reshaping how visitors explore its past and present You can read this exclusive content thanks to the FALATH & PARTNERS law firm which assists American people with Slovak roots in obtaining Slovak citizenship and reconnecting them with the land of their ancestors we pull up in front of a striking Art Nouveau building home to the local Tourist Information Office and a vibrant cultural hub eager to share not just plans for restoring the town’s historical treasures but also the evolving trends shaping tourism in this once free royal town.  “Tourists typically visit Skalica for two to three days but we aim to encourage them to return regularly for unique experiences,” explains Medňanská.   modern tourists are no longer satisfied with simply strolling around historical sites and churches while listening to stories of long-forgotten founders which boasts excellent acoustics,” she elaborates For those uninterested in churches or historic houses Skalica offers a range of technical monuments to explore visitors can access locations not typically open to the public including the historic building of the Špicer Brewery The renovation of the town icehouse is one of several projects funded by a cross-border cooperation programme (Interreg) with neighbouring Czechia Visitors will learn about the icehouse’s historical role as the town’s refrigerator we are nearing completion of the renovation of the historic pharmacy which will include antique furniture and equipment It is set to open in May,” says Medňanská Although the city’s tourist office offers guided tours of the monuments many visitors prefer to use an audio guide available via a mobile application "Everything about the city is narrated in three languages and we are also planning a guide in language suitable for children to ensure that kids are engaged without being overwhelmed by facts and figures," explains Medňanská An interesting initiative is the installation of “windows into the past” throughout the town These windows depict monuments that no longer exist because they were demolished or rebuilt Visitors arriving in Skalica at the end of May can sign up for a themed tour called “In the Footsteps of Skalica’s Specialities” which includes a demonstration of how to bake Skalický trdelník The town has its own trdelník bakery capable of producing 80 pieces per day but this often falls short due to high tourist demand Private companies therefore help meet this need It is unfortunate that to buy the famous trdelník one has to explore the side streets rather than find a shop directly on the main square the saleswoman is very friendly and offers us a larger version of the trdelník instead of the smaller one we had originally wanted Skalica plans to invest in expanding the port on the Baťa Canal with the assistance of EU funds the renowned entrepreneur Tomáš Baťa which is home to Slovakia’s only port Czechs state that the Baťa Canal ends in Skalica Construction work is already underway on the Czech side of the port while the Slovak side remains quiet as they await EU funding The Czechs are expanding the navigation channel to accommodate more tourist boats Access from Skalica to the port on the Baťa Canal is via a narrow asphalt road and pedestrians - a less than ideal situation having to navigate not only speed bumps but also potholes in the asphalt while driving “The port is located nearly four kilometres from the town centre which discourages many visitors from walking into town,” admits Medňanská the number of cyclists in the town is on the rise the town plans to construct a cycle path from Mondokov kříž to the neighbouring Sudoměřice in the Czech Republic “Czechs tend to be more enthusiastic visitors and cyclists than Slovaks so we aim to attract them to our town,” adds the head of tourism in Skalica reflects on the history of his family’s vineyard when his grandfather first planted vines in Novosady and built a wine cellar he could not have predicted that his descendants would carry on the tradition of grape growing and winemaking The journey to the current vineyards has not been easy the communist regime nationalised the vineyards uprooting them and converting the land into fields many winemakers in Skalica reclaimed their ancestral vineyards but later we began selling wine,” Kopeček recalls of the early days of the business they have faced challenges in expanding their vineyards due to the issue of land fragmentation in Slovakia which has made it difficult to acquire consolidated land The town of Skalica has decided to revive its winemaking tradition by planting several hectares of new vineyards Part of this land was rented by the Kopeček family they cultivate vines on 10 hectares and produce between 20,000 and 30,000 bottles of wine each year In addition to Kopeček’s wife Renáta Kopeček mentions that visitors primarily attend winemaker events and the Trdlofest The largest and oldest event is the Open Cellars Day in October when around 70 winemakers from Skalica showcase their wines This event attracts approximately 2,000 wine lovers from Slovakia the town and the civic association Vínna cesta Záhorie are working to draw visitors to the Vínna špacírka (wine wandering) This smaller event features 15 wineries from the region and offers visitors the chance to explore the town’s historical monuments with a guided tour Visitors can also enjoy local gastronomic specialties and live music Slovakia's territory has been part of different monarchies throughout history including the Austro-Hungarian Empire from 1867 until 1918 with the exception of the inter-war years 1939-1945 during which the Nazi-aligned Slovak state existed the territory was a part of Czechoslovakia the current names of Slovak municipalities are different than during that era Here's a list of the largest municipalities in Skalica district with their historical names stated in the brackets: Vrádište -  Várköz The full list of all Slovak municipalities, including their historical names, can be found at www.geni.sk (in Slovak only) Another attraction for visitors is the Summer at Skalica Winemakers event a different winemaker opens their winery each week Kopeček admits that attendance at the summer tastings is often low When asked why there are more wine travellers on the Czech side of the Morava River winemaker Kopeček struggles to provide a clear answer “I don’t know what they do differently since we also host events with open wine cellars Maybe it’s the quality of the service.” points out that the wine huts on the Czech side are concentrated in one area in Skalica they are spread out over several kilometres and some have been converted into family homes which discourages visitors,” she notes Kopeček also recalls that visitors often complain about the limited accommodation options directly in Skalica they must book rooms six months in advance the guesthouses tend to be less busy.  “We need to find a way to keep visitors here longer,” concludes Lucia Their family winery can host around 35 people for company events or family celebrations but they do not provide accommodation. Nor do they plan to open their own winery in the town centre as Kopeček believes it would not be profitable “There aren’t many visitors outside the summer season and the locals have their own wine,” he explains Visitors to Skalica can find three wine shops selling Skalica wine One is located on Štefániková Street another is tucked away near the Franciscan Church and the third is by the famous St George Chapel a wine with a protected designation of origin only a few major winemakers can afford to finance their own wine shops “Most other winemakers are small-scale producers who only make wine for their own consumption so they do not open wine shops in the city Their own wine cellar is sufficient for their needs,” concludes Kopeček beer enthusiasts can find a welcoming spot the Špicer craft brewery opened its doors The brewery’s name honours the last tenant of the Skalica city brewery The brewery is housed in a historic building constructed by Eliáš Berger who served as the court historian for several Hungarian kings from the Habsburg dynasty in the 16th century the house changed hands among various nobles until the 1920s when it was purchased by Slovaks returning to Skalica from America “They undertook extensive renovations of the house and its roof The area where the stainless steel beer tanks are now located was once a pub the beautiful historic building had a bowling alley and a dance hall,” explains Peter Tomčík He founded the business along with his brother and cousin Jánošík also proposed using the building for the brewery partly inspired by the traditional rivalry with the neighbouring town of Holíč “We plan to continue the traditions of Skalica which include not only trdelník but also beer brewing,” Tomčík explains he measures the sugar content of the beer and enthusiastically discusses both the history of the brewery and the beers they produce in honour of Ján Amos Komenský who briefly visited Skalica,” he shares visitors come to Skalica primarily for its gastronomy which is why he aims to offer them not only craft beer but also high-quality food at the brewery he also hopes to attract cyclists who pass by their brewery on the cycle route leading to Zlatnická dolina a well-known tourist destination near Skalica the border town is home to the only preserved windmill in Slovakia You can read this exclusive content thanks to the FALATH & PARTNERS law firm Visitors to Slovakia’s westernmost district, Skalica, would do well to begin their journey in Holíč, a border town steeped in history and flavour. You can explore this district through our Trnava Region guide One of the best places to start – especially if you are feeling peckish or in need of a drink – is Wywar Brewery a family-run establishment easily spotted from the main road this brewery not only serves high-quality craft beer but also dishes up hearty meals and oven-baked pizza They have named their restaurant Jozef II – paying tribute to the Austrian emperor left their mark on the town; Francis was instrumental in establishing Holíč’s first factories and farms “Don’t miss the restored duck house (kačenáreň),” urges Martin Kadlec one of the four brothers who run the family business dates back to the mid-18th century and was originally used for catching ducks it now serves as an information centre for tourists and provides access to the nearby Church of St Margaret of Antioch The attic houses archaeological finds from the surrounding area A helping hand in the heart of Europe: a travel guide to Slovakia the duck house also offered refreshments for tourists during the season Kadlec notes that the buffet is not operating as well as it could and draws a comparison with the village of Mikulčice “It’s a different world; they have better facilities for tourists including a restaurant and a lookout tower,” says the entrepreneur Mikulčice is best known for its archaeological park home to ancient monuments and a Slavic hillfort from the Great Moravian era One advantage is the cycle path near the duck farm which allows tourists to reach the reconstructed imperial stud farm in Kopčany or cross the Morava River via a cycle bridge to Mikulčice has been undergoing renovations for several years the castle was owned by Francis of Lorraine Although the main castle building appears worn with its façade still awaiting restoration the surrounding structures have been renovated The former stables now serve as the tourist information office a pleasant room houses two employees at work One of them kindly explains to visitors that the other renovated buildings include a wine bar and a café and that only one wing of the castle has been restored where visitors can also explore the chapel and the extensive castle cellars When asked about the sign prohibiting the feeding of nutria (a beaver-like animal) in front of the castle Zuzana Miklovičová from the tourist office smiles and explains that the animals had multiplied in the moat and were causing problems for the castle With the Trnava region travel guide in hand you’re sure to find that “Little Rome” is larger than life and ready to welcome you with open arms (and mead) “They are damaging the ramparts and gnawing on the ropes of boats used for sailing along the moat,” she tells The Slovak Spectator Holíč is home to the only preserved windmill in Slovakia Next to it stands a charming lookout tower offering views not only of the surrounding landscape but also of a large Jewish cemetery a region in western Slovakia bordering the Czech Republic and Austria was once home to one of the largest Jewish communities in the country St George Chapel: A Romanesque building from the turn of the 12th and 13th centuries Franciscan Monastery: Features a charming courtyard and a kitchen where Skalický trdelník Culture House: An Art Nouveau building designed by the renowned architect Dušan Jurkovič Ice House: A historic cellar once used for food storage Pilárik Brothers Mill: A reconstructed technical building with functional milling machines Zlatnická dolina: A recreational area ideal for cyclists Kamenná búda: A mountain hut nestled in the heart of the White Carpathians Duck Farm: A mid-18th-century farm building originally used for catching ducks Stud Farm: The grand former stud farm of Francis of Lorraine Church of St Margaret of Antioch: The oldest church in the Záhorie region Holíč Castle: A vast castle developed from a medieval water fortress Windmill: One of the oldest preserved brick windmills in Slovakia Lookout Tower on the Ridge: A 17-metre-high observation tower offering panoramic views of the town and surrounding area Unín Hillfort: One of the most picturesque hillforts in western Slovakia A helping hand in the heart of Europe thanks to our Slovakia travel guide with more than 1,000 photos and hundred of tourist spots Our detailed travel guide to the Tatras introduces you to the whole region around the Tatra mountains Lost in Bratislava? Impossible with our City Guide 08 Feb 2025 14:30:00 GMT?.css-1txiau5-AnswerContainer{color:var(--GlobalColorScheme-Text-secondaryText2);}DAC 1904 Dunajska Streda won 3–1 over Skalica on Sat The current head to head record for the teams are DAC 1904 Dunajska Streda 5 win(s) DAC 1904 Dunajska Streda haven't lost to Skalica in their last 5 meetings (4W, 1D). Have scored 3 goals in their last 5 matches 08 Feb 2025 14:30:00 GMT?DAC 1904 Dunajska Streda won 3–1 over Skalica on Sat 08 Feb 2025 14:30:00 GMT.InsightsHave scored 4 goals in their last 5 matches DAC 1904 Dunajska Streda haven't lost to Skalica in their last 5 meetings (4W DAC 1904 Dunajska Streda is playing home against Skalica at MOL Arena on Sat Slovakian startup tirn technology has been selected to be part of the EU-wide HUBCAP program tirn technology cooperates with SKAND Skalica to provide its zero-emission bus (ZEB) simulation service to efficiently decarbonize bus transportation We are excited to launch a project in our […] We are excited to launch a project in our home region with SKAND which brings insights and experience from public transportation and understands the industry challenges. At tirn technology,  we look forward to working closely with SKAND to build long-term relationships and design the ideal operation performed by zero-emission buses Tirn technology ZEB simulator has the goal of identifying the optimal bus model This technology provides the carrier SKAND (that operates together 21 lines and transports more than 1.5 million people a year) with predictions of the total cost of ownership and CO2 reduction The vision of tirn technology is “to create an easy and ready-to-use simulation software for collaboration between operators and manufacturers by using the current possibilities of A.I. and modern simulation models to shape the future of electric mobility faster Our platform zero-emission bus (ZEB) simulator identifies the optimal bus model This provides the users with better predictions of the total cost of ownership and CO2 reduction” “SKAND is a public transport operator with a long tradition and an innovative spirit We are excited to kick off this pilot project as we believe that a company with a long history ideally complement each other to work together on innovative services enabling the use of novel services and  tools also for other bus operators.” says  Lukáš Tisoň (CEO of SKAND Skalica spol s.r.o.) Juraj Majera (CEO of tirn technology) comments: “We are excited to launch a project in our home region with SKAND which brings insights and experience from public transportation and understands the industry challenges. At tirn technology,  we look forward to working closely with SKAND to build long-term relationships and design the ideal operation performed by zero-emission buses” HUBCAP is an exclusive network of Digital Innovation Hubs with the goal to bring new microelectronics-enabled products HUBCAP provides access to funding opportunities This provides the users with better predictions of the total cost of ownership and CO2 reduction © Copyright 2012 - 2025 | Vado e Torno Edizioni | All rights reserved | P.I Slovakia's Skalica district is looking for ways to offer unique experiences to tourists It is time for another edition of our Slovak Roots newsletter dedicated to the community of people with ties to Slovakia We are proud to have so many stories to share with you in this newest instalment we've got a few personal accounts as well You will learn about Slovak inventor Štefan Banič who is often called the inventor of parachute - a bit of an exagerrated myth really Our colleague Jozef Ryník visited the historic town of Skalica in western Slovakia and offers an account of how a push for experience-based tourism is reshaping how visitors explore its past and present You can also look forward to meeting Jason Whiteside a Slovak American whose distant ancestor was a wine barrel maker in Slovakia the former is very much invested in wine and would like for the world to get to know Slovak wines He seems to already have a plan to make that happen There seems to be a trend of Slovaks coming up with intriguing ideas after they emigrated to the US John Dopyera invented the influential Dobro guitar Jozef Murgaš contributed to radio development about whom we are going to talk this time around set out to design a new type of parachute upon witnessing a plane crash And he succeeded; he even got a patent for the design that ran counter to everything you can imagine about a parachute According to the head of the Tourist Information Office in Skalica tourists typically visit the town for two to three days the goal is to encourage them to return regularly for unique experiences What does that mean? For example, they can sing in the Jesuit Church with excellent acoustics. You’re not interested in churches, you say? The town boasts of many technical monuments, as well as historic spots Are you wondering where to start with your exploration of Slovakia's westernmost district? According to Ryník, you would do well to begin your journey in Holíč, a border town steeped in history and flavour. Here are tips on places he suggests visiting dating back to 7th century BC when Celtic settlers planted grapes on the hilly land north-east of Bratislava But it is not just the region around the Little Carpathians mountain range viticulture stretches across southern Slovakia all the way to the famous Tokaj region in eastern parts of the country Slovak-American Jason Whiteside, however, believes wine aficionados can find a unique set of flavours, varieties, and terroirs to study and discover in Slovakia's wine-making regions, and hopes to see more of these wines exported around the world A selection of feature stories published by The Slovak Spectator that we recommend reading: Reggae and Slovakia might seem like an unlikely pairing, but for the past 18 years, Rasťo Pružinec and Sveťo Moravčík - the driving force behind Uprising Festival, Slovakia's only reggae festival - have made it their mission to prove otherwise American Andrea Wulff says it has always been her dream to move to Europe as it has culture and landscapes, among other things that appeal to her. When Slovakia changed its legislation in 2022 to grant citizenship by descent to descendants of Slovak emigrants up to the great-grandchild generation, an opporunity like no other presented itself Lýdia Martinez Majdišová experienced the fall of the Twin Towers in New York, nine years of separation from her family, and a tough start running a business. Yet, she has never forgotten her Orava roots - both her children speak fluent Slovak From the very beginning of its early access phase, the upcoming Slovak video game 'Vivat Slovakia' based on real events, was completely in Slovak with English captions. It recently received a professional English voice-over, allowing its audience to grow and reach video game streamers from as far as Indonesia and Japan Eva Staroňová built a career in modelling but found her true calling in cultural diplomacy. In this interview, she discusses her journey in modelling, her efforts to promote Slovakia on the global stage, and the challenges of managing family life while living between continents More than 120 years have passed since Michael Mojher's family left Slovakia, yet their connection has never faded. A proud third-generation Slovak-American, Mojher grew up hearing stories of his great-grandfather—a man who left his homeland in the late 1800s, drawn by the promise of work in America's booming economy Would you like to share your story with us? Did you enjoy the newsletter? I would love to hear your thoughts, questions and feedback: matus.beno@spectator.sk or spectator@spectator.sk Slovakian startup tirn technology has won a pilot project announced by the Spanish carrier TUSGSAL and EIT Urban Mobility in search of an innovative solution to collaborate on the operator’s decarbonization strategy in Barcelona metropolitan area tirn technology ZEB simulator will identify the optimal bus model for TUSGSAL operations state-of-charge along the bus service and charging strategy ZEB simulator provided by tirn technology will provide Tusgsal also predictions of the total cost of ownership and CO2 reduction to improve the overall bus service In May 2022 the IT company was selected to be part of the EU-wide HUBCAP program, cooperarating with SKAND Skalica. We are proud to kick off the pilot project with TUSGSAL, enabling them to get clear predictions of their future operations and scaling their electric fleet more cost-efficiently. What makes us super excited, it’s the fact that they have opted for innovative solutions like ours over traditional telematics, confirming the value of our unique approach. With our shared ambitions to decarbonize bus transportation, we hope to continue supporting them beyond the pilot project In addition to the pilot project with the TUSGSAL, tirn technology has received access to coaching, mentoring, workshops, networking, and conferences as part of the EIT Urban mobility Scale-up program coordinated by PowerHUB. © Copyright 2012 - 2025 | Vado e Torno Edizioni | All rights reserved | P.I. : 08514160152 03 May 2025 16:00:00 GMT?.css-1txiau5-AnswerContainer{color:var(--GlobalColorScheme-Text-secondaryText2);}Komarno vs Trencin on Sat The current head to head record for the teams are Komarno 1 win(s) Have scored 10 goals in their last 5 matches 03 May 2025 16:00:00 GMT?Komarno vs Trencin on Sat 03 May 2025 16:00:00 GMT ended in a 0–0 tie.InsightsHave scored 3 goals in their last 5 matches Komarno is playing home against Trencin at Stadion FC Vion on Sat and Slovakia isn’t giving up on Russian oil just yet Good evening. Here is theThursday, September 12edition of Today in Slovakia - the main news of the day in less than five minutes Heavy rainfall forecasted for the coming days threatens severe flooding in western Slovakia’s Záhorie region, which lies within the Morava River basin. Due to rising water levels in the Morava and Danube rivers, the Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute has issued a third-level flood warning for the districts of Myjava while the rest of north-western Slovakia is under a second-level alert “It’s likely that smaller streams and brooks will overflow first, causing problems in the hilly areas of western and north-western Slovakia. There is also a risk of the Morava River overflowing, where dry polders and designated flood zones may not be sufficient. Unfortunately, many people have built structures within these flood zones,” the Institute wrote on its website are well protected by dams and embankments The most critical situation is anticipated from Saturday evening onwards Meteorologists are forecasting persistent and heavy rain in western and north-western Slovakia with total precipitation ranging from 100 to 180 millimetres from Thursday to Sunday Rainfall is expected to decrease towards the east Reports in the media suggesting a 1,000-year flood on the Danube are being met with scepticism from meteorologists Similar claims were made during the summer floods in Germany and Austria when media outlets referred to them as 1,000-year events the rise in the Danube’s water level in Slovakia did not reflect such extreme conditions Weekend temperatures are predicted to be unusually low for this time of year “This situation should conclude between Monday and Tuesday after which temperatures are expected to rise,” meteorologist Cyril Siman said on Thursday river levels are anticipated to begin decreasing Police: Bratislava Municipal Police advises residents to check weather updates They also recommend limiting outdoor activities to an essential minimum Travel: Železničná spoločnosť Slovensko (ZSSK), Slovakia’s train company, has warned of potential delays to rail services due to adverse weather conditions expected in the coming days. Information on disruptions and changes to rail services are available on several platforms Energy: Slovakia’s Slovnaft refinery will continue purchasing Russian oil amid geopolitical tensions Sport:ASlovak basketball player shines as an NBA prospect Taxes: A tax on sugary drinks and tobacco products is expected to bolster Slovakia’s budget by millions of euros Tourism: The waters of the Zemplínska šírava reservoir in eastern Slovakia once again welcome its largest visitor attraction - a cruise ship Opinion: Within EU, Slovakia’s tax burden on labour is too high If you like what we are doing and want to support good journalism, buy our online subscription with no ads and a print copy of The Slovak Spectator sent to your home in Slovakia In the early Middle Ages, Europe was densely forested, with the first settlements emerging only after decades of extensive logging. In what is now Slovakia, these forests persisted longer due to the region’s isolation and rugged terrain fostering activities like logging and charcoal burning linked to the nearby metallurgical city of Banská Bystrica later evolving into Dolný Jelenec and eventually inspiring other nearby settlements such as Horný Jelenec and Prašnica which