Company wants to produce 100,000 cases annually Despite PM Robert Fico's (Smer) pre-election promises of not sending a single bullet to Ukraine both private and state-owned companies continue to do so A plant for the production of explosives in the premises of the former Chemko chemical plant near Strážske was recently announced by Defence Minister Robert Kaliňák (Smer) And now a plant called Cylinder Factory for the production of ammunition cases in Sobrance The project will be built in the premises of the former Vihorlat engineering company behind the project is Košice-based company Arm Servis which has ties to Ukraine as well as overseas tax havens Its majority partner is the SK Special Goods Trading limited liability company, backed by UA Special Goods Trading based in Florida, US. The latter's managing director is Ljubov Efimová. Although an American citizen, she is the mother of former Ukrainian MP Maxim Efimov She owns several US and UK companies and makes money from arms contracts intended for Ukraine Efimova is also the final user of the benefits of Arm Servis Member of Arm Servis's supervisory board is Ivica Bucová who was the managing director of Konštrukta – Servis a part of the state arms group DMD Holding UA Special Goods Trading used to own a company bearing the same name as the future plant until May of this year the owner of the land on which the new plant is to be built Both companies were founded by UA Special Goods Trading together with Andrian Farahun According to the Aktuality.sk news site Farahun is a Ukrainian with a permanent residence in the village of Leleš in the past he owned several shipping companies that were allegedly involved in smuggling goods from Ukraine to the EU The current sole owner of both is company Byrb Capital based in Delaware The manager of Cylinder Factory is Lyudmyla Ulyashchenko who lives in the village of Záhor near the Ukrainian border She is also a member of Arm Servis's supervisory board Arm Servis intends to invest €14 million to reconstruct an old hall and build a new one The plan is to produce 100,000 cases annually and provide 220 jobs As Sobrance is one of the least developed districts in Slovakia with a relatively high unemployment rate The construction is expected to start this November Behind the project is mother of a Ukrainian ex-MP A new investment worth €14 million is heading to Sobrance The Košice-based company ARM Servis wants to renew production in the former Vihorlat plant The company has submitted the project to the authorities for an environmental impact assessment (EIA) “The content of the proposed activity will be the production and processing of rolled steel products,” the document reads “Technology for the production of metal ammunition cases will be installed in the production area.” In Sobrance the ARM Servis company wants to produce munition bodies for high explosive artillery shells of 122 and 155 millimetre calibre It plans to produce 100,000 annually and create 220 jobs The investment is to be divided into smaller projects The existing production hall with an area of more than 4,500 square metres is to be rebuilt and reconstruction is planned for the administration building The production is to be linked with the production of artillery shells by the ZVS Holding armaments factory in Snina to whose Sobrance premises the new investment is directed the company’s capacities were used by the steelmaker VSŽ (today U.S the Vihorlat company went bankrupt and production soon stopped an armaments company with plants in Snina and Dubnica nad Váhom It is half owned by the state and half by the MSM Group of the Czech armourer Michal Strnad MSM has been producing 155 millimetre calibre artillery ammunition for decades which is compatible with weapon systems and howitzers around the world The ARM Servis company was launched in 2020 and has been majority owned since last year by SK Special Goods Trading The company behind it is UA Special Goods Trading based in Florida The ultimate beneficial owner of the company is 71-year-old Liubov Yefimova She has several companies in the US and the UK making money from arms contracts destined for Ukraine She is the mother of former Ukrainian MP Maxim Yefimov she bought the Parkovy convention centre in Kyiv which belonged to former pro-Russian Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych the Sobrance district has seen brain drain 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 See some selected travel articles, podcasts, traveller infoas well as other guides 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 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 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 Slovakia's territory has been part of different monarchies throughout history the current names of Slovak municipalities are different than during that era 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 The full list of all Slovak municipalities, including their historical names, can be found at www.geni.sk (in Slovak only) 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 The two statesmen will discuss the Nord Stream project Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico will have dinner with Russian President Vladimir Putin on August 25 The main topic will be the Nord Stream gas pipeline project Fico said at the August 23 press conference in Sobrance (Košice Region) the Denník N daily reported on its website Though the prime minister did not reveal more details at the press conference the Government’s Office specified on August 24 that Fico and Putin will meet at 19:00 CET They will discuss current topics regarding the bilateral cooperation between Slovakia and Russia Fico and some of his government ministers are currently touring the towns in eastern Slovakia They have already approved action plans aimed at reducing the number of unemployed in the poor districts for Sabinov (Prešov Region) promising to allocate altogether €82 million from both public and private sources The lake in Beňatina is the most eastern travertine bearing locality in the country The natural lake in the village of Beňatina is one of the most visited sites in the Sobrance district (Košice Region) With its beautiful scenery and crystal clear turquoise water it is reminiscent of the Plitvice Lakes in Crotia hence the nickname “Little Croatia” “This site is quite popular among tourists,” said Viktor Wurm from the Košice Region’s Tourism organisation “Those who are less aware of the place may still be surprised that Slovakia has such natural beauty.” The lake is the most eastern travertine bearing locality in Slovakia which was used as a stone pit until recently the site was filled by underground water which then created the lakes One of the attractions is a five-metre-high formation that some say is a print of a large prehistoric whale “Others say it is only the play of light on the rocks’ colours,” Wurm said The lake in Beňatina is part of the tourism “quadrilateral” that can be visited within one day it consists of two wooden churches in Inovce and Ruská Bystrá