Weekend: Experience Bratislava, have fun with robots and get a glimpse of Tatras

TRAVEL

How to see the High Tatras from Košice




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The city of Košice is nowhere near the High Tatras; in a direct line, the distance is approximately 100 kilometres. And yet, there are several places around the eastern Slovakia city where you can get a glimpse of the mountaim range, with some giving the impression that Košice seemingly lies at the foothills of the Tatras. If you need to see more mountains, in this list you'll find the right places to visit around the Košice area.

An easy but beautiful hike

Speaking of the High Tatras, if you're looking for an easy hike that still offers gorgeous vistas and the feeling that you're surrounded by mountains, take a look at this travel guide. The Popradské Pleso mountain lake is such a place. With several paths to get there and one suitable even for a stroller, it's a good place to visit any time of the year. Here's how to get there.

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A look into the Mengusovská Dolina valley from the red trail to the Popradské Pleso mountain lake. (Source: TASR)

ART

Illustrated Calvino

Famous Italian writer Italo Calvino had a great impact on many artists. One of his masterpieces is the book Invisible Cities, based on the story of Marco Polo, who describes 55 fictional cities in detail throughout its course. The book proceeded to inspire many illustrators who tried to imagine the cities described in the book. Now, as part of the Italian Excellence series of illustration exhibition, the Vojtech Löffler Museum in Košice, eastern Slovakia, is holding an exhibition dedicated to selected artworks not only from Invisible Cities, but Calvino's other books as well.

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MISCELLANEOUS FUN

Glimpse into the past

For a brief period of time in the 7th century, Samo's Empire existed in Central Europe. The union of several tribes was created after Samo, a Frankish merchant, led Slavic tribes to victory over Avars. In 1925, archeological research found a Slavic-Avar graveyard in the territory of Bratislava's Devínska Nová Ves borough. In commemoration of the empire, the borough is once again holding the historic Samove Hry (Samo's games) event, showcasing, for example, how people danced at the time, swordsmanship and more. Click here to learn more.

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Take a ride on a historic railway

This weekend opens the new season of the Children's Historic Railway in Košice. The railway was built between 1955-56 for the Czechoslovak Pioneer youth organisation. Although other railways such as this one were built throughout the country, only the one on Košice survived. Until the end of April, the railway is operating only on weekends, from May 2 even on week days. Learn more here.

The Children's Historic Railway in Košice. (Source: TASR)
It's all fun and games

If waiting for one more week for the SlavCon popculture festival to start is too much, why not give the emerging PixelZest game festival a try? This Saturday, the first edition of this game and technology event will be held in Trnava, western Slovakia, showcasing the latest trend in both areas, including virtual reality, simulators, console and computer games and more. Admission is free, learn more here.

DIY robots

This Saturday, the 24th edition of the Istrobot international robotic competition takes place at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology STU in Bratislava. The competition showcases robots young people created themselves. In total, 88 robots have been registered in several categories. Admission is free. For more information, click here.

Experience Bratislava

Bratislava City Days are a great way to explore the capital and get a closer look at its history, culture, architecture and more. This year's edition of the popular event will take place over the coming weekend of April 20-21. It includes, among other things, tours through otherwise unavailable premises, guided tours of 20 historical buildings, street shows, concerts, and sightseeing cruises on the Danube, as well as sport activities and much more. Although most of the programme will be in Slovak, there will be several tours in different languages, including English, German, and Ukrainian. Learn more here.

Bratislava City Days. (Source: TASR)

TIP: In Bratislava, a ship-like art gallery on the Danube gives you a full-spectrum experience.

UPCOMING EVENTS

April 25-27: The Sharpe music festival in Bratislava

BEFORE YOU GO

WHAT TO DO FOR FREE: The Silent Disco party in the Klarisky Church is a unique experience worth having.

WHAT TO EXPLORE IN BRATISLAVA: Try out parkour, learn the basics of the archaeological craft, and enjoy the classic music of Hummel and Rachmaninoff in this week's Top 10 events for foreigners.

WHAT TO READ: Hidden gems in the east: Smuggling museum, 'Croatian' lake, and guitar heaven. Slovak regions near the Ukrainian border are a nice surprise for visitors.

WHAT TO BE POSITIVE ABOUT: He became an egg decorator by chance. His work now adorns households worldwide.

That's it for this week. Take care, and have a nice weekend!

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