Best Programme EVE Podcasts (2025)

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Christmas Eve: Made in Slovakia, Celebrated Abroad. (24.12.2025 16:00) 27:35

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1d ago27:35

27:35

On this episode of Slovakia Today, we celebrate Christmas Eve by exploring the rich traditions that shape the Slovak holiday season, from festive village markets to time-honoured foods and handmade decorations. We visit a local Christmas market in western Slovakia to discover how artisans keep traditions alive through crafts such as oplatky, honey …

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2025 in RSI. (27.12.2025 16:00) 28:26

6h ago28:26

28:26

The features the RSI English section editors are calling their best work this year.By STVR

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St Stephen Day Special. (26.12.2025 16:00) 23:40

1d ago23:40

23:40

In Slovakia, Boxing Day is not observed; instead, the second day of Christmas is celebrated. In the Slovak calendar, this day is dedicated to St Stephen. Who are some other notable figures named Štefan in Slovakia? One such example is the sculptor Štefan Papčo, whose latest artwork was installed in Bratislava in June 2025. Martina Greňová Šimkovičo…

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Christmas Stories and How People in Monasteries and Churches Celebrate Christmas. (25.12.2025 16:00) 27:25

3h ago27:25

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In this special Christmas programme you are going to hear a next round of Christmas inspired stories written by students from bilingual gymnasiums in Slovakia. In the second part of the show, catholic priest Benjamin Kosnac will talk about how people living in monasteries, priests, nuns and monks celebrate Christmas.…

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Holiday short stories. (23.12.2025 16:00) 24:05

2d ago24:05

24:05

High school students from Bratislava share their holiday cheer with RSI. Students Marek Horvat, Eliska Molcanova and Gwenaelle bring you special holiday stories to brighten this special time of year.By STVR

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The Gift of Giving. Slovak Sound Check Episode 28. (22.12.2025 16:00) 31:57

3d ago31:57

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The Christmas season invites us to slow down, look around, and think of others. We take a closer look at charitable initiatives and nonprofit projects that aim to make Christmas a little brighter for people in Slovakia facing difficult life circumstances, whether through social disadvantage, exclusion, or vulnerability. Through conversations with S…

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Week in Slovakia. (20.12.2025 16:00) 25:37

5d ago25:37

25:37

We take a look back at the week's headlines and some of our best stories from the past week.By STVR

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Rare Marie Antoinette Necklace Replica on Display at Bratislava Castle. (19.12.2025 16:00) 34:04

6d ago34:04

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The Historical Museum at Bratislava Castle invites visitors to see one of the four replicas in the world of the necklace once worn by Marie Antoinette. Beata Greneche, one of the exhibition’s co-curators, describes the jewel—featured in the exhibition “Marie Antoinette: From Celebration to Tragedy”—as the most famous necklace in history, as it alle…

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International Human Solidarity Day. (18.12.2025 16:00) 25:30

7d ago25:30

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In honor of the International Human Solidarity Day, which was declared by the UN in 2005, it falls annually on December 20. Thursday's program will also be held in this spirit, during which Patrícia Polakovičová will talk to the organizations Človek v ohrozeníi, SlovakAid, Vagus and Depaul and to sociologist Zuzana Kusá from the Slovak Academy of S…

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Growing mushrooms in a city. Vegan Christmas dinner. (17.12.2025 16:00) 23:10

8d ago23:10

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In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of mushrooms and urban mushroom farming in an inspiring conversation with Paulína Pôbišová. Later, we turn our attention to the holiday season, as Nikoleta Kováčová shares practical tips and creative ideas for preparing a delicious vegan Christmas dinner that everyone can enjoy.…

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Christmas Traditions in Slovakia Today. (16.12.2025 16:00) 26:40

9d ago26:40

26:40

Ben Pascoe looks into modern Slovak Christmas traditions and how western culutre is influencing Slovak Christmas. He sits down with pop culture theorist Juraj Malicek for a different point of view of local traditions.By STVR

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Home in the Heart: Making Peace with a Christmas Away. Slovak Sound Check Episode 27. (15.12.2025 16:00) 23:17

14d ago23:17

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As Christmas approaches, the streets fill with sparkling lights, crowded shops, and people rushing by — some carrying bags of gifts, others hauling suitcases as they set off for the holidays. It’s the season when most of us long to be home with our loved ones. But what happens when “home” is suddenly far away? Maybe you’ve recently moved abroad, or…

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Week in Slovakia. (13.12.2025 16:00) 24:52

