All language subtitles for SLOVAKIA.Treasures.in.the.Heart.of.Europe.2015.1080p.WEBRip.x264-RARBG

(steady ambient music)

- [Voiceover] These are
the high Tatra mountains,

the highest peaks of the
Carpathian mountain range.

They stretch for
almost a thousand miles

through central Europe

and reach their
highest elevations here

in The Slovak Republic.

These rugged peaks are part

of the Tatra National Park,

one of the many
treasures of Slovakia,

a country that sits in the
geographic center of Europe,

but is still largely
unknown to the world.

rich with history and culture,

Slovakia may be the most
overlooked, unknown,

and untraveled
country in Europe.

My name is Pat Uskert.

I'm a world traveler,

with an interest in
unknown destinations,

and I'm here to explore
the heart of Europe.

With me is my friend, Mila.

A Slovak native,
she will make sure

we get to all the right places.

Together, we are
traveling across

The Little Big Country.

(relaxing ambient music)

From its capital
city on the Danube,

into its breathtaking landscape.

It is a land of world
heritage treasures,

medieval towns,

castles,

lush forests

and a people, culture,
and history all its own.

(Slovak folk music)

This is a journey for travelers,

and anyone who likes
a good adventure.

A journey into the
heart of Europe

into a land of music, dance,

castles and mountains.

So pack your bags and
get ready for adventure.

It's time to explore
the Little Big Country.

This is Slovakia.

(Slovak folk music)

Bratislava is one hour
from Vienna by train,

with easy connections
to Prague, Hamburg,

and Budapest.

This is Bratislava's
main station.

From here, the city
is not too far.

You can hop on a bus, or walk.

(melodious ringing sounds)

On the Danube river, in a
passage between the Alps

and the Carpathians,

Bratislava lies on a
historic trade route.

Throughout history,
this was the gateway

to central Europe.

In ancient times,
Celts and later Romans

had settlements here.

In the 6th century,
migrating Slavic tribes

would settle and
establish a fortress.

A Slavic stronghold
would become a city.

It would later
become the capital

of the Kingdom of Hungary.

With Vienna and Budapest,

it formed a triangle of
Austro-Hungarian power.

This was a coronation city

where kings and
emperors were crowned.

In German it was
called Pressburg.

Mozart played his
first concert here.

Today it is Slovakia's
largest city

with a population of
about half a million.

Historically, this is where
three worlds came together,

Slav, Hungarian and Austrian.

With its rich history
and complex flavor,

it's time to discover
Bratislava for ourselves.

We are heading to
Bratislava Castle.

Visible from almost
everywhere in the city.

Its walls and
ramparts are massive.

First mentioned in the year 907,

it has over a thousand
years of stories to tell.

(symphony music)

Today it is guarded
by Svatopluk,

last of the old Slav kings.

This is one of the
best views of the city.

The castle restaurant is a
great place to take it all in.

Massive walls protected
the city in medieval times.

When the Ottoman
Turks invaded Hungary

and took Budapest,

this became the new
capital of the Kingdom.

And remained so
for some 200 years.

(symphony music)

This was the coronation church

St. Martin's Cathedral.

And it still wears the
symbolic crown of St. Stephen,

made with 18 pounds
of real gold.

Rulers of the empire
were crowned here.

Nineteen sovereigns in all.

Beethoven's entire Missa
Solemnis was premiered here.

Inside, a soldier
cuts his cloak in two,

sharing half with a beggar,

the legendary compassion
of St. Martin.

(bright orchestra music)

The old walled city
had four gates.

This tower is the
last remaining gate

St. Michael's gate.

It is the main entrance
to the Old Town.

(gun fires)

On this first day of Spring,

we catch a bit of
ceremony and costume.

Giving us a glimpse of
the city's colorful past

and taking us back to when
this was the city of kings.

(people applauding)

(band playing music)

In a very Catholic kingdom,

the archbishop had a
fairly nice residence.

This is the Primate's Palace.

It is also where Napoleon signed

the Treaty of Pressburg

ending the Holy Roman Empire.

Next to the palace
is the Old Town Hall,

used since the 15th century,

it is one of the oldest stone
buildings in Bratislava.

The Slovak National Theater
is a symbol for the arts.

Here you can catch an opera
or the national ballet.

Hviezdoslav Square
is named after

Slovakia's greatest poet,

a nice place for
outdoor restaurants

and people watching.

