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Culture

Explore the Rich Culture & History of 3Seas Region

Ludvic Lazarus Zamenhof (right) an ophthalmologist, philologist, and the inventor of Esperanto, a constructed language designed for international communication in 1910

Esperanto: More Than Just a Language

by Weronika Edmunds
29 May 2023
Poland/Culture/People

The previous century was a time of abundant changes. To live in early 20th-century Poland was to be stuck in the middle of a diverse society with influences from at least three different cultures - with multiple differing languages. This is where Ludwik Zamenhof comes in.

Justine Lupe as Willa and Alan Ruck as Connor Roy in the HBO series : Succession - season 4 (2023). Plot: The Roy family saga continues in the final season of the show.

Connor Roy Was Right About Slovenia

by Przemysław Bociąga
29 May 2023
Slovenia/Travel & Food/Culture

"Vienna for lunch, Venice for dinner... and Dubrovnik for breakfast," contemplate Mr. and Mrs. Connor Roy in the latest episode of "Succession" about a possible stay in Slovenia. However, once they see what the country has to offer, we think they'll want to stay closer to their Ljubljana base for their three square meals.

Young boy elected to play the King attends the Ride of the Kings folklore festival

Ride of the Kings – Pentecostal UNESCO Festival Storms Moravia

by Marek Koten
28 May 2023
Czechia/Travel & Food/Culture

Every year, the inhabitants of Vlčnov pick a young boy who will become the King for that year. And like any other King, he must ride through the town with his knights. Vlčnov Kings has done so for the last 200 years, and there are no signs of stopping.

8 Aug 1992: Team Lithuania celebrates after winning the bronze at the Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain.

Why Does Lithuania Love Basketball So Much?

by Augustas Kalinauskas
26 May 2023
Lithuania/Travel & Food/Culture

Lithuania is one of the few European countries where football does not reign supreme. There are many reasons for this, but the most important is that basketball here has always been closely related to its historical ups and downs.

Stone Forest of Siedliska

The Polish Forest Where the Trees Have Turned to Stone

by Przemysław Bociąga
25 May 2023
Poland/Travel & Food/Culture

Medieval Polish historian Jan Długosz once claimed that trees in the Roztocze Forest turned to stone just a few years after death. The reality is just a bit more complicated.

A model of the sculpture "Jara Cimrman in the fog" by Petr Suta during the veiling before the unveiling ceremony and the launch of the collection for the creation of the life-size work on 13th June in Tanvald, Jablonec region. Jara Cimrman, a fictional genius from the time of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, has had his own cycle path in the Jizera Mountains for three years. It also leads to the places where the Jara Cimrman Theatre set its famous plays. The authors called the cycle path "On the bike around Liptakov" and tourists will find nine stops on it.

The Most Prominent Czech Who Never Lived

by Marek Koten
24 May 2023
Czechia/Culture/People

Playwright, poet, musician, teacher, traveler, philosopher, inventor, scientist, criminal, and sportsman. This is just a short list of what Jára Cimrman was in his lifetime. Too bad he never lived.

Day of Slavonic alphabet. Parade of the Day of Bulgarian Education and Culture, and Slavonic Alphabet, on May 24, 2016, in Sofia, Bulgaria.

5 Words to Celebrate Bulgaria’s Most Important Holiday

by Galina Ganeva
24 May 2023
Bulgaria/Travel & Food/Culture

On May 24, Bulgaria is set to celebrate its biggest national holiday dedicated to the saints of the Bulgarian alphabet, education, culture, and of the Slavonic literature. We asked five Bulgarians working with words on an everyday basis to give us their favorite distinctively Bulgarian words.

Still from the film "On the Silver Globe," directed by Andrzej Zulawski, 1987.

The Difficulties in Getting Poles to the Moon

by Przemysław Bociąga
23 May 2023
Poland/Culture/People

A 120-year-old Polish book about people in space was supposed to make one of the most important Polish movies. Instead, it turned into decades of vicissitudes with peculiar effects.

Gas Pipe at the 11th Venice Architecture Biennale

Art Project Warned Against Russian Pipeline Before it Was Cool

by Przemysław Bociąga
23 May 2023
Estonia/Culture

The hot dispute about a gas connection from Russia to Germany took an unexpected turn during the 2008 Architecture Biennale in Venice when Estonians made a simple installation instead of their national pavilion.

Vilhelms Purvītis. In Spring (Springtime). Ca 1933–1934. Oil on cardboard. Collection of the Latvian National Museum of Art.

Vilhelms Purvītis: the Latvian Philosopher of Snow

by Lelde Benke
22 May 2023
Latvia/Culture/People

Vilhelms Purvītis laid the foundations for Latvian landscape painting. His emotive works capture the fragile beauty of nature throughout the seasons in unrivaled detail. Still today, he is a revered cultural figure.

French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman announces the plan to found the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) in front of the national assembly at the foreign ministry at the Quai d'Orsay in Paris, France, 9 May 1950. The goal of the ECSC was to create an agency to oversee German and French coal and steel production and invite other countries to participate. The so-called "Schuman plan" was signed on 18 April 1951 in Paris and came into effect on 23 July 1952 for a duration of 50 years.

Yelling, “Europe!” Means Nothing

by Agaton Koziński
22 May 2023
Three Seas Initiative/Business/Culture

In Central Europe, the acceptance of traditional EU policies is high. The situation is already different in Western European countries. These two trends will determine the future of the EU.

An Apple II clone, the Bulgarian made Pravetz is seen in Warsaw, Poland during the Retroapple 0.2 meetup on January 28, 2018.

How One Musician Created Bulgaria’s First Computer

by Galina Ganeva
21 May 2023
Culture/People/Bulgaria

This may come as a surprise, but Bulgaria was once a computer superpower. Well, at least behind the Iron Curtain. It was all thanks to the genius of Ivan Marangozov, a flute player turned computer engineer credited with the creation of Pravetz, Bulgaria’s first computer.

Juan Vucetic developed the concept of fingerprint analysis

Bloody Fingerprint No Match for This Croatian-Born Policeman

by Przemysław Bociąga
21 May 2023
Poland/Travel & Food/Culture

With the advent of modern science, there also came modern detectives. One of the first was Juan Vučetić, born in Hvar, Croatia, who pioneered dactyloscopy and was the first person in history to identify a killer based on a bloody fingerprint.

Pernik, Bulgaria - January 28, 2023: International masquerade festival Surva

A Joke Mine? This Bulgarian City Is Done Being a Laughing Stock

by Galina Ganeva
20 May 2023
Bulgaria/Travel & Food/Culture

For years, the residents of Pernik, a city of 70,000 near the Bulgarian capital Sofia, have been a subject of countless jokes told about them. What started this endless trove of jokes and how are the people of Pernik fighting back?

Time to Slow Your Roll? There’s a Bulgarian Saying for That.

by Galina Ganeva
20 May 2023
Bulgaria/Travel & Food/Culture

For centuries, generations of Bulgarians have resorted to a trove of proverbs and saying with clear negative undertones. Why is their pessimism still around?

Promotion balls season kick starts in Bulgaria. A young couple walks hand in hand during the high school graduates parade through the Bulgarian town of Svilengrad, Bulgaria on May 26, 2015.

Where More Is More – Welcome to the Bulgarian Prom

by Galina Ganeva
19 May 2023
Bulgaria/Travel & Food/Culture

It's that time of the year again. In the second half of May, main streets in big cities and small towns across Bulgaria turn into a catwalk. But no, this is not Bulgaria Fashion Week.

East European Comic Con is an international Multi Genre pop culture convention held in Bucharest, Romania. One of the largest in Europe.

East European Comic Con Celebrates Its 10-Year Anniversary

by Naomi Gherman
19 May 2023
Romania/Travel & Food/Business/Culture

Ten years, ten editions, and over 100,000 visitors. These are the stats of Central and Eastern Europe's most influential comic book convention in numbers. But what does it like behind the doors?

Lysa Gora, Swiety Krzyz mount hilltop with gate to medieval Benedictive Abbey and sanctuary in Swietokrzyskie Mountains near Nowa Slupia village in Poland.

How Polish Church Expelled Pagans from Witches’ Mountain

by Przemysław Bociąga
18 May 2023
Poland/Culture

Not technically a mountain, but a hill in central Poland is a souvenir after the Christianization of the country. It is symbolized even in the hill's coexisting two names: Witch Mountain and Holy Cross.

Yarmouth stone

Were Hungarians in America Before Columbus? 

by Przemysław Bociąga
17 May 2023
Hungary/Culture

A 200 kg stone with curious inscriptions found in Canada's Nova Scotia has scientists and historians wondering if perhaps this stone bears proof that a Hungarian set foot on North American soil centuries before Christopher Columbus.

Variety & WWD Stylemakers Presented by Anastasia Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, USA - 17 Nov 2016. Anastasia Soare.

Anastasia Beverly Hills: California-Made, Romanian-Born

by Naomi Gherman
15 May 2023
Romania/Culture/People

Anastasia Soare fled communist Romania in search of her “American dream.” The road to success was paved with obstacles and hardships, but the Romanian-born Anastasia never gave up on building her beauty empire.