is still set to go ahead despite the weather forecast The festival will take place at the German Cultural House In Poprad, eastern Slovakia, another rally for democracy took place in the city centre on Thursday with participants expressing their dissatisfaction with the current government’s actions featured attendees using bells with the logo of the platform Poprad for Democracy and included a call to “ring for democracy” Organisers estimated around 450 people attended an extraordinary parliamentary session began concerning the proposal to dismiss Michal Šimečka (Progressive Slovakia) from his position as deputy speaker of parliament The motion was initiated by coalition MPs from Smer and SNS who seek his removal due to allegations that organisations linked to his relatives received state subsidies some coalition MPs or their relatives also received state subsidies but they do not seem to see this as a problem The coalition also accuses Šimečka of influencing subsidy allocation processes and polarising society but coalition MPs were unable to present any evidence supporting their reasons for Šimečka’s dismissal The vote is scheduled to take place next Tuesday The Slovak Arts Council was an independent cultural fund before the Culture Ministry gained greater influence over it in the summer The European Court of Justice has ruled in the case between the European Commission and Slovakia concerning solid waste landfills The court found that Slovakia had failed to rehabilitate and close 21 landfills that do not meet the requirements of the EU landfill directive Slovakia is in breach of EU regulations on waste management The ruling does not impose any financial penalties on Slovakia If you have suggestions on how our news overview can be improved you can reach us at editorial@spectator.sk Follow The Slovak Spectator on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram(@slovakspectator) Dine at the restaurant that hosted two presidents In the picturesque Myjava region of western Slovakia where small farms are nestled among undulating hills a deep-rooted tradition of distillation thrives which yield an abundance of high-quality plums some rare hemlocks stand as silent witnesses to centuries gone by with lifespans extending up to 300 years and requiring decades to fully mature This unique agricultural bounty has spurred local entrepreneurs to craft exquisite fruit distillates sustaining a proud heritage and a burgeoning local industry Nestled in the town of Stará Turá the distillery affiliated with the craft brewery Turák & vnuk offers a delightful escape Visitors can indulge in high-quality spirits and beers all while savouring a meal in a quaint restaurant that boasts panoramic views of the idyllic countryside In the town of Myjava, one finds another distillery well worth the visit, Myjavská pálenica This establishment is not only a feast for the palate but also for the eyes with its striking brick-lined exterior and view of gleaming copper cauldrons where high-quality distillates are meticulously crafted Much like the well-known Turák & vnuk brewery this distillery offers tasting experiences complemented by carefully curated food pairings For those who lean towards a more caffeinated indulgence Café CoolTura in nearby Stará Turá provides a delightful alternative This cosy spot serves up quality coffee sourced from a Slovak roaster alongside a selection of house-made lemonades and delectable desserts making it a perfect destination for coffee aficionados and sweet tooths alike five-acre family farm has been lovingly tended by Patrícia and Jaroslav Zemans since 2019 which included a house and a spacious garden the couple cultivates 800 lavender bushes behind their home "We grow two varieties of lavender: one edible and one inedible," Patrícia explains "The edible variety can be used to make syrup The inedible variety is utilised for making oil the couple assembles gift packages for customers Their farm is a popular destination for wedding photo shoots and they also offer self-harvesting opportunities for lavender but we receive many orders for wedding baskets especially from eastern Slovakia,” Patrícia said the couple experienced their most successful season attracting around 200 visitors to their farm for self-harvesting over a single weekend they realised they were working 16-hour days they decided to cancel the farm photoshoot as the preparations proved too time-consuming While they continue to offer self-harvesting they have also begun harvesting for themselves "We wouldn't be able to pay workers." the couple remains optimistic about the future They recently purchased a sewing and embroidery machine to create folk designs on T-shirts with plans to expand the sale of local products through an online store They have also opened a new shop in Myjava the Na nátoni restaurant in Myjava - a cellar built on the foundations of an old cottage - offers a taste of traditional local dishes alongside specialties from global cuisines Rastislav Viskup prioritises local sourcing for his ingredients He sources meat from the local company Svaman cheese from a sheep farm in a nearby Moravian village and vegetables and herbs from the Vlčí mak farm in Gbely located in the Záhorie region in the far west of Slovakia The restaurant focuses on providing a personalised experience for guests and offers special events and catering services in addition to regular dining as the establishment specialises in tasting and grilling menus Viskup envisions Myjava and its surrounding hills and scattered settlements as a prime destination for gastronomic tourism He believes that visitors can enjoy a meal at the restaurant while exploring the area on foot or by bike Viskup also proudly recounts that both former President Andrej Kiska and former President Zuzana Čaputová have dined at his establishment While he welcomes the increase in tourism to the region Viskup suggests that more promotional efforts are needed He points out that the Myjava hills are easily accessible from Bratislava and offer stunning natural landscapes ideal for walking and cycling He advocates for enhanced support in developing accommodation and dining facilities to cater to growing visitor numbers Viskup hopes to expand the restaurant's hours of operation while maintaining its high standards recommends the restaurant and guesthouse Holotéch víška in the village of Košariská Housed in a tastefully renovated historic building tourists can also visit the restaurant Gurmán for a tasty meal Another option is the recently renovated Gregorov mlyn in Hradište pod Vrátnom which also operates only on weekends and by special arrangement Tourists have the opportunity to discover many hidden gems in the hills of Myjava encountered only by chance or through local recommendations a member of the civic association Odkaz Štefánik notes that while the area boasts numerous intriguing sites they lack a network or system to get the word out visitors may be unaware of unique attractions such as the manual paper production in the nearby village of Prietrž Zekucia is encouraged by the emergence of positive developments in the region which are creating beloved destinations that people look forward to revisiting Observatory and Habánsky mlyn (mill) M.R. Štefánik Museum Košariská: The exhibition highlights key moments in the life of General Milan Rastislav Štefánik Mohyla pod Bradlom: A significant architectural monument this site is the final resting place of M.R Štefánik and three Italian pilots FarmaPARK in Lubina is an ideal destination for families with children The park offers a chance to see a variety of animals as well as more exotic creatures like camels and kangaroos Prameň na súši in Súš Stará Turá: A Christian centre for young people and families also serves as a hub for local production Záhrada Podjavorina Blue little houses Chata Bradlo Štefánik Barrow on the Bradlo Holubyho chata Veľká Javorina: A well-known tourist lodge in the White Carpathians on the border of the Czech Republic and Slovakia Hostinec U Klačkov a pension and restaurant with good food and local products Biomila SK Herbex Hand-made paper production Branč castle ruins A helping hand in the heart of Europe thanks to our Slovakia travel guide with more than 1,000 photos and hundred of tourist spots Our detailed travel guide to the Tatras introduces you to the whole region around the Tatra mountains Lost in Bratislava? It's impossible with our City Guide Skalica is the most unjustly overlooked city in Slovakia with mediaeval architecture During my travels I have discussed the nation’s top tourist draws with hundreds of locals across the country When I drop the border town into conversation far more often than not my interlocutor says dubiously: “Really (The area has been inhabited since 4000 BC.) It became a key European town with the fall of the Great Moravian Empire when as it was known then - found itself straddling the boundary between the Hungarian and Czech Kingdoms To strengthen the kingdom’s western border Hungarian King Ľudovít I saw to it that Skalica was rapidly developed He gave it the status of Free Royal Town in 1372 and thus Skalica grew into a major economic and cultural centre of the region Crafts and trade flourished; several churches were built Skalica grew into one of the richest towns in the kingdom The Old Town is still laid out according to the original medieval urban plan which included two kilometres of town fortification walls built in the 15th century The walls were eight metres tall and nearly two metres thick being a border town had its drawbacks and Skalica suffered its share of invasions and foreign diseases the town core has survived and today remains remarkably undiminished The Jesuit Church and Monastery: built between 1693 and 1724 Two towers at each end of the front jut above the street to give Skalica one of its signature features Jesuits first came to Skalica in 1660 and two years later opened a secondary school clearing the way for the Paulist order to move in Next to the church is the Charnel House of St The Church and Monastery of the Merciful Brethren: built in the 17th century as an Evangelical church it was first inhabited by the Jesuits and later still by the Carmelites The Merciful Brethren moved in around 1800 and stayed until 1950 the Brethren became know for their self-sacrificial ways and humanitarian deeds and offered spiritual guidance to anyone seeking it The Church and Monastery of the Franciscans: the Franciscans settled in Skalica in the early 15th century and began building the church in 1467 The interior is decorated in the baroque style and dates back to the 18th century A theological school established here in 1561 was home to the town’s largest library The House for the Destitute: a Gothic building built in 1431 to house the needy The adjoining Chapel of St Elizabeth is vaulted and designed in the late renaissance style Urban: built in the 18th century in the vineyard area just outside town the miniature church is dedicated to St Urban Skalica’s most recognisable monument is the Rotunda Sv found on a hill just north of the city centre The structure is so old that historians do not actually know when it was first erected What is known is that in 1372 it was rebuilt in the Gothic style and that it was incorporated into the town fortification system the next century Thus the upper half of the building was used for military purposes while the lower section retained its function as a chapel the rotunda was recast in the baroque style it assumes today The rotunda hill offers the best view of Skalica The city’s several churches are visible (please see sidebar) as are the red-tiled roofs of the Old Town buildings and bottles of local wine feature this view on its label also known as Slovenský dom (Slovak House) is where the tourist information centre is located The building is characterised by its decorative facade with several colourful frescoes Next door is the Záhorské Museum Skalica will always be my city of Slovak firsts Skalica is the first town outside Bratislava I visited I took my first shot of home-made (domáca) Slovak alcohol here saw my first hockey match (Skalica beat Trenčín 5-2) Skalica is where I encountered my first serious dose of Slovak hospitality My friend Rado brought me here in October 1997 we headed into the hills south of the city to meet his father at the family chata Virtually every Slovak family owns a chata where neighbours help construct the charming dwellings with no expectations of reward beyond a home-cooked meal at the end of the day and his neighbour Peter were in the basement stirring a tub of fermenting wine grapes Rado’s dad drew samples from different jugs of wine in various stages of maturation What followed was a jolly evening of sampling the delicious víno and eventually retiring to a loft under the eaves where four comfortable beds awaited It was a slice of life I had never before known Visibly pleased that I had so thoroughly enjoyed my visit brought me to the wine cellar and showed me which vintages were drinkable then instructed me to help myself to anything including the vegetables growing outside in the garden returned and asked me to help Peter build a fence on his adjacent plot of land so Peter’s wife stood nearby with a bottle of domáca borovička a fiery moonshine made from juniper berries we downed five or six shots - ‘to keep warm’ Peter and his wife had naturally prepared a feast for us in thanks for our help While more shots were poured and bottles of beer opened Peter’s wife produced a steaming tray of jaternica a particularly fatty and oily home-made sausage encased in a thin intestinal lining Our Spectacular Slovakia travel guides are available in our online shop returned to introduce me to the neighbours and genuinely made to feel like a member of the family Although we did not speak a common language The feeling they gave me was that I could visit any time and be instantly welcomed back into the chata community as if I had never left That is what I will always remember about Skalica Five years after I visited the town for the first time I spend the day taking in the sites and researching the town’s history while walking through a little park on the outskirts of town I freeze with a sudden sense of recognition It’s been so long that I did not think I could find my way back to the chata But everything rushes back: I follow a one-lane road out of town The hills rise up to the south and a smattering of cottages become visible At the third left heading up into a valley is a Virgin Mary statue was sitting in the garden drinking a glass of wine with Peter that they stared at me with a look of vague recognition - and reminded them of my week in the hills way back when that we drank wine and watched the sun go down for this is precisely the image I so clearly played over and over again in my mind as I walked into the hills So I snapped a photo and relived all the memories And then I headed back to Skalica to catch the last train out of town A helping hand in the heart of Europe thanks to the Slovakia travel guide with more than 1,000 photos and hundred of tourist spots Detailed travel guide to the Tatras introduces you to the whole region around the Tatra mountains Lost in Bratislava? Impossible with our City Guide IM Raja Rithvik R beat GM Valentina Gunina in a must-win final round to score his second GM-norm at Skalica Chess Festival 2021 in the Open section Rithvik scored an impressive 7.0/9 to finish sole second with a performance of 2616 a beautifully crafted trophy and €500 as his prize India's 67th GM and Skalica Open 2020 winner Leon Luke Mendonca scored 5.5/9 finished a half point behind the winner Anton Korobov (UKR) and runner-up Vitaliy Bernadskiy (UKR) to secure third place He also won a trophy and €800 for his efforts Check out the article to find Rithvik's epic win over Gunina and also Leon's triumph over Bernadskiy and draw with Korobov The 17-year-old IM Raja Rithvik R is a former National under-15 and under-17 champion. He also scored his first GM-norm at Elllobregat Open 2019 The Covid-19 pandemic delayed his opportunity to travel and play over-the-board tournaments he has been working hard with N V S Ramaraju at RACE (Ramaraju Academy of Chess Education) and Ukrainian coach GM Alexander Goloshchapov After missing out his second GM-norm by a whisker on several occasion GM Leon Luke Mendonca made his mark by finishing third 5.5/9 in the Masters section He drew with the eventual champion Anton Korobov 6.0/9 and defeated the eventual runner-up Vitaliy Bernadskiy 6.0/9 Leon gained 6.0 Elo rating points in the process two draws and suffered only one loss against the eventual champion GM Jergus Pechac The most important was against GM Valentina Gunina in the final round as it was a must-win situation for him to score his second GM-norm Gunina has already sacrificed a knight to expose Black's kingside Draw was the best result White could gain out of this position 21.Nf7+ Rxf7 22.Qxf7 Bxg2 and now White cannot win the game with either 23.Qxe7 or Kxg2 both are devoid of winning chances for White The three-time Russian and European individual champion went for 21.e4 Despite Black's king seeming more vulnerable than White's 38...e4 was played and Rithvik showed staunch defence and went on to beat Gunina in her own game something which she prefers and thrives on This win allowed Rithvik to score his second GM-norm and finish second in the overall standings in the Open section Rithvik defeated the eventual second runner-up GM Friso Nijboer (NED) Rithvik executed a fantastic plan and won the game in another eight moves Leon defeated the eventual runner-up GM Vitaliy Bernadskiy (UKR) in the fifth round Black had to play 25...Rxd5 as 25...Nxd5 costs material Leon drew with four-time Ukraine champion GM Anton Korobov in the sixth round Find out how can Black save the game after 40.Kg1 Complete standings Details Skalický Šachový festival fb We have launched the ChessBase India App. Check out this amazing resource! Android for now - Download the app now Follow Tweets by @ChessbaseIndia ChessBase India is proud to be the official partner of chessbase.com reporting on events in India Like our Facebook page for more Indian chess updates The all new ChessBase Premium Account which gives you access to ten amazing online ChessBase services like PlayChess Become a part of the ever-growing ChessBase India Youtube Channel. Subscribe now and stay update with our awesome video content.  and impeccable streets; these are the first things I notice when I wander through the centre I hop on a train towards Kúty where I have three minutes to find my connection to Skalica I prepare for my mad dash towards the next train at Kúty but when I arrive at the tiny station where an even smaller train patiently awaits The trip to Skalica is short and fairly amusing Every bump on the track vibrates beneath my feet while the scenery outside of the dusty window grows more green and lush the train arrives in Skalica with a screeching halt and I follow a small throng of people off of the platform and into the city centre Skalica bears a remarkable resemblance to all of those cute little hamlets you find in animated Disney films The buildings stand in perfect lines with colourful patterned faces that catch the sunlight just right fit with a bell tower luxuriating in the beautiful view below a friendly group of students give me a briefing of the church’s history is gorgeous but I soon discover that the small city of Skalica has many churches with equally-grand interiors When I ask locals what I should see in Skalica their responses are usually the same: “We have many churches” a familiar and completely out-of-place song lures me back outside My ears do not deceive me; someone is indeed singing “Born to Be Wild” as I tour around a 14th century church My day in Skalica proves to be an amusingly musical one as acapella groups and Snow White takes to the stage to celebrate Káčer na Bicykli The event is organised by Peter Káčer a cyclist with polio cerebral palsy who does all he can to help others through charity rides raising money for those in difficult life situations that can’t help themselves the atmosphere is joyous and inspirational during the event on my brief walk around the central square and inflatable noise machine to cheer on the riders as they circle Old Town and disabled riders move as one around and around the centre displaying a beautiful picture of togetherness The celebratory feeling surrounding the day is infectious so I sit in the central park for a long time watching the riders pass by while a group of young men in medieval costumes practice duelling with wooden swords arguably one of Skalica’s most famous symbols The beautiful stone building stands in solitude in an elevated field peaking above the picturesque border of Old Town Built in the medieval times when Skalica enjoyed the privileges of a Free Royal Town Juraj’s Rotunda is a must-see attraction and the perfect place to learn more about Skalica’s history Just opposite of the rotunda is a field of crosses was first built in 1703-1710 by the monastic order of Jesuits It consisted of three crosses and statues honouring the Virgin Mary fourteen other stone stations with crosses were built in 1817 With a beautiful view of Skalica framed by tall crosses Calvary is an important part of town and enjoyed by tourists and locals alike a trip to Skalica is not complete without a taste of Skalický trdelník delicious spit cake that can be smelt a mile away by the time I reach the trdenlík stand it’s sadly closed but I manage to recover from this crushing blow with a kinder egg gelato paired perfectly with some reading in the park After I see all I can of Skalica and read in time with the Slovak children singing “Hakuna Matata” on stage I head toward the train station around four only to realize that the train to Kúty left fifteen minutes ago I have to wait another two hours to catch the next one The station attendant watches me with amusement during his smoke breaks as I plop down on another bench and read the next two hours away the dynamic beauty of it dissolving any need to look at the clock The journey back to Bratislava is quick and painless and when I get off the train at the main station I promise myself to make the trip again soon - this time with a proper tasting of trdelník This article was created with the support of Železničná Spoločnosť Slovensko (ZSSK) who provided the author with return train tickets from Bratislava to Skalica All News FIDE News Chess News Top Top Federations Main Page / Search Tournaments Titles Transfers Calculators Download FIDE Circuit Women's Events '24-'25 Open Cycle 2025-2026 Women’s Cycle 2025-2026 Women’s Cycle 2023-2025 All Tournaments Main Events About FIDE Handbook Documents Financial Reports Officials Commissions & Committees Federations Affiliated Organizations Affiliated Members Honourable Dignitaries Chart a chess forum financially supported by the FIDE Aid Package took place in the town of Skalica (Slovakia) from August 20-28 To the delight of local fans, two Slovakian players, IM Filip Haring and GM Jergus Pechac (who was recently awarded Gligoric Tropy 2021) with the former coming out on top thanks to a slightly better Buchholz The 19-year-old Haring was in the leading pack from start to finish and deservedly took the title Pranav Anand (India) and Gergely Aczel (Hungary) finished a half point behind Haring and Pechac and shared third place Photo: Skalický Šachový festival Facebook page Official website: chessslovakopen.sk/ © 2025 FIDE International Chess Federation stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any way or by any means (including photocopying recording or storing it in any medium by electronic means) without the written permission of FIDE International Chess Federation sugar-coated sweet has become ubiquitous in Prague But despite being billed as "traditionally" Czech In February 2023, newly-minted United States ambassador to the Czech Republic, Bijan Sabet uploaded some of his first photos as ambassador to Instagram The now-deleted post included a couple of shots of cobblestone streets near the US Embassy in Prague and a photo of him holding an ice cream-topped trdelník what was all the fuss about and how did a pastry cause an international political scandal The scent of caramelised sugar and baked dough wafts from these shops perhaps because they are long-ish and tubular trdelník gets its name from the stick it slowly spins on as it cooks over coals (trdlo means "stick" in Czech) The issue is that the trdelník isn't Czech: it's a sugar-coated riddle wrapped in a doughy mystery inside an ice cream-topped enigma of nebulous origins that tourists appear to love many locals say travellers to their country are being duped into thinking they're indulging in something inherently Czech I decided to try to peel back the flaky dough of the trdelník in order to understand this culinary conundrum and how it came to be a favourite "old Czech specialty" among the tourist masses According to a Romanian newspaper the first-known mention of the trdelknik is in a mid-15th-Century manuscript in Heidelberg it turned up in a cookbook in Transylvania the pastry slowly made its way west from Transylvania anchoring itself throughout Hungary where today it's called kürtöskalács and eventually finding a warm welcome in the Slovakian town of Skalica The fact that Skalica became part of Czechoslovakia might partly explain how the pastry ended up catching the attention of Czechs entrepreneurs decades later The first trdelník shop in the Czech Republic didn't fire up its dough-cooking coals until 2004, when Martin Figura opened a bakery in the country's eastern Moravia region. On his business's website opened a trdelník stand in the southern Bohemian tourist town of Česky Krumlov in 2005 and I copied their business," he told me referring to the first few people who opened up trdelník bakeries in the country trdelník shops started opening in Prague a year or two later someone got the brilliant idea to begin offering a scoop of ice cream on top of the dish and the city's new made-for-tourist dessert was complete Back in Prague, I met up with Janek Rubeš, a journalist whose YouTube channel, the Honest Guide he reveals some local favourites for eating and drinking in Prague but he has also been very vocal about the trdelník which has made him the face of anti-trdelník sentiment in his hometown One of the reasons why the trdelník is so popular with tourists in Prague can be boiled down to a simple and effective marketing technique "My mom used to work for an international restaurant chain and she used to say: if you can smell it and see it from the street you're likely going to be enticed to try it," Rubeš said Rubeš isn't the only Prague resident who is annoyed by the ubiquity of the trdelník and its false association with Czech culinary culture two theatre students at the  Academy of Performing Arts in Prague made a trdelník-themed project created a life-size trdelník costume for Danny Takieddin Scrawled in large letters on the backside of the costume was: "I AM NOT CZECH TRADITION" The two of them hit the streets of central Prague as Hubená filmed Takieddin's interactions with tourists Sometimes the life-size trdelník with legs would be standing next to trdelník-eating tourists – most of whom didn't get the irony thinking that the plus-sized pastry was actually promoting a trdelník shop "Mostly only local Czechs appreciated it," said Hubená "Even a homeless guy yelled out at us Prague doesn't have a street food tradition stodgy fare that pairs nicely with a golden-hued pilsner I can't help but feel that trdelník shop owners are reimagining Czech history for their own financial benefit The trdelník industry is betting that most visitors to Prague won't have an extensive knowledge of Czech cuisine Case in point: the American ambassador to the Czech Republic of the ambassador's "TrdelníkGate" photo "If you walk through the centre of Prague and see so many shops selling trdelník you're going to assume it's a big part of Czech culinary culture."  