Spectacular Slovakia

British writer and lecturer Jonathan Gresty sits down with Oscar Brophy to discuss why he came to Slovakia, what’s kept him here for more than three decades, and what this country has taught him about his native England.

Oscar Brophy hits the streets of Bratislava-Rača, microphone in hand, capturing the sounds and stories of Vinobranie — the city’s beloved wine festival.

Slovakia’s tourism industry faces the challenge of shifting from being a convenient stopover to becoming an intentional destination, and companies like GOAT CE Tours are leading the way by using storytelling and authentic experiences to reshape perceptions and encourage longer, purposeful visits. Host: Oscar Brophy | Guests: Patrik Calovka, Michal Varachovič, and Mitch Leffler.

Comedians Matúš Toderiška and Marián Psár bring their astronomy podcast Slnečná zostava (Solar Lineup) to Spectacular Slovakia. We talk stargazing, observatories, dark-sky parks, and the humour in exploring the universe. Host: Oscar Brophy.

In this king-sized episode of Spectacular Slovakia, host Oscar Brophy is joined by historian Juraj Poláček to delve into the rich history of Slovakia’s medieval castles – tracing their development from the Bronze Age to the modern era. Poláček explains how early wooden fortifications evolved into stone strongholds following the 13th-century Mongol invasion, with Slovakia’s strategic position demanding increasingly robust defences. Highlights include Trenčín Castle, with its 16th-century bastion, and the ruins of Spiš Castle – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This episode is a must-listen for history enthusiasts and travellers keen to discover these enduring symbols of the nation’s past.

Spanning 770 kilometres from the Dukla Pass in the east to Devín Castle near Bratislava in the west, Slovakia’s SNP Trail — Cesta Hrdinov SNP (Path of the Heroes of the Slovak National Uprising) — is more than just a long walk. It is an immersive experience that blends historical depth, physical challenge, and the raw beauty of Slovak landscapes. Whether you are a seasoned hiker or a motivated beginner, the SNP Trail offers a unique opportunity to test your limits and connect with both nature and history. Guest: Peter Kvačkay Host: Oscar Brophy

Host Oscar Brophy joins Branislav Chrenka of Authentic Slovakia to explore Bratislava's socialist modernist architecture, including landmarks like the Slavín memorial, Petržalka's prefabs and the Slovak Radio's inverted pyramid. Chrenka explains how ideology and immigration shaped the city's bold 1970s–80s designs. The episode also spotlights Authentic Slovakia's offbeat tours.

Oscar Brophy teams up with Košice native and comedian Diana Renner to explore the vibrant charm of Slovakia’s second city. From the bustling Hlavná ulica and the grandeur of St Elizabeth’s Cathedral to the gritty punk-rock hideout Colosseum, they delve into the city’s blend of history, culture and underground cool.

Oscar Brophy chats with walking tour magnate Jakub Hanzel about the best that Bratislava has to offer, along with a light discussion of the long and varied history of Slovakia's capital. Find out more about Discover Bratislava at https://freetourbratislava.com/.

From London to Poland, and now to Slovakia, this story shows how languages can open doors — to careers, cultures, and even love.

A journey that put Košice on Slovakia’s digital marketing map.

Tanya Benito’s journey to Slovakia began as a professional opportunity but quickly turned into a life-changing experience.

Miriam Fulmeková, a 30-year-old Slovak DJ, screenwriter, and dramaturg, seamlessly blends music and storytelling, creating a unique artistic voice.

Milan "Docent" Sedliak is a Slovak scientist, nutrition expert, and stand-up comedian who excels at blending science and humor.

Driving sustainable urban development and modernisation while preserving the city's cultural heritage and fostering community engagement.

Through exclusive interviews, detailed analyses, and compelling stories, Closer connects younger readers with the heart of Slovakia.

Kvet Nguyen, a Slovak artist and writer of Vietnamese descent, captures the beauty and complexity of living between cultures in her work and storytelling.

Petra Klimová Dzvoníková, known online as Petush Nasklee, is a Slovak influencer and podcaster who uses her platform to empower others through her open approach to fashion, art and mental health awareness.

Ready for a ride? In the picturesque Rajec valley, visitors can ride a bike in all directions without getting lost. I am living proof. Host: Peter Dlhopolec

Our next trip around the Žilina Region will be slightly Italian because of its name. We'll climb Slovakia's oldest via ferrata. It can be found in the Turiec area, which is compared to the Tuscany region in Italy. Host: Peter Dlhopolec

In a Slovak town, visitors can see Brestovská Cave, a spring featured in an iconic film, and an open-air museum (and much more).

Explore a place with three different names – Trojmedzie, Trojmezí, Trójstyk – where three nations regularly meet. Trojmedzie is a hidden gem, easily accessible by train from Bratislava. Host: Peter Dlhopolec Guest: Marta Sláviková

In addition to a hike or a cable-car ride up to Chopok peak, visitors to the ski resort Jasná, Liptov region, can meet Wallachian sheep and take a wild ride in a mountain cart down the hill. Host: Peter Dlhopolec Guests: Jiří Trumpeš, Veronika Tabačková

We spent a day in the resort town of Terchová, hometown of Slovakia’s national hero and source of many hiking trails. Host: Peter Dlhopolec Guest: Ivana Adžić

Svidník, a town in eastern Slovakia known for its military history, is home to the country’s oldest ethnic museum, the Museum of Ukrainian Culture. Explore the museum with Miriam Božíková who works at the cultural institution. Presenter: Peter Dlhopolec Music: Ukrainian folk songs

Bratislava-based Teheran-born comedian Nastaran "Nasi" Alaghmandan Motlagh, who will host events at the upcoming fjúžn festival in Bratislava, is the latest guest on the Spectacular Slovakia podcast.