Old couple are sitting on a bench in the park, illustration photo

Czechia, an Aging Republic

by Marek Koten
15 May 2023
Czechia/Business/Culture

The Czech population is gradually aging, and pension reform is nowhere in sight. Will the state be able to cope with the wave of pensioners, or will the title of the Cohen brothers' film apply: "No Country for Old Men"?

Statues of Wenceslas IV, St Vitus and Emperor Charles IV on the Old Town Bridge Tower at Charles Bridge, Prague, Czech Republic

Czechia – A Country of Seized Opportunities 

by Weronika Edmunds
14 May 2023
Czechia/Culture

The history of Central Europe is one that weaves together stories of countries and peoples, present and past, drawn to these lands. Among them, Czechia has its own. Ready to hear it?

Jaroslaw Juszkiewicz - radio personality , whose voice is used by car navigation

Polish Voiceover Actors: Undercover Celebrities

by Przemysław Bociąga
13 May 2023
Culture/Poland

In a somewhat strange custom, Polish movies are interpreted by a single voiceover speaker instead of the more typical dubbing. The most famous lectors have become omnipresent celebrities, even announcing subway stations and giving directions in Google Maps.

Dubrovnik served many times as a fantasy location

Dubrovnik Is an Actual Fantasy Location

by Przemysław Bociąga
13 May 2023
Croatia/Culture/Tech

As you take in the extraordinary sights of the country, especially the city of Dubrovnik, it's easy to see why film crews from massive productions like "Star Wars" and "Game of Thrones" have chosen to shoot some of their most most meaningful scenes here.

Model on New York street wearing Romanian fashion clothes

Traditional Romanian Fashion With an International Appeal

by Ioana Marandici
13 May 2023
Romania/Culture/People

Romanian motifs and symbols are recognizable around the world. The traditional outfits, bright and intricately embellished, are even inspiring big fashion houses like Yves Saint Laurent and Dior.

Battle on Ice scene from the time of Alexander Nevsky, Duke of Novgorod - pastel by Alexander Viktorovich Moravov

The Frozen Estonian Battlefield – or Perhaps Battle Lake

by Przemysław Bociąga
12 May 2023
Estonia/Culture

In the 13th century, Lake Peipus in Eastern Estonia was a site of a major battle between the Livonian Order and the Republic of Novgorod. It was a medieval show on ice, as the action happened on a frozen lake.

screen shot from cyberpunk game shows man in the future city

The Rise of the Gaming Industry in Central Europe

by Jakub Warzecha
11 May 2023
Culture/Tech

Cyberpunk 2077, a Triple-A class title, created by Polish company CD Project Red, has become a worldwide success with over 14 million copies sold. It’s only one of a number of titles created by companies in the 3Seas region taking the world by storm.

Portrait of David Cerny

The Artist Who Insulted All of Europe

by Marek Koten
9 May 2023
Travel & Food/Culture/Czechia

Czech artist and sculptor David Černý is seen by many as a controversial figure. This controversy goes beyond Czechia, as does his art. His “Black Babies” invaded Prague, his “Golem” Poznan, and his “Bus” London.

Illustration from a book by Waclaw Seweryn Rzewuski

The Emir With a Polish Birth Certificate

by Weronika Edmunds
8 May 2023
Poland/Culture

The dunes, the heat, and the desert lifestyle is not something we necessarily connect with Poland. Let alone Polish people living at the turn of the 18th century. Yet Polish history has a mark left on it by its own personal, real-life Emir!

portrait of Tristan Tzara

The “Da” in Dadaism

by Naomi Gherman
7 May 2023
Romania/Culture/People

You may have heard of the somewhat controversial and much-disputed art movement called Dadaism. But do you know what it is? What does “Dada” mean, and what does Romania have to do with it?

Close-up of woman receiving greeting card from her daughter on Mother's day.

The Mother’s Days of Central Europe

by Przemysław Bociąga
7 May 2023
Travel & Food/Culture

People across the countries of Central Europe embrace the spring by celebrating their nearest and dearest – parents, in a series of more or less official holidays. What are the dates to look forward to?

Raimonds Pauls

Raimonds Pauls: The Latvian Master of Melody

by Lelde Benke
6 May 2023
Latvia/Culture/People

A man of many talents, Raimonds Pauls is best known for his work as a composer and pianist. Fast approaching 90 years of age, the acclaimed Latvian musician still performs, charming audiences with his catchy melodies.

The Deep Underground Hostel Worth Its Salt

by Przemysław Bociąga
6 May 2023
Travel & Food/Culture/Poland

The Medieval Wieliczka Salt Mine in southern Poland has many wonders. If a one-day visit is not enough for you, feel free to go on and just spend the night in the underground hostel.

World War I. Sinking the Austro-Hungarian battleship SMS Szent Istvan. The Avengers Lissa. From their fragile vessel Luigi Rizzo and his companions see sinking a titan of the Austrian fleet Szent Istvan. Luigi Rizzo, was an Italian naval officer. He is famous for sinking the Austro-Hungarian battleship SMS Szent István in June 1918. Illustration by Achille Beltrame from La Domenica del Corriere, 1918.

The Last Hungarian Dreadnought

by Jakub Warzecha
5 May 2023
Hungary/Culture

It was to rule the waves and lead the Austro-Hungarian Kriegsmarine to victorious battles. Alas, it was sunk by a small torpedo. The first and last Hungarian battleship's fate is also linked to the story of a certain Polish invention.

1965, still from the film "Pharaoh," directed by Jerzy Kawalerowicz, with Barbara Brylska oh the photo.

The Story of an Epic Movie Filmed Behind Iron Curtain

by Weronika Edmunds
5 May 2023
Poland/Culture

The 1960s cinema saw two great films set amidst the backdrop of ancient Egypt. One was the famous 1963 American production "Cleopatra". What was the other?

Fausto Veranzio's illustration

The 17th Century Croatian Version of Leonardo da Vinci

by Przemysław Bociąga
4 May 2023
Croatia/Culture/People

Although his colleagues, such as Johannes Kepler and Tycho Brahe, are more remembered today, Šibenik-born Fausto Veranzio can be credited with many inventions, including the suspension bridge, parachute, and wind turbine - all in the 17th Century.

Thanks to the firemen hang under the statue of St. Floriana at the fire station of the Volunteer Fire Department in Goniadz

How a Roman Legionnaire Became the Saint Patron of Firefighters

by Przemysław Bociąga
4 May 2023
Culture/Poland/Austria

The true career of a Roman legionnaire, Saint Florian, was launched over a thousand years after his death when it turned out that, even though deceased for centuries, he had been doing miracles as a Krakow firefighter.

Florentina Mosora in Post restant

Florentina Mosora: From Beloved Actress to Formidable Biochemist

by Naomi Gherman
3 May 2023
Culture/People/Romania

Florentina loved to be in the spotlight, but even more than that, she loved being in the laboratory studying chemistry and nuclear physics. And unlike in the cinema world, she did not need spotlights to shine - her talent and hard work were enough to have all eyes on her.

Main building of Tartu University

University of Tartu Founded Three Times by Three Different Rulers

by Przemysław Bociąga
3 May 2023
Culture

The Estonian city home to the University of Tartu has had multiple names and belonged to numerous countries. Despite the constant change, the university has managed to turn its varied heritage into a positive, now known internationally for its high level of education and openness to forward-thinking academic pursuits.

Tenement House Under the Sign of Spider, Cracow

Polish Neogothic Architect’s Legendary Narratives

by Przemysław Bociąga
2 May 2023
Poland/Travel & Food/Culture

Active at the beginning of the 20th century, Teodor Talowski was the genius behind several buildings in Cracow that, though built from scratch, look as if they were centuries old with a history of being partly demolished and rebuilt. And every one of them has a story to tell.

Anthony Procopi

Clothes Make the Man

by Marek Koten
2 May 2023
Czechia/Business/Culture

Businessman, Olympic athlete, or polar explorer. All of them are dressed by Czech companies. And as the old Czech song says: "It's an age-old truth, clothes make the man."

The Observatory Making Sure “Don’t Look Up!” Stays Fiction

by Przemysław Bociąga
29 April 2023
Croatia/Culture/Tech

Croatia’s Višnjan Observatory is the most successful in the world when it comes to looking out for asteroids that could possibly crash into Earth.

3 may constitution day

A Clash of Two Holidays Gives Poland a May Vacation Appetizer

by Przemysław Bociąga
29 April 2023
Poland/Travel & Food/Culture

On a May day some 250 years ago, Poland declared its first-ever constitution. Along with the communist-propagated Labor Day, also in May, the celebrations for two long and storied traditions give just the right excuse for majówka - extended spring celebrations.

Voronet is a monastery in Romania, located in the town of Gura Humorului. It is one of the famous painted monasteries from southern Bukovina, in Suceava County. Between May and September 1488, Stephen III of Moldavia built the Voronet Monastery to commemorate the victory at Battle of Vaslui. Often known as the Sistine Chapel of the East, the frescoes at Voronet feature an intense shade of blue known in Romania as Voronet blue. (Aufnahmedatum kann abweichen)

The Most Unique Shade of Blue – Art’s Greatest Mystery

by Naomi Gherman
29 April 2023
Travel & Food/Culture/Romania

One of Romania’s most alluring monasteries is not known just for its beauty. The fascinating frescos painted in this unique, bright shade of blue, called Voroneț blue, have amazed an entire world. The color mix is still a mystery to this day.