There are no statistics on the number of trdelník spots in the country but there is no denying that the trdelník industry has shadowed the rise in tourism "The hostility from local Czechs seems powerless vis-à-vis the pervasiveness of Prague's growing tourism industry." The trdelník can be seen as a way to appease travellers seeking out something that appears to be authentically Czech – a sugar-coated symbol of how tourism has transformed the city into something it didn't use to be Juliana Fischerová "The trdelník likely made its way to Prague because of the festival circuit which was the only time Czechs would see the pastry up until recent times."  • A chicken recipe so good its origin is being fought in court • The English wine that's rivalling Champagne • The underground pasta school in an abandoned Italian ghost town Fisherová first started seeing trdelník pastries spinning on sticks in Prague about 20 years ago and remembered she had seen the pastry in Slovakia long before that it's half the size and twice the price," she said is that they use very low-quality ingredients at the trdelník shops in Prague And don't get me started on the quality of the ice cream." Fischerová says that it won’t be long before the pastry enters the canon of Czech cuisine "Fried cheese isn't inherently Czech either but it's been eaten here so long that it's now part of our culinary tradition [It's] on every pub menu all over the country and with the exception of Czech food historians no one questions the authenticity of it." "Authenticity" is a word that popped up over and over in my research on the trdelník The problem is that "authenticity" is a social construct a subjective term based on a collective perception so what may seem authentic to one person could feel inauthentic to another There was an Easter market on Prague's Old Town Square while I was visiting I asked several trdelník stand employees if the pastry was an authentic Czech product I then approached a stand selling lángos (fried bread that is indisputably tied to Hungary) "Is lángos an authentic Czech street food?" I disingenuously asked the woman at the stall Trdelník purveyors in Prague are engaging in what sociologists call "impression management" By evoking an imagined historical community of costume-clad Bohemians cooking the trdelník on a stick over coals they're not only commodifying the culture of neighbouring nations but selling visitors a fabricated version of their own But does any of this really matter when hordes of tourists are literally and figuratively eating up the trdelnik When I finished chatting with Rubeš at a cafe in central Prague Rubeš spotted a sanitary worker emptying public rubbish bins and asked the worker "What is the most common thing that you find in the trash in the centre of Prague?" The sanitation worker rolled his eyes and said When tourists eat through the ice cream towards the top I have to confess that after witnessing the birth and extreme growth of Prague's trdelník industry over the last 20 years I purchased a sugar-coated pastry (minus the add-on ice cream) at a stand at the Old Town Square It was flaky and soft but so bland it was almost tasteless Like nearly every trdelník-consuming tourist in Prague I ate about half of it before it got cold and rigor mortis-like CORRECTION: A previous version of this story incorrectly listed the country where Skalica is located If you liked this story, sign up for The Essential List newsletter – a handpicked selection of features For more Travel stories from the BBC, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram. Inside one of the world's most remote restaurants'Off-Map Destination' winner Wolfgat offers a menu made from hyper-local and foraged ingredients. 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Skalica’s special feature is so-called búdy When visiting the home of the famous dessert Skalica locals are sure to introduce you to the charms of their local red wine Not everyone knows how well these two local delicacies go together “Everybody says dry red wine can’t go with sweet cake but after tasting this combination they were surprised to find how tasty it really is,” Ľudovít Bránecký Skalický Trdelník cake was registered as Slovakia’s first product within the EU scheme which promotes and protects local quality agricultural products and foodstuffs when it won the Protected Geographical Indication label in 2007 joined 10 years later when it received the Protected Designation of Origin label The red dry cuvée Skalický Rubín is a terroir wine produced exclusively from Blaufränkish (Frankovka modrá) Saint Laurent (Svätovavrinecké) and Blue Portugal (Modrý Portugal) Blaufränkish is prominent in the wine and it needs to comprise at least 70 percent of the final wine Grapes for the Rubín must originate from vineyards exclusively around Vintoperk Hill in the White Carpathian mountains on a territory of about 50 square kilometres The rest of this article is premium content at Spectator.skSubscribe now for full access Immediate access to all locked articles (premium content) on Spectator.sk Special weekly news summary + an audio recording with a weekly news summary to listen to at your convenience (received on a weekly basis directly to your e-mail) PDF version of the latest issue of our newspaper Access to all premium content on Sme.sk and Korzar.sk Source: footballghana.com « Prev Next » Comments (0) Listen to Article Ghanaian international The Czech hotel sector saw a transaction volume of EUR 340 miln in Q1 2025 Prime rents in Prague city centre reached EUR 30 in the first quarter of the year and the vacancy rate continues to decline according to the latest research from Prague Research Forum Segro European Logistics Partnership (SELP) has acquired a fully 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Serbia BIG Poland has announced the acquisition of Power Park Olsztyn a shopping centre located in the southern part of Olsztyn This strategic investment reinforces the company’s commitment to expanding its presence in Poland’s retail sector through high-quality assets Spring has very much sprung and everywhere is bathed in the first warm sunshine of the year I have in the back of my mind the terrifying fo .. The Polish warehouse market has finally stabilised after the post-pandemic boom but new challenges and opportunities are on the horizon for the sector UBM Development has been given the go-ahead for the first wooden office building in Poland: Timber Park in Poleczki Business Park in Warsaw The office market in Warsaw is currently experiencing a period of stability in terms of supply and take-up Recent data on overall tenant activity indicates that clients in the cap .. Receive all the latest information from the world of real estate by e-mail the construction of the Aura residential building designed by Robert Konieczny's office KWK Promes According to a report by research company Spectis “Construction companies in Poland 2025-2030” the total revenues of the 300 leading construction gro .. The Globalworth Foundation has provided the authorities in Bucharest with office space for a Covid vaccination centre Panattoni BTS and Commercecon together support the establishment of the second Centaurus Foundation centre in Poland to help horses and other animals intends to focus on operations in other reg .. Six class A office buildings in the PRO Portfolio which is jointly owned by PineBridge Benson Elliot and Sharow Capital have been granted BREEAM In-U .. Who won this year's 14th edition of the Eurobuild Awards The jury and guests gathered at the Double Tree by Hilton hotel in Warsaw chose this year's .. Enjoy the last set of recordings with comments straight from this year's MIPIM we asked experts from our home country for their input will take place on 9-10 April 2025 at the Norblin Factory Event Hall in W .. we invite you to hot episode of the "Eye to eye" podcast The UN Nansen Refugee Award award will go to Poland for the first time According to the office of the UNHCR High Commissioner this year's regional wi .. Czech developer CTP has been granted a EUR 200 mln loan from the European Investment Bank for the roll-out of its large-scale solar panel installation .. The hotel market in Bucharest continued its recovery in 2024 while the ADR has finally surpassed the milestone .. Jarosław Szanajca plans to resign from the position of president of the management board of Dom Development at the end of the year and join the superv .. The Polish and Danish governments have entered preliminary discussions for the construction of a tunnel between Szczecin and Copenhagen underneath the .. Viterra has moved into its ​​new 1,500 sqm offices in Olivia Prime part of the Olivia Centre business complex in Gdańsk Panattoni has acquired two properties near Gothenburg The brownfield sites will be replaced by a modern 43,000 sqm facility Contemporary cities are grappling with the challenge of fostering dynamic growth while alleviating environmental pressures Colliers has taken over the management of the Studio B office building located in the Warsaw Wola district The property is owned by Stena Real Estate .. The University of Warsaw has signed a contract with the general contractor for a project at ul The new building will house the faculti .. Torus has announced its All.inn students’ residence concept that is soon to appear on ul Velis Real Estate Tech is officially changing its name to Singu adopting the title of its property management product the construction of the Panattoni Park Unterfranken has officially started Registration has been successfully completed Make a new account if you don't have one yet Puedes ver la versión Española de BeSoccer.com You can see the English version of BeSoccer.com Vous pouvez voir la version French de BeSoccer.com Puoi vedere la versione Italian su BeSoccer.com Você pode ver a versão Brasileira de BeSoccer.com Here's what to do during the weekend of March 14-16 Visitors to Slovakia’s westernmost district would do well to begin their journey in Holíč a border town steeped in history and flavour suggests our colleague Jozef Ryník in his latest travel guide There is a lot more to see, including Holíč Castle, an observation tower, windmill, hillfort. Click here to learn more The longest mine of the Western Tatra massif bears the name Medvedia Štôlňa what is definitely not a legend is that a skeleton of a WWII German soldier was found in it Today, the mine is open to the public. A the tour lasts about 30 minutes, visitors can experience the mining history of this region while following the light of an oil lantern, getting the feeling of what it was like for the miners who once worked in it. If you want to experience it for yourselves, you can learn more here SWAP events are a great opportunity to get rid of books pretty much anything you no longer need or want events of this kind are held in several towns with the former allowing people to come with up to 5 books and take the same number the latter allows you to bring and take up to 10 The latter event will also serve as a toy swap If you are looking for some new clothes for the upcoming spring season, the swap taking place at the culture house in Bratislava's Kramáre locality might be a good bet The event works like this: on Friday afternoon and early Saturday morning clothes - children's women's and men's spring clothes with the swap itself taking place between 09:00 and 11:00 The town of Trnava will also hold an event of its own, but with a twist. For an admission of €15, you are not required to bring anything, but are allowed to take as many things you may find useful, such as clothes, hobby supplies, toys, appliances and more. The event will be held at the Baterkáreň venue And finally, a big one in Banská Bystrica. This swap event accepts everything from books, clothes, jewellery to kitchen appliances and toys. However, everything has to be functional and in good shape. Individual items are collected on Friday, the swap itself will take place the following day. Find out more here March 13-28: Konvergencie chamber music festival in Bratislava March 14, 19: Night sky observation in Nitra (registration needed) March 15: Discover the historical streets around Námestie SNP square in Banská Bystrica March 15-16: The Víkend Kociek Lego exhibition in Trnava March 18: Learn how to discern bird songs in Banská Bystrica March 18, 28, 30: The Harry Potter movie music by candle light in Trenčín, Banská Bystrica and Poprad March 18, 19, 22: Ludovico Einaudi music concert in Košice, Bratislava, Prievidza March 21-22: The Coffee, Tea, Chocolate festival in Košice March 22-23: The 24-hour run in Nitra March 26-30: The Hory a Mesto travel festival in Bratislava March 28-30: AnimeShow 2025 fantasy, sci-fi, anime and game festival in Bratislava March 29: Day of Planetariums in Nitra April 25-27: SlavCon 2025 fantasy, sci-fi and history festival in Bratislava WHAT TO DO FOR NOTHING: Go on a fascinating trip exploring the mysterious northern slopes of Devínska Kobyla WHAT TO EXPLORE IN BRATISLAVA: The Concert for Ukraine will take place over the weekend WHAT TO LEARN: How to get out of a conversation in Slovak in a hurry WHAT TO READ: In Skalica, a push for experience-based tourism is reshaping how visitors explore its past and present On 10 May 2022 RayService and Rheinmetall signed two major contracts worth over €60 Million for the deliveries of electronical and electrical systems for the Lynx IFV cable harnesses and lighting systems for the second phase of the Hungarian Lynx KF41 program of the Hungarian Army Another package of around €30 Million is a fix pre-contract for the deliveries of Lynx IFV to the Slovak Army once Rheinmetall will be awarded in ongoing tender “Rheinmetall has great interest in real partnership with the Slovak defence industries and is experienced with the integration of local companies into the global supply chain the integration of Slovak industry into the Lynx supply chain has already started,” states John Abunassar CEO of Rheinmetall Vehicle Systems Division RayService components and systems for the Hungarian Defence Forces will be produced in their facility in Skalica RayService will thus benefit from integration into the Lynx supply chain prior to the actual IFV tender evaluation in Slovakia “Besides we are already having an extensive cooperation with RayService for our activities in Germany and the UK I’m happy that we can extend our cooperation to Slovakia and Hungary and hopefully other countries – like the Czech Republic – in the future,” adds Oliver Mittesldorf Executive Vice President Sales Tactical Vehicles at Rheinmetall Rheinmetall is competing for the modernization of the Slovak Infantry Fighting Vehicle and is therefore looking to expand the defence industry network in Slovakia “We are very glad to finalize our common work with Rheinmetall on the IFV Lynx know-how transfer and lot of prototyping works which has now payed off in biggest contract in company history This will allow us to make further large investments into our facility in Skalica and will secure and generate workload for more than 60 people over next 5 years On top of this we already started our process of VG96927 certification which will allow us to enter further global projects of Rheinmetall” states Igor Hrabovec – Managing Director Ray Service Slovakia “With this giant leap we will build up real competence centre in Slovakia.” says Jakub Gabriel Frank Ohle – Rheinmetall Senior Vice President Purchase – adds: “RayService offers a state of the art production line and is a flexible partner that allows us to adapt perfectly to local requirements The cooperation with RayService is only the first step for us to establish a local production network in Slovakia.” The strategic cooperation ensures region-wide support from RayService for Rheinmetall’s innovative Lynx IFV platform RayService contributes to Lynx and other Rheinmetall programmes through the supply of vitally crucial electro and electro-mechanic systems as well as the localization of third-party equipment including NBC systems turret drive systems and tracks and road wheels Slovakia RayService started working with Rheinmetall in 2011 “Lynx is the IFV of the 21st century and just on the beginning of its life cycle Besides defining standards for survivability it is the only medium weight combat system that offers real growth potential Meeting the demands of the modern battlefield Lynx is the logical choice for the Army and a huge opportunity for domestic industrial development and growth,” says Frank Ohle RayService has been an unfailingly reliable partner delivering outstanding results time and time again Their commitment to innovation makes them the perfect supplier for our innovative portfolio and we look forward to deepening our relationship through this new strategic cooperation agreement Indo Defence – Jakarta – 11-14 June DSEI – London – 9-12 September PARTNER – Belgrade – 23-26 September Seafuture – La Spezia – 29 Sept.-2 October ADEX – Seoul – 29 October-2 November Dubai Air Show – Dubai – 17-21 November Milipol Paris – Paris – 18-21 Novenber Expodefensa – Bogotá – 1-3 December Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" UCL School of Slavonic and East European Studies (SSEES) 'Europe's last peasant war' aims to reinterpret the most violent decades of European history from the perspective of the countryside Peasants were not just passive victims of the calamities in the era of World Wars that killed around 30 million people; they helped shape the 'age of catastrophe' with violence and anti-urban political initiatives the most volatile region of the continent in the last century was the most important battleground in this struggle The project focuses on the area of the Habsburg Empire and its successors since the peasants of these lands shared a common experience of the First World War and found themselves in new and beleaguered interwar states This makes the peasant histories of this region both connected and consequential; placing them at the centre of Europe's twentieth-century history through transnational research is the project's main goal Principal Investigator: Dr Jakub Beneš Co-Investigator: Dr Petra Svoljšak Research Centre of the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts Postdoctoral Research Fellow: Dr Tamas Revesz Project Duration: February 2021 to September 2023 More information can be found on the AHRC website Industry Trends Daily Bite View All White Papers & Case Studies View All Resources Select From Over 500,000 Industrial Suppliers compatible with all major CAD software systems Explore the charm of Upper Orava’s key town blending socialist architecture with a rich religious heritage Trstená, a key town in the Upper Orava (Horná Orava) region, offers a unique blend of socialist architecture and historical significance, particularly in its religious monuments. It is located in Northern Slovakia and this part of Slovakia you can discover with our Žilina region travel guide distinguished by its four turrets beneath the main tower Visitors can also savour a coffee within its welcoming space Beside the church lies a Franciscan monastery from the late 18th century while a reconstructed crypt beneath the church adds to its historic allure The town recently restored the Vilček Mansion The museum’s highlight is the Orava clay nativity scene crafted from clay—a material deeply rooted in Trstená’s heritage with a ceramic workshop still in operation today Mayor Magda Zmarzláková describes the nativity scene as “a unique display of European significance featuring up to 500 clay figures that fill the entire room.” Visitors are also encouraged to explore the municipal office housed in a beautifully restored historic building with a fascinating backstory Originally constructed in the nearby village of Liesek by a Belgian mining company in the early 20th century the building was part of an ambitious project to extract coal from the Orava region when the coal reserves proved less plentiful than anticipated where it now serves as the district office and a pub For those who prefer to venture beyond the city centre and immerse themselves in nature there’s now an opportunity to blend tourism with spiritual enrichment A Marian pilgrimage site has recently been established on Bubeník Hill Pilgrims gather here every mid-July to celebrate the Feast of the Scapular of the Virgin Mary The site also features an educational trail adorned with a mosaic Stations of the Cross adding an artistic dimension to the experience “It’s an ideal spot for a family day out,” says Zmarzláková Plans are underway to construct an observation tower at the hill’s summit promising panoramic views of Roháče Trstená itself offers a tranquil retreat with city parks featuring green oases where visitors can relax on benches or browse books from an outdoor library The town still operates a cinema equipped with 3D projection—a rarity in smaller towns all while enjoying the peace and quiet,” says the mayor encapsulating the charm of this small yet vibrant town A helping hand in the heart of Europe: a travel guide to Slovakia the recently renovated Roháč Hotel stands as a beacon of transformation Hotel Skalka is undergoing significant repairs and the town’s historic Jewish synagogue is set to be restored the synagogue will house a cultural and information centre “We want tourists to spend more time here,” the mayor says noting that this will benefit local hotels the village of Ústie nad Priehradou nestles along the shores of the Orava Dam—the largest reservoir in Slovakia Visitors can explore a fascinating 3D model of the dam which depicts the sections of the village that now lie submerged beneath its waters For those venturing into the wider region of Upper Orava the nearby district town of Tvrdošín offers a cultural gem: a 15th-century Gothic wooden church Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site this architectural treasure provides a glimpse into Slovakia’s mediaeval past and is not to be missed For those weary of both sacred and secular landmarks in the cities of Upper Orava the recreation centre of Oravice offers a welcome retreat best known for its soothing geothermal waters the area serves as an ideal starting point for hikes into the rugged Western Tatras Oravice also caters to cycling enthusiasts with trails winding through the serene Tichá and Bobrovecká valleys the area transforms into a hub for snow sports skiers can pause in the village of Vitanová Find out more about the region of folklore, national parks and modern attractions in our Žilina Region Travel Guide the charming mountain village of Zuberec beckons visitors can explore an open-air museum that brings Orava’s traditional village life to vivid life The village also serves as a gateway to the majestic Roháč mountains home to pristine alpine lakes like Ťatliakovo Lake the Brestovská Cave awaits exploration the Orava Grove holiday resort near Breznica offers indoor and outdoor pools alongside a farm where guests can take riding lessons or simply enjoy the company of horses You can explore Upper Orava not only by car or on foot but also by bicycle A largely segregated asphalt cycle path offers a safe and enjoyable biking experience while mountain roads cater to those seeking a more adventurous ride The cycle route along the Orava River closely follows the railway line the former railway tracks have been repurposed into a new cycle path a project initiated by the local communities The path offers access to a variety of attractions and the Polish village of Chocholów known for its thermal aquapark and charming wooden houses Riders will also pass through wetlands teeming with unique flora the route is dotted with numerous cultural landmarks offering a glimpse into the region’s rich history and heritage Few people are aware that iron was once mined in Upper Orava this activity gave rise to an ironworks later known as Františkova Huta the site is recognised as one of Orava’s most significant technical monuments Its main structure stands in the village of Podbiel making it a compelling destination for enthusiasts of industrial architecture Iron ore was also extracted in Juráňová Dolina Discover Northern Slovakia with our Žilina region travel guide Orava Clay Nativity Scene a unique piece with over 500 ceramic figurines in Trstená Orava Village Museum in Zuberec The Church of All Saints a wooden Gothic church in Tvrdošín Statue of the Coronation of the Virgin Mary Chapel and bell tower Mária Medvecká Gallery Bobrova Raľa and the small ethnographic museum Františkova Huta the ruins of a 19th-century ironworks near the village of Podbiel Ski resort Brezovica Ski resort Roháče - Spálená Rheinmetall takes first step towards establishing a local production network in Slovakia ahead of competing for the modernisation of Slovakia's Infantry Fighting Vehicle The company recently awarded two major contracts worth more than €60 Million to Slovakia's RayService for the delivery of electrical systems for the Lynx IFV The contract is the biggest ever awarded in the Slovak company's history The contracts between RayService and Rheinmetal cover control systems a programme which is estimated to be worth more than €30 Million.  