(symphony music)

This is a good time to
brush up on your Slovak.

Hello is dobry den.

Thank you is dakujem.

And beer is pivo,
essential vocabulary.

Bratislava's Old Town
is a special place.

Not as large Vienna or Prague,

Its smaller streets have
their own, cozy charm.

And it's easier to see on foot.

This is a great place
to wander around

for a day or two.

Whether you like history, food,

or just riding around in
these city tour wagons.

Grassalkovich Palace is
where the president resides,

Slovakia's White House.

This was also the center
of Baroque musical life,

where Joseph Haydn
premiered many of his works.

(marching)

But Old Town is only a
small part of Bratislava.

There is also a much
younger city here.

The Corso on the Danube
is modern and pretty hip.

Complete with bars,
cafes, and giant cushions.

A good place for taking it easy,

and watching the ships go by.

It's difficult to ignore
the the New Bridge,

also known as "The UFO Bridge."

The UFO is actually a groovy
restaurant and cafe bar.

Here you can beam yourself up

and abduct some lunch.

(upbeat electronic music)

A few days should be
enough to see Bratislava.

If you're a history buff
or a hopeless romantic,

you might need a bit longer.

(upbeat electronic music)

But when you've had your fill,

Slovakia has much
more to show you.

It's time to move on
with our adventure.

(gentle flute music)

Just upstream from Bratislava,

you can walk the
paths along the river,

and eventually you will
arrive at one of the

greatest cultural
monuments of Slovakia

and Slavic history.

A fortress of the early Slavs

dating back to the 9th
century, Devin Castle.

It was a major seat
of Great Moravia,

one of history's
first Slavic kingdoms.

This is where the Morava
River meets the Danube,

a position that
allowed the control

of two major trade routes,

the Danube River,
and the Amber Road,

a trade route that
connected the Baltic

and Black Seas.

This was also a gateway
of Christianity.

With Byzantine
missionaries arriving here

in the 9th century.

Bringing Christianity and
literacy to eastern Europe.

If the castle looks a bit rough,

it was Napoleon who
ordered it ruined

during his military
campaign in the region.

Enduring for over
a thousand years,

Devin stands like a
rugged time capsule,

a proud symbol of
Slovakia's history.

From here we travel
down the Danube.

(bagpipe music)

(relaxing violin music)

The Danube River has
played a central role

throughout history.

As a major trade corridor,
and a natural border.

It was the frontier
of the Roman Empire,

and gave rise to empires
that followed it.

Today it is the
most international
river in the world,

running through 18 countries
for about 2,000 miles

from Germany to the Black Sea.

It runs along the
border of Slovakia.

Although an
international waterway,

the Danube is also a
river to be enjoyed.

Whether cruising on
it, playing in it,

or just soaking up the sun.

The Danube is a source
of pleasure, and beauty.

And for some people, it's a
destination all by itself.

The town of Sturovo
is the last port

before the Danube
flows into Hungary.

If you're arriving
from Budapest,

you can enter Slovakia here.

Most people visit the
Basilica of St. Stephen

across the river in Hungary.

Sturovo is a small
town and a popular

summer getaway known
for its thermal spas.

Hungarian is spoken here,

which you'll find in
many towns in the south.

The two countries share
centuries of history,

and in some places,

it seems they've
never separated.

Sturovo Station is
on a major rail line,

with trains to
Berlin and Bucharest

but we are going
deeper into Slovakia.

(Slovak folk music)

A quick word about getting
around in Slovakia.

No matter what
season you travel,

the trains and buses
are safe, on time,

and will take you to almost
anywhere in the country.

From big city to tiny village.

If you have time,
this is a great way

to see the country.

The train from Bratislava
to the Tatra Mountains

takes about 5 hours.

And the price is reasonable.

If you are on a tight schedule,

you can of course look into
private tour companies.

You can also rent a car,
Slovakia is relatively small,

and you can drive
across it in a day.

In the warmer months,

the country roads are
perfect for motorcycling.

A great way to experience
the magical countryside.

As for places to stay,

there are lodgings for
every taste and budget.

From five star resorts,
to charming inns.

Bed and breakfasts
are called penzions,

and motels are
called "motor rests."

No matter how you do it,

you will be traveling
into a landscape

stunning and unspoiled.

(motorcycle running)

It has been described
as a fairyland.

With its forests and mountains,

and villages tucked
into rolling hills.