U.S.S.R. Lithuania. Vilnius. Soviet Intervention. 1991. Toy guns over a photo of Mikhael GORBATCHEV behind bars in the building of the Supreme Council. 1991.

How Unarmed People Withstood Soviet Aggression

by Augustas Kalinauskas
28 April 2023
Lithuania/Culture

The fall of the Soviet Union seemed like a miracle for those that lived through the 70s and 80s. Many people could not believe what was happening until it happened – on 11 March 1990, Lithuania declared independence.

Minox b camera with a box

Spies of the World Owe Much to This Tiny Latvian Invention

by Przemysław Bociąga
27 April 2023
Culture/Poland/Travel & Food

In 1937 Walter Zapp developed the Minox subminiature camera, a boon to real-life 007s across the world. His invention opened up the possibility of quickly and covertly smuggling countless thousands of pages of secret materials out from behind enemy lines.

New Settlers on Shores of Jamestown. Landing At Jamestown. Illustration depicting the landing of the settlers at Jamestown, Virginia in 160

The First Workers to Strike in America Were 17th-Century Poles

by Przemysław Bociąga
26 April 2023
Poland/Culture

Polish woodworkers in the colony of Virginia were skilled in producing materials for shipbuilding but were not allowed to vote in the colony's first election. So they went on strike, and they won.

Close up of Arcul de Triumf in Bucharest, Romania

Romania and Its Dual Identity

by Naomi Gherman
25 April 2023
Romania/Travel & Food/Culture

As the only Orthodox Latin country and the only one located so far east from the cluster, Romania is often referred to as a "cousin" of the Romance family. How close is Romania to its Latin roots, and how much was it influenced by the Slavic and Balkan culture?

Khan Asparukh monument in Strelcha town

Location, Location, Location

by Galina Ganeva
24 April 2023
Bulgaria/Travel & Food/Culture

How long did it take until Bulgaria found its current location in southeastern Europe?

People from the Armenian community carry torches in memory of the victims of the Ottoman atrocities

How Bulgaria Became a Second Homeland for Armenians

by Galina Ganeva
24 April 2023
Bulgaria/Culture/People

On April 24, known as Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day, Armenians in Bulgaria will pay their respects to the victims of the systematic murder of up to 1.5 million Armenians, which took place in the Ottoman Empire in the early 20th century.

Official outfits of Czech Olympic team for Tokyo 2020. Czech athletes Tomas Babek, Katerina Safrankova, Miroslav Trunda, Aneta Holasova and Miloslav Prihoda pose for photographs in the official dresses for the opening ceremony during the presentation of the outfits for Czech Olympic team for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, designed by Zuzana Osako, in Prague, Czech Republic, 22 June 2021. The dresses are partly created in traditional Czech blueprint technique. The Summer Olympic Games, rescheduled from 2020 to 2021 due to the ongoing coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, are set to start on 23 July 2021.

Rhapsody in Blueprint

by Marek Koten
23 April 2023
Czechia/Culture

Modrotisk, or Blueprinting, is an old Czech craft passed on by generations since the 16th century. It may look easy: printing white ornaments on blue fabric. But it is far more complicated than that.

171 / 5 000 Wyniki tłumaczenia Tłumaczenie Honey harvesting during honey harvesting in the Augustowska Forest. Foresters implement a project to restore traditional bee-keeping to save wild bees living in forests

Pooh Was Onto Something – Bears Really Do Love Polish Honey

by Weronika Edmunds
23 April 2023
Poland/Travel & Food/Culture

Buzz! Buzz! Buzz! I wonder why he does. Perhaps because the honey of Polish forest bees has, for centuries, been cherished for its superb quality. Judge for yourself!

Vienna view of St. Charle's church

Vienna, a City With the Highest Standards of Living 

by Przemysław Bociąga
22 April 2023
Austria/Culture

Yes, there is a way to measure it - many, actually, depending on who is doing the assessment. For many years now, whenever standards of living are measured, Vienna has managed to snag one of the top spots.

European bison in forest

No Animals Harmed in the Production of Polish Bisongrass Vodka

by Przemysław Bociąga
21 April 2023
Poland/Travel & Food/Culture

As mezcal famously has its worm, this Polish vodka gets its specific yellowish tint from a straw of grass, the same that feeds bison in Eastern Poland.

Sofia Fashion Week marriage proposal on catwalk

Say Yes to the (Bulgarian) Dress

by Galina Ganeva
20 April 2023
Bulgaria/Travel & Food/Culture

The question was popped, and the answer is yes. Now what? For many Bulgarian brides-to-be, this question has an easy answer, at least when it comes to finding a bridal gown. It involves a road trip to Asenovgrad, a town in the south of Bulgaria.

Austrian postbox

“Missent to Austria… Again.” Name Confusion and Strange Journeys

by Przemysław Bociąga
17 April 2023
Austria/Business/Culture

Yes, the Austrian Post has a special stamp that says "Missent to Austria" for Australian packages. One recent package was finally delivered with five such stamps all lined up in a nice row.

Baron Roman Nikolai Maximilian von Ungern-Sternberg, White Russian commander of anti-bolshevik forces in Mongolia and Lake Baikal region, 1886-1921, captured in Irkutsk and executed by the Bolsheviks, The Mad Baron, The Bloody Baron, russian civil war. Ungern-Sternberg in Irkutsk under interrogation at the headquarters of the 5th Red Army. Ungern-Sternberg in a Mongolian deel uniform with Russian Order of St. George 4th Class

Roman von Ungern-Sternberg: The Last European Rabble Rouser

by Przemysław Bociąga
16 April 2023
Culture/People

Born in Austria and Raised in Estonia, this czarist officer ended up as a self-appointed anti-communist Mongolian leader; his story is mind-boggling.

outside view of Hostel Celica

Former Lubljana Prison Promises a Good Night’s Sleep

by Przemysław Bociąga
16 April 2023
Culture/Poland/Travel & Food

Would you turn yourself into the cops for a good night's sleep? In Ljubljana, you can skip the drastic measures and still hide behind bars for a few peaceful hours of rest in this prison-turned-hotel in one of the city's most trendy districts.

Still from “The Substitute” film

The 1962 Animation That Inspired an Iconic “Simpsons” Moment

by Danijel Bačan
16 April 2023
Croatia/Culture

Despite being part of only one episode of “The Simpsons,” a 19-second show-within-a-show became legendary. Few people know that the inspiration for it came from an Oscar-winning animated short from Zagreb.

pyramid of rapa in poland in the forest

A Pyramid Shrouded in Mystery – in Poland

by Przemysław Bociąga
15 April 2023
Poland/Travel & Food/Culture

A small pyramid in northeastern Poland holds the final resting place for several members of a wealthy family. But to some it's a places as mysterious and mystical as the pyramids of Egypt.

eggs with a horseshoe in hands

An Egg Adorned With a Horseshoe: A Unique Kind of Art

by Ioana Marandici
15 April 2023
Romania/Travel & Food/Culture

It is well known that any traditional Romanian family usually has eggs on its Easter table. However, some take this tradition to the next level, adorning them with an unexpected accessory.

john vincent atanasoff inventor of first computer

The Little-Known Inventor of the Computer, Faithful to His Bulgarian Roots

by Galina Ganeva
14 April 2023
Bulgaria/Culture/People

Look closer at this monument in a village in southern Bulgaria, and an inevitable question arises. Why is Prof. John Atanasoff, the American-born scientist credited with the invention of the first electronic digital computer, being honored here of all places?

Collage with female portrait and plaster head model

Beauty for Sale: Do Bulgarians Love Beauty Enhancement Too Much?

by Galina Ganeva
13 April 2023
Bulgaria/Business/Culture

The premiere of the new season of the Bulgarian edition of "The Bachelor" quickly revealed that many of the women fighting for the heart of the man in the spotlight have one thing in common: an affinity for injectable facial treatments and plastic surgery. What makes Bulgaria a special case when it comes to beauty enhancement?

Popeye, the cartoon character created by EC Segar.

The Real-Life Popeye Sailed From Poland

by Weronika Edmunds
10 April 2023
Poland/Culture/People

We bet you're familiar with the famous sailor who gets superhuman strength from downing cans of his ever-present favorite snack - spinach. Generations of people are. However, not everyone knows that he was based on a real person.

old illustration of pomlazka from 1910 year

An Easter Tradition with the Christian Grey Seal of Approval

by Przemysław Bociąga
10 April 2023
Poland/Culture

When it comes to Easter traditions that might get lost in translation, Czechia and Slovakia have a solid example. In many villages throughout both countries, it is an Easter Monday custom for boys to spank girls with braided whips. Women can even return the "favor" with presents.