Another package of around €30 million is a fixed pre-contract for the deliveries of Lynx IFV to the Slovak Army. RayService components and systems for the Hungarian Defence Forces will be produced in its facility in Skalica The strategic cooperation ensures region-wide support from RayService for Rheinmetall’s  Lynx IFV platform “Rheinmetall has great interest in a real partnership with the Slovak defence industries and is experienced with the integration of local companies into the global supply chain,” stated John Abunassar CEO of Rheinmetall's Vehicle Systems Division the integration of Slovak industry into the Lynx supply chain has already started.” “Besides we are already having an extensive cooperation with RayService for our activities in Germany and the UK I’m happy that we can extend our cooperation to Slovakia and Hungary and hopefully other countries – like the Czech Republic – in the future,” adds Oliver Mittesldorf executive vice president of sales for tactical vehicles at Rheinmetall CEO of RayService said its common work with Rheinmetall on the Lynx, included R&D which have now paid off in the biggest contract in the company's history “This will allow us to make further large investments into our facility in Skalica and will secure and generate workload for more than 60 people over the next five years Czech Republic and Zilina,RayService started working with Rheinmetall back in 2011 © 2025 - Defence Procurement International a rugged and hilly region in Slovakia’s northwest is known for its treacherous driving conditions With no motorway cutting through the landscape traffic often crawls along the main route to Poland a vital corridor yet one sorely lacking in infrastructure one must step away from the congestion and embrace the slower winding roads that weave through valleys and past remote settlements That’s exactly what we set out to do Setting off in the early evening to avoid the notorious jams we arrived two and a half hours later in Oščadnica Our arrival in the village centre is marked by the church in the square and we check into the Centrál Guesthouse greets us personally at the reception desk He has been involved in the tourism industry for nearly 30 years "I started by helping my father in his guesthouse restaurant but eventually I became independent and have run my own guesthouse for 25 years It’s essentially a family business—my wife works here and my daughter and son also lend a hand," Robert Kopera shares For many foreigners tracing their Slovak heritage, finding the burial sites of their ancestors is a deeply personal journey. To aid in this quest, we have provided maps of the districts we visited, with every cemetery carefully marked. Here you can find cemeteries in Kysuce region prompting us to ask about the winter season Kopera admits it had been weak due to a lack of snow Kysuce once attracted many skiers to the nearby Snowparadise Veľká Rača Oščadnica ski resort Kopera recalls that in the 1990s and early 2000s Polish media warned tourists about rising prices This downturn forced many village guesthouses to close as Polish tourists had been their primary customers "The loss of Polish visitors was disastrous for us we wouldn’t have survived," Kopera says While some Poles are starting to return to Oščadnica Poland has successfully developed its own ski lifts just across the border modern ski resorts in Poland now feature an aquapark as a key attraction Kopera has been working to attract guests to his newly completed wellness centre which was finished just before the Covid-19 pandemic his investments did not yield returns in the initial years forcing him to put plans for room renovations on hold "An aquapark would be particularly beneficial for us because people enjoy relaxing there they could spend the entire day using the facilities," says Kopera The idea of a water park has sparked discussions among several local entrepreneurs the primary goal should be to attract more Polish tourists to Kysuce Their advantage lies in a different mentality compared to Slovaks Kopera points out that Poland offers a wide range of activities even outside the peak season it can feel rather quiet outside the winter months He notes that Slovak and Czech tourists often bring their own food and drinks when staying in accommodation For Kysuce to become a popular tourist destination the government or local authorities need to launch a strong marketing campaign—something that Kopera believes that a tourist who enjoys mountains and cycling could easily spend a week in Kysuce He sees the greatest potential in expanding the network of cycling routes During our visit to the ski slope in Oščadnica The slope has very little snow—only a narrow strip surrounded by brown meadows Here's a list of the largest municipalities in Kysuce region with their historical names stated in the brackets: Krásno nad Kysucou - Karásznó Kysucké Nové Mesto - Kiszucaújhely Raková - Trencsénrákó significantly affecting businesses that depend on skiers One such entrepreneur is Július Gánoczy owner of the Športcentrum ski resort in Oščadnica and the Gájuz guesthouse Július believes the decline in Polish visitors is also due to the deteriorating quality of the ski resort in Veľká Rača ownership of the resort has frequently changed; ticket prices have risen but the quality of the lifts and services has not improved accordingly having served as head of the Veľká Rača resort in the 1990s He left his position due to disagreement over privatising it Kopera confirms that the Snowparadise Veľká Rača ski resort is stagnating it’s the opposite—we are trying to attract them to go skiing," he adds Ganóczy believes the introduction of the euro and higher prices have not deterred Poles from visiting Slovakia Ganóczy argues that poorer services in Slovakia "The Poles have made effective use of EU funds; they didn’t misuse them They built cable cars and improved services such as ski schools their prices are approximately 20 percent lower than ours," he explains the number of Polish visitors to Slovakia has declined despite the fact that they accounted for 90 percent of his clients at the start of the millennium Czech visitors have also reduced their numbers since the division of Czechoslovakia and now tend to appear more as hikers than skiers Oščadnica has always depended on skiing for its livelihood but when the skiing season does not go well "There used to be private accommodation in every other house but that is no longer the case," he notes highlighting the village’s current situation He believes that an aquapark will not be a solution for Kysuce which remains the foundation of local businesses he expects to serve cyclists as the number of cycle paths in Kysuce increases the hilly terrain is not ideal for families He recommends the cycle path through Bystrická Valley which runs from Krásno to Vychylovka and was built on a former railway line he offered cart rides on the ski slope during the summer and electric cars in the car park were unpopular "It wasn’t profitable," he reflects sees the future of small ski resorts as bleak due to mild winters and a lack of successors he does not pressure his daughters to take over "It doesn’t work here like in Austria I’ll probably sell it," he muses we are awakened by the ringing of the church bell so we have to scrape the ice off the car windows but we’re excited that the ski lifts are operational Following the helpful advice of the owner of the Centrál guesthouse we avoid the often congested route through Čadca and instead take the quieter road via Skalité This border village stretches out long and narrow we arrive in Čierne and head to the municipal office to meet the mayor Peter Staňo greets us as he sees off a previous guest who previously ran a wood and furniture business where he inherited his parents’ house so it’s possible," Staňo explains he thought he could balance being mayor with his business but I eventually began to enjoy being mayor," he recalls He is well aware of the conditions in the three countries whose borders meet near Čierne allowing him to make effective comparisons he believes that tourism in Slovakia is lagging behind that of the Czech Republic and Poland which exceeded the municipality’s budget tenfold and lighting along the Trojmedzie area," recalls Staňo a farm located in the Trojmedzie area on the Czech side of the border What was once an area rarely visited due to poor access has gradually transformed into one of the top 10 most visited places in the Moravian-Silesian Region is not being properly harnessed in Slovakia Staňo points to the Polish village of Istebna Slovakia has only a fraction of such facilities the claim that Poles have stopped visiting Slovakia due to higher prices is merely an excuse What matters more to them is the quality of service which we have neglected," he explains Since service quality in Poland has improved Poles lagged behind us in terms of services but today they are miles ahead," the mayor states He adds that there is now a noticeable gap between Poland and the Czech Republic on one side in terms of the breadth and quality of tourist services Kysuce has attractions to offer tourists; it simply needs to improve its services to compete with its neighbours The lack of progress can be attributed to the inability of Slovak entrepreneurs to effectively access EU funds This is not due to their own shortcomings but rather a result of Slovak bureaucracy which included a fence with a camera trap to protect my sheep from wolves," Staňo shares While almost everyone in Hrčava has EU-funded tractors the same cannot be said for those in Čierne Staňo also raises concerns about the proposal to build an aquapark to attract tourists to Kysuce so an aquapark will be of little benefit without those essentials," he argues tourism is about more than just accommodation It requires a whole system of interconnected services The Kysuce region is facing challenges as traditional agriculture and sheep farming continue to decline Staňo believes that the future of tourism lies in agrotourism he has founded events such as the Spring Bull Festival and BačaFest which showcase traditional shepherding ceremonies including the practice of driving sheep out to pasture where sheep numbers have risen from just a few dozen to thousands in recent years Staňo also highlights how unnecessarily strict hygiene regulations hinder the sale of cheese from mountain farms to tourists "I have a modern cheese factory on the Czech side but I can’t invite people to buy cheese from me due to hygiene regulations," Staňo explains selling cheese in a traditional cheese hut is not permitted because it fails to meet hygiene standards—whereas in Poland Slovakia has the strictest hygiene regulations among the three countries yet there is no support for the production of traditional cheese or bryndza (a type of soft sheep’s cheese) "It’s no wonder we have to import bryndza from Poland and milk from Romania," Staňo adds He believes that if municipalities speed up their use of EU funds and enhance their marketing efforts "We need to attract visitors from across the border because domestic tourists alone will not be enough to sustain us," he emphasises a region in northern Slovakia (see our Žilina travel guide to discover this part of Slovakia) prepare for a journey that may take longer than your navigation app suggests The drive along the D1 highway through the Váh valley to the city of Žilina is smooth but delays begin to mount after reaching the city The road beneath Strečno is notoriously narrow and frequently congested and tightly clustered villages make for slow progress we find ourselves stuck behind a Polish lorry inching along at a frustrating 50 kilometres per hour which makes the journey to Trstená stretching to over an hour for a mere 53-kilometre drive from the turnoff near Kraľovany For many foreigners tracing their Slovak heritage, finding the burial sites of their ancestors is a deeply personal journey. To aid in this quest, we have provided maps of the districts we visited, with every cemetery carefully marked. Here you can find cemeteries in Orava Region The worst delays hit in Tvrdošín where the long-awaited bypass remains unfinished Traffic crawls—or grinds to a standstill—at two roundabouts and a bridge spanning the Orava River we arrive half an hour late for our meeting with the mayor of Trstená “Politicians in Bratislava can hardly imagine what it’s like to drive from Orava to the capital,” remarks Mayor Magda Zmarzláková ironically Once the bustling heart of the Upper Orava region the small town of Trstená has seen its prominence wane eclipsed by the neighbouring district town of Tvrdošín For many of Trstená’s 7,000 residents They argue their town holds greater significance boasting a hospital — something Tvrdošín lacks — and serving as a regional market hub Discover Northern Slovakia with our Žilina Region travel guide Here's a list of the largest municipalities in Northern Orava Region with their historical names stated in the brackets: there is little bitterness when it comes to the progress being made locally The town’s municipal office now occupies a recently restored historic building with renovations focused on energy efficiency “Our energy consumption has dropped by 70 percent,” the mayor said “We barely need heating,” she added underscored by unseasonably warm December weather with temperatures hovering around 10 °C The conversation turned to Trstená’s historical landmarks and its untapped potential for tourism The mayor’s vision includes a cycle path encircling the Orava Dam “The dam has so much unused potential Its cold water makes it unsuitable for swimming but cycling could transform it into a draw,” she said involving municipalities from Slovakia and Poland Zmarzláková explained that the cycle route could extend visitors’ stays in Orava creating new opportunities for the region’s tourism economy Slovaks could look to their Polish neighbours for inspiration when developing this cycle path “There are cycle paths through peat bogs as well built in a way that accommodates the natural movement of water in the area but the Poles manage it brilliantly,” the mayor says praising their innovative approach to integrating nature with infrastructure At the bridge over the Oravica River in Trstená the cycle path to the Polish town of Nowy Targ begins Developed collaboratively by towns and villages on both the Slovak and Polish sides of Orava as well as in the Polish region of Podhale nestled beneath the Tatras this 40-kilometre route has become a magnet for cycling enthusiasts the path is equipped with blue bike boxes and a stand stocked with tools for repairs Cyclists can take breaks in gazebos and even visit chapels along the way The mayor of Trstená envisions significant potential in attracting more cyclists she hopes to see buffets established along the route in the future A major advantage of the project was its use of an old railway line which eliminated the thorny issue of land acquisition often complicated by Slovakia’s fragmented ownership its tracks replaced by this bustling cycle path we visit the ceramics store in Trstená the master potter and owner of the ceramics business is absent The saleswoman suggests we head directly to his nearby workshop He welcomes us warmly into a cosy space heated by the active furnace his employees are carefully selecting fired ceramics from the kiln—among them large bowls glazed by Hoľma’s wife and sister-in-law with Ján Balek as the newest recruit he discovered a stronger passion for pottery but ceramics allow for more creativity,” he says the team is busy fulfilling Christmas orders “We supply local restaurants that favour traditional bowls and mugs for serving food,” explains Hoľma “Clay is an invaluable material in gastronomy Hoľma began his career in construction before turning his attention to reviving a fading ceramic workshop Determined to preserve a tradition dating back to 1870 he rented the space to continue its legacy the workshop once housed a brewery and a drying room for local mushrooms and fruit Hoľma crafts ceramics using local clay adorned with folk patterns and that’s what matters,” he says Trstená’s ceramics are sold at local markets and exported to Poland “We’re selective about which markets we attend choosing those that align with our values rather than chasing every opportunity,” he explains Hoľma is passionate about promoting ceramic craftsmanship He hosts workshops where visitors can mould their own cup A glimpse of this traditional art is also on display at the Orava Village Museum in Zuberec-Brestová offering an immersive taste of this timeless craft we make our way to the Garden Hotel & Resort Oravský Háj Arriving just ahead of the Christmas season we take in the shelves adorned with Trstená ceramics “Our goal is self-sufficiency in meat production,” Hrbáň explains free-roaming horses catch our eye—the pride of the resort’s owner also feature prominently in the resort’s riding school “We attract both locals and horse enthusiasts,” Hrbáň adds the resort’s current owner has been steadily enhancing its offerings transforming it into a popular venue for corporate events and weddings The resort boasts cottages with apartments Jankulák acquired the neighbouring Brezovica mountain hotel with plans for a revamped restaurant and a new wellness area Future developments aim to attract adventurers and families alike unseasonably warm weather in Orava poses challenges for snowmaking at the ski resort the resort offers bike rentals and is planning a dedicated bicycle depot with a route stretching all the way to Poland,” the manager notes The vision is to transform Orava Háj into a year-round destination inspired by foreign resorts where skiing transitions to biking as the seasons change amenities include a restaurant with a children’s corner Local entrepreneurs are keen to expand accommodation options and draw more visitors from Poland calling for improved marketing across the border to tap into the region's significant growth potential it was annexed to Poland for nearly five years as part of an effort to incorporate parts of Slovak Orava it was returned to Czechoslovakia following a revision of the border The village is home not to Poles but to Gorals a highland community who identify more as Slovaks despite speaking a dialect closer to Polish Suchá Hora has a population of nearly 1,500 and several grocery stores—but notably “The pub went bankrupt because people work during the week and prefer to spend weekends with their families rather than at the bar,” says Jozef Kovalik The only guest house is a quaint wooden cottage owned by Mayor Kovalik himself there is no larger accommodation in the village “Suchá Hora is a bit farther from Oravice and other popular tourist spots in Orava so we mainly attract visitors who find Poland too expensive,” he explains the Polish village of Chocholów boasts a large water park that has been a major draw for nearly a decade The sprawling car park was crowded with buses unloading Russian-speaking tourists Alongside the water park—advertised with striking billboards—Chocholów offers beautifully restored wooden houses and ample guest accommodation Strategically located along a cross-border cycling route from Trstená to Nowy Targ the village is a popular stop for cyclists Mayor Kovalik is eager to capitalise on this with plans to convert the bike path into a cross-country skiing trail during the winter months The mayor observes that Poles tend to be more enterprising than Slovaks he recalls a time when as many as 30 grocery stores thrived in Suchá Hora largely catering to Polish customers who flocked to Slovakia in search of goods unavailable in Poland due to shortages Slovaks travel to Poland to buy nearly everything,” Kovalik notes “It’s not that we lack products but prices are much lower in Poland—everything from food to building materials and furniture.” Kovalik also admires the Poles’ proactive approach to development “They actively seek funding from European Union resources and invest it in their regions while we Slovaks seem less inclined to pursue such opportunities,” he remarks Kovalik remains optimistic about the future of the border village Having recently secured land for 250 family homes he believes the development will entice young people—particularly those working abroad or in nearby villages and towns—to settle in Suchá Hora winding route through Oravice towards Huty and the Liptov region and we noticed that the turn in Vitanová towards Oravice—a village known for its popular thermal aqua park—was poorly marked lacking the large billboards commonly seen in Poland were not yet ready for eager skiers awaiting colder temperatures a picturesque mountain resort and a key base for hikers venturing into the Roháče area of the Western Tatras Passing the warmly lit Koliba Holica near Huty we navigated winding roads as we made our way into the Liptov region Upper Orava is a fantastic destination year-round offering something special in both summer and winter you’ll need more than just a weekend Záhorie is a storybook waiting to be pedalled through You can read this exclusive content thanks to the FALATH & PARTNERS law firm Tucked behind the forested folds of the Little Carpathians the Záhorie region in western Slovakia was where our journey began a tranquil stretch of western Slovakia just north of Bratislava a café named after the nearby ruins of Pajštún Castle which perch high in the Little Carpathians describes it not merely as a local food spot but as a gathering place for the community he says he has always felt a pull towards hospitality “My great-grandfather and grandfather were innkeepers,” Nespala says “The communists didn’t get the chance to take away the local pub because my grandfather managed to sell it beforehand it was eventually nationalised and gradually fell into ruin,” he adds reflecting on a family legacy that once revolved around a village taproom his father was quick to seize a new opportunity the family turned their attention to an old house left behind by his grandfather—once used as an ice cellar they painstakingly restored the structure to its original form revealing its stone walls and preserving the timber ceiling The café officially opened in 2015 and will mark its tenth anniversary this year inviting space with a spacious cellar beneath it has no competition in the village: the local pubs have long since faded into memory For many foreigners tracing their Slovak heritage, finding the burial sites of their ancestors is a deeply personal journey. To aid in this quest, we have provided maps of the districts we visited, with every cemetery carefully marked. Here you can find cemeteries in Malacky district When The Slovak Spectator visited at the end of March a handful of guests were gathered inside the café Judging by the cluster of bicycles propped outside Along with hikers and tourists exploring the Little Carpathians they make up the café’s regular clientele Its appeal is enhanced by its location—next to the village church and right at the main crossroads “Summer is our busy season; in winter We also host film screenings and quizzes,” says Nespala reflecting on the café’s seasonal rhythm the number of tourists has begun to outpace that of local visitors the owner of Borinka’s Pajštúreň café the village is falling short of its tourism potential Beyond a handful of food stalls and his own establishment A single cottage tucked away in the Carpathians is reserved exclusively for corporate team-building events with a few venturing in from the Czech Republic or Austria persuading them to linger beyond a weekend is a struggle “If they aren’t passionate hikers or cyclists they’ll likely get bored here,” Nespala admits He points to the village’s neglected car park as a missed opportunity—both practical and financial it could generate revenue to fund improvements such as completing cycling paths to the neighbouring towns of Stupava and Lozorno visitors could connect to the Morava River and continue their journey into Austria “People are bringing money right to our doorstep—we just need to pick it up,” he says Among his suggestions are horse-drawn carriage rides to Medené Hámre which he believes would appeal to families with children He also proposes offering electric scooter and bicycle rentals to make exploring the area more accessible Tourism can leave a lasting imprint on the life of a village—something clearly visible in the neighbouring settlement of Marianka one of Slovakia’s most storied pilgrimage sites At the entrance to a sprawling park dotted with religious monuments stands Pútnický Mlyn a guesthouse and restaurant catering to travellers a grand historic building offers accommodation for pilgrims just steps from the Basilica of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary and a sacred spring long believed to have healing properties Lining the park’s edge are rows of wooden stalls which in summer bustle with the sale of souvenirs and refreshments they sit shuttered—lending the area a slightly forlorn air the site’s potential extends far beyond religious devotion well-marked cycling routes and hiking trails weave their way into the forested slopes of the Little Carpathians inviting a broader kind of pilgrimage—into nature At the northern edge of the Malacky district lies the village of Veľké Leváre where the hum of renovation work fills the air outside the municipal office The morning bustle is punctuated by the clatter of construction “We have ambitious plans for the village,” he says noting that essential infrastructure remains the top priority One promising project already under way is a cycle path linking Malé and Veľké Leváre—a car-free illuminated trail he hopes will draw more visitors Veľké Leváre offers a handful of quietly compelling attractions Chief among them is the Habánsky dvor a cluster of historic buildings that once housed the Habans—a community of Protestant craftsmen who arrived in the Záhorie region in the 16th century the site now includes a small museum and open-air amphitheatre The Habans brought with them a tradition of fine ceramic and blade craftsmanship and established a mill traces of which still shape the village's cultural fabric “The descendants of the Habans from Canada Switzerland and Germany often visit us,” the mayor says and they’re amazed at how well-preserved and beautifully restored these houses are.” But the village is grappling with a familiar rural dilemma: a lack of accommodation there are no guesthouses or restaurants to speak of The mayor sees room for growth — perhaps a hostel that could serve not only tourists but also seasonal workers in the region Veľké Leváre is also home to the annual Haban Festival crafts and stalls offering distinctive local fare Among the highlights is the Haban cake — a nut-and-raisin confection served with elderberry syrup a favourite the mayor is quick to recommend The Roman Catholic Baroque Church of the Name of the Virgin Mary is among the most striking landmarks in the village Commissioned by the Viennese Archbishop and Cardinal Žigmund Kolonič Not far from the church stands another relic of the Kolonič family’s legacy: an 18th-century mansion the grand building—once a psychiatric hospital during the socialist era—has stood abandoned since its closure in 2004 rich in potential for community life but left dormant “We tried to negotiate with the University Hospital of Bratislava for access to the property citing safety concerns,” says Mayor Richard Nimsch The estate is currently on the market for €3.5 million it could become a major driver of tourism for our village,” the mayor adds hopeful that someone might yet see the promise behind the crumbling walls visitors can follow a cycle path to Malé Leváre tracing the meandering course of the Morava River Along the route lies a recreation area anchored by the Rudava autocamp where swimmers take to the lake and sun-seekers sprawl across stretches of sandy beach Once shaped by winds sweeping in from the Morava Záhorie was rich in sand—a legacy still visible today in the scattered dunes that remain where oil is still extracted from the earth the path leads to Slovakia’s westernmost village Záhorská Ves sits quietly on Slovakia’s western edge with a single ferry linking the two countries across the Morava River A cycle path traces the river’s course from Devín to the Czech border offering a scenic route along this natural frontier visitors may be met with a less-than-charming first impression: a crumbling industrial building and the remnants of an old border crossing greet travellers before anything else Yet these initial impressions quickly fade an educational cycling trail invites visitors to linger each revealing a chapter of the village’s past For those wishing to cross into Austria by bike the nearby village of Vysoká pri Morave offers a more modern solution connecting cyclists directly to the Austrian town of Marchegg This corner of Záhorie is best discovered on two wheels the Sobrance district has seen brain drain There is a small shop in Vyšné Nemecké standing by the road just a stone's throw away from the Slovak-Ukrainian border A lorry driver is unloading barrels of beer outside I'm wondering if the beer is for the many lorry drivers crossing the village or for the some 200 local people living here Vyšné Nemecké, a town in the Košice Region's Sobrance district, is the only road crossing point for lorries on the Slovak-Ukrainian border. Find many similar interesting facts about Eastern Slovakia in the Košice Region guide "The locals will drink it," the shop owner Andrea Jenčíková laughs when she tells The Slovak Spectator She inherited the business from her parents and wanted to keep running it but her competitors have gone out of business nothing would be here," Jenčíková notes briefly The border regions in eastern Slovakia have been of little interest to most Slovak governments after the fall of communism in 1989 they are described as Slovakia's "Far East" by people living in the west of the country These easterners point out that nobody pokes fun at Bratislava for being on the periphery of Slovakia The Slovak capital also lies on the border with Austria and Hungary.