It is here in its landscape

that Slovakia works its magic.

With a population
of around 5 million,

much of the country is country.

And then there are the castles.

Lots of castles.

All together, it
is a visual feast.

(Slovak folk music)

(motorcycle running)

I'm riding north of Sturovo,

where the Pannonian Plain meets

the Carpathian Foothills.

The region is lush and
fertile, and full of history.

Around the 6th century,

Slavic tribes began
their great migration

and settled the entire
eastern half of Europe.

Some of the tribes settled here,

and eventually formed
one of history's

first Slavic kingdoms,
"Great Moravia."

It would leave a legacy
that is still with us today.

Over a thousand years ago,

the city of Nitra was
one of its main centers.

Today, Nitra is a modern town,

known for its universities
and its natural setting.

But it is mostly known for
its historical significance.

Nitra is Slovakia's oldest city.

Its castle is a
blend of centuries

of Slovak and Hungarian history.

And it stands on much
earlier fortresses.

Harking back to a time
when much of Europe

was still pagan, and
without a written language.

Nitra would come to
play an important role

as a "Cradle of Christianity."

Its first know known
ruler was a pagan

named Pribina.

Who allowed construction
of the first known Church

among the East and West Slavs

opening the doors to
Christianity.

Two Byzantine
missionaries would later

make the journey from
Greece to Great Moravia,

at the request of
Moravian Prince Rastislav.

These teachers
brought enlightenment

and Christianity.

Today, Greek brothers
Cyril and Methodius

are honored as "Patron
Saints of Europe."

The museum houses their legacy.

Cyril created the first
Slavic writing system

based on the Greek alphabet.

Called the Glagolitic,

it was a precursor to
modern day Cyrillic.

Working with Methodius,

they then translated the bible.

Methodius became
the first archbishop

of Great Moravia, with
its main seat in Nitra.

Their disciples would
travel to other kingdoms,

spreading the new knowledge

setting the foundations
for a Christian

eastern Europe.

Today they are celebrated
in all Slavic countries

as "The apostles of the Slavs."

This is the legacy
of Great Moravia.

The young empire
eventually became weak

and fell to the Hungarians
invading from the south.

Nitra, became one of the
most important cities

of the New Kingdom of Hungary.

The history of Slavs and
Hungarians would intertwine

over the next thousand years.

(chant music)

(chant music)
(church bell ringing)

In the summer heat,

you can find cool
shade in the woods.

But even deep in the forest,
history can be found.

(relaxing piano music)

(relaxing piano music)
(birds chirping)

This tower was built
in the 13th century

to protect local gold trade.

We are in the Tribec
mountain range,

not far from Nitra.

Hiking among the ruins
of a kingdom long past.

These ruins were part of
a guardian castle system

that stretches
throughout the region,

built in response to
the Mongol invasions

in the 13th century,

they protected the young
Kingdom of Hungary.

(inspiring music)

- [Voiceover] Slovakia
has the highest number

of castles per
capita in the world.

Making a kind of
paradise for both hikers

and history lovers.

(inspiring music)

(symphony music)

- [Voiceover] If you
could design a castle

from dreams and bedtime stories,

it might look
something like this.

Bojnice is the
castle of fairy tales

one of the most visited
castles in central Europe.

This was the home of
the wealthy Thurzo

and later Palfi families.

It was Count Palfi
who rebuilt his castle

in the romantic style.

Blending elements of the
French and Tyrolean Gothic,

with architecture from
the Italian renaissance.

Palfi designed and
supervised it all himself.

Unfortunately he
didn't live to see

his work completed, dying
a bachelor in Vienna,

with no heirs.

As expected from a
fairytale castle,

it is rich with
lore and legends.

(helmet clanking)

(woman laughing)

(laughing)

- [Voiceover] The
Linden Tree out front

is over 700 years old.
Providing shade

for many a lord and lady

The interior is no
less spectacular,

the Palffy home is now a museum

with an astonishing display
of his personal treasures,

its halls filled with
art and exotic luxuries.

(symphony music)

Tours of the castle
last around 75 minutes.

The tour ends in dripstone
caves beneath the castle.

Like any good storybook castle,

it must have dark caverns
and secret passageways.

This is the perfect
place to think about

the castle's ghost stories

such as the Legend
of the Black Lady

who is sometimes seen
on castle grounds.