Right: Margarethe Schuette-Lihotzky, circa 1935. Left: Modern fitted kitchen Frankfurt. Designer: Grete Schütte-Likotzky, 1926

The Viennese Mind Behind Modern Kitchen Design

by Przemysław Bociąga
9 April 2023
Austria/Travel & Food/Culture/People

Pioneering female architect Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky may have stayed close to the stereotype by choosing not to focus on designing monumental architecture but rather on a kitchen laboratory. Nonetheless, her designs started a revolution.

map of easter in European languages

Central Europe is a Melting Pot for Easter Names

by Przemysław Bociąga
9 April 2023
Travel & Food/Culture/Romania

Perhaps nothing illustrates the diversity of Central Europe better than the richness of its languages. The perfect example is the way the region's countries approach naming the Easter holiday. The diversity is quite telling.

A.S. Bytom Zaklady Pogrzebowe - a deadly funny meme page

The Most Famous Funeral Home in Poland a Social Media Prank

by Przemysław Bociąga
8 April 2023
Poland/Culture

The A.S. Bytom Funeral Home found a thousand ways to ridicule the fear of death. It’s among the most prevalent Polish memes on the internet, and thousands perhaps still believe (or hope) it exists. 

Remains of historic church in Trzesacz village on the Baltic Sea coast, Poland

The Gothic Church (Nearly) Overtaken by the Baltic Sea

by Przemysław Bociąga
8 April 2023
Poland/Culture

Only one wall remained of this work of medieval architecture as sea encroached on its foundations. Then people joined the struggle and saved the remnants.

Portrait of Professor Leon Danaila

Leon Dănăilă, Devoted to Neurosurgery for 89 Years and Counting

by Naomi Gherman
7 April 2023
Romania/Culture/People

Who is Romania's most skilled neurosurgeon – and the most internationally admired for his abilities and heart of gold? The story of Europe's best surgeon, who often operates free of charge, is quite phenomenal.

two boys eggs tapping

A Worldwide Easter Tradition With Central European Roots

by Przemysław Bociąga
7 April 2023
Culture/Romania/Travel & Food

Although now widespread in the Anglo-Saxon world, "egg tapping" very likely has ties to Central European Easter customs.

easter palm

The Polish Village With 30 Meter-Long Easter Palms

by Przemysław Bociąga
2 April 2023
Poland/Culture

Several locally famous families participate in a peculiar contest for the tallest Easter palm each year.

woman laying on bed with fountain pen in hand

A Fountain of Genius: The Romanian Who Invented the Pen

by Ioana Marandici
1 April 2023
Romania/Culture/People

Have you ever wondered to whom you owe the fact that you can write every day with that tool that you call a pen? The answer might just surprise you.

Lake view of Hallstatt village and famous church at summer season in Salzkammergut, Austria

12 Must-Visit Places in Central and Eastern Europe

by Weronika Edmunds
1 April 2023
Travel & Food/Culture

Are Central and Eastern Europe destinations underrated? What must-see European places are located here?

asprete rarest fish in the world

Europe’s Oldest and Rarest Fish Alive and Well in Romanian Waters

by Naomi Gherman
1 April 2023
Romania/Culture

Ever wondered what a fish presumably as old as dinosaurs would look like? Or if there are any alive? And if so, where? The answer to these questions can all be found in the Asprete, the specimen believed to be Europe’s rarest freshwater fish.

Sreenshot of Minecraft Brno Cathedral

Brno Squared Away, Minecraft-Style

by Marek Koten
31 March 2023
Czechia/Culture/Tech

An innovative student project aimed to bring Brno online, and it succeeded. Not only can you roam the city, but you can also build in it! All thanks to a group of students and Minecraft.

Tatars in Kruszyniany

Mongolian Tribes Fighting Teutonic Knights Still Live in Poland

by Przemysław Bociąga
31 March 2023
Poland/Travel & Food/Culture

In Kruszyniany, a small village in northeastern Poland, you can still experience the culture (and even cuisine) of the Tartar. Steppe Warriors were introduced as a lethal weapon against heavy German cavalry. The last Tartar families integrated into a colorful mix of cultures and religions along the eastern borders of Poland.

2Cellos Performing In Rome.

The “Smooth Criminals” of the Croatian Music Scene

by Danijel Bačan
30 March 2023
Croatia/Culture/People

Almost everyone knows Michael Jackson's 1980s worldwide smash hit song "Smooth Criminal", but slightly fewer people know how a cover of this song brought viral fame to two cellists. So how did 2CELLOS become a world-famous musical sensation from Croatia?

Vojtech Dyk as Josef Myslivecek. Movie still

The Miller Who Inspired Mozart

by Marek Koten
28 March 2023
Czechia/Culture/People

The story feels like a Hollywood movie script: a trained miller-turned-composer inspires musical master Mozart. This is the story of a man who was nicknamed Il Divino Boemo – The Divine Czech.

Puppets of Spejbl and Hurvínek

The Family That Pulls All the Strings

by Marek Koten
26 March 2023
Culture/Czechia

Every Czech child knows Mr. Spejbl, his son Hurvínek, and their dog Žeryk. What does it matter that they are puppets? Their humor has entertained generations and will, no doubt, entertain more to come.

A traditional Romanian wooden monastery surrounded by forest. The image was taken in Maramures, in the far north of Romania, and probably the most traditional region. Horizontal color image with copy space

Romania’s Iconic Wooden Churches

by Naomi Gherman
26 March 2023
Romania/Travel & Food/Culture

Hidden among the calloused patches of the evergreen forests or in plain sight, these eight UNESCO-recognized wooden churches stand tall – quite literally - as symbols of faith and determination, emblems of architectural artistry and historical resistance.

Leszek Lichota as Antoni Kosiba

Polish Cult Movie Remake Coming to Netflix Near You!

by Przemysław Bociąga
25 March 2023
Poland/Culture

A new adaptation of a classic Polish-novel-turned-cult-film was just announced by Netflix, sending the Internet into a frenzy. While younger generations seem open, fans of the original film are up in arms over the remake of a beloved masterpiece.

pedestrian crossing lights in vilnius Lithuania get a wardrobe change from men to women

Crossing Lights in Vilnius Get the Glow Up Treatment

by Przemysław Bociąga
25 March 2023
Poland/Culture/People

In Lithuania's capital, pedestrian crossing lights recently got a makeover as part of the celebration to commemorate 100 years of women’s right to vote in the country. Lights featuring figures wearing skirts now dot the intersections of a bustling Vilnius neighborhood.

Papcio Chmiel with his comic picture

Comic Book Author & Warsaw Uprising Combatant Papcio Chmiel

by Przemysław Bociąga
24 March 2023
Poland/Culture/People

"Tytus, Romek i A'Tomek" was the longest-running Polish comic book series. But its creator's biography extended beyond the adventures of a monkey born from an inkblot.

Melex: A Polish Electric Export Hit

by Jakub Warzecha
24 March 2023
Poland/Culture/Tech

For 50 years, the Polish company Melex has been creating EVs, which sell like hot cakes all over the world - long before electric vehicles became fashionable.

Magdalena Abakanowicz Exhibition: Every Tangle Of Thread And Rope

Famous Polish Sculptor Takes Over London’s Tate Modern

by Przemysław Bociąga
22 March 2023
Poland/Culture/People

"Every Tangle of Thread and Rope" is the title of Magdalena Abakanowicz's retrospective in the most notable British modern art museum. The late artist's relationship with her body takes the form of unusual sculptures.

Daily Life In Split, Croatia

The Roman Villa So Large, It Became an Entire City

by Przemysław Bociąga
21 March 2023
Croatia/Travel & Food/Culture

There's little doubt that one of the best holiday destinations in Europe is Croatia's Dalmatian coast. This is somewhat old news, as the area was already known as a dream retirement spot 1,700 years ago, attracting even the likes of Roman emperors.

Lajkonik tradition in Cracow

The Unlikely Symbol of Cracow, Poland Explained

by Weronika Edmunds
20 March 2023
Poland/Travel & Food/Culture

Ever wondered what a Mongolian man on a hobby horse is doing representing one of the most gorgeous and historical Polish cities? There is a valid explanation!

Dracula castle in Bran, Transylvania

Romania, the Land of Artistic Inspiration

by Naomi Gherman
19 March 2023
Romania/Travel & Food/Culture

Bram Stoker and Jules Verne, defining figures in the world of literature, took great inspiration from the Romanian lands - despite having never stepped foot inside the country.

Couple in front of large map of Livonia from The Palmse Manor

Estonia – the Story of the Most Northern Central European Nation

by Weronika Edmunds
19 March 2023
Estonia/Travel & Food/Culture

Every good story has intriguing protagonists who make you want to figure out who they are and where they came from. In the Three Seas Region, there is a country whose history causes a lot of “I didn’t know that!” reactions. Want to know which one?

Kofola became an instant hit in its native Czechoslovakia, so much so that at one point, the country ran out of the herbs needed for its production and they had to be imported from abroad

The Communist-Era Soft Drink That Resists the Appeal of Coke

by Przemysław Bociąga
18 March 2023
Slovakia/Czechia/Travel & Food/Culture

There are only a handful of countries around the world where Coca-Cola does not reign supreme. Czechia and Slovakia are among them. Meet Kofola, the socialist Coke alternative introduced in the 60s, still holding strong and topping the soft-drink market.