​ the mayor of Vyšné Nemecké says that six shops and eight pubs existed in the town in the times of communism New people don't come in droves to settle down in the village here A case in point: only one house has been built here in five years Well-paid jobs have long been a scarcity in these border areas Older houses in Vyšné Nemecké have been bought in recent years by people from Ukraine the neighbour invaded by Russia in February 2022 Discover Eastern Slovakia with our Košice Guide Slovakia's territory was part of different monarchies throughout the history the current names of Slovak municipalities were different Here's a list of the largest municipalities in Michalovce and Sobrance district with their historical names stated in the brackets: Trhovište (Vásárhely) Petrovce (Ungpetróc or Ungpéteri) Vyšné Nemecké (Felsőnémeti) The full list of all Slovak municipalities, including their historical names, can be found at ww.geni.sk (in Slovak only) "I'm glad that those houses are not falling into decay and that they decided to renovate and move into them," the mayor says about the Ukrainian newcomers Dozens of customs officers and police officers work at the Vyšné Nemecké border crossing The mayor estimates that about 20 locals work at the border Almost everyone who has moved out of Vyšné Nemecké left for work either to Košice or even to other countries "If a person can earn €3,000 a month abroad but only €600 in Sobrance they won't stay here," the mayor explains The average monthly Slovak salary in 2023 was €1,430 salaries are much lower compared to the rest of the country and to the other parts of Košice Region the unemployment rate in the district is high the recipe for persuading people to live in the border area is simple "People must have a job and the prospect of a decent living not even a new football field," Meňköová says A large factory would bring life back to the region Those who remain in this area work mainly in agriculture or in the woods There's plenty of forests and arable land agriculture does not attract young people because it is hard work and there is a lot of uncertainty The two mayors add that it would be for the best if the long-awaited construction of a motorway began connecting Košice with the Ukrainian city of Uzhhorod should start Locals would then take care of the little things such as the revival of small local businesses But the outflow of people isn't the only thing that bothers the mayors They think the border villages should look nicer.​ ​"We're no periphery of the republic we are a gateway to the European Union," Meňköová says The Pinkovce mayor herself sets a good example for the government Meňköová mows the the local Jewish cemetery at the expense of the municipality some houses in the village are falling apart The owners died and the descendants aren't interested in them Either they're living abroad or in other parts of Slovakia A large house can be bought here for the price of a small flat in Košice People from Pinkovce have emigrated abroad for a long time "We're in contact by email and she's interested in what goes on in our village," says Meňköová But immigrants from larger towns are the hope for the aging village of Pinkovce whose population decreased from 400 to less than 200 in the past years People from Michalovce and Košice buy houses and plots of land here They mostly have ties to the village through their ancestors "We can't all live in Bratislava," Meňköová argues There's a community reading room named after the local painter Štefan Hapák in the village and also several traditional country houses that have been sensitively renovated to make the village look beautiful the water isn't suitable for swimming in the summer the banks of the river are full of the invasive plant called cow parsnip; the plant can cause burns on skin part of the river is the external EU border so it isn't possible to move completely freely in some areas "There are cameras because it is the Schengen Area border It's different from the rivers on the border with Hungary," explains the mayor The Schengen Area is a zone within the EU that allows people to travel freely in it as there are no internal borders not all EU member states are part of the area the mayor would recommend visiting Rudolf Felšӧci's cafe and The Museum of Smuggling in the neighbouring village of Lekárovce Felšӧci and his family returned to his native village of Lekárovce eight years ago they had planned to stay for three months for family reasons they had lived in Košice and worked in the media When Felšӧci was thinking about what he could do for a living in Lekárovce he came up with the idea of establishing a cafe and a museum his wife Vanda and he had often worked on the Slovak-Ukrainian border and listened to many interesting stories from local people Not only about people smuggling and smugglers "We thought that it could be interesting to collect all the stories about the border in one place," recalls the co-founder of the Na Čiare (On the borderline) project While researching the local real estate market they learned that there was no place in the area where people could drink good coffee and have a cookie The cosy cafe is housed in a shipping container The adjacent Na Čiare Museum can also be found in such containers Visitors can learn here how creative local and Ukrainian smugglers were when smuggling people and cigarettes to the other side and journalists from the French newspaper Le Figaro The cafe is busy even in the off-season at the beginning of March at the time of The Slovak Spectator's visit Customers come from the surrounding areas but also from abroad Ukrainians stop by for coffee and Hungarians from Veľké Kapušany come to grab a cookie it'd be enough to have what a village near Bratislava has to develop tourism: the motorway "We'll develop tourism ourselves We have enough natural beauty and attractive places here," Felšӧci says Jana Ray-Tutková is also a returnee "We came here because I am a Husák child," Ray-Tutková jokes about the reasons for settling down in the tiny village Husák children were a generation born in a strong population wave in former Czechoslovakia which began at the time of so-called normalisation (a reversal of political and economic reforms following the 1968 Prague Spring Slovak Gustáv Husák served as First Secretary of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia Ray arrived in Slovakia for the first time as a volunteer After many years of living in the south of the USA his Slovak wife and he decided to settle in the house of his wife's grandma the couple looked for peace from city life and wanted to establish an organic farm in Husák although they breed sheep for their own needs All he needs is a computer and a reliable internet It was the high-speed internet that surprised him in Husák "I was very impressed that a local entrepreneur had a business built on bringing the internet to a remote village there was no internet on farms or it was unreliable and expensive," he says The pair agree that Husák is yet another village with an aging population Only a few families with small children live here They are usually engaged in farming or working in the forest Some young people work at the Lidl in Sobrance The police are a big employer in the region Farming is limited by fragmented land parcels which is difficult to buy from the original owners "If someone wants to do business here The state should make land readjustments easier," thinks Ray This is also why he sees cattle and sheep breeding as more promising than growing wheat he's convinced the region is a great place for cycling tourism But villages or the state must invest in the infrastructure "When Ukraine joins the EU and the Schengen Area I can imagine that cycling tourism will develop even across the border," the American continues A few people know about a nice water park and hotels around the Zemplínska Šírava reservoir It's nicknamed the "Slovak Sea" "I tell my friends that Slovakia has everything they don't have at home," Ray says The American believes that the Sobrance district could be as popular as Tokaj There are plenty of vineyards in the district the winery in Orechová established 30 years ago Orechová winemakers cultivate 56 hectares of vineyards and produce around 300,000 litres of wine every year Ukrainian people from Uzhhorod used to come to the region for wine tastings before the war Ray would also want to show the region's thriving winemaking tradition to Americans one day "I don't feel enthusiasm from the people here to move things forward negativism prevails here," the American says describing his feelings after 14 years spent in Husák Foreigners and tourists like the region's nature and peace Petrovce Town Hall worker Alena Horňáková tells The Slovak Spectator "We feel we are on the periphery because everything is far from here Next to us is only the natural border," she says Petrovce - a rare Slovak village due to edible chestnuts growing here - is the last village before reaching the border with Ukraine one can only see forests before arriving in Huta Negativism comes from the fact that the availability of work is limited and buses run infrequently making it difficult to get to work or a shop in Sobrance That is also why the 200 inhabitants of the village are mostly old people they just bought weekend cottages," notes Horňáková A school and a kindergarten were closed in the village in the 1990s Residents of Petrovce also used to have more active contact with Huta residents But after Russia's invasion of Ukraine we're still better off than the Ukrainians," Horňáková says about the economic situation of local people A cooperative continues to operate in the village Horňáková notes that several villages grouped in the Koromľa Microregion are working on improving tourism Once some investors wanted to build a golf course in the area but it eventually remained just on paper due to fragmented land ownership "It's hard to start something here when the grocery shop didn't last here either," concludes Horňáková A helping hand in the heart of Europe thanks to the Slovakia travel guide with more than 1,000 photos and hundred of tourist spots Detailed travel guide to the Tatras introduces you to the whole region around the Tatra mountains Lost in Bratislava? Impossible with our City Guide Slovak Tokaj bets on cyclists who like wine A large white house outside the town of Veľaty is more special than it seems at first glance Not only does it have a pool with Croatian salt water a famous wine region on the border with Hungary as Europeans usually refer to small hotels who are proud of their long-running business that goes back to communist times Slavomír Rusňák's grandfather Jozef’s son and Slavomír's father built a car camping site with 15 cabins in the area Five years after the fall of communism in 1989 the family bought the motel from Jednota and turned the place into a gorgeous resort with somewhat tropical vibes Palm trees, a sandy beach, wellness, sea salt in the pool: the place seems to have it all - a perfect place from where visitors to the region can set out to explore Tokaj, which you can learn more about in the Košice Region travel guide "I initially considered using the Salty Well [a salt water spring ed.] in the village of Veľaty to fill our pools but it turned out to be not enough," Rusňák tells The Slovak Spectator That is why he decided to use sea salt from the Croatian island of Pag in the pools in the end runs its own bike rental office to encourage visitors to discover Tokaj from the comfort of a bike saddle the development of tourism in the Tokaj region would benefit from a combination of attractions and cooperation between winemakers "I have no problem recommending a local winemaker to my guests But I'd expect them to direct guests to my wellness too," he says He believes that tourists need a diverse itinerary in Tokaj in order to stay for more than a weekend "We have things to offer to them even for a week especially in enhancing the quality of and connection of cycle paths "I went to see Moravia [a region in the Czech Republic We have a lot to do to catch up with that region," the businessman thinks three cars with bike racks are already parked outside a small guest house owned by winemaker Matúš Vdovjak and cyclists sit on the terrace outside a renovated old farmhouse sipping wine has placed various snacks to go with wine on the table and and his grandson bring dried herbs under the roof to protect it from the approaching storm but also for the atmosphere and experience Here's a list of the largest municipalities in Trebišov district with their historical names stated in the brackets: Kráľovský Chlmec (Király Helmec) Zemplínska Teplica (Szécskeresztúr) Malé Trakany (Kistárkány) Malý Horeš and Veľký Horeš (Kis and Nagygéres) Malá Tŕňa and Veľká Tŕňa (Kis and Nagytoronya) The full list of all Slovak municipalities, including their historical names, can be found at www.geni.sk (in Slovak only) I'm going on a bike trip through the Tokaj vineyards with my guests Maybe we'll go all the way to Hungary," the winemaker tells The Slovak Spectator there are high-quality asphalt cycle paths separated from the roads used by cars side roads connecting towns usually serve as cycle paths "Hungarians know better how to use European funds which can also be seen on their cycle routes," thinks Vdovjak wine tourism could develop better in Tokaj provided the state does not burden winemakers who just want to sell wine from their own cellars they cannot do it officially if they are not registered as winemakers Vdovjak believes that the routes should be widened and extended as far as the town of Kráľovský Chlmec or even as far as the Zemplínska Šírava reservoir A skilled cyclist can be done exploring it in one day and then wants to explore the more distant surroundings," the winemaker opines Penzión u Macika is a large and modern building with a spacious garden in Malá Tŕňa notes that the region has seen a rise in cycling tourists the corporate clientele in Tokaj has decreased since then "Firms no longer organise team-building events as often as before the pandemic and we have noticed a drop in business clients," Macik explains He has also noticed another shift in the clientele as wine aficionados who used to visit Tokaj have started to attend wine events and tastings closer to their places of residence "They have become used to winemakers coming to them rather than the other way around," Macik thinks Macik is pleased with the increase in cyclists visiting the area but he emphasises that they can be demanding clients They often expect local winemakers to be available for a wine tasting at any time he says that winemakers spend most of their time working in the vineyards during the day which is why it is not feasible for them to accommodate on-the-spot tastings for just a couple of cyclists Winemakers prefer group tastings to be arranged in advance winemakers focus on working in the vineyards during the week and entertaining tourists during the weekends Wine tastings with vineyard owners in their cellars are considered more authentic than with a hired sommelier They educate their guests and allow them to spend time with them in the vineyards The twist is that people search for a hidden bottle of wine Macik says that local winemakers cooperate and recommend guests to each other if they cannot serve them It does not matter whether someone is a small or large winemaker which has attracted new people to the region I don't see them as competition," says Macik they also want to explore the other ones and spend money there as well." Malý Horeš is not part of the Slovak Tokaj region Almost everyone in the village is a winemaker and there are about 380 unique wine cellars carved into tuff rock These cellars are different from those in Tokaj because their entrances are lined with andesite rock After being revitalised and opened to the public almost two decades ago the place began to attract more and more visitors "We were inspired by the Hungarian Tokaj [region] then the Slovak Tokaj got inspired by us," recalls the mayor of Malý Horeš which started off with just a few winemakers and cellars now features 20 winemakers who open their cellars to visitors the village decided to convert a house into a small accommodation facility for tourists and Furik is considering expanding its capacity The mayor thinks that tourism in this region is growing but he admits it still lags behind Hungary up to 100,000 people visit the nearby Füzér Castle in Hungary every year located between the rivers Ondava and Bodrog After working as a manager in the IT industry in Prague for many years Bartolomej Gönczy decided to return to his hometown The coronavirus pandemic contributed to his decision While continuing to work for a large IT company from home he also ventured into winemaking and started purchasing vineyards around the town he set out to search for a suitable wine cellar and space for a winery eventually finding one in the neighbouring village of Veľký Horeš He wanted it to be as big as possible to be able to accommodate a wine shop and a larger number of guests A friend suggested a cellar under the local Csonkavár Castle The cellar was for sale along with the castle ruins I purchased both for €120,000," recalls the castle owner he has been working on repairing the castle archaeological research was conducted in the area It turned out that the castle was larger than the owner had originally thought On the day The Slovak Spectator talked to Gönczy he was helping a mason restore a castle wall "That's why we are uncovering more walls and there is no time for a cellar and a winery yet," explains the owner of the castle in his work clothes He plans to uncover as much of the original Gothic castle as possible demolish the later buildings around the ruins He has permission from conservationists to add one more floor to the castle Gönczy continues to explore potential uses for the castle and the cellar he discovered that the cellar serves as the ground floor of the castle with temperatures only good enough for wine storage "There can be a wine shop with wine tastings but not wine production and the cellar," he says Gönczy aims to complete the repairs within a year He is currently looking for grants to fund the full restoration the castle could also attract cyclists coming to Kráľovský Chlmec even though there are currently no cycling routes from Tokaj to this town A beach by the Tisa river is almost empty at the end of May but it gets crowded in the summer with locals and tourists Another attraction in the area is a triple point where Slovakia offers private accommodation in the village of Malé Trakany but plans to add two apartments for eight people in another house Her guest house accommodates business representatives no one believed that tourists would come here but also during the winter," says Kondásová prepares breakfast and even dinner at times There are not many restaurants within a 30-kilometre radius you won't even find any open restaurant in Kráľovský Chlmec," says the warm hostess she sees the potential for tourism development in cycling along the Latorica river "Hungarians sail it despite the fact that it borders Ukraine why we can't do it too," she asks A helping hand in the heart of Europe thanks to the Slovakia travel guide with more than 1,000 photos and hundred of tourist spots Detailed travel guide to the Tatras introduces you to the whole region around the Tatra mountains and traveller info as well as other guides dedicated to Nitra The Francis II Rákóczi Manor House in Borša which shares a border with Hungary and Ukraine is a fine renovated residence that serves as a hotel and a (art) museum But the popular attraction for history buffs welcomes visitors for another reason on a Saturday afternoon in late May: wine A Tokaj wine tasting event is about to kick off including noted names such as Jaroslav Macik from Veľká Tŕňa and brands like Grand Bari from Veľká Bara and Mea Grati from Ladmovce will try to convince fervent wine connoisseurs that their wine is the best All these wineries are based in the Košice Region, which visitors can also explore thanks to the comprehensive Košice Region Travel Guide full of photographs and stories Below is a map with all the major sights in the region: Nearby is Majer Bara a pension with a winery and restaurant in the village of Bara In addition to a typical Hungarian fish soup they should try the Somlói dumplings a rum or wine-flavoured trifle cake made of sponge cakes and custard cream studded with raisins and topped with whipped cream The lovely Majer Bara complex spreads out on the premises of a former cooperative which offers more than just a bed and breakfast Visitors can explore the vineyards on horseback or relax in a wellness centre that has a sauna and a whirlpool in it the owners of Majer Bara have a winery in the neighbouring village of Viničky They organise wine tastings accompanied by a tour of their production premises and tuff cellar where they bottle wine directly from a barrel In the village of Bara, near the local church, there is a caravan camping site The reception is located in a charming old house arriving guests can spot a wandering peacock the campsite offers accommodation in five wooden houses each named after a different grape variety and located 4m above the ground two wellness facilities with a hot tub and a sauna can also be found it means that the place enjoys much popularity but also that the summer season has already begun The Tokaj winemaking region is known for its vineyards and wineries there is a protected landscape area around the Latorica river making it one of Slovakia's few protected lowland areas the Bodrog river could only be toured on a motor boat connecting the Slovak village of Viničky and the Hungarian town of Sárospatak it is also possible to float on the river in a canoe a canoe rental place has recently opened on the banks of the Bodrog river "More experienced individuals who are up for a longer sightseeing tour on the Bodrog river can continue to our neighbours in Hungary to the town of Tokaj," explains the mayor of Ladmovce The town of Tokaj is located over 50 kilometres downstream confirms that water tourism is starting to thrive in this region The restoration of old cultural monuments is also contributing to the development of tourism as visitors are becoming increasingly demanding and are always looking for something new and exciting "That's why we built a historical children's playground opened an educational trail in a protected forest and launched a canoe and electric bicycle rental near the manor house," Vargová says the mayor plans to have a wharf built on the shore of the Bodrog Despite being situated outside the Tokaj area the village of Malý Horeš also offers a great experience linked to wine The place is home to wine cellars carved into the tuff rock which are not as touristy as the cellars in the villages of Malá Tŕňa and Veľká Tŕňa The cellars are located in a beautiful setting of an agate forest. Every year in May, they host an Open Cellars Day The popular wine event started 16 years ago with a small group of winemakers and cellars Those who are interested in wine tasting outside of the popular event must call local winemakers in advance as they are usually busy working in the vineyards they are happy to show the cellars to visitors and tell them more about the lesser-known local grape varieties The village of Malé Trakany hosts Plum Days a popular local gastronomic festival that has been held for 10 years The event is centered around plum products as plums have been grown in the area for centuries Festival-goers can see the production of plum jam both from local people and the local distillery there is a cultural programme featuring music and folk crafts The local festival has grown in popularity with attendance reaching around 2,000 people hopes to maintain the festival's local charm She does not wish for it to attract too large a crowd Malé Trakany is known for its sandy beach by the Tisa river and is home to the point where the borders of three countries meet Pension Aqua Maria in Veľaty offers bike rental Suspended rope bridge over the Latorica river in Ptrukša Latorica protected landscape area is home to rare species of fauna and flora as well as marshes Majer Bara: wellness Sandy beach in Malé Trakany (accommodation at U Aranky) Triple point: a place where the countries of Slovakia Boat trips from Viničky Campsite Malá Bara: camp Francis II Rákóczi Manor