If you consider yourself to
be a bit of a ghost hunter,

every May the castle hosts

"The International Festival
of Ghosts and Spirits."

(violin music)

With the power dynasties
up in their castles,

village folks went on
about their business.

It is in the villages that
traditions were passed

from generation to generation.

- [Voiceover] Yeah, that's good.

(laughing)

Great. (speaking in
foreign language)

- [Voiceover] We are in
in the village of Cicmany.

Nestled among forest and hills,

it's as quiet and simple
as a village can get.

Visitors come here
for its local charm,

and to get a taste
of the simple life.

Cicmany is known for the unique,

ornamental painting
of its homes.

The designs reflect motifs
seen in traditional tapestry

and needlework.

Each house is a work of art.

Although they look like
gingerbread houses,

Cicmany is a real village.

A few penzions in
town offer simple,

cheap accommodation,
and of course food.

Quiet and peaceful, you
can stay here if you like,

and experience the relaxed
pace of village life.

(Slovak folk music)

(playing fujara)

We've been invited
into the workshop

of Drahos Dalos a musician,
and master craftsman,

who will show us
the art of making

a traditional Slovak
flute, the fujara.

(playing fujara)

- (speaking in foreign language)

(scraping wood)

- [Voiceover] Originating
in the high meadows

of the central regions,

the fujara was
played by shepherds.

And its music reflects
the sounds of nature

that surrounded them.

(playing fujara)

Drahos points out that this
is not only an instrument,

but a way to talk with nature.

(playing fujara)

According to Drahos, it
has a unique resonance,

that benefits the mind
and soothes the soul.

The fujara has been added to the

United Nations
World Heritage list

of humanity's masterpieces.

From shepherds in the
highlands, a gift to the world.

(playing fujara)

- [Voiceover] In the
center of Europe,

many sounds and
have come together

to create a wealth of
music, song, and dance.

And this is a country
that loves to dance

and drink.

Festivals throughout the
summer are a good place

to have a listen.

(playing music) (people singing)

This is in the
village of Hrusov.

Once a year, this sleepy hamlet

becomes a celebration of
music, food, and life itself.

This is music from
the heart of Europe.

(band playing folk music)

(playing accordion music)

(playing traditional
Slovak music)

(Slovak folk music)

(stomping) (Slovak folk music)

(Slovak folk music) (whistling)

(Slovak folk music)
(man singing)

(Slovak folk music) (whistling)

(playing bagpipe music)

(Slovak folk music)
(women singing)

(whistling) (people applauding)

While traveling
across the country,

we made sure to catch
a few castle festivals,

with each castle
celebrating its own place

in Slovak history and culture.

At Orava Castle, we enjoyed
a ghoulish night tour.

- (speaking in foreign language)

- (speaking in foreign language)

(people laughing)

- [Voiceover] This by the way,

is the where the first
vampire movie was made.

- (speaking in foreign language)

- [Voiceover]
Nosferatu, in 1922.

The castle is said
to be quite haunted.

And its most famous ghost
is called "The White Lady."

- (speaking in foreign language)

The day ends with a night
market.

and a dazzling fireshow

(relaxing ethereal music)

- [Voiceover] Some of the
festivals last for days.

Like this one in Trencin.

Celebrating its stunning
fortress, and colorful past.

(band playing music)

- (speaking in foreign language)

- [Voiceover] From Roman
legions fighting barbarians.

And Ottoman Turks at its gates.

(traditional Turkish
music)

(hammering)

(band playing medieval music)

- [Man] (speaking in foreign
language) - [Voiceover] And
the tournament was amazing.

(church bell ringing)

(water streaming)

(calm instrumental music)

I am walking along
the Dunajec river,

on a path that has been
used for thousands of years.

In ancient times,

boats were the main
form of transportation

and Greeks and Romans
used these rivers

particularly in
the trade of amber.

This route was part
of the Amber Road.

A long trade route
from northern seas

to the Mediterranean.

Rafting continued as a
form of transportation

throughout the centuries

and much like truckers of today,

rafters hauled a lot of goods

from lumber and iron, to
cheese and medicinal herbs.

Today, you can join
rafters in their

ancient and proud traditions.

Like the seashells
worn on their hats.

Each seashell meant
a successful journey

to the sea and back.

And a rafter with many seashells

was a seasoned veteran.