Couple in yellow raincoats holding polish flag in front of lake in Tatra mountains

Born Abroad? Better Check –You Might Be Polish!

by Weronika Edmunds
18 March 2023
Poland/Culture

It should be fairly straightforward. You are born in a country, which means you are its citizen. If someone moves abroad, then after some time, the original connection is lost. Simple? Not when it comes to Poland! We'll tell you why.

US President Joe Biden Visits Warsaw. The US President, Joe Biden arrives to deliver a speech at the Royal Castle Arcades on February 21, 2023 in Warsaw, Poland. The US President is in Warsaw for his second visit to the country in less than a year. It comes after his surprise trip to Kyiv on February 20 to reinforce US support for Ukraine almost a year after Russia's large-scale invasion

In Wartime, Central Europe Is Rising to the Task

by Agaton Koziński
16 March 2023
Business/Culture

The past year of the war in Ukraine was also a year of forging an awareness of the common destiny of Central Europe.

Aritst mark Rothko standing in front of his paintings

Mark Rothko: The Latvian Artist Who Pioneered a Movement

by Przemysław Bociąga
16 March 2023
Latvia/Culture/People

Latvia's second-largest city, Daugavpils, is home to the Mark Rothko Art Center, named after one of the most famous artists in the world, who was born in the city in 1903.

Venus of Piatra Neamț: Archeological Marvel or Elaborate Hoax?

by Przemysław Bociąga
13 March 2023
Culture/Romania

The discovery of the 17,000-year-old Venus of Piatra Neamț figurine in North-Eastern Romania in 2019 was supposed to be an archeological miracle. However, some eagle-eyed journalists discovered that certain puzzle pieces do not fit into the story.

The Vietnamese community in the Czech Republic

The Czech-Vietnamese Connection

by Marek Koten
12 March 2023
Czechia/Culture

Vietnamese are the third largest national minority in the Czech Republic. What brought these emigrants to Czechia, and how have they assimilated into Czech culture?

Victor Babes, young, after he published the first Treaty of Bacteriology

The World-Changing Destiny of Victor Babeș

by Naomi Gherman
12 March 2023
Romania/Culture/People

Romania’s most renowned bacteriologist, Victor Babeș, dreamt of being an artist – until a tragic event changed the path of his life forever.

oil painting from 1845 depicting people in front of an inn

The Importance of the Jewish Tavernkeeper in Early Modern Poland

by Przemysław Bociąga
12 March 2023
Poland/Culture

The Jew as a tavernkeeper remains a staple of any historical narrative based in early modern Poland. And there's a reason for that, as the occupation was virtually reserved for members of this closed society.

Tokaj: The First Official Wine Region in Europe

by Przemysław Bociąga
11 March 2023
Travel & Food/Culture

The Tokaj region, famous for its wines that have been prized since the 18th century, became an official appellation in 1737, some two centuries earlier than the famous Burgundy.

A statue of ruler Charles IV stands next to the Charles Bridge

Ruling Europe From Prague: The Story of Charles IV

by Marek Koten
11 March 2023
Czechia/Culture

Czech King and Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV is considered the most influential ruler of the High Middle Ages. Despite his education in France, he always remembered where he was born: Prague.

Top view of baklava desserts served on light blue background

Bulgaria’s Reigning King of Baklava

by Galina Ganeva
11 March 2023
Hungary/Travel & Food/Culture

Most of the shops on this beautiful street in the center of Shumen in northeastern Bulgaria have seen better days. Except for one bakery still bustling with life.

Woman swimming in beautiful clear water in Croatia

Fjaka: The Croatian Secret to Happiness

by Ewelina Sadura Marinović
10 March 2023
Croatia/Travel & Food/Culture

Do you want to be a happier person with nothing standing in your way? All you have to do is learn the Croatian practice of fjaka. The people of Croatia have found their own foolproof recipe for happiness and joy every day – and it’s something that anyone can bring home with them.

Glass of fresh dark podpiwek in male hand close up

Poles Call This Traditional Refreshing Soft-Drink The ‘Underbeer’

by Przemysław Bociąga
10 March 2023
Poland/Travel & Food/Culture

Podpiwek, which can be peculiarly translated as 'underbeer', is a traditional beverage made from cereal coffee, hops, and yeast. Not unlike malt beer, it provides refreshment on hot summer days.

Esotiq summer 23 campaign with Marcelina Zawadzka

The Latvian Capital of Lingerie 

by Lelde Benke
10 March 2023
Latvia/Business/Culture

People all over the world wear pants, bras, and pajamas made in Latvia. A lot of the garments originate from Liepāja. How did this coastal city become the Northern country’s unofficial capital of lingerie?

1971 - Fiddler On The Roof - Movie Set, pictured Chaim Topol as Tewje

Searching for “Our Little Anatevka” as Chaim Topol Dies at 87

by Przemysław Bociąga
9 March 2023
Lithuania/Poland/Culture

When the Fiddler on the Roof praised his home village, what part of Central Europe did he have in mind?

Ötzi

The Disputed Nationality of a 5,000-Year-Old Man 

by Przemysław Bociąga
8 March 2023
Austria/Culture/People

A corpse found on the border between Austria and Italy seemed so fresh that the tourists who found it called the police. But it was archeologists would eventually dispute the nationality of the ice man.

Henry Cavill as Geralt of Rivia in Netflix series

Who Still Remembers the Witcher’s Polish Roots?

by Weronika Edmunds
7 March 2023
Poland/Travel & Food/Culture

The Witcher - a successful Netflix series, a mind-boggling game, and… a musical. All of these are spin-offs of a highly witty fantasy saga. So where did it all begin?

Left: Circa 1038, King Stephen I of Hungary (979 - 1038), canonized by the Pope in 1083. Right: Saint Stephen painting by Luis de Morales

The Saint Stephens Confusion – Who’s Who?

by Przemysław Bociąga
5 March 2023
Hungary/Culture

Under the English name Stephen come two different saints. Depending on where in Central Europe you are, it's important not to confuse them.

The interior court of the eastern Orthodox Stavropoleos Church in the old city area in Bucharest, Romania

How Romania Created Its Unique National Architectural Style

by Naomi Gherman
5 March 2023
Travel & Food/Culture/Romania

At a time when European states were looking to establish and reaffirm their culture, Romania decided the best way to cement its identity was through… architecture! Cue the birth of Romanian Revival style that, to this day, continues to brighten up the streets of Bucharest.

Giant figure of Saint Casimir carrying by people at traditional theatrical Kaziukas

Saint Casimir’s Fair – A Tradition Uniting Poland and Lithuania

by Weronika Edmunds
4 March 2023
Lithuania/Poland/Culture

Everyone loves their birthday. In some countries where the Catholic Faith is prevalent, people also tend to celebrate the day of their patron saint. The people of Vilnius make sure the day of Saint Casimir is a party no one wants to miss.

Tourist woman eating bagel obwarzanek traditional polish cuisine snack waling on Market square in Krakow. Traveling Europe in autumn

The Centuries-Old Trademarked Delicacy With Just Six Ingredients

by Weronika Edmunds
3 March 2023
Culture/Poland/Travel & Food

If you are planning a trip to Cracow, Poland (if you are not – then you should do), we want to help you avoid one of the most terrible culinary faux pas anyone can commit while in this gorgeous city. One that the locals would not forgive.

Wood Is Not Just Future Building Material

by Lelde Benke
2 March 2023
Latvia/Travel & Food/Culture

Some of Riga's wooden buildings date as far back as the 18th century. Witnesses of wars, power struggles, and transformation, the sturdy structures are a living archive. What is their status today?

Blossoming tree branch and martisor against the blue sky

Romanian Mărțișor – the Celebration of Spring

by Weronika Edmunds
1 March 2023
Romania/Travel & Food/Culture

These days much is being said about the carnival season and various celebrations that take place as the Earth prepares for its rebirth. Romania tops it with its very unique take on the welcoming of Spring.

Martenitsa or Martisor on a bouquet of yellow daffodils on a green wooden table top view

Spring Is Here. Say It With a Martenitsa

by Galina Ganeva
1 March 2023
Bulgaria/Travel & Food/Culture

It’s the one accessory that goes with everything and never goes out of style. On March 1st of each year, Bulgarians adorn their clothing and wrists with martenitsas. The ancient bracelet, usually made of twisted red and white woolen or cotton threads, announces the end of winter. And so much more.

European Union flags are pictured outside the European Commission building

A Slowly Eroding Sense of Importance of the EU in Central Europe

by Agaton Koziński
28 February 2023
Three Seas Initiative/Culture

Due to its history, Central Europe is very sensitive about its own security. That is why since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, the importance of the EU in the eyes of the people of CEE states has started declining.

A worker cleans the gold Vienna Philharmonic coining die in the Austrian Mint Muenze Oesterreich headquarters in Vienna

Vienna Philharmonic Coin Is Among the Most Prized Forms of Gold

by Przemysław Bociąga
27 February 2023
Austria/Business/Culture

Many countries have their own versions of one-ounce gold coins treated as a form of investment. But globally, the most important commemorates Vienna’s dedication to music.