12d ago24:52

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Week in SlovakiaBy STVR

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Modern Slovak classics. Centenary of Hviezdoslav library in Prešov. Culture tips. (12.12.2025 16:00) 36:12

13d ago36:12

36:12

An interview about the English translations of four 20th-century Slovak writers, which have been published until 2025 by Karolinum Press, the publishing house of Charles University in Prague. The importance of translating the literature of so-called “small” nations is discussed by translator Julia Sherwood and, on behalf of Karolinum Press, editors…

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How Slovakia helps people without homes in winter time. (11.12.2025 16:00) 30:16

14d ago30:16

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In this episode, we explore the realities of homelessness in Slovakia during the winter and the upcoming festive season. We speak with Alexandra Kárová, Executive Director of VAGUS and Michal Cibiri from Depaul, about the challenges faced by people without homes and the support available during the cold months. Patrik Krebs, theatre director and ac…

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Inside Citizen Academy and a Canadian Photographer’s Vision of Trenčín. (10.12.2025 16:00) 42:12

15d ago42:12

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On today’s episode of Slovakia Today, we head to Trenčín to explore how the NGO Punkt is training young leaders to build connected and resilient communities through its Citizen Academy workshops. We speak with participants, American lecturer Bari Hochwald Cagnola, and organizers to understand what motivates these young professionals to commit to in…

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Foreigners Celebrating the Holidays in Slovakia Today. (9.12.2025 16:00) 25:46

16d ago25:46

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The annual International Women’s Club’s Charity Christmas Bazaar recently took place in Bratislava. More than 25 embassies were there to share their culture and holiday traditions. Ben Pascoe visited and found out about what foreigners like about Slovak holiday traditions and what advice they have to other foreigners about how to enjoy the holiday …

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Protecting Rights Across Europe: Slovakia at the European Court of Human Rights. Slovak Sound Check Episode 26. (8.12.2025 16:00) 31:39

21d ago31:39

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Human rights belong to all of us — regardless of nationality, gender, ethnicity, religion, or any other status. They include both essential protections, such as the right to life, and the rights that make our lives dignified and meaningful. Ahead of Human Rights Day (10 December), we take a closer look at how these rights are safeguarded at the Eur…

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Week in Slovakia. (6.12.2025 16:00) 26:47

19d ago26:47

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We take a look back at the week's headlines and some of our best stories from the past week.By STVR

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Slovak Christmas in Ireland starts 6 December. What of Slovak literature for Christmas? Culture tips. (5.12.2025 16:00) 24:09

24d ago24:09

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Zuzana Botiková met with members of the Slovak ex-pat community in Sandyford, Ireland, to learn that their Christmas celebrations begin this Saturday, 6 December. Karolinum Press editors Martin Janeček and Michael Stein, together with translator Julia Sherwood, share recommendations for Slovak authors available in English translation—perfect as Chr…

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Excessive spending of Slovaks during Christmas. (4.12.2025 16:00) 25:29

21d ago25:29

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RERUN: Latest data from Intrum survey about spending in Slovakia shows, that Slovaks are among the top 5 countries ranking the highest in excessive impulse spending. This problem gets even more severe with the upcoming Christmas holidays. We will shine a light on this topic, including expert opinions from the sociology institute of Slovak Academy o…

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Christmas in Bratislava and Košice. Language and translation in the world of AI. (3.12.2025 16:00) 25:44

26d ago25:44

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Today we explore the opening of Christmas markets in Bratislava and Košice. Then we examin how artificial intelligence influences translation and language, with expert insights from translator Marián Kabát. Finally, we look at the life and legacy of Slovak writer Terézia Vansová, a pioneering figure in literature and women’s publishing.…

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Holiday Markets around Slovakia Today. (2.12.2025 16:00) 27:33

27d ago27:33

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December is Christmas market season in Slovakia. Ben Pascoe brings you info from around the country about the holiday programs that have been prepared for children and adults of all ages!By STVR

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Behind Closed Doors: Understanding Violence Against Women in Slovakia. Slovak Sound Check Episode 25. (1.12.2025 16:00) 30:00

28d ago30:00

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Nearly one in ten women in Slovakia experienced some form of psychological or physical violence in the past year. And while this is slightly below the global average of 14%, the number remains alarmingly high — with experts warning that the true scale is likely much greater, as many incidents go unreported. To mark the International Day for the Eli…

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Pick of the week. (29.11.2025 16:00) 28:48