House in the village of Borša Canoe rental - municipal office in Ladmovce Tuff wine cellars in Malý Horeš Museum and Cultural Centre of Lower Zemplín (tourism region) in Trebišov Ruins of Parič Castle and Mausoleum of Count Julius Andrássy in the park in Trebišov Barrel-shaped Tokaj lookout tower provides views of the entire vineyard area Lowest point in Slovakia is in the village of Klin nad Bodrogom at 94.3 m above sea level you can find an information centre and the ruins of a Gothic church Wine tasting: Tokaj Macik Winery, Tokaj & CO, J&J Ostrožovič, Chateau Grand Bari, Víno Vdovjak Salt House in Veľké Trakany is a late-baroque monument from the 18th century recalling the times when salt from all over Hungary was transported to this place along the Tisa River Sennyeyi Manor House in the village of Biel is a partially reconstructed manor house with a library Gallery of Nations in the village of Pribeník is a renovated former Jewish synagogue Premonstratensian Monastery in Leles: This monastery is still functional and features Gothic frescoes. Next to the monastery is the historical Bridge of St. Gothard which is one of the oldest stone bridges in Slovakia Csonkavár: The castle ruin in Kráľovský Chlmec is currently under reconstruction It offers a nice view of the entire Medzibodrožie area Veľký Kamenec Castle: The ruins of the castle are easily accessible and offer a nice view of the surroundings Visitors to the modern art museum can contribute to the local economy You can read this exclusive content thanks to the FALATH & PARTNERS law firm When travelling from Humenné to Medzilaborce you can't miss the impressive ruins of the former monastery in the village of Krásny Brod Adjacent to it is a newer monastery and a functional chapel you will find a military cemetery dedicated to those who died in the First World War This northeastern region of Slovakia relies on its sacral and military monuments to attract tourists Medzilaborce was an important railway junction during the First World War serving as a transportation hub for soldiers heading to the Galician Front resulting in heavy casualties on both sides The area contains five military cemeteries The city also had a significant Jewish community which was tragically destroyed during the Second World War though it is poorly marked and accessible only via field and forest paths In addition to the cemeteries in the district town its golden dome gleams in the hot summer sun this spiritual landmark will soon be overshadowed by another building currently under reconstruction near the main road an acclaimed pop art artist from the USA with roots in the nearby village of Miková I am meeting with the museum's director The former cultural centre from the socialist era is being transformed beyond recognition with the individual exhibition rooms set to be interconnected Cubjak also points out the black boxes on the roof which will be used for various educational activities for children as well as for art students who will have the opportunity to participate in creative internships or workshops Cubjak describes the vision of transforming the town into a hub of pop art highlighting that students could potentially live at the museum temporarily which is already adorned with walkable greenery will also feature a small amphitheatre that can serve as an open-air cinema or host band performances we can see the rooms that will be converted into storage areas The museum's renovation will primarily focus on interactivity The revamped museum aims to showcase Warhol's diverse artistic talents the building will feature seamless connectivity between the interior and exterior facilitated by the walkable roof and façade," explains Cubjak as we walk along the steel grilles attached to the museum's façade These grilles can also serve as a viewing terrace still needs to secure funding for technology It is estimated that approximately €2.4 million will be required The costs for the reconstruction have exceeded the original budget rising from around €7 million to over €12 million Today's territory of Slovakia was part of different monarchies throughout history Here's a list of the largest municipalities in the Medzilaborce Svidník and Stropkov districts with their historical names: Nižná Olšava - Alsóolsva Vyšná Olšava - Felsőolsva Ladomirová - Ladomérvágása Vyšný Mirošov – Felsőmerse Radvaň nad Laborcom - Izbugyaradvány only an emergency restoration of the building was planned and the absence of an elevator for disabled individuals the director lobbied for a full-scale reconstruction with both the government and the regional authorities The project began in April 2023 and was expected to take 18 months It is now clear that this timeline may not be feasible Cubjak believes that the construction could realistically be completed by the end of the year but the exhibit might only open just before the summer season next year Medzilaborce is not a town renowned for its historical monuments The city centre mainly features buildings from the socialist era and churches Its primary attraction is the Andy Warhol Museum of Modern Art we had over 12,000 visitors during the summer season and on some days we had to regulate entry," Cubjak recalls he estimates that visitor numbers may double He is concerned about whether the town will be able to handle such an influx of tourists "We don't want visitors to spend just two hours at the museum We aim for them to contribute to the local economy as well," the director explains revealing plans to integrate the museum with the town the town and its surroundings have the potential to attract tourists for longer stays The plan is to encourage locals to open small cafés and shops creating an atmosphere akin to Montmartre in Paris is optimistic about the potential for new tourism and gastronomy businesses He notes that new accommodation and dining establishments are emerging in villages like Habura these areas only have small family-run guesthouses which are inadequate for accommodating large numbers of tourists The town also has a limited number of restaurants and even guesthouses and an art hotel named after the artist are noticeable these references are sporadic and do not fully convey the essence of Warhol's work and legacy Rastislav Slivka's family is from Driečna a part of Vladiča village in the Stropkov district primarily focusing on raising cattle and sheep he decided to diversify his business by establishing a guesthouse he realised that he needed a more stable business than cattle breeding he chose to build a new one to accommodate his plans for a larger guesthouse The current capacity of the pension is 22 beds Half of the construction costs were covered by European funds while the remaining expenses came from Slivka's personal savings he criticises the bureaucratic processes involved in accessing these funds Slivka's partner who helps manage the guest house notes that accommodation options in this area are limited which allows them to cater to a diverse range of guests The guest house particularly welcomes families with children who appreciate nature and tranquillity a small covered gymnasium is nearing completion the guest house also attracts sports clubs and companies for team-building activities leading to the addition of a wellness centre on the premises Operating year-round is crucial for this business they also serve companies during the quieter spring and autumn months there is a small ski lift behind the guesthouse while we can go and learn how tourism is developing over there," remarks Slivka state support for local tourism works much better than in Slovakia "A Pole comes up with an idea to expand a guest house and receives the funds very quickly We have to fight for projects from European funds we often get nothing because we don't fit into certain schemes Projects are often meaningless," Slivka says "Visit the Solina reservoir in Poland and see how life is there You'd feel as if you were on a beach promenade in Croatia," adds Varcholová "Poles have the heart of entrepreneurs; they know how to turn ordinary stone into a tourist attraction even though we have our own tourist gems," she reflects she admits that Poles also come to Slovakia for a quieter holiday away from mass tourism adds that Romanians have already surpassed Slovaks in tourism development "They have built an incredible number of services in recent years," he notes The deficiencies in Slovakia are evident in the maintenance of local roads While some repairs have been made in recent years there are still sections where the roads are riddled with potholes making it difficult for even cyclists to pass through without risking a fall "If the roads were properly maintained as heavy trucks rarely pass through here," adds Slivka the bicycle paths in the forest are often neglected and obstructed by overgrown trees entrepreneurs are planning to expand the restaurant's capacity to accommodate up to 120 people enabling it to host weddings and celebrations They also intend to add small cottages to the guest house and expand the children's amusement park the entrepreneurs are still facing a shortage of manpower "People tend to leave this region rather than arrive and not everyone is willing to work," concludes Slivka The owners themselves work in the guest house and can only take short breaks during the winter Visitors observing military equipment can visit a local restaurant called Vernex Lokal The restaurant features a modern design with wood which is unexpected for a small town in northeastern Slovakia The family business is managed by Erik Ducár whose father Ladislav started it in the early 1990s food wholesale and later expanded into the gastro business now owning several establishments in Svidník and nearby Stropkov an artist who provides graphics for their companies The restaurant in the city centre serves typical pub fare such as wings and hamburgers The manager described the clientele as mainly locals with some tourists especially hikers on the SNP (Slovak National Uprising) trail Svidník is a popular stop on a tourist route in Slovakia due to its military history The number of Polish tourists visiting the town and local water park has declined in recent years The manager thinks the Poles have better facilities and services he highlights the lack of cooperation among services in the tourism industry in Slovakia Ducár mentions that visitors typically stay for the weekend leading the company to consider offering apartments in the future instead of building a guest house or hotel He emphasises the need for improved marketing and more diverse services to attract a wider range of tourists beyond those interested in military history See some selected travel articles, podcasts, traveller infoas well as other guides The district of Spišská Nová Ves may be small but it boasts two of Slovakia's most cherished tourist attractions: Slovak Paradise National Park and Spiš Castle These landmarks draw substantial crowds annually not just from Slovakia but also from neighbouring Poland and Hungary For those who prefer to diversify their holiday beyond hiking in the forest or exploring historic ruins Spiš offers alternative attractions including distinctive gastronomic experiences Dana Říhová studied hotel management in Kežmarok she began working as a receptionist at the Čingov Hotel in Slovak Paradise a turbulent period for businesses due to a decline in tourism she decided to gain more experience abroad where she worked as both a waitress and a receptionist "I also wanted to save money for a flat so what was supposed to be a one-year stay turned into seven years," Říhová recalls they both felt they had gained enough experience to open their own restaurant They chose Spišská Nová Ves Říhová’s hometown and a gateway to the popular Slovak Paradise "We bought a house intending to open a restaurant but the authorities imposed unreasonable parking requirements on us we sold the property before opening and decided to rent a space in the city centre instead," she explains the couple opened a restaurant named Nostalgie (Nostalgias) in a historic building in the city centre "We wanted to create a place where guests could reminisce about the good old days of cinema and music—a time before the internet—and take a moment to slow down we chose a plural name," she elaborates The restaurant’s interior is adorned with photos from old black-and-white films as well as historical artefacts and furniture most of which come from the owner’s personal collection Our detailed travel guide to the Tatras will introduce you to the entire region surrounding the Tatra mountains They have established an international cuisine The pleasant interior perfectly complements the high-quality international fare with asparagus in the spring and goose and duck in the autumn providing delicious food is not enough for the restaurant owner she began organising wine tastings for enthusiasts and those interested in experiential gastronomy "We hosted over 50 people at the event and everyone left satisfied," says Říhová She relishes the challenge of creating new experiences "This profession demands total commitment; there is little time left for family life It’s both a mission and a sacrifice," she adds The restaurant employs approximately 20 people during the off-season it hires an additional 25 part-time staff to cater to guests on its large outdoor terrace The owner has observed a growing number of visitors over the years not just from the Czech Republic and Poland but also from cyclists and motorcyclists exploring the region the restaurant focuses on attracting locals and business clients despite Nostalgie not offering a daily special lunch menu Říhová believes that tourism development requires reduced government bureaucracy and greater collaboration between accommodation providers and restaurateurs "We should be recommending each other's establishments," she emphasises tourists are drawn to Spiš for iconic attractions such as Spiš Castle intriguing spots known mainly only to locals reveals that restoration efforts are underway for Zelená Hora a now-defunct fortress once used by friars near the Hornád Gorge the Bratrics launched attacks on the Carthusian monastery situated on the Rock of Refuge in Kláštorisko the Forestry Association has restored an apiary in Slovak Paradise now incorporated into the experience-educational area known as Včely Raja (Bees of Paradise) Another ongoing project involves revitalising the small water reservoir at Blajzloch which has become a popular destination for families seeking walking trails in Slovak Paradise is accessible by bike or car via the mountain road connecting Hrabušice to Kopanec For those who have explored Slovak Paradise and the historic town—known for its many monuments and boasting the tallest church tower in Slovakia—the Spiš countryside offers a new adventure Often referred to by hoteliers as the "Tuscany of the East," Spiš is celebrated for its stunning A particularly intriguing destination is the mysterious church tower in the abandoned village of Miloj Legend has it that the village sank into the ground as divine punishment for its inhabitants' sins the village naturally disappeared during the Middle Ages standing alone amidst the fields as a silent witness to history the access road is nothing more than a dirt track and no signs on the main road hint at the fascinating landmark off to the side home to the stunning mansion and summer house of the noble Mariássy family The area boasts a large park and well-marked cycling paths around the mansion you can visit the baroque-classicist Csáky family mansion in Hodkovce This manor offers opportunities for social tourism; employees with mental disabilities help maintain and enhance the grounds while crafting souvenirs for visitors the manor clearly suffers from a lack of funding for full restoration the expansive French park nearby is well worth exploring Hodkovce is located near the village of Žehra the church is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site Spišská Nová Ves: A family-friendly destination featuring a variety of animals in an engaging setting Spišská Nová Ves: An experimental gallery for children showcasing large models of insects and reptiles Hnilčík: Dive into Spiš’s mining history with both outdoor and underground tours; guided tours available Hlinisko nad Hnilčíkom: A family-friendly trail offering easy hiking and via ferrata experiences Spišská Nová Ves: Discover the rich history of the Spiš region through its extensive exhibits Schulerloch: An abandoned military bunker paired with a lookout tower for history enthusiasts Forest Sports Area Grajnár: Perfect for hiking in warmer months and cross-country skiing in winter Palcmanská Maša: A versatile water reservoir for swimming Poráč Park: A recreation centre offering skiing and hiking opportunities amidst stunning landscapes IM Raja Rithvik R started his Europe tour this summer with one GM-norm in his bag He played three round-robin tournaments in Serbia non-stop for 21 days yet the required performance rating was falling short for a GM-norm Rithvik had a breakout performance at Skalica Open 2021 where he scored his second GM-norm by winning against Gunina in the last round he won the next event First Saturday GM September to score his third GM-norm and in the following three days he managed to cross the 2500 rating barrier to become India's 70th Grandmaster A quick look at the 17-year-old boy's journey towards the coveted Grandmaster title 17-year-old Rithvik scored his final GM-norm on 14th September by winning First Saturday GM September 2021 with an unbeaten score of 7.0/9. He performed at 2606 and gained 13.4 Elo rating points, taking his live rating to 2496.4. The boy from Hyderabad the very next day where he beat compatriot Ajay Krishna S to take his live rating to 2499.5 Then he drew the next two games against IM Krishna Teja N and IM Rathanvel V S which brought his live rating back to 2497.9 he beat FM Vaclav Finek (CZE) to cross 2500 Elo His live rating reached 2501.9 and Rithvik became India's 70th Grandmaster Rithvik scored his first GM-norm almost two years ago at Ellobregat Open 2019 Last month, Rithvik beat Valentina Gunina (RUS) in the final round to finish second and score his second GM-norm performed at 2606 to win First Saturday GM September 2021 and take his live rating to 2496.4 Rithvik started playing Vezerkepzo GM Mix 2021-09 with a live rating of 2496.4 He beat FM Vaclav Finek (CZE) in the fourth round to cross the 2500 barrier as his live rating became 2501.9 IM Raja Rithvik R has a lot of achievements in his young career • Winner of National Under-13 and Under-17 Open in 2017 • Gold in Asian Youth Standard and Blitz Under-14 in 2018 • Winner of National Sub-Junior Open in 2019 • International Master in 2018 at the age of 14 years We will have a detailed interview with Rithvik once he finishes his ongoing tournament Get to know more about Rithvik Welcome to the region of Slovak statesman Milan Rastislav Štefánik You can read this exclusive content thanks to the FALATH & PARTNERS law firm When travelling to kopanice—a collection of scattered settlements in the hills of the Myjava region—from the town of Senica one cannot overlook the village of Sobotište Though linguistically tied to the Záhorie region the northern part of the far west of Slovakia the village geographically sits on the border of kopanice a rolling landscape on Slovakia's western edge near the Czech Republic hails from the Czech Republic and identifies as a Silesian He describes Sobotište as a place nestled between Záhorie and the kopanice region with a dialect that blends elements from both areas If this mix of cultures leaves you puzzled welcome to the complexity of Central Europe the hometown of Slovak national revivalist and cooperative movement founder Samuel Jurkovič features a local museum named in his honour is the recently renovated Habánsky mlyn mill settled in Sobotište in the 16th century after being expelled from Moravia They were known for their strict Christian faith located in a former water mill and its adjoining yard offers visitors a glimpse into this unique heritage The mill and the history of the Haban people draw foreign tourists to Sobotište notes that descendants of Habans from Canada have visited The mayor plans to install a charging station for cyclists making the village a convenient stop on the way further to kopanice there is currently no accommodation available in the village visitors can enjoy a meal at the local pub and pizzeria privately owned and in a state of disrepair doubling as an information centre for tourists The library also displays regional products on a table The name Milan Rastislav Štefánik resonates far beyond Slovakia where he was voted the greatest Slovak in history featured on a variety of products and souvenirs available at the mound on the hill Bradlo above the town of Brezová pod Bradlom the final resting place of this multifaceted figure The road to Bradlo from Brezová pod Bradlom is a narrow with a few tables and chairs scattered nearby In the background stands a modern concrete structure seamlessly integrated into the landscape and resembling an airplane wing This design subtly nods to the tragic death of Štefánik who perished in an airplane accident in 1919 Here's a list of the largest municipalities in Myjava district with their historical names stated in brackets: Brezová pod Bradlom (Berezó) constructed this modern information centre finally providing long-needed public toilets for the location the operator of the Infopoint in the Bradlo area eagerly welcoming tourists into the centre's concrete building It functions as both a projection hall and a museum dedicated to the life and works of Štefánik Tomáška offers a concise yet fascinating overview of the renowned astronomer's life His presentation is especially captivating for children inspiring them to follow in Štefánik's footsteps to pursue their dreams despite any challenges they may face visitors can purchase souvenirs celebrating Štefánik and his legacy The offerings include caps emblazoned with his surname's abbreviation and T-shirts featuring his graphic image "Most of our souvenirs are sourced from local producers as we aim to support our community," says Tomáška the information centre buzzes with tourists We sometimes utilise a nearby meadow for overflow," explains Jaroslav Ciran He acknowledges that parking can be an issue during rainy weather unresolved disputes with the neighbouring municipality over the land under Bradlo coupled with opposition from preservationists have prevented the town from collecting parking fees or expanding the area Tourists in the area are predominantly Slovaks from nearby regions with a notable presence of school groups and Czech visitors "We also see Italian and French travellers often en route to the spas in Piešťany with which we collaborate," says Eva Zekucia of the Odkaz Štefánik civic association The region is popular among cyclists and motorcyclists frequently attracts backpackers making their way to the mound Mayor Ciran is keen to reinstate the summer train service from Trnava unlike a traditional castle," the mayor notes The mound now draws around 200,000 visitors annually a significant increase from the 130,000 recorded in 2019 Bradlo offers new dining options for tourists now serves simple fare such as halušky and quality craft beer from Piešťany's Žiwell brewery City-owned yet managed by the Slovak Cycling Club the lodge attracts both cyclists and film enthusiasts with its summer cinema Its location in a valley makes it accessible without a steep climb though this also renders it somewhat inconspicuous Mayor Ciran plans to improve and unify the information system near the mound and to conceal dustbins He also plans to install a giant chess board at the burial mound renowned for its flourishing plum and fruit trees used in brandy production entrepreneurs Mariana Turáková and Ľuboš Straka have embarked on a venture to celebrate and sustain this storied tradition Their journey began in the town of Stará Turá previously owned by Turáková's father Drawing inspiration from their travels in Tuscany Turáková and Straka are determined to infuse a family-centric ethos into their business aiming to revive a legacy that faltered under the former communist regime Ľuboš Straka and Mariana Turáková embarked on an ambitious project establishing a distillery and adding a brewery to cater to the summer season there were no distilleries in the region where you could buy homemade brandy So we decided to build one." Turáková named "Turák & vnuk" (grandson) despite uncertainty about whether their son will eventually take over the business helps with the technical aspects of the brewery and distillery and I'm the one who puts the labels on by hand," Turáková says The entrepreneurs primarily market their craft beer through their own restaurant and supply kegs for family gatherings ideal for the plum festival," notes Turáková Their attempt to distribute the beer to local pubs ended in disappointment as many pub owners lacked the expertise to handle unfiltered and unpasteurised brews the high cost of craft beer makes it less accessible to local consumers The entrepreneurs have opted against selling to supermarkets due to the low profit margins and high volume demands imposed by traders The brewery has the capacity to produce 180 hectolitres of beer each season translating to approximately 36,000 bottles The owners are dedicated to maintaining the use of traditional glass bottles and have no intention of switching to cans which are generally used for pasteurised beer—a product they do not offer a taproom and bar were added to the distillery and brewery grilled meat," Turáková recalls of their foray into the gastronomy business the owners opted to lease the restaurant rather than manage it directly they decided to take over the restaurant themselves and are currently renovating it citing poor experience with tenants who struggled to attract patrons The restaurant had previously operated only on weekends or for private events such as company gatherings and family celebrations "We even hosted a smaller wedding here," Turáková notes highlighting the pub's capacity of 50 people and its charming terrace with a view of kopanice Turáková indicates that they plan to manage the restaurant themselves during the summer weekends we might consider leasing the business again," the co-owner adds The company's clientele includes businesses and cottagers—many from Bratislava—as well as cyclists and tourists we don't see families with children among the cyclists; the trails here cater more to experienced mountain bikers cyclists typically ride early in the morning and don't drink much at that time," explains Straka the family-owned business has faced challenges from the pandemic "We continue to feel the effects of Covid-19 and demand is half what it was last year," admits Turáková over staying local for a drink priced at €2.50 last year's poor fruit harvest led