- (singing in foreign language)

(applauding)

- [Voiceover] Eventually
this river flows

into Poland, and then
to the Baltic Sea,

but we are getting
off at the border.

After rafting, we
stop for lunch at the

old monastery on the river.

This is Cerveny Klastor,
the red monastery.

This was a real
medieval monastery.

Here you can sit near
a crackling fire,

enjoy a frothy ale
and a hearty meal.

In Slovak, bon appetit
is "dobru chut."

We are making are our way
into Eastern Slovakia.

In a region called
SubCarpathian Ruthenia,

home of Slovakia's
Rusyn population.

Their roots go back
to Kievan Russia.

The region is famous
for its wooden churches

most built around
the 17th century.

Each church is a masterpiece
of Rusyn architecture.

(chant music)

Each is unique.

They are fitted together
without the use of nails.

And many using
woods that contain

natural termite repellants.

The builders were
masters of woodwork.

Hundreds of years old,
these churches of wood

were designed to
endure for centuries.

In this part of Europe,

eastern and western
Christianity meet.

With catholic churches
just down the road

from Eastern Orthodox.

Inside we find biblical
scenes painted long ago.

The walls are rich
with religious imagery.

With local artists creating
their own Sistine chapel.

(chant music)

The creativity of
Rusyns doesn't stop

with wooden churches.

(upbeat music)

Here in the town of Medzilaborce

you can visit the
Andy Warhol Museum.

It is the second largest
collection of his work

outside of Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania.

Andy Warhol was
born Andrej Varhola

to Carpatho-Rusyn
parents who emigrated

to the United States from here.

Andy Warhol's pop art
set off a chain reaction

that completely changed
the world of art and music,

influencing generations of
artists around the world.

He may be the most
well known artist

of the twentieth century.

Today, the region
celebrates his legacy.

For die-hard fans of his work,

this is a necessary pilgrimage.

(Slovak folk music)

Bardejov, is an almost
perfectly preserved

medieval town.

Its walls, and burger
houses are all as they were

centuries ago.

(Slovak folk music)

Most people know
Bardejov from its

picturesque old town square,

long ago one of the
biggest marketplaces

of central Europe.

With Bardejov located
on the road between

the Baltic and Black Seas,

it was a major center of
trade in the middle ages.

It enjoyed the privileges
of a royal city,

with its merchants
free to travel

throughout the kingdom.

Today we can only imagine
its medieval market,

bustling with merchants
and goods from far away.

Its production of linens
and cloth was unsurpassed,

and it had more than 50 guilds

from blacksmiths, locksmiths,
cobblers, furriers,

all doing brisk business.

Bardejov feels frozen in time.

(man playing violin music)

If you've come this far,

make sure to climb
the bell tower.

The climb pays off with a
view fitting of a postcard.

Actually this view is on
every Bardejov postcard,

but much better to
see it in person.

The Gothic cathedral
of St. Aegidius

dominates the square.

Built in the 13th century,
it houses some of the finest

wood-work in the country.

(chant music)

(church bell ringing)

If you like walking
into history,

but don't have a time machine,

visiting Bardejov might
be the next best thing.

(medieval music)

On its rocky perch,

overlooking the
surrounding countryside,

is one of the largest and
most astonishing castles

in central Europe, Spis Castle.

It is a precious
cultural monument

of the Spis region and a
world heritage treasure.

Spis castle attracts over
100,000 visitors a year.

With construction started
in the 12th century,

it became the major center
of power in the region.

It was one of the
few castles to resist

the Mongol attacks of 1241.

With its steep
approach, multiple gates

and numerous walls,

its defenses were
almost unbeatable.

Outside the castle,
stone columns were part

of the first defense line.

Invaders breaching
the first wall,

would find more walls
on the other side.

If anyone managed to break
through the first gate,

there was a second
gate, and then a third.

Defenders could always fall back

having the advantage
of the high ground.

Attackers would find
themselves trapped

in the courtyard where
they were easy targets.

A brilliant design.

The kitchen is nicely restored.

The prison and torture room

has a few interesting items.

From the hanging
cage, to the rack,

and other various instruments.

If you happen to be
wearing your battle armor,

you may find it
difficult to climb

the narrow passages
of the tower.

Of course, that was precisely
the idea of the design.

A group of attackers
would be forced

into a single file line,

making them much
easier to handle

one at a time.

From the top of the tower,

we can see all the way
to the Tatra mountains.

I found this to be one
of those unforgettable

travel moments.