30d ago28:48

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Pick of the week.By STVR

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Slovak namedays: KATARÍNA. Culture tips. (28.11.2025 16:00) 21:46

1M ago21:46

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25 November is the name day of Katarína in the Slovak calendar. Martina Greňová Šimkovičová once again introduces some of the most notable women in Slovakia who share this name. And in the cultural tips, we bring an invitation to Vienna, where a former Slovak member of the Vienna State Ballet is inviting audiences to a Danish Ballet performance.…

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New Slovak Academy of Sciences project about the well-being of teachers from marginalized Roma communities. (27.11.2025 16:00) 22:05

1M ago22:05

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Although the topic of Roma education has resonated in debates for many years, little attention is paid to the key actors in education – teachers. in this episode we are going to take a closer look at the conditions and struggles the teachers have to face in the marginalized communities in Slovakia and last but not least, their well-being as the SAV…

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Light pollution and Slovakia’s dark East. (26.11.2025 16:00) 26:54

1M ago26:54

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Light pollution is an increasingly widespread problem that has profound, negative effects on the human body and the natural world. This fact has led some to push for measures that aim to mitigate these effects. The first to recognize the problem and call for change were astronomers.In this episode, we travel to the darkest place in Slovakia, Poloni…

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White Crows in Slovakia Today. (25.11.2025 16:00) 27:01

1M ago27:01

27:01

This years Biela Vrana, White Crow awards were recently handed out. The awards recognize those people in our society who defend truth, justice and the public interest. Ben Pascoe talks with the organizers, jury members and this year’s laureates about why these awards are important.By STVR

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November 1989: Echoes of Freedom II. (24.11.2025 16:00) 29:12

1M ago29:12

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In last week’s programme, we looked back at the Velvet Revolution and the events that brought down the communist regime in former Czechoslovakia. This week, we move from history to the present — exploring what the legacy of November ’89 means for Slovakia today.This year, November 17th was no longer a day off work, following government austerity me…

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SPECIAL: Memories of 1989. (21.11.2025 16:00) 32:21

1M ago32:21

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Thomas Lorman, historian of SSEES University College London, talks about 1989 in Central Europe; Jana Kirschner, Slovak star singer living in London, brings back her memories of November 1989By STVR

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Young people vs. electronic cigarettes and their future. (20.11.2025 16:00) 25:00

1M ago25:00

25:00

This show explores the growing use of electronic cigarettes among young people in Slovakia and how the new law proposal on banning the use of electronic cigarettes may affect them, including older generation of smokers and Slovak economy. Experts Filip Kužma from the Smart Consumer Institute and addiction specialist Rastislav Žemlička from Sanatori…

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Mysterious Slovakia pt. 10 - Trenčín. Music made in Slovakia. (19.11.2025 16:00) 20:43

1M ago20:43

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Mysterious Slovakia pt. 10 - Trenčín: In this episode, we journey to the legendary Trenčín Castle to uncover the moving tale behind its famed Well of Love. Listeners will be transported into the 16th-century love story of Omar, a Turkish nobleman, and Fatima, the woman he vowed to save. Captured and imprisoned within the castle walls, Omar undertoo…

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Hockey Diplomacy in Slovakia Today. (18.11.2025 16:00) 25:46

1M ago25:46

25:46

United on the ice. This special event which aims to foster inclusion and resilience through sport, brings Slovak and Ukrainian children together on the ice to train with professional hockey players. The is organized by the Canadian, Swedish, Norwegian, Finnish and Ukrainian embassies in Slovakia along with the Banska Bystrica Self-governing region,…

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November 1989: Echoes of Freedom I. (17.11.2025 16:00) 28:32

1M ago28:32

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November 17 marks one of the most significant moments in modern Slovak and Czech history. In November 1989, people across Czechoslovakia took to the streets with hope and courage, ringing their keys in a symbolic call for change – and won their freedom. Thirty-six years after the fall of the totalitarian communist regime, our programme takes listen…

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Week in Slovakia. (15.11.2025 16:00) 27:48

1M ago27:48

27:48

Week in SlovakiaBy STVR

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In the memory of WWI. (14.11.2025 16:00) 24:59

1M ago24:59

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In the rerun of 2018 tribute to victims of WWI, we get back to Fields of Remembrance at Westminster Cathedral. While in London, RSI captured the launch of "Bloody sonnets", the Slovak anti-war poetry classics by Pavol Orszagh Hviezdoslav.By STVR