In the final episode of this summer series, we will immerse ourselves in exploring Žilina, rafting the Váh river, and hiking some of the most beautiful peaks in Slovakia. Presenter: Peter Dlhopolec Guests: Ivan the rafter, David Cartwright, Róbert Hlaváč

A Dutch couple always wanted to have their own farm. What is impossible in the Netherlands, they accomplished near Krupina.

In addition to a spa town and a Marian pilgrimage site, the quaint Čičmany village can be found in the Rajec region. Presenter: Peter Dlhopolec Guests: Jean Gâteau, Juraj Kudjak

The region is known for Orava Castle. But have you gone on a cruise in Námestovo or tasted some scrumptious ice cream in Dolný Kubín? Presenter: Peter Dlhopolec Guest: Vladimír Klocok, Tamari Mikatsadze, Tatia Basilaia, Jozef Ferenčík

The Kysuce region is a quintessential Slovak region, with quaint hilltop villages and plenty of adventures to offer. Presenter: Peter Dlhopolec Guests: Mirka Petríková, Avuzwa Ngubo, Pedro Viola de Abreu

The Liptov region is a great holiday destination that is not just about Tatralandia, Jasná and Vlkolínec, although they are also worth a visit. Presenter: Peter Dlhopolec Guests: Linda Šimunová, Zuzana Trnovská, Gerdi Vanfleteren

Peter expands his textbook knowledge about the Turiec region. He talks to three people who know the region quite well: Zuzana, Stanislava and Scott.

For American Jeremy Hill, his number one enemy in Slovakia has always been winter. He’s not a fan of the bitter cold and after the holidays, this “vegetarian with a sensitive tummy” usually requires some medical assistance… and a stool sample. Listen as he recalls with a mixture of shame and amusement the day he presented a Slovak nurse with a stool sample in a Tesco shopping bag.

Listen to Jeremy Hill recount his very first Christmas in Slovakia, when he rediscovered the healing magic of the holiday season.

Austrian Ambassador Margit Bruck-Friedrich on why she loves Bratislava and what to not miss out on in surrounding towns. Presenter: Peter Dlhopolec Photo: TASR

Japanese Ambassador Makoto Nakagawa is here to talk about his hobbies - biking and birdwatching - in Bratislava. Plus, it's time to compare capital cities again. Presenter: Peter Dlhopolec Photo: TASR

Israeli Ambassador Boaz Modai shares his views on Bratislava and talks about the city's Jewish heritage. Presenter: Peter Dlhopolec Photo: TASR

Swiss Ambassador Alexander Hoffet on where in Bratislava he walks his dog, favourite spots, and Bratislava rolls. Presenter: Peter Dlhopolec Photo: TASR

Ambassador Barbara Wolf talks about German presence and her favourite places in Pressburg, as Bratislava was referred to in days of old. Presenter: Peter Dlhopolec Photo: TASR

Spectacular Slovakia meets Dutch Ambassador Henk Cor van der Kwast in Danubiana to talk art, classical music, cycling and tulips. Presenter: Peter Dlhopolec Photo: TASR

Canada’s Chargé d’affaires John von Kaufmann has learnt a lot about Slovak history. Moreover, in Bratislava, he discovered a nudist beach and a farmers’ market by accident. How’s life in the capital going for him? Presenter: Peter Dlhopolec Photo: TASR

In 1993, Nigel Baker found himself in Bratislava for the first time. What does the British ambassador recall from the old times? Presenter: Peter Dlhopolec Photo: TASR

Bridget Brink, US Ambassador to Slovakia, considers the country and Bratislava fantastic places to live in. Why does she think that Bratislava and D.C. are quite similar? Presenter: Peter Dlhopolec Photo: TASR

Despite a bug, the [fjúžn] festival will kick off on September the 18th. Nina Galanská and Kristína Hamárová of Milan Šimečka Foundation will guide you through the week-long event.

Hilda Ó Riain, Ambassador of Ireland to Slovakia, reveals where in Bratislava you can often meet her and what she loves about the city. She even provides a short Irish language class. Photo: TASR Presenter: Peter Dlhopolec

Get your pen and paper ready before you set off on a trip around Slovakia. Presenter: Peter Dlhopolec

American musician Francisco Mejia talks about his debut album 'Ghost Sex Empire' and how his dream of becoming a musician was finally realised. Presenter: Peter Dlhopolec

Stay home, stay safe. It is time to have some fun in our virtual quiz club. Are you ready to play? Presenter: Peter Dlhopolec

It is not only a furniture museum. The well-preserved fortress, hidden in the Small Carpathians, is home to a replica of Madonna of Bruges and breathtakingly huge cellars. Explore this covert and cozy place with Englishman James Thompson. Presenter: Peter Dlhopolec