official site for visitors to Bratislava  

Handball, the fascinating and thrilling game has got long tradition, history and high level in the sport annals of Slovakia. Slovakia is a country of World Champions (1967, as a part of former Czechoslovakia) and Bratislava is a cradle of female players who represented this country successfully at the international events – World Championships and Olympic Games.

Visitors to Bratislava's Hviezdoslavovo Square may be surprised, given the recent baking heat, to spot a large, ice-skating wolf in front of the Carlton Hotel. The wolf, named Goooly, is the mascot of the 2011 International Ice Hockey Federation World Championship, and the clock on his hockey stick is counting down to the beginning of next year's tournament, which will be held in Slovakia. As James Thomson reports, Bratislava is already preparing for what could be the country's biggest ever sporting event.

Since 15 years, the international exhibition Sculpture and Object has been a firm part of the cultural offer of Bratislava in the summer. During its existence, it has made itself good name among experts as well as broad public, which every year has the possibility to see many works of renowned artists from different countries.

Bratislava's Summer of Culture and Castle Festival continues throughout August, with events taking place in and around the old town. Many of them are free to attend, and most are suitable for children as well as grown-ups. Here are just some of the dozens of highlights...

Enjoy your time in Bratislava with our weekly event guide!

Bratislava MUSIC: DEŇ BACHOVEJ hudby na Slovensku / The Day of Bach Music is marked in Slovakia on July 28, the day of the great composer’s death, and will be commemorated in several cities and towns by performances of his Allein Gott in der Hoeh’ sei Ehr’/ To God Alone on High Be Glory chorale, chosen as the common theme for this year.

From June 25 to August 27, each Friday beginning at 20:00, everybody is welcome to join the 7th year of organised in-line skating rides through downtown Bratislava.

Exquisitely beautiful hotel located in the pedestrian zone of Old Town, walking distance from all main historic attractions, only few steps from the Main Square, Old town Hall, Primate Palace or National Theatre. Arcadia Hotel Bratislava offers truly unique ambiance of historic property dated to 1290, suitable for short or long breaks Classic warm style, 24 hrs Open library bar and 5* luxury. Come to relax to the top ranked hotel, feel the space of 40 sq large room, get pampered in Arcadia Spa – included in the package price. Be close to all city happenings and Events. www.arcadia-hotel.sk

Enjoy your time in Bratislava with our weekly event guide!

Local products can make great souvenirs and gifts but in an increasingly globalised world genuine locally made goods can sometimes be tricky to find. Slovakia has a number of strong brands even if, as James Thomson reports, some of them are more ‘famous’ regionally than globally.