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New Slovak Academy of Sciences project about the well-being of teachers from marginalized Roma communities. (13.11.2025 16:00) 23:43

2M ago23:43

23:43

Although the topic of Roma education has resonated in debates for many years, little attention is paid to the key actors in education – teachers. in this episode we are going to take a closer look at the conditions and struggles the teachers have to face in the marginalized communities in Slovakia and last but not least, their well-being as the SAV…

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Exploring Dychovka With a Full Breath. (12.11.2025 16:00) 27:02

2M ago27:02

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Dychovka music is a traditional genre that has been played for centuries throughout Slovakia. In this episode, we explore the variety of styles of dychovka through through the Na Plny Dych festival in Moravske Lieskove. There, members of the band Drietomanka (a regional favorite with a rich history) talk about the origins of Slovak dychovka and sho…

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Film Festivals and Charity Bazaars in Slovakia Today. (11.11.2025 16:00) 25:00

2M ago25:00

25:00

November in Bratislava is very busy. Two important long time events are the International Women's Club of Bratislava's Charity Bazaar and the Slovak Queer film festival. Ben Pascoe sat down with the organizers of these events to find out more about them.By STVR

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Ondrej Nepela: Beyond the Golden Ice. (10.11.2025 16:00) 27:43

2M ago27:43

27:43

As a new Slovak moving portrait now in cinemas brings his story to life, we look back at the life and legacy of Ondrej Nepela — Slovakia’s greatest figure skater and one of its most celebrated athletes.Through archival recordings and new interviews with filmmakers, actors, and those who knew him, we trace Nepela’s journey — from a quiet boy discove…

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Week in Slovakia. (8.11.2025 16:00) 26:53

2M ago26:53

26:53

We take a look back at the week's headlines and some of our best stories from the past week.By STVR

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Remembering Daniel Tupý. Culture tips. (7.11.2025 16:00) 29:08

2M ago29:08

29:08

On Tuesday, 4 November, it was 20 years since the death of Comenius University student Daniel Tupý, who was killed in Bratislava in an attack by a group of people described by eyewitnesses as neo-Nazis. Daniel was targeted simply because of his long hair, glasses, and guitar. The guitar has now become the central motif of a new statue commissioned …

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RERUN: On period poverty with Natália Blahová from initiative Dôstojná meštruácia. (6.11.2025 16:00) 23:46

2M ago23:46

23:46

Window to the world & competitionBy STVR

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Irish Theatre in Bratislava. Sounds of Democracy. (5.11.2025 16:00) 24:51

2M ago24:51

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Irish Theatre in Bratislava – The Irish community, in cooperation with the Irish Embassy, is preparing a theatre performance of Moll by Irish playwright John B. Keane. We spoke about the upcoming performance with John Fagan, an Irishman living in Slovakia and a former professional actor who is organizing the event. Later in the program we will disc…

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The State of Slovakia Today with Zora Bútorová. (4.11.2025 16:00) 29:30

2M ago29:30

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Ben Pascoe talks with sociologist and founder of the IVO (Institute for Public Affairs) Zora Bútorová about the state of Slovakia today. They discuss what is going right in Slovakia today, the biggest challenges the country and society face as well as some tips about how to better enjoy Slovakia today.…

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Slovakia at the Heart of Europe: Inside the Permanent Mission to the Council of Europe. (3.11.2025 16:00) 27:48

2M ago27:48

27:48

Democracy, rule of law, and human rights — the core values of the Council of Europe reach far beyond Strasbourg. In this episode of Slovakia Today, Oľga Algayerová, Ambassador at the Permanent Mission of Slovakia to the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, explains the Council’s mission, the work of Slovakia’s Permanent Mission, and how Slovakia contri…

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Saturday Front Page. (1.11.2025 16:00) 27:27

2M ago27:27

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RSI takes a look back at the past week in Slovakia. Today we focus on All Saint's Day.By STVR

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Slovak Music 101. (31.10.2025 16:00) 27:46

2M ago27:46

27:46

Ben Pascoe talks with musicologist, musical journalist, musician and music lover Oliver Rehak to give you an intro to Slovak music today. REPEATBy STVR

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Country Roads: Muranska Planina. (30.10.2025 16:00) 27:28

2M ago27:28

27:28

As many tourists and foreign residents have discovered, Slovakia is much more than its charming capital, Bratislava. From villages adorned with mysterious folk symbols to castles perched above deep valleys and trails leading into the rocky heights of Slovakia’s many majestic mountains, the country is full of hidden gems. For those curious to explor…