FMC-dialyzačné služby, s.r.o. Bratislava-Ružinov
Bratislava – at the intersection of different cultures
Bratislava unfolds its very unique charm during a visit without relying on the typical “touristy” attractions. Despite a past rich in twists and turns, the city is one of the youngest capitals in the world with a – on average – quite young population. Bratislava is at the center of the most dynamic region in Middle Europe, seeing a lot of change and developing fast.
The capital city of Slovakia looks back on a multi-cultural and multi-faceted history. She has been dubbed the “Beauty on the Danube”, was part of Hungary and called Pressburg or Pozsony until 1919 when it was reallocated to the newly founded Czechoslovakia under the name Bratislava. So, unlike Prague, Budapest and other cities, Bratislava was never meant to be a capital and was not built as one.
This said the enchanting atmosphere in the historic setting will soon captivate you with its interesting present-day culture. Three NephroCare clinics in the city are prepared to make an appointment for your regular treatments. So you can take your time to get acquainted with the unhurried pace and hidden attractions of this beautiful city in the border triangle of Austria, Hungary and Slovakia. Did you know that Vienna is only just over 50 kilometres away?
Activities
Something old, something blue – and a UFO
The cosy Old Town invites you to take a leisurely stroll around and follow your curiosity. It is big enough to keep you occupied and also compact enough that if you get lost you won’t have any trouble finding your way again. Michael’s Gate, the last still preserved medieval gate, gives a popular photo motive. Visitors can climb the tower for a lovely view. A rewarding detour to Kapitulska Street, just a few blocks from the heart of the old town, feels like stepping back in time. The quiet, medieval street charms with a mix of colourful buildings and a likeable atmosphere of ancient times.
A picturesque climb takes you up to Bratislava Castle. It looks like a reversed table and has been watching over the city for several centuries. The Kings of Royal Hungary used it as their seat in the 16th century, it housed the Hungarian crown jewels for the next 200 years. The terrace offers views over the Danube and across the borders into Austria and Hungary.
St. Elizabeth’s Church is also called the Blue Church because it is, indeed, blue. It doesn’t come as a surprise that the architect of this quirky Art Nouveau church is sometimes referred to as the Hungarian Gaudí. Outside, the mix of different styles evokes a Disney movie, inside, the pews are blue with gold patterns. Doesn’t that sound like a sight for sore eyes?
The UFO Tower really does look like a flying saucer at one end of the Slovak National Uprising bridge (dubbed the “UFO Bridge” for obvious reasons). An elevator takes you 95 meters up to the observation deck for a fabulous view over the city. You can even enjoy a meal at the fancy restaurant upstairs that offers one of the best views and amazing cuisine. If that is not your cup of tea, at least stay for a drink. If only to notice how the restaurant “shakes” each time there is heavy traffic on the bridge!
An unusual discovery tour
Do you like cracking riddles? Do you think of exploring new places on your own (without a guide) as an adventure? Then, the City Discovery Game “Bratislava: history and mystery” might just be your thing. By solving a trail of riddles on your phone you can learn interesting facts and urban legends about Bratislava and discover hidden gems recommended by locals - spectacular views on your way included!
Alluring outdoors
The Botanical Garden of the Comenius University lies a bit off the tourist trail on the left bank of the Danube. Open only from April 1 to October 31, the site lures with its colours and fragrances in summer, when 120 rose species growing in the rosarium are in bloom.
A leisurely boat cruise down the Danube River is always a relaxing pastime. Especially during the summer months, Devin Castle makes an awesome destination. The medieval castle on a hill above the Danube lies mostly in ruins, many of the “rooms” of the castle and the castle walls are still intact after hundreds of years. Annually, the castle is also host to a Medieval Knights Show, which is fun for the whole family.
A wonderful destination for a day trip is Lake Neusiedl, one of the few steppe lakes in Europe. The alluring natural landscape with the wide plains and idyllic vineyards is an ideal are for hiking and biking. Over 40 cycle paths around the lake and through the nature parks, adding up to over 1,000 km of cycle paths, make cycling enthusiasts’ paradise. The unique habitat with its extraordinary flora and fauna delights nature lovers and those who seek tranquillity. Large parts of the lake are surrounded by reeds which not only serve as a habitat for wildlife but are also still used for thatching the typical Pannonian roofs.
An immensely relaxing experience of nature and wellness might also be a visit to the St. Martin’s Therme and Lodge. The Fresenius Vamed Vitality Resort on the edge of the Neusiedlersee National Park recharges the energy reservoirs of its visitors with exclusive guided tours and a lavish spa area.
Accommodation
Bratislava provides all types and categories of lodgings, from luxury hotels to bed and breakfast and hostels. The three NephroCare clinics are evenly spread about the city. So, in case you prefer the clinic to be in the vicinity of your accommodations, you will surely find rooms to your liking that fit your budget. Holiday homes and apartments at reasonable prices can be booked nearly anywhere in the city as well, of course. Perhaps you want to treat yourself to an overnight stay at the Vamed Vitality Resort for your trip to Lake Neusiedl?
Culinary & Culture
Hearty, because it comes from the heart
Bratislava sees a lot of music festivals happen during the summer months. The largest and most visited festival of contemporary art in Slovakia, White Night, is a prestigious international art project featuring artworks, installations and performances by Slovak and foreign artists scattered around the city centre. During one exceptional weekend, Bratislava is enchantingly illuminated, filling a night walk through the city with adventures and new sensations. From sunset to sunrise, night becomes day and the night-time tangle of streets gets filled by people and art. Coronation Festival, unfolding annually on the last weekend of June, recreates a historically accurate coronation ceremony.
One word that definitely comes to mind when thinking of Slovakian food, is hearty! Slovakia’s national cuisine is closely entwined with its rural, down-to-earth origins. Usually, it is a meat-heavy cuisine, mainly pork or game, complemented by a combination of dumplings, bread, cheese and cabbage. Soup is an essential element of the country’s eating culture. For example, soup served inside a giant bread roll is a common feature in Central Europe.
While people in Slavonic countries are used to this kind of substantial meals, it can be quite heavy going for everybody who is not used to this type of eating. So, with your special diet, we would recommend to tread carefully and enjoy tasty samples here and there.
