Last weekend we traveled to a small city called Bardejov, tucked away in the north-eastern part of Slovakia. Honestly, we had never heard of this town before, but it turned out to be one of the most scenic and peaceful places we’ve visited in recent times.
Our trip was packed with chess, travel, and a few surprises along the way.
Getting There
We flew into Krakow and from there rented a car. The drive to Bardejov took about three hours, and by the time we arrived it was already late at night—around 3 AM!
Shoutout to our Dad for tackling the Krakow-to-Bardejov drive!
The very next day, we had a busy schedule ahead: the first round of the tournament in the evening, and in the afternoon a simul and lecture organized by the local chess club. Definitely a long day, but we were excited!
Chess in Bardejov
The SK Bardejov Chess Club kindly invited us to give the lecture and simul.
You can watch our lecture video here:
After the talk, we had a short break to meet people from the club, chat with players, and enjoy the snacks they had generously prepared.
Next came the simul, where we had a chance to face many enthusiastic players.
Later in the evening, the tournament kicked off. It turned out to be a great event for both of us—I finished in first place and Tarun came second! Sadly, we couldn’t stay for the prize-giving ceremony because of our return flight to Dublin, but the experience was special.
Exploring Bardejov
While chess was at the heart of the trip, the city itself truly surprised us. Before arriving, we didn’t have many expectations, but Bardejov’s charm won us over completely. The atmosphere was calm, the streets picturesque, and the people so warm and welcoming.
The Basilica of St. Giles
One highlight was visiting the Basilica of St. Giles. The climb to the top involved a very narrow staircase with almost 200 steps, but the view from above was breathtaking.
The bells inside were enormous—each with its own name!
The Old Fortifications
Bardejov is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and we got to explore parts of the old medieval fortifications. Walking along the walls felt like stepping back in time.
A Unique Spa Experience
Another unexpected highlight was visiting the spa. What made it so unique was the natural mineral water flowing directly from the mountains into taps. Each spring had a slightly different taste and mineral content. Until then, I had always thought water was just… water! But here, every sip was a different experience.
Thanks to my mom for taking all these wonderful shots!
Wrapping Up the Trip
All in all, our trip to Bardejov was unforgettable. Between the tournament, the lecture, the simul, and exploring the town, we managed to pack a lot into just a few days.
A huge thanks to my dad’s colleague Peter Blanar and his family for their kindness and for helping us experience Bardejov in the best way possible.
A sunny, scenic drive back to the airport made for the perfect finale to our trip! Some photos from the journey are below.
Taking home wonderful memories and the hope of coming back someday!