to a significant drop in distillery demand operating costs for the business have been rising they invested approximately €30,000 in photovoltaic panels which now cover the entire roof of the restaurant and the adjacent kitchen as both spirit and beer production require substantial cooling consuming considerable amounts of electricity The Turáks' distillery exclusively uses locally sourced fruit "We don't distill imported macerates because we can't ensure the quality," says Turáková the distillery also offers wine and is exploring the creation of chokeberry liqueurs the co-owners plan to focus on company tastings and team-building events While they have completed a project for a small hotel Travellers heading from Stará Turá to the Veľká Javorina hill in the White Carpathians will encounter a large inn that Braňo Uherek acquired in a state of disrepair eight years ago Transforming the derelict building into a vibrant restaurant and guesthouse Uherek was soon joined in this endeavour by his wife Uherek Meisner recalls that her husband had long admired the inn during his frequent trips to his nearby cottage before deciding to purchase it The inn's commanding hillside position offering breathtaking views of the valley below The Uhereks invested several years in meticulous restoration using traditional techniques to maintain the building's historical character including preserving the stone foundations and mud brick walls they employed clay plaster to retain the inn's rustic charm The structure's distinctive blue façade and a large wooden spoon carved by a local artisan now make it a local landmark their renovation was completed just as the coronavirus pandemic began named U Klačkov after the nearby settlement Its concept centers on home-made Austro-Hungarian cuisine crafted from locally sourced ingredients the owners lacked prior experience in the restaurant industry Uherek Meisner acknowledges the difficulties of running a gastro business in this region which is why the inn operates only on weekends She has decided to shift her focus away from daily restaurant management she envisions a future centered on organising events at the inn for both tourists and local residents she hosted yoga sessions and workshops on traditional crafts such as sheep wool processing and beeswax candle making Uherek Meisner plans to lease the restaurant to experienced culinary professionals who can dedicate themselves to the trade she and her partner Braňo will concentrate on their new ventures including corporate and community events and the planting of fruit orchards the inn welcomed its local herb supplier from the nearby village of Moravské Lieskové The zucchini are sourced from local farmers the inn serves apple cider from regional orchards The inn has further embraced sustainability by producing tableware and glasses from recycled beer and wine bottles at a nearby Moravian glass factory Conveniently located on the route to Veľká Javorina a mountain straddling the border between Slovakia and the Czech Republic and popular with hikers and cyclists the owners have introduced an electric bicycle rental service and provide a charger for electric cars including many from the Czech Republic as well as local regulars Read a selection of short positive stories from Slovakia Every week The Slovak Spectator brings you a selection of three short stories from across Slovakia in which pessimism and negativity are absent has lived through significant events such as the first Czechoslovak Republic she invited the Slovak television staff to celebrate with her even managing a large hotel chain in her seventies She believes that having goals is crucial for staying alive at 104 years old she enjoys indulging in long sleep until at least 11:00 a.m. Ruczová also mentioned her love for tasty dishes like pork cabbage dumplings and Vienna schnitzel Read more in Slovak. Donating blood is a rare and noble act of voluntary assistance the head nurse of the oncology department at Faculty Hospital AGEL Skalica are inspiring individuals who exemplify selfless help to others Their dedication extends not only to working with patients battling a formidable illness but also to their commitment to blood donation they have already donated blood and platelets an astonishing 155 times Despite not seeking recognition for her efforts Valachovičová was honoured on World Blood Donour Day with a prestigious Slovak plaque for her 31 blood donations recognising the perpetual need for donors and life-saving blood Read more in Slovak. After spending 20 years in the corporate world Miriam Fuňová became a well-known figure in the financial sector she made a significant change in her life by relocating from Bratislava to Modra she embraced a new mission: to revive the struggling production of famous Modra pottery products (majolika) Fuňová sought investors to help save the brand she and her husband made the decision to personally rescue the Modra pottery tradition Fuňová's parents had always encouraged her to pursue her passions Despite winning the title of the best amateur painter in a Slovak competition during high school she found herself drawn more towards mathematics and literature This inclination led her to study economics gradually ascending to a top management position in one of Slovakia's largest banks as she revealed in an interview with Madam EVA magazine Read more in Slovak. Here's more good news stories published by The Slovak Spectator Bratislava event aims to raise awareness of plight of 35 million displaced Government picks towns for two new hospitals Vietnamese people officially recognised as national minority in Slovakia Boats were again launched on Štrbské Pleso Lake after the winter break Hrušov Castle is coming to life again Translation: When TA3 are moving out and they only have furniture from the children's corner remaining You can send me your tips on positive news stories about Slovakia or funny memes at: yehor.zhukov@spectator.sk where he used to work on construction sites Jaroslav Lechan realised that what he really loved was traditional crafts and that he no longer wanted to leave his family in eastern Slovakia for a long time but I did not see my family,” the Slovak recalls of the bygone days Lechan knew that it was not a dream job and began to toy with the idea of starting his own business Because he grew up on his grandparents’ farm and knew different traditions and crafts he had a clear vision of what services he would want to offer to people With a little help from the European Union he eventually turned the vision into reality Lechan opened his own centre of crafts in Topoľa a few years ago and even teaches visitors how to build a thatched roof or rake grass He also runs a sheep farm and provides accommodation in the attics of two houses owned by his family “A tourist usually enjoys luxury at home here they do not need any TV in their room,” says Lechan Topoľa is set in the Poloniny National Park, the easternmost Slovak national park. This preserve is known for its primeval forests, some of which are inscribed onto the UNESCO list, but also for the European bison and its dark skies (You can learn more about the far-flung area in our Spectacular Slovakia travel guide.) But unless visitors from abroad or western Slovakia have a car it may be a challenge to reach the national park and villages nestled in it The railroad ends in the village of Stakčín only infrequent buses will take visitors to the village of Nová Sedlica where many visitors start exploring the national park Nová Sedlica and Stakčín are less than 40 km apart and somewhere in between can be found Topoľa which is squeezed in between the national park and the Vihorlat Mountains making it almost impossible to develop local tourism Lechan and a handful of mayors and local entrepreneurs are living proof that things can change for the better if there is the will to do so Horný Zemplín (Upper Zemplín) a tourism region across which Poloniny spread a stone’s throw from the Slovak-Ukrainian border a furniture company had gone bankrupt even before Slovakia joined the EU It took the village a long time to recover a state-owned forestry company and the major employer in the region and logging in order to enhance nature conservation local people in Ulič have been leaving their homes to work elsewhere not just the jobless but also those who felt underpaid at the forestry company “Salaries are low there,” sighs Ulič mayor Ján Holinka Some locals also feel that the expansion of the national park is unjust because it limits their forestry jobs making earning a livelihood next to impossible They cannot log wood wherever they would like to and they have not yet learned to benefit from tourism there are people like Lechan who have returned to their home They are not interested in farming but in tourism or other businesses “Young people avoid farming due to hard work and a lack of land,” the Ulič mayor thinks they are building or repairing private accommodation for tourists.” tourism in Slovakia has long faced obstacles in many forms including strict legislation and poor infrastructure Some of the local people underscore that building a guest house in a village without access to water supply and sewerage during summers is challenging The nearby Starina water reservoir does not supply water to the surrounding sparsely populated villages due to high costs to the major eastern Slovak cities of Prešov and Košice Poloniny National Park borders Bieszczadzki National Park in Poland believes that Slovak people can learn a lot about how tourism should be done from the Poles Slovakia has been discussing reviving tourism for 20 years whereas the Poles have actually taken action built the necessary infrastructure and improved their services “The changes on the Polish side are evident at every turn,” Holinka asserts where the government tightened the protection of forests the government also helped people living near a national park affected by such changes “With the new zoning plan for Poloniny some of the forests that had previously belonged to people were taken by the state which then put them under strict protection without any form of compensation,” Holinka says it is imperative to establish precise regulations that will clearly define the areas that will be protected and the areas where guest houses will be permitted to exist the mayor of Zemplínske Hámre also agrees that Poland has less strict legislation making everything easier compared to how things are done in Slovakia Slovakia possesses a five-stage control procedure for the utilisation of European funds which can be detrimental to certain projects due to a lack of sufficient time for completion The unnecessary bureaucracy is a significant issue Kepič cites the example of a tourist train project He still has not completed all the necessary paperwork Here's a list of the largest municipalities in Snina District with their historical names stated in the brackets: Belá nad Cirochou (Cirókabéla) Dlhé nad Cirochou (Cirókahosszúmező) Kalná Roztoka (Kálnarosztoka) Zemplínske Hámre (Józsefhámor) The full list of all Slovak municipalities, including their historical names, can be found at www.geni.sk (in Slovak only) The fact that Polish people are more entrepreneurial is confirmed by Eva Kocanová from the local civic association Také Naše (Ours) “They are not ashamed to offer services to visitors and get paid for them Kocanová also underlines the difference in land ownership Despite the fact that Bieszczadzki National Park holds ownership of the land it intends to develop facilitating the construction of tourist infrastructure by Poles local entrepreneurs in the Poloniny area have established new companies which is a good sign for the future of this corner of Slovakia Two women in Ulič began cooking "tatarčane" pirohy The pierogi are named after buckwheat flour Hany Ulič produces several tons of pierogi a month The firm supplies them to various shops and restaurants the son of one of the founders of the pierogi company and his childhood friend Miroslav Telehanič started their joint business - natural syrups produced from local ingredients Telehanič had been bothered by the fact that syrups for mixed drinks contain only artificial flavours He convinced Kovaľ to make syrups without preservatives and thus they started their business in Ulič After initial attempts at cooking syrup in their parents’ kitchen They gradually began working with more fruits and flavours they have suppliers from all over Slovakia They also buy non-traditional fruits such as sea buckthorns and chokeberries from local growers they started planting their own berries such as gooseberries We can find out which bushes do well in this area and then we will plant them in large numbers,” says Kovaľ They call their syrups “vlčie” (wolf) because they are directly from the Wolf Mountains The mayor of Ulič believes that Poloniny has potential as a tourist destination particularly when it comes to the Rusyn cuisine the Rusyns are a distinct Slavic group from the Eastern Carpathians living in northeastern Slovakia The mayor recalls a recent visit by French tourists who were more interested in people these visitors saw the national park as an opportunity to experience the local culture and not just the natural beauty of the region Several local entrepreneurs approached by The Slovak Spectator believe that the best years for tourism in Poloniny were during the coronavirus pandemic Since then the number of visitors has decreased and the region still does not see enough tourists to rely solely on tourism Tourists often mention that they enjoy the natural beauty of the area but lack services and other attractions tourists have nowhere to spend their money Only a small share of tourists are interested in spending a week in the woods if the locals wish to attract more regular tourists they will have to find a way to provide additional entertainment options These families are not interested in hiking every day and therefore Kovaľ thinks that Poloniny should not be transformed into a tourist destination similar to the Tatra Mountains we must offer something unique while respecting nature but it will take another 10 years to develop,” he adds the best era in Poloniny ended with the pandemic when people travelled around Slovakia instead of abroad during the summer “Thousands of tourists a day will never visit this place but hundreds will come for sure,” he says the innkeeper believes that the region could benefit from constructing at least one top hotel which could attract more demanding guests in return that in order to attract more discerning visitors a more robust system of support and improved access to Poloniny are essential the village was fortunate enough to have some forward-thinking mayors who decided to revive the village’s iron-making past and attract tourists They obtained European funds for their projects showcasing the history of iron ore mining in the village a museum operates in Zemplínske Hámre There is an educational trail in the village where visitors can learn more about the history of the long-gone ironworks has revived unused routes along the former narrow-gauge railway which had been previously used to carry iron ore The new asphalt cycle paths have replaced the old railway tracks Kepič says that he plans to connect Lower Zemplín (Dolný Zemplín) and Upper Zemplín regions via the Vihorlat Mountains using cycle routes Although it takes 72 km to drive around the mountain range it takes only 17 km to the village of Remetské Hámre on the other side of the Vihorlat Mountains the Vihorlat area also covers military forests Zemplínske Hámre also collaborates with local craftsmen The mayor’s dream is to build a cable car to Sninský Kameň He also would like to see this cable car extended all the way to Morské Oko but he knows that conservationists may not like the project “We don’t want a Disneyland or mass tourism here but we have to offer people activities so they don’t get bored,” says the mayor The Polish side of the Tatras is developing more dynamically a stretch of asphalt under repair greets us It’s a modest sign of change occurring in Slovakia’s north even a road repair feels like a big change in the village nestled in the Tatra Mountains Tatranská Javorina and the Belianske Tatry mountains are hidden gems Most of the land here falls under the stewardship of the Tatra National Park (TANAP) “The primary constraint on development is conservation policy which often obstructs local entrepreneurs and investors,” says Miroslav Michaľák With its unique natural setting and prime location near the Polish border we need more flexibility around land use,” Michaľák adds Tatranská Javorina remains tangled in a prolonged debate over TANAP zoning The village sits under third-level protection with areas designated as fourth and fifth levels—near the strict protections afforded to Gerlachovský štít “Protection here is treated like that of Gerlachovský štít,” notes the mayor underscoring the challenges this creates for local growth a former mayor expressed hope that easing these protections might allow young residents to build homes or guest houses Plans included permitting the purchase of state-owned land within the village limits the village counts just 176 permanent residents There are a handful of apartments and private accommodations Michaľák notes that tourism on the Polish side of the Tatras is developing more dynamically while still respecting nature Here's a list of the largest municipalities in the Stará Ľubovňa and Kežmarok districts with their historical names: Tatranská Lomnica (Tátralomnic ) Štrbské Pleso (Csorbató) He points out that Polish municipalities enjoy greater land use autonomy Tatranská Javorina has limited land available for development “The potential for revenue from parking fees for Polish visitors is near zero,” he states as up to 500 cars are illegally parked during peak season Visitors from Poland park on state land and charge for their shuttle service since there is no direct bus from Štrbské pleso to Tatranská Javorina “The Poles hike through the Tatras to Štrbské pleso with no return path,” the mayor explains the logistical challenges the Poles profit while we see nothing,” the mayor laments He notes one Pole who rented a former customs office at the border and is now collecting parking fees The Poles are also building two guesthouses but will primarily employ fellow Poles “They bought large buildings for hundreds of thousands of euros Locals cannot afford such investments,” the mayor adds The disparity is evident in nearby Bialka Tatrzańska which has seen significant development in the last decade “We prefer educational trails and rest areas over mass tourism We don’t want to become a second Demänovská dolina (a popular Slovak valley notorious for a construction boom - ed.)," he concludes referring to the construction boom in the Low Tatras Detailed travel guide to the Tatras introduces you to the whole region around the Tatra mountains with local entrepreneurs optimistic about continued growth The village has access to more private and municipal land Michaľák notes minimal cooperation between Tatranská Javorina and its more prosperous neighbour "There is a lack of strategy to unite these municipalities and create shared tourist routes or events," he explains while Ždiar is capitalising on its tourism potential Tatranská Javorina remains overlooked a crucial step for future tourism development in the village is addressing land managed by TANAP He proposes a model where the national park retains control over sensitive areas while granting access to less vulnerable parts for municipal development “If we had greater control over our territory we could better improve infrastructure for tourists,” the mayor explains He highlights the need for stronger collaboration with regional and national authorities This approach could lead to joint projects that balance nature conservation with tourism ensuring tourism does not damage the ecosystem the main attraction for tourists is Bachledova dolina The Strachan family has been actively running a business here for 25 years They own the luxurious Grand Hotel Bachledka Strachan in the valley This family enterprise began as a small boarding house they operate a ski resort in Bachledova dolina and recently acquired another one at the opposite end of Ždiar—Strednica where they also built a guesthouse on a green meadow nearby “We want to transform Strednica into a large ski resort with accommodation and extensive services,” explains Jaroslav Strachan highlighting its excellent location with views of the entire Belianske Tatras The Strachans travelled abroad for inspiration in the tourism industry exploring not only Austria but also Switzerland and Italy where they often went with their three daughters we saw how business could be managed locally; it caught our interest and that’s why we renovated the Grand Hotel Bachledka with respect for mountain traditions and wooden architecture,” says Strachan They chose not to replicate Tyrolean architecture in Ždiar they drew inspiration from the renowned Slovak architect Dušan Jurkovič The Strachan daughters are expected to pursue the family business attends a bilingual gymnasium and is set to enrol in a hotel school in Crans-Montana is a graduate of a hotel academy in Prešov and plans to study tourism at a university in Bratislava is pursuing molecular biology in Australia the daughters are involved in the family business “They are already coming up with ideas on how to do things differently,” says Janka Strachan explains that they have been taught from a young age to work hard and not simply rely on their status and worked as ski instructors,” he adds tourism has shifted: visitors now prefer shorter stays of a few days or a long weekend “Rooms are often booked last minute; no one makes summer reservations in January,” explains Strachan’s wife Weekend stays typically sell out by Wednesday people are willing to stay for just one night—not necessarily to save money but due to time constraints,” she adds The Strachan family hosts companies for team-building events during the week outside of the summer season “Tourists can spend a week in Ždiar because we have a lot to offer,” Strachan notes The ratio of domestic to international guests in Ždiar is about 70 to 30 percent with staff able to communicate in several languages The Strachans prioritise close contact with visitors and employees They provide dormitories for employees in Ždiar “We learned from Austria that providing housing and relaxation spaces for employees is important,” Strachan’s wife shares Employees enjoy free access to skiing and the wellness centre and they participate in alpine hikes to foster a love for the mountains A unique benefit for permanent staff is an annual multi-day trip abroad with the owners and their daughters Natália Bokníková is originally from Bratislava but fell in love with the mountains which prompted her to move to the High Tatras ten years ago she founded the café and teahouse U Vlka in Starý Smokovec Although the businesswomen were newcomers to the Tatras region they quickly gained favour with the local community through their involvement in cultural activities they organise book readings and film screenings where customers can find high-quality teas Most of these items are handmade by local artisans Bokníková and her business partners also organise local craft markets which initially took place seasonally but are now held every weekend Bokníková considers the lack of adequate parking to be the biggest issue in the Tatras The city attempted to address its insufficient parking capacity by introducing shuttle services as tourists prefer to drive as close to the mountains as possible Bokníková plans to organise more cultural activities She envisions a form of soft tourism in the Tatras Disneyland-like attractions that have developed on the Polish side of the Tatras Štefan Bačkor is a long-time mountain porter who has taken on a new venture alongside his regular work he has been running a café in the historic Swiss House in Starý Smokovec He also operates a private museum dedicated to mountain porters in this charming building which is recognised as a cultural monument Bačkor ended up running his café by chance but the idea of creating a gathering space for the mountain porter community had been on his mind for some time The village had been unable to find a use for this space for an extended period “We quickly submitted a project proposal and won the opportunity,” he recalls sometimes even at the expense of his family The last major repair involved a complete replacement of the electric wiring the technicians told us that the risk of fire was huge,” Bačkor adds he manages the café solely with his wife but in the summer they also hire part-time staff He notes that this season has been relatively weak While Poles continue to flock to the Tatras Slovakia is becoming increasingly expensive for Czechs who are saving and spending less than before they would typically have five beers and two portions of goulash at a mountain hut; now they opt for three beers and one goulash,” he explains and as long as Poles don’t switch to the euro he criticises mass tourism on the Polish side of the Tatras “Even some tourism experts from Poland have told me that Zakopane is spoiled in terms of urban planning for a mountain town and we could take a cue from Zakopane,” says the mountain porter and entrepreneur He acknowledges that the Poles are thriving in business terms since there is no off-season but he wouldn’t want such mass tourism in the Tatras “I’d rather spread it out over the off-season This is also up to us locals—to create an attractive offer for people in months like November and May,” Bačkor says traffic congestion in the Tatras becomes overwhelming and parking lots struggle to accommodate the influx of tourists and tourism can be managed in various ways but we must choose the right approach,” he adds expressing his discontent with the large apartment buildings sprouting up in the Tatras like mushrooms after rain he plans to expand the museum of mountain porters by incorporating modern technology “I appreciate the contrast of smart technologies within a historic house.” and dark skies are all found in the national park and complete darkness are all found in the Poloniny area These mountains are located in the Snina District in the north-east of Slovakia and some parts are on the UNESCO World Heritage List visitors can also experience the warm hospitality of the local people Eva Kocanová from the civic association Také Naše says that when a visitor stops at a local pub they will be greeted with the local's excellent sense of humour The most popular spot to visit is Kremenec hill which is situated on the borders of Slovakia The hike typically begins from Nová Sedlica The climb is approximately three hours long but the stunning view from the top is worth it After the initial few kilometers where wood is still harvested the remainder of the journey is a delightful experience through a forest without any human intervention Local guides are available if visitors to the region are not sure where to go but still want to explore primeval forests and can spend the night walking through the forest Ornithologists will tell them about birds and herbalists can them about wild medicinal plants In recent years, the number of cycling paths has increased in Poloniny The cycle routes are already marked and altogether cover 250 kilometres you can enjoy cycling primarily on forest roads and trails with undemanding terrain The Carpathian forests are surrounded by valleys and meadows with beautiful views ​The cycle routes are also divided by theme The locals anticipate a significant increase in the number of cyclists visiting Poloniny this year This is due to the construction of several new bike paths which will add an additional 100 kilometres of cycling routes in the upcoming years In the future, there are plans to link all three national parks in the neighbouring countries of Poland, Ukraine, and Slovakia. If one does not have their own bicycle, it is possible to rent one from a nearby rental establishment the pub serves as a substitute for the tourist information centre The Boris pub in the village of Osadné offers something different than just a place to buy maps and souvenirs The walls of the pub are decorated with numerous references to these influential guests He is able to provide visitors with a lot of information about the village and its surroundings He owns a grocery store next to the pub as well Ocetník has also established a mini-museum to showcase military equipment from Osadné during the First World War Visitors also have the opportunity to visit the crypt located beneath the Orthodox church which hides the remains of over a thousand soldiers who perished during the First World War and individuals may contribute on a voluntary basis the crypt is freely accessible and there is no guide present visitors are welcome to listen to an audio guide there There is also a small tourist centre near the crypt that operates in a similar way Visitors can purchase souvenirs and information leaflets on a voluntary basis at the cash box a practice that is quite uncommon in Slovakia Peter and Silvia Vodál are the owners of HempBona a family hemp farm located in the village of Pčoliné near Snina they began growing technical hemp on fields they had inherited They sought to diversify their crops beyond the conventional wheat and discovered that hemp had been previously grown in the region Despite having no prior farming experience they attended workshops to acquire knowledge on the cultivation and processing of hemp they cultivate a total of ten hectares of land employing ecological techniques that exclude the use of pesticides or synthetic fertilizers Technical hemp is not marijuana because it does not contain psychotropic substances (THC) individuals who desire to smoke on the farm may be disappointed A visitor will receive other hemp products The Vodál family originally sold hemp seeds to wholesalers they manufacture the final products themselves You can also taste chocolate with hemp seeds It is recommended that individuals visit the hemp farm during the summer season Farmers will show them how hemp is grown and tell them how it is processed visitors can taste hemp products and collect hemp tea leaves for themselves The owners intend to organise workshops for larger groups of visitors the proprietor of the ranch pod Sninským Kameňom holds the belief that human-horse relationships are developed through feeling rather than violence He thinks that horses should enjoy working with people Antolík was drawn to horses from an early age He used to assist his father with the horses he had purchased Antolík decided to quit and pursue his dream of living in the forest with horses He took out a mortgage in order to buy a plot of land and built a log cabin He initially lived there with his family and planned to engage in agrotourism today he is no longer residing in the log cabin and instead rents it out The ranch provides recreational horseback riding Visitors will receive a lecture about working with horses through the senses and later they will have the opportunity to ride a horse through the surrounding woods and build a farmhouse to show visitors traditional crafts The Poloniny mountain range is free from light pollution due to the fact that there are no large hotels It is an ideal place for night-time astronomical observations The Dark Sky Park project has been operating for several years at the Kolonické Sedlo observatory near Kolonica The objective of the project is to educate visitors about astronomy and develop astrotourism Astronomers at this location not only carry out their professional duties but also provide visitors with the chance to enjoy a pleasant evening of learning about the universe and the stars through a specialized telescope The naked eye can observe 3,000 stars in the dark sky For a successful observation, a clear sky and preferably a moonless night are necessary, but this cannot always be guaranteed. Fortunately, the astronomers are flexible and are capable of rescheduling dates in the event of adverse weather conditions. Visitors need to book an observation in advance through the Vihorlatská Hvezdáreň website Some of these forests are included in the UNESCO World Heritage list A waterfall near Runina It hides in a nice forest with a Jewish cemetery nearby Starina reservoir It is the most important source of drinking water in the area There is a scenic viewpoint above the Starina reservoir Crafts centre in the village of Topoľa Cook your own "tatarčane" pierogi at a company called Hany Ulič Taste natural syrups made by the Vlčie Sirupy company in Ulič Make smaller or bigger whistles Ladislav Horváth will teach tourists how to work with wood They will also learn to play on the whistle Make a wooden trough spoon or a bowl with experienced craftsman Milan Karľa Look into the secrets of making simple woven carpets with Ľubka Talarovičová Wooden churches are unique Ruthenian sacred buildings in northeastern Slovakia Museum in Zemplínske Hámre presents the history of mining and ironworks in the Vihorlatské Vrchy mountains Educational trail in Zemplínske Hámre where visitors can learn about the history of ironworks The cemetery in Topoľa has been restored and is easily accessible Military cemeteries are situated in Topoľa and Runina Fallen soldiers from the First Wold War are buried there Grandpa Večerníček's cottage, a traditional house with a thatched roof is situated in Nová Sedlica. Learn more about the beloved character's house here. Mansion in Snina Find many more things to see in Spectacular Slovakia travel guide traveller info as well as other guides dedicated to Nitra Tourists suffering from the so-called "Košice syndrome" You can read this exclusive content thanks to the FALATH & PARTNERS law firm finding affordable parking is a top priority especially if your hotel does not offer a spot I discovered a convenient public parking lot just a short walk from Hlavná ulica (Main Street) Košice is a city where everything feels delightfully close: I found that all my meetings were within a brisk 15-minute walk or a quick 10-minute electric scooter ride from the heart of the city This compactness made exploring Košice a breeze a former graphic designer whose journey took a thrilling turn six years ago launched Local Nomad—a unique travel agency dedicated to showcasing the lesser-known wonders of Košice and its surroundings their carefully curated experiences go beyond the city's renowned historical monuments With minimal marketing and a savvy use of the Internet Local Nomad has become the go-to choice for curious travellers Košice has become a popular destination for tourists thanks to the arrival of low-cost airlines connecting the city to Ireland and Britain there are connections to Košice from Vienna The city is particularly appealing to foreign visitors due to its UNESCO-listed monuments Oľhava mentions that they mainly take tourists to the Spiš and Gemer regions where there are up to 19 UNESCO-listed monuments Trips typically cost between €100 to €200 per person per day The clients come from diverse backgrounds and countries seeking unique experiences away from popular tourist destinations "These are people who want to experience something different from regular big cities like Prague or Budapest That's why we take them to islands of positive deviance the Zlá diera (Evil Hole) cave or the wall paintings in Žehra," explained Oľhava Some are also lured to a climbing rock in the Hájska dolina valley Most of the visitors have the so-called Košice syndrome "They do not know what to expect from this city Many are pleasantly surprised and even excited They are especially surprised by the number of monuments the cleanliness of the city and disappointed by the prices of services which are not so cheap in Slovakia compared to the West with spring and autumn being strong seasons “The goal is to attract more local clients to cover the weaker summer weeks,” Kupec said Here's a list of the largest municipalities in Košice district with their historical names stated in brackets: Trstené pri Hornáde (Abaújnádasd) Nižná Myšľa (Alsómislye Košice was named the European Capital of Culture Former industrial buildings were renovated with European funds and transformed into cultural hubs such as Kunsthalle and Kasárne-Kulturpark have not only survived but are thriving today The status enhanced the creative industry in Košice and the infrastructure is still visible and functional director of the organisation K13 Košické kultúrne centrá (K13 Košice Cultural Centres) The venues were meant to have a five-year sustainability plan but continue to operate today like the Bravo building (part of the Kasárne-Kulturpark complex) it also works as an art museum and a library The Bravo building charges commercial rent and hosts local startups and a development centre for Tatra banka Another successful project in Košice is the transformation of unused heating substations in housing estates into local cultural centres The former military barracks (kasárne) while the SteelPark offers science and technology demonstrations for children but mostly when there is a big event," added Dani He plans to collaborate with local companies that use their premises for events which is building a factory for electric cars near Košice "The culture would not work without commercial partners The city contributes about €2 million annually covering only about half of the costs,”said the director of K13 Peter Radkoff and his team embarked on a groundbreaking project with the creation of the Kasárne-Kulturpark complex they had refurbished the rundown building of a former tobacco factory and its surroundings Transforming this neglected relic into a vibrant cultural hub a spacious pub-like space with a brick-like interior and a coworking space for young entrepreneurs this cultural centre was independently operated and was only supported by the Košice Region "We generate 80 percent of our revenue from our own business and the remaining 20 percent comes from grants," Radkoff the founder and director of Tabačka Kulturfabrik the centre currently lacks institutional support They do receive some funding from the Slovak Arts Council (FPU) but it is insufficient and only covers events Municipalities are unable to directly finance operations the civic association that is behind Tabačka reinvests all profits from its gastronomy business into cultural events Their main clients are the residents of Košice but people come to us for the restaurant and cultural events Local IT companies indirectly support them by organising events at Tabačka they find it challenging to secure cultural sponsors in Košice and that also affects culture," notes Radkoff their civic association took a loan of €250,000 from a private investment fund to improve the energy efficiency of the old building and heating," says Tabačka's general manager Filip Kakara Tabačka and former military barracks premises are also utilised by IT companies associated with the IT Valley organisation aiming to create a technologically advanced and innovative business environment in eastern Slovakia The initiative also supports entrepreneurs in the cultural sector by providing training in creative business emphasises the importance of self-sufficiency in eastern Slovakia and highlights the organisation's commitment to financing cultural initiatives in the region She notes that the improved gastronomy in Košice is partly due to the influence of the IT sector Hučková identifies the need for improvement in housing and education in Košice particularly to accommodate the requirements of foreign experts relocating to the area IT Valley aims to facilitate collaboration between the automotive industry and IT companies in Košice to work on joint projects such as developing software for cars is shaping up to be a game changer in the city's prosperity and development The factory is to employ more than 4,000 people and among them will be many qualified experts and managers The announced investment of the Swedish car company is already affecting the lives of people in Košice and the surrounding area "People are eager for new job opportunities and to improve their lives," said Martin Seman the car company has 90 employees in various engineering and technical positions The factory will not hire more people until the end of next year Seman promises that in addition to job opportunities the company will bring better roads and improved education to Košice and its surroundings Arriving in Valaliky from Košice might initially unsettle visitors as they navigate a narrow this rough start quickly fades into memory as the charm of the village begins to unfold Once a driver passes the threshold into Valaliky they will be greeted by well-maintained bicycle lanes The refurbished local church and municipal office also stand as proud testaments to the village's commitment to being a great place to live A new health centre and bustling public market with a stage for cultural events have recently transformed the local landscape According to Mayor Štefan Petrík these exciting developments underscore a thriving forward-thinking village that stands proudly on its own merits "We are a vital village with 4,500 people young people from Košice are also moving here Volvo's investment will only strengthen this trend," Petrík says He welcomes the emerging Volvo factory behind the village "We believe that the bypass of our village will be completed the broken and winding road from Košice will be repaired and a bicycle path will be built all the way to the city People would definitely commute there in the summer It's only 10 kilometres away," opines the mayor Petrík mentions that future employment at the Volvo plant may not primarily benefit local residents since many already work at U.S locals and others are hopeful for higher salaries at Volvo or in their current jobs The mayor also mentioned that Volvo plans to recruit workers from distant eastern Slovak areas such as Zemplín and Gemer regions Volvo aims to employ many local Roma people The mayor pointed out that even the Roma from Valaliky are mostly employed He stressed that the top priority should be the construction of a motorway from Košice to Zemplín via the Dargov Pass and to Gemer via the Soroška Pass This would allow people to commute to Volvo independently instead of relying on buses The mayor believes that the factory will benefit the entire region similar to the impact of the Kia Slovakia car plant on Orava which led to the growth of local businesses and motivated young people to stay instead of leaving for the West located near the Hungarian border and less than 20 kilometres from Košice stands as one of the wealthiest municipalities in Slovakia This prosperity is largely due to its expansive industrial park which has been thriving for over two decades and continues to expand took the lead in creating the industrial park had worked as a manager in the industrial park before taking office He is excited about the park's growth but is concerned about potential traffic issues due to the logistics companies operating there Konkoly is looking for alternative transportation options for commuting to work The companies have also built a cycle path from Kechnec to the neighbouring village of Perín-Chym through the industrial park Konkoly is also interested in improving railway transportation The municipality is working with the national railway operator hoping to encourage more people to use trains for commuting The industrial park's employee catchment area extends to the Trebišov district Konkoly is set to revamp local railway transportation with ambitious plans in the works to modernise the local train stop Partnering with the national railway operator the municipality aims to make commuting by train a more appealing option for residents The industrial park's employee catchment area stretches as far as the Trebišov district The mayor has observed that Kechnec's booming industrial park is now facing new competition from Volvo which has recently hired away some of its top managers This has sparked a lively battle for talent seeing it as a sign of the significant opportunities ahead for eastern Slovakia He envisions a major economic boom on the horizon Kechnec is currently buzzing with activity drawing people to the village with its array of amenities and plans for a vocational secondary school and about a hundred new homes The municipality is stepping up as a developer aiming to attract not only new residents but also Slovaks who have relocated to Hungary many Košice residents sought affordable weekend retreats across the border in Hungary often settling permanently in villages like Tornyosnémeti A similar trend was seen near Bratislava with the Hungarian village of Rajka with Hungary-based Slovak families commuting to Košice for work while their children attend school there Kechnec's closer proximity offers a promising alternative "I hope that this developing village will become a new home for these families," said the mayor High temperatures were followed by strong storms The hottest day in Slovakia in 2020 so far was July 28 The temperatures were the highest in western Slovakia where they oscillated between 32 and 35 degrees Celsius the Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute (SHMÚ) reported “Operative data shows that the hottest weather was in Senica: 36 Celsius degrees,” SHMÚ wrote on Facebook adding that it is the highest value measured this year when the temperature hit 35.3 degrees Celsius as many as 79 people collapsed from heat on July 28 Rescuers have reminded people of being careful and staying inside if possible The high temperatures that hit most of Slovakia on July 28 were replaced by storms later in the day They particularly hit the western areas of the country Weather caused most problems in the Trnava Region The situation was especially serious in Skalica and in the Trenčín Region 10 interventions Firefighters were mostly removing trees that fell on roads Some people also needed to drain water from flooded cellars Storms will continue in central and eastern Slovakia on July 29 A first-degree warning was issued for the Banská Bystrica Region Meteorologists warn against short but intense rainfalls of between 20 and 40 millimetres and a wind speed between 65 and 85 kilometres per hour Slovak regions near the Ukrainian border are a nice surprise for visitors Emigration is a significant part of Slovak history A third of Slovak people emigrated between the last quarter of the 19th century and the year 1968 Many of these people came from Dolný Zemplín ​Dolný Zemplín is made up from three districts: Michalovce Descendants of emigrated Slovaks often set out to Dolný Zemplín to see the places their ancestors came from it comes as no surprise that the Museum of Emigration opened in this region Here's a map with all the major sights in the region: Here's more details on some places tourists can visit while exploring the region: The village of Lekárovce is situated right on the Slovak-Ukrainian border the borders changed and Subcarpathian Rus became part of the Soviet Union although the majority of the residents were Slovak Subcarpathian Rus is a region that was once part of interwar Czechoslovakia the Kingdom of Hungary and the Soviet Union people wrote petitions and demanded not to be annexed to the Soviet Union The village was returned to Czechoslovakia The village marks this moment with a plaque and an obelisk by the Uh river Opposite the obelisk, a cosy cafe set up in a shipping container. It's called Na čiare (on the borderline) visitors will learn how bright border smugglers were when transporting people and cigarettes to the other side The idea of the cafe and the museum was born in the head of Rudolf Felšӧci Those who like music can visit a guitar museum in the town of Sobrance The founder of the museum was the local guitar “king” and musician Ján Ferko visitors can find keyboard and wind instruments The founder received offers to establish the museum in Prague A Czech guitar manufacturing company also wanted to obtain his collection The house in which the museum is located has been renovated inside and out the large garden full of fruit trees is still waiting for improvements Open-air music events should take place there There are many talented entrepreneurs in the villages near the border They cultivate 56 hectares of vineyards and produce around 300,000 litres of wine annually Pivnica Orechová was established 30 years ago and is still expanding Those interested in this experience will be seated in a spacious Part of the tastings are also local food specialties based on organically farmed pigs and chickens guests go on a tour of the nearby vineyards "Our plan for the future is to make increasingly high-quality wine and offer it mainly to wine shops," Jaroslav Michálek brother of the owner of Pivnica Orechová The winemakers also want to continue to support agricultural tourism and do not rule out building a cycling trail through their vineyards Besides this winery, visitors can find two more wineries in this region. Pivnica Tibava offers a vast variety of wines, also at a variety of price points. Finally, the boutique family winery Fundus Regius in the village of Priekopa can surprise wine lovers with high-quality products Swimmers and adrenaline junkies can visit a former quarry with turquoise water in the quaint village of Beňatina The village built a road around the entire quarry Moreover, people can use a rope to descend from the highest point of the quarry to the water. Thanks to the zipline tourists can enjoy 30 seconds of adrenaline on the 180 m-long rope Lucky ones might come across a fossil of small marine animals in the rock walls of the lake which is nicknamed a "Slovak Plitvice lake" due to the colour of water resembling the water in Croatia's famous Plitvice lakes Some call it the "Beňatina Whale" because of a formation on the rock that looks like a tail of the whale marked hiking trails and cycle paths with tips for more trips around the nearby area have also been added to this attraction Because migration is an essential part of Slovak history, and Slovaks from the east of Slovakia formed the majority of people leaving the region due to poverty, historian Martin Javor decided to establish the Kasigarda: Museum of Emigration in the village of Tahyňa near Michalovce The museum is based in an old house built by a Slovak returnee from the USA The museum provides visitors with powerful insights into and artifacts from the lives of Slovaks who sought refuge and prosperity in North America in the late 19th and early 20th century plates and much more can be seen in the museum The Greek Catholic Church of St. Michael the Archangel one of the smallest wooden churches in the country The sacred place was built in the first half of the 19th century It was declared a national cultural monument due to its great cultural and historical value The Greek Catholic Church of the relics of St Nicholas the Bishop is older and hidden in the village of Ruská Bystrá It was built at the beginning of the 18th century In 2008 it was inscribed onto the UNESCO World Heritage List Those who would want to see the churches from the inside must call the church administrators You can usually find their contact on the villages' websites or at the gates of the churches Ponds in Senné an important ornithological site in Central Europe The Sea Eye (Morské oko) in the Vihorlat Mountains Sninský Kameň (rock) is the most visited site in the Vihorlat Mountains offering a great view of Morské Oko lake The Vihorlat Mountains offer a variety of hiking trails which was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007 Zemplínska Šírava is the second largest water reservoir in Slovakia not all public beaches are in good condition Vinianske Lake is surrounded by woods, which gives visitors a feeling of being in the heart of nature. It is suitable for swimming, water sports, and fishing. Last year, new Wellness Under the Stars was opened there Climbing rock near the village of Vinné Spa in Sobrance was a famous spa with unique healing waters but a chariot race is held there during the summer The farm Nová Zem in Blatná Polianka offers horseback riding Children can also go crazy on a trampoline Farm Skarabeus in Veľké Raškovce offers horse riding Beekeeping outdoor museum in Moravany Vinné Castle the ruins situated near the village of Vinné has been worked on in recent years by volunteers in Michalovce is situated in the baroque-classical chateau of the noble family Sztaray Museum of Vintage Cars in Michalovce was opened in 2023 It is a must-see for visitors who love old American and European cars Museum of Mining and Ironworks in Remetské Hámre presents the history of mining and ironworks in the Vihorlatské Vrchy mountains and runs an ethnographic exhibition « Prev Next » Comments (0) Listen to Article Malik started for his team and put up a fantastic performance This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page IVAN Uhliarik from Christian Democratic Movement (KDH) will serve as Health Minister in the government 1968 in Námestovo and studied at the medical school of Charles University in Prague He began working at the hospital in Skalica in 1993 1968 in Námestovo and studied at the medical school of Charles University in Prague From 1996 to 2003 Uhliarik served as the marketing manager of Pfizer pharmaceutical company and from 2003 to 2005 he was the general director of the Ozone Laboratories for the Czech Republic and Slovakia In 2006 Uhliarik joined KDH and since 2008 he worked as the party’s expert on health care In 2009 he was elected the party’s deputy chairman for health care and consumer protection Uhliarik was elected MP in the 2010 election but has left the post to serve as health minister Ivan Uhliarik is married with five children