The view, and the feeling
of being at the top

of this medieval fortress,
it is breathtaking.

Villages spread before you,

and the wind is in your hair.

And for a moment,
you have a glimpse

of what it was like
to be the king.

Much of the country is
covered in wild forestland

making it a great escape
for outdoor lovers.

Mila and I are on our way to the

Slovensky Raj National Park.

At the entrance booth,
you can actually buy

two tickets to paradise.

Slovenky Raj means
Slovak Paradise.

Here you'll find and
scenery that is fitting

of its name.

A great escape into
nature if you need a break

from sight-seeing.

We are on one of the
more popular trails

known for its ladders
and waterfalls.

It's important to start early,

because it's a challenging
trail, and will take some time.

This is a long day of ladders,
iron chains, and steps

as we work our way through
gorges and waterfalls.

(steady melancholy
music) (water streaming)

(steady melancholy
music) (water streaming)

If you're serious about
hiking and trekking

the country has an extensive
trail network

making it possible to
travel across the entire
country

by foot.

At the halfway point, there
is a restaurant and lodge.

If it's too late in the day,
you can spend the night.

If you are a big fan of
subterranean adventures,

Slovakia is somewhat of
a caver's dream come true.

With a remarkable
number of caves

for a country of its size.

Beneath its rugged landscape

are several thousand caves.

With new caves still
being discovered,

and many not fully explored.

Some of the cave
systems go on for miles.

Forty-four caves are
national treasures

and 12 are open to the public.

Each cave offers a
different experience,

(steady melancholy music)

If you have a thing
for aragonite,

there are only three
known aragonite caves

in the world, and
one of them is here.

In the Ochtinska Aragonite
Cave, you can marvel

at this rare mineral and
its starlike formations.

In the cave's Milky Way Hall,

aragonite clusters in the
ceiling shine like stars

across the sky.

Each cave is a precious
one-of-a-kind diamond,

the result of just
the right conditions.

and eons of time.

But caves are not the
only underground adventure

to be had.

In the hills of a
collapsed volcano,

in a region rich
with gold and silver,

we are in the mining
town of Banska Stiavnica.

Centuries ago, this
was the most important

mining town of the
Habsburg Empire.

It was the world center
of mining innovation.

The mines are now museums.

Here you can gear up,
and take a guided tour

and descend into mining history.

- We are going into the
mines, very exciting.

(classical baroque music)

- [Voiceover] These mines
were the main source

of gold and silver in
the Kingdom of Hungary.

At one time producing
40% of Europe's gold.

Digging deeper each century

called for new technology.

Flooded mines gave rise
to the first piston pumps.

In 1627, gunpowder
blasting was used here

for the first time in the world.

Mining became a science

and the first Mining
Academy was created,

the first technical
school in the world.

Outside, a new system of
artificial lakes was designed

to create power for machinery.

The new techniques would spread

throughout the world.

Although its mining
days are in the past,

Banska Stiavnica is
today one of Europe's

great treasures.

A United Nations
world heritage site,

it is an important stop
on our Slovakia adventure.

(chant music)

Slovakia is a land
of four seasons,

each with its own
beauty and color.

But there are certain
pleasures that only

winter can bring,

like fairy-tale landscapes
and snowcapped mountains,

and skiing of course,

and a few more I'd
like to mention,

like ice hockey.

For a country of its size,

it is a formidable player
on the world stage.

Some of the biggest names
in the NHL are Slovak.

Like Hall of Famers Stan
Mikita and Peter Stastny.

(audience chanting)

(audience cheering)

Soaking in thermal spas is
a normal part of life here.

The spas or kupalisko are fed by

natural thermal springs.

Rich in salts and minerals
they are good therapy

for just about any
ailment you can think of.

(relaxing music)

(symphony music)
(church bell ringing)

There's something
about a frosty evening

in an old European
town that just appeals

to my sense of romance.

Kosice is Slovakia's
second largest city,

it has the feel of
a little Vienna.

It is a treasure of
architecture and history.

Its cathedral is the easternmost

Gothic cathedral in Europe.

This was one of the
first towns in Europe

to have its own coat of arms,

granted in the 14th century.

(symphony music)

A village in winter can
also be an experience.

Especially if you catch
some winter festivities.

(people celebrating) These noisy
people coming down the street

are celebrating
the coming of Lent.