Mural in Mangalia

The Mangalia Mural So Controversial Its Creator Had to Flee

by Przemysław Bociąga
26 February 2023
Romania/Travel & Food/Culture

One of the largest and most elaborate murals from Communist Europe consists of three million porcelain pieces and makes a huge impression. In fact, it had such an impact upon its unveiling that its creator was forced to flee Romania.

good luck fairies

Bippity Boppity Boo: Fairy Godmothers and Romanian Birth Fetes

by Naomi Gherman
26 February 2023
Romania/Culture

Should the Romanian Ursitoare have been present at the birth of Sleeping Beauty, she may not have ended up cursed, as it is the job of these creatures to protect and bless the newborn baby. Who, or what, are these mythological fairies, and why are they so important in Romanian culture?

A June 29, 1898, editorial cartoon by Leon Barritt depicts Pulitzer and Hearst each pushing for war with Spain

The Pulitzer Prize Is Named After a Hungarian Journalist 

by Przemysław Bociąga
26 February 2023
Hungary/Culture/People

The founder of the most prestigious awards in journalism was a lifelong rival of William Randolph Hearst. It was this rivalry that set the stage for modern journalism.

The Court House in Sofia, Bulgaria

When Lions Roared in Bulgaria

by Galina Ganeva
25 February 2023
Bulgaria/Culture

Once upon a time, lions roamed parts of the Balkan Peninsula. Excavations show that the last lions were spotted in Bulgaria somewhere around the 3rd or 4th century BC. And while lions were not around to witness the birth of Bulgaria or its struggles, they remain one of the country’s symbols. Why?

Couple in traditional costume in Bistrita Valley on archive black and white photo

Romanians’ Perfect Excuse for Forgetting About Valentine’s Day

by Naomi Gherman
24 February 2023
Romania/Culture

Cupid and Eros had nothing on Romania’s Dragobete - a young demigod whose sole purpose was to remind people to love and appreciate one another. Celebrated on the 24 February, the holiday has become Romania’s version of Valentine’s Day.

The image shows the lighthouse located on the southern tip of the peninsula on the island of Saaremaa, aerial view

Saaremaa, the Livonian Knights’ Island – As Poetic As It Sounds

by Przemysław Bociąga
24 February 2023
Estonia/Travel & Food/Culture

The largest of the Estonian islands was already inhabited thousands of years ago. In the 21st century, it’s still thriving, and its expansive heritage is just the cherry on top.

Mariacka Street in the old city of Gdansk is the kingdom of the workshops and goldsmiths of amber jewels

Poland’s Rich Amber Shores

by Weronika Edmunds
23 February 2023
Poland/Travel & Food/Culture

About 40 million years ago, a large pine forest was growing on land now long gone. As the Earth was rapidly changing, the forest saw its time was coming to an end. Resigned to its fate, sure of being lost and forgotten for all eternity, it… cried.

group of bisons in the morning

European Bison – Return From the Other Side

by Weronika Edmunds
21 February 2023
Poland/Culture

The population of the American Bison was severely hit after the arrival of the settlers. From an estimated 60,000,000 animals living on the land prior to 1800, only about 300 lived in the US in 1900. Its European cousin wasn’t that lucky.

"Just Married" sign and cans attached to convertible car's trunk. Horizontal shot

The Knots of Marriage Still Holding Tight in Central Europe

by Agaton Koziński
20 February 2023
Culture

The decline in the number of marriages and the rise in the number of divorces are ongoing trends in Europe. But in CEE countries, this trend is taking a much slower path. And there are examples of countries where it is even reversing.

Atractive woman in traditional romanian costume on mountain green blurred background. Outdoor photo. Traditions and cultural diversity

Traditional Romanian Woman’s Blouse Gains UNESCO Recognition

by Naomi Gherman
20 February 2023
Romania/Culture

The traditional Romanian woman’s blouse, known as ie, the symbol of authenticity and unity, has recently been recognized as an Intangible Heritage of Humanity of UNESCO.

Hikers on a bridge over river Soca

The Slovenian-Italian River (Possibly) Fortified by Da Vinci

by Przemysław Bociąga
19 February 2023
Travel & Food/Culture/Slovenia

Spanning 140 kilometers, the Soča may not be the longest or largest European river. Still, it is among the most important and – last but not least – the most stunningly beautiful on the continent.

Kingsize movie set

The Polish Communist Cola That Turns You Into a Giant Dwarf

by Przemysław Bociąga
19 February 2023
Travel & Food/Culture/Poland

Communist countries were jealous of a few things from the West, and one of them was the famous "capitalist" soft drink. A Polish copy became the symbol of attempts at escaping communism – but in a very unexpected way.

People run during the sauna marathon

Oh, the Weather Outside is Frightful… Let’s Hit the Sauna!

by Weronika Edmunds
19 February 2023
Estonia/Travel & Food/Culture

During the longest, cold winter nights, you may want to curl up under your blanket with a cup of hot cocoa and a favorite film. But why not try something different? Estonians did. And now, each year, they host the European Sauna Marathon!

Buso carnival, traditional hungarian winter closing festival

How to Scare Away the Winter – the Hungarian Approach

by Weronika Edmunds
18 February 2023
Hungary/Travel & Food/Culture

After a long period of short, cold days and endless, dark nights, there comes a time when something has to be done about it. In Hungary, the people of Mohács might just have the answer.

budapest name origin

Budapest Was Almost Named Pestbuda After a Long Debate

by Przemysław Bociąga
18 February 2023
Hungary/Travel & Food/Culture

It turns out it was far easier to unite the city made up of several different towns than to come up with a proper name for it.

archive photo from 1959 shows students running out of school

Poland Celebrated 1000 Years of Christianity with… 1000 Schools

by Przemysław Bociąga
17 February 2023
Poland/Culture/People

Known as the "Millennium Schools," characteristic buildings made with one ingenious design are still the most prevalent of their kind in Poland.

fat thursday poland

Fat Thursday or Mardi Gras? In Poland, We Say, Why Not Both?

by Przemysław Bociąga
16 February 2023
Poland/Travel & Food/Culture

Used to fasting and celebrating Easter as a time of penance, many Poles limit indulgences to only a few special occasions each year. But when it’s time to feast time, they do it 100%. Or, in this case, 200%.

Carnival in Central Europe - Celebrated In Bohemian-Moravian Highlands

Carnival in Central Europe – What Sets It Apart

by Weronika Edmunds
15 February 2023
Travel & Food/Culture

By late February, everyone is sick and tired of winter, especially as the eternal cycle of the seasons promises the soon arrival of spring. For millennia, the human race was celebrating that time, trying to scare away the death of winter and invite the season of rebirth and fertility.

view of the medieval fortress Ovech near Provadia Bulgaria europe

Salt, Gold & History: the Competition to Be Europe’s Oldest City

by Krasimir Cheshmedzhiev
13 February 2023
Poland/Travel & Food/Culture

Europe is not called “the old continent” by chance. Civilizations here have spawned for millennia. But three cities in Bulgaria are competing to be Europe’s oldest city.

sezatoarea - Young women spinning and sewing in Bistrita Valley, north-east Romania, photo taken between 1920 and 1945

The Ultimate Romanian Social Gathering Event

by Naomi Gherman
13 February 2023
Romania/Travel & Food/Culture

Winter is coming, and for Romanian peasants, that is good news: they can now indulge in the much-beloved șezătoare, where anything can happen. From song learning to marriage planning, șezătoarea was the place where to catch up on village life.

Her'lany geyser

This Slovak Geyser Erupts Every Two Days

by Przemysław Bociąga
12 February 2023
Slovakia/Travel & Food/Culture

In a small town in eastern Slovakia, an underground spring shoots a 15-meter-tall column of water every day and a half. This is the only place in Europe outside of Iceland where you can see such a marvel.

Lithuanian book smuggler Vincas Juska

The World‘s Only Book Smuggling Ring

by Augustas Kalinauskas
12 February 2023
Lithuania/Culture

Books are probably the last things that come to mind when you hear the word “illegal.” Crazy as it sounds, this was once the reality in Lithuania. And it wasn’t just books – it was everything from newspapers to shop signs - which sparked a lucrative smuggling trade.

The living fires of Buzau county in Romania

The Living Fire That Can Foretell Earthquakes

by Naomi Gherman
11 February 2023
Romania/Travel & Food/Culture

If the phenomenon of a self-burning fire is not mind-blowing enough already, know that the living fire of Vrancea is more than just pretty flames. It is an indicator that the disaster that lies underneath is about to erupt.

karl ernst von baer Walpurgis Night

The Estonian Statue With The Champagne Treatment

by Przemysław Bociąga
11 February 2023
Poland/Travel & Food/Culture

One of Estonia’s most famous scientists is the founder of embryology, Karl Ernst von Baer. Each year, Estonian students honor his life and achievements by giving his monument in Tartu Park a bubble bath to remember - with champagne and beer.