This is a last chance
to drink and feast

before the fasting begins.

And these revelers are making
sure to have their fill.

Much like Halloween in the USA,

people go door to
door with their

masks and costumes.

(people playing
music and singing)

But instead of candy, here
you get wine and shots

of hard spirits.

Kind of like Trick
or Treat for adults.

(metal clanging)

(people playing
music and singing)

(people playing
music and singing)

Inside the local town hall,

celebrations go
on into the night.

(folk music)

(folk music) (whistling)

We can't leave the village
without a traditional meal.

Mila has invited me
to dinner to sample

a traditional dish.

- Yes, so, now we
are going to make

bryndzove halusky.

- [Voiceover] Bryndzove
Halusky about as Slovak

as you can get.

- So,

the secret is to make
your own homemade pasta.

A little bit of bacon.

- [Voiceover] Halusky is a
type of pasta, like gnocchi.

And bryndza is a
zesty sheep cheese.

Usually topped with
a type of bacon,

it is a simple farmers meal,

that will give you
enough power to climb

the high Tatras, exactly
where we are going next.

(railroad noise)

Our next destination,
the city of Poprad,

the gateway to the
Tatra Mountains.

It is the largest city
of the Spis Region,

and a bustling
holiday resort town.

The town center has Polish
and German influences,

and boasts a church
and bell tower

from the 13th century.

(Slovak folk music)

(Slovak folk music)
(church bell ringing)

The original center of
Poprad was a German Colony

called Deutschendorf,
or German town.

Today it is a romantic getaway,

the old burger houses
are now inns and taverns.

And spectacular views
of the mountains

are never far off.

Although beautiful
from a distance,

we want to see them up close.

Getting to the
mountains is easy enough

with the Tatra
mountain railroad.

This light rail takes you
to the mountain villages

and ski resorts.

The Tatra Mountains are
one of central Europe's

premiere winter playgrounds.

- Yeah, we're getting off.

Getting closer to the mountains.

- (speaking in foreign language)

(bell ringing)

(Slovak folk music)

- [Voiceover] Back in town,
Mila and I are looking

for lunch.

When this outspoken
restaurant owner

gets our attention.

- (speaking in foreign language)

(woman laughing)

- [Voiceover] Our
new friend cooks up a

heavenly Segendinsky Gulas,

stewed pork with sauerkraut
in a tangy sauce,

served with steamed
dumplings on the side.

And a hot bowl of kapustnica,
a hardy cabbage soup.

In this winter cold,
it hits the spot.

Properly fed, Mila and
I head into the hills

to enjoy some trails.

(chant music)

I want to see as much
of the Tatra Mountains

as possible.

We are trekking in an area
called Popradske Pleso,

surrounded by mountains
and a peaceful quietness.

The Tatra Mountains are
not only a playground,

but the spiritual
center of this nation.

They are mentioned
in legends and songs,

and even in the country's
national anthem.

With its long history of
turbulence and invasions,

the mountainous
landscape of Slovakia

provided natural borders
and pockets of refuge

throughout its history.

They are an integral part
of the country's identity.

In this symbolic cemetery,

the crosses are
symbolic gravestones

of those that have lost
their lives in the mountains,

skiers, mountaineers, or
simply those whose hearts

will always be here.

(chant music)

(Slovak folk music)

There is a gondola that
will take you to the top,

which is exactly
where we want to go.

It's not a trip for the
faint of heart, however,

or for those who simply
don't like being in a box

hanging from a cable.

We're on our way to the
top of Lomnitsky Stit,

the second highest peak
in the High Tatras.

The highest peak we can reach

without having to climb.

(Slovak folk music)

- [Voiceover] The Tatras
are not as high as the alps,

nor the Himalaya,

but they have their
own rugged beauty,

unique to them.

Whether you climb,
or take the elevator,

the view at the top
is worth the trip.

(calm melancholy music)

Here you can stand
above the clouds,

among alpine peaks, at the
very top of a mountain.

(calm melancholy music)

I would say this place
at the top of Slovakia

is a good place to
pause and reflect

on our Slovak adventure.

It is a little country,

but it's also a big country.

I hope you've enjoyed
exploring Slovakia with us,

and that the place that
was once so unknown,

now feels a little
more familiar.

From the High
Tatras in Slovakia,

in the heart of Europe,

we say thank you,
and see you again.

Dakujem a dovidenia.

(Slovak folk music)