Beehive panel

Where Artistic Expression Flows Like Honey

by Vid Sosic
10 February 2023
Slovenia/Travel & Food/Culture

A unique aspect of Slovenian folk art is the way it intermingles with everyday farm life in the form of artfully decorated beehives. It is not only an excellent example of how creativity takes shape in all environments but also how seriously the culture of beekeeping is taken in this country.

top night view of the Hotel Kasprowy in Zakopane

Hotel Kasprowy – The Lux Socialist Hotel in the Polish Tatras

by Przemysław Bociąga
10 February 2023
Poland/Travel & Food/Culture

Socialism’s great hotel investment in the heart of Polish Tatra Mountains is glamorous again. And it gets one hell of an (unofficial) product placement in the latest production of the most famous Polish opera.

Wooden barrels in front of wine museum in a of city of Melnik a small town in southwest Bulgaria in Pirin Mountains famous with its traditional architecture and local wine

Wine and History: The Story of Melnik, Bulgaria’s Smallest Town

by Galina Ganeva
10 February 2023
Bulgaria/Travel & Food/Culture

The 2021 census in Bulgaria confirmed something that most Bulgarians know: the town of Melnik’s spot as one of the smallest towns in Europe is safe.

Ruins of Doftana prison

Romania’s Bastille: A Hotbed for Communist Thought Leaders

by Przemysław Bociąga
9 February 2023
Romania/Culture

Doftana Prison, located in Prahova county at the foot of the Carpathian Mountains, was notorious in the early 20th century for its harsh confinement of political prisoners, and ultimately became a veritable breeding ground for future leaders of a Red Romania.

łazy radio mast

Polish Radio Mast Unseated as World’s Tallest by Burj Khalifa

by Przemysław Bociąga
8 February 2023
Poland/Culture/Tech

At almost 650 meters tall, the radio mast in Konstantynów was the tallest structure of its time. Although it toppled in 1991, it held the record until the completion of Burj Khalifa in 2008.

Summer view of Cesky Krumlov old town. Cesky Krumlov is a small city located in South Bohemia

The Real Life Fairy Tale City of Český Krumlov

by Marek Koten
7 February 2023
Czechia/Travel & Food/Culture

It's like walking through a fairytale city. When you add snow, you feel like you're in a romantic movie. All this is Český Krumlov, a town in Southern Bohemia where time seems to have stood still.

polish crooked forest

Mysterious Shape of These Trees in Poland Give Rise to Myths

by Przemysław Bociąga
5 February 2023
Poland/Travel & Food/Culture

In a small corner of the West Pomeranian forest in northwestern Poland, a grove of pine trees grow in unique shapes that might seem more suited to a fantasy film rather than wildlife reality. The origin of this curiosity is still up for debate.

Authentic tour of The Coal Mining Museum of Slovenia in Velenje with heirs of mining – Sailing on Velenje lake and virtual dive into the past

The Mysterious Underwater Villages of the Šalek Valley

by Vid Sosic
5 February 2023
Slovenia/Travel & Food/Culture

In the Šalek Valley in Slovenia, new lakes were unintentionally created as a consequence of coal mining. They covered old villages where people have lived for millennia, which are now to be found at the bottom of the lake, hiding a mysterious underwater world.

Closing Concert "Following the Starry Path" during The Song and Dance Celebration

Latvian Song Becomes the Unofficial Anthem of Catalonia

by Lelde Benke
4 February 2023
Latvia/Culture

A song, which some Latvians would like to see become the national anthem, has become an unofficial anthem of a faraway place - Catalonia. The Catalan independence movement gave the song new lyrics and meaning with the composer's blessing.

Top part of the tower of St. Olaf's Church in Tallinn, Estonia view from the alley

World’s Tallest Building in Estonia (Or, At Least, It Was 500 Years Ago)

by Przemysław Bociąga
4 February 2023
Poland/Travel & Food/Culture

Today’s race for the tallest building in the world is usually a competition between the United Arab Emirates and China. However, a few short centuries ago, St. Olaf’s Church in Tallinn held the title. (At least, maybe it did.)

prague zoological garden

The Wild Jungle in the Center of Prague

by Marek Koten
4 February 2023
Czechia/Travel & Food/Culture

At only 91 years old, it is not the oldest Zoo in Europe. However, Prague Zoo is repeatedly ranked as one of the best zoological gardens worldwide. Let us give you a virtual tour.

The steering wheel of a 1977 ARO car

The Birth and Death of the Glorious Romanian ARO

by Naomi Gherman
3 February 2023
Romania/Culture/Tech

The “Romanian SUV” took over the world in the mid-90s. What followed was a success story that made a hit around the globe and put Romania on the map of the automobile world, only to disappear into thin air less than 50 years later.

The Neptun restaurant in the Sunny Beach resort in Bulgaria

The Rebranding of Bulgarian Cuisine Behind the Iron Curtain

by Galina Ganeva
3 February 2023
Bulgaria/Travel & Food/Culture/Interviews

Can sweeping political changes impact what and how we eat? You bet, argues historian and writer Dr. Albena Shkodrova, author of “Communist Gourmet.”

cartoon krtek in the forest with lollypop in his hand

Czech(ia) This Out – the Name Debate Solved

by Cynthia Sklodowski
3 February 2023
Czechia/Travel & Food/Culture

You’ve probably seen or heard the name “Czechia” used instead of “Czech Republic” and may have wondered what the deal was - which name is right? It’s an easy answer: both. Depending on the situation, of course.

Language family tree

The Truly Eastern Roots of the Central European Languages

by Weronika Edmunds
2 February 2023
Culture/Hungary

The formation process of the world’s languages is one of the most fascinating stories humanity has ever written. At least for language geeks. Or can you get sucked in too?

Jenna Ortega as Wednesday Addams in episode 105 of Wednesday

Romania the Setting for Netflix’s Wednesday

by Naomi Gherman
1 February 2023
Romania/Travel & Food/Culture

Step inside the filming set of the newest adaptation of Adams Family, Wednesday, the coming-of-age spin-off that took the world by storm. From the ordinary city of Jericho to the outstanding Nevermore Academy, discover the locations of one of the most binge-watched series.

ointment with natural beeswax component on light grey stone table

The Curious Case of Evija Ointment, Beloved by Latvians

by Lelde Benke
31 January 2023
Latvia/Culture

Found in bathroom cabinets around Latvia, the ointment is said to help ease colds and soothe burns and muscle aches in humans and pets. While several products co-exist on the market, only one claims to be the real Evija.

Baobab trees along the rural road at sunny day in Madagascar

How Lithuania (Almost) Moved to Madagascar

by Augustas Kalinauskas
30 January 2023
Lithuania/Culture

Lithuania has always been at the crossroads between East and West, with hardly any moment in history when the people were not fighting for their freedom. The 20th century is no exception, but exactly then, a brand-new idea of ensuring security emerged.

Screenshot from Samorost

Czech Videogame Creator True to Socialist Cartoon Imaginarium

by Przemysław Bociąga
29 January 2023
Czechia/Culture

Amanita Design’s hit series Samorost, “Machinarium”, and the slightly lesser known “Botanicula” draw from multiple sources of inspiration, including Marcel Duchamp’s Readymades. But they also capture the spirit of Eastern Bloc cartoons, such as “The Little Mole” and “The Tales of Moss and Fern”.

RAF-22031 Latvija

A Legendary Minibus for the Masses 

by Lelde Benke
29 January 2023
Latvia/Culture

The RAF Latvija minibus, a close relative of the Volkswagen Type 2, never managed to achieve the same legendary status as its competitor beyond the borders of the Soviet Union. But then again, it was little more than an inferior copy, after all.

statue in europos park in Lithuania

The Center of Attention: Lithuania’s Europos Park

by Przemysław Bociąga
28 January 2023
Lithuania/Travel & Food/Culture

Europos Park is a “monument valley” on the outskirts of Vilnius to celebrate the spot being exact center of Europe. But the celebration was a bit hasty, as now one of claimants to the title is 11 km away.

Down Town Mill Colonnade-an iconic structure with hot springs-in western Bohemia. Not just the architecture but also the health spas of the city in Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic

Where You Can Relax in Aristocratic Style

by Marek Koten
28 January 2023
Czechia/Travel & Food/Culture

The European aristocracy and artists loved the Czech Spas. The fame of Czech healing waters has gradually spread worldwide. The result is the 2021 inscription of the Czech Spa triangle to UNESCO.

10 bani banknote from 1917

The World’s Smallest Printed Money

by Naomi Gherman
27 January 2023
Romania/Business/Culture

We know – pockets are getting smaller, and wallets are only becoming heavier. This would be no problem for the world’s tiniest print money – which measured a mere 27.5 x 38 mm. How much could you fit in your pocket?

Traditional Lithuanian dish Zeppelin, boiled potato dumplings stuffed with minced pork, on a colored ceramic plate on a gray concrete background

The National Dish Named After an Airship

by Przemysław Bociąga
27 January 2023
Lithuania/Travel & Food/Culture

Cepelinai dumplings, the fist-sized Lithuanian delicacies, derive their name from Zeppelins - the long, cylindrical airships of the early 20th century to which they bear a striking resemblance. And like their dirigible counterparts, cepelinai will leave you high... on carbs.

happening of Orange Alternative

Tiny Bronze Dwarves a Monument to 1980s Opposition

by Przemysław Bociąga
26 January 2023
Poland/Travel & Food/Culture

"Can you treat a police officer seriously when he is asking you: "Why did you participate in an illegal meeting of dwarfs?" This was the ethos of Poland's Orange Alternative movement - and the origin of the dwarves that now adorn Wrocław's streets.

Sailors on the Vltava River in Davle

Timber Rafting: The Newest Addition to UNESCO Heritage

by Marek Koten
26 January 2023
Poland/Czechia/Culture

Despite worldwide usage in the past, timber rafting is very rare today. Last year, a group of countries led by Czechia and Poland nominated and safely navigated it to the UNESCO heritage list.

Srot Park

Unexpected Beauty – Scrap Metal Art in Central Eastern Europe

by Przemysław Bociąga
24 January 2023
Travel & Food/Culture

In this outdoor cabinet of curiosities on the outskirts of Bratislava, Slovakia, animals made of the most unlikely of materials – scrap metal – come to life. It is an art form that is quickly growing in popularity across Eastern Europe.

Traditional folklore dances

Old Is New: The Return of the Bulgarian Folk Costume

by Galina Ganeva
22 January 2023
Bulgaria/Travel & Food/Culture

Bulgarian folk costumes, once considered a thing of the past, now live on Instagram, attracting younger crowds along the way

plane ejection seats

Bringing Safety to the Flying Dream

by Ioana Marandici
22 January 2023
Czechia/Culture/Tech

The 20th century: a time when everyone wanted to touch the sky, but few were thinking about the dangers. Apart from one whose work was centered around the question of, “How can one survive if things go wrong?”

Truffles

Sniffing For Hidden Treasures

by Agnieszka Sawala
21 January 2023
Slovenia/Travel & Food/Culture

An unusual hunt: digging for truffles in the forests of Slovenia’s Istria.

winter sleigh ride in Beskid Żywiecki

Come, Sleigh With Me! In Poland, It’s a Tradition

by Weronika Edmunds
20 January 2023
Poland/Travel & Food/Culture

When frosty winter hits, people tend to stay home and warm themselves up with a nice cuppa… not! Not when they're Polish, anyway. Winter at the end of the carnival was considered by the nobles as the best time to hit each other's pads and party.

Transfagarasan road, most spectacular road in the world, Romania in the evening

World’s Best Road, Paved With Blood, Sweat and Tears – Literally

by Naomi Gherman
20 January 2023
Poland/Culture

We’ve all heard of California’s Route 1 and Australia’s Grand Ocean Road - the world’s most stunning drives. If either tops your must-do list, you really should visit Romania’s Transfăgărășan. Even Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson agrees.

Jesus Christ with open arms statue in front of Pilgrimage Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and St. Cyril and Methodius at Velehrad Monastery, Moravia, Czech Republic

Czechia: An Atheist’s Heaven

by Marek Koten
20 January 2023
Czechia/Culture

The Czech Republic has often been crowned the most atheistic country in Europe, sometimes even the world. Is it so that all Czechs are non-believers, or is it a bit more complicated?

France v Croatia - FIFA World Cup 2018 Final Croatia supporters at Luzhniki Stadium on July 15, 2018

The Origins of the Croatian Chessboard

by Danijel Bačan
19 January 2023
Croatia/Culture

When the Croatian national football team played the final of the World Cup in 2018, the whole world noticed the red and white squares on the Croatian fans and players. These same squares are also found on the Croatian coat of arms and are popularly called a chessboard.

Women's hands hold many shopping bags

Making ends meet: The European Income Gap Is Closing

by Mateusz Walewski
18 January 2023
Culture/People/Poland

Households in our region have to allocate relatively high shares of their budgets to basic needs. Their ability to buy non-essential items is limited. The consumption structure in our area will converge to the western European average in line with closing the income gap.

Students meeting in library

Baltic States Have the Highest Literacy Rates in the World

by Przemysław Bociąga
17 January 2023
Culture/Tech/Croatia

Perched high atop the list of countries with the most literate people in the world are Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania... and North Korea. While the first three have some solid proof behind the statistics, the fourth makes the list based on more dubious claims.

L-410NG aircraft

The Unexpected Aviation Heavyweight

by Marek Koten
17 January 2023
Tech/Czechia/Culture

Czechia is an aviation superpower. It's one of a handful of countries worldwide that can manufacture an entire airplane – from nose to tail. And Czech aviators and pilots are mighty proud of it.

house of Hungarian music in Budapest

Where Nature and Music Collide

by Cynthia Sklodowski
15 January 2023
Hungary/Travel & Food/Culture/Green Transformation

Nestled amongst the trees in a park in the center of Budapest, Hungary, the much-anticipated House of Music, designed by famed Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto, has finally opened its doors to the public.

Valley in czech national park Giant mountain- Krkonose

The Majestic Krkonoše Mountains: A Lush Forest Haven

by Marek Koten
15 January 2023
Poland/Czechia/Travel & Food/Culture

The Krkonoše Mountains are like a wall, yet they are a bridge linking Czechia and Poland. They consist of deep woods and crystal-clear rivers, yet they are very open to the public. This is the story of the wilderness haven.

woman lay on sand on beach

Balkantourist – Communist Airbnb but with Donkeys

by Przemysław Bociąga
14 January 2023
Bulgaria/Travel & Food/Culture

Contrary to popular belief, the Airbnb travel model wasn’t invented in the 2000s. Examples of it can be found 60 years earlier with Balkantourist, travel agent in communist Bulgaria.

group of women

Rural Girl Power! The PR Specialists of the Polish Countryside

by Weronika Edmunds
14 January 2023
Poland/Culture/People

The countryside is the bread and butter of every nation. Undoubtedly, a vast part of Polish cultural heritage originates in Polish villages and fields. It could not be so if it weren’t for the women!

Genuss Festival in Austria

Food in Central Eastern Europe

by Weronika Edmunds
14 January 2023
Travel & Food/Culture

French, Italian, American, Mediterranean, and so on – cuisine from all over the world seems to enjoy recognition. After all, tasting local specialties is an integral part of any travel. So what about Eastern Europe? What do people eat there?

Hannes Schneider Demonstrating for Ski Students

A Central European Skiing Heaven

by Weronika Edmunds
13 January 2023
Austria/Travel & Food/Culture

Which of the Central European countries has in total over 7000 kilometers of ski runs and about 2,500 ski lifts? This whole infrastructure comes complete with guaranteed snow. I can hear you're sold. Want to know where to book your tickets?

Jewelery in a showcase of precious garnet stone

Bohemian Garnet – The Crown Jewel of Czechia

by Marek Koten
12 January 2023
Czechia/Travel & Food/Culture

The blood-red bohemian garnet is considered the national gem of the Czech Republic. Not only is it good-looking, but legends also say that this beloved stone can replace bad moods with joy.

Street content of a hungarian mangalica pig

It’s a Pig! No, It’s a Sheep! No, It’s a Mangalica!

by Przemysław Bociąga
12 January 2023
Hungary/Travel & Food/Culture

These funny-looking, curly haired pigs are a Hungarian specialty. Their breeding is protected and regulated by law, and their meat is, well, quite simply delicious.

Head of white cabbage closeup shoot

Cabbage – The Queen of Central European Cuisine

by Weronika Edmunds
11 January 2023
Travel & Food/Culture

Due to the climate, which tends to bring rather cold winter months, the nations of the Three Seas Region developed their cuisines following the particularities of each season. But one vegetable dominated all four of them.

Mask dancers take part in a parade during the the International Festival of Masquerade Games Surva in the town of Pernik. n ancient times the old Thracians held the Kukeri Ritual Games in honor of the god Dionysus

Move Over, Evil Eye – The Kukeri Are in the House

by Galina Ganeva
9 January 2023
Travel & Food/Culture/Bulgaria

At the end of January, masked people with countless bells tied around roam the streets in villages across Bulgaria. But despite their scary outfits, locals are not intimidated. These are the Kukeri, and they are here not to scare onlookers but to chase away the evil forces

A re-enactment of the coronation of Charles IV as king of Bohemia was staged in Prague's St Vitus Cathedral, Prague, Czech Republic, September 4, 2016 at the close of two-day festivity the City of Prague and Charles University jointly organised to mark the Holy Roman emperor's 700th birth anniversary

The Path of Greatness – Prague’s Royal Road

by Marek Koten
8 January 2023
Czechia/Travel & Food/Culture

It is a route that Czech Kings took upon their coronation for centuries. And while there are no kings in Czechia these days, the Royal Road is still a crucial sightseeing trail through Prague.

Pope Gregory XIII illustratopn

In Central Europe, You Can Celebrate Each Holiday Twice 

by Przemysław Bociąga
7 January 2023
Culture

Everyone knows that Christmas is on 25 December. It's just that we can't agree on exactly when 25 December should be. The same is true for movable feasts, such as Easter. And - say - the anniversary of the October Revolution, which falls in November. 

Beautiful Christmas setting, decorated fireplace with woodburner, lit up Christmas tree with baubles and ornaments, lantern, stars and garlands, selective focus

Christmas in Bulgaria: A Cozy Fire and Fortune-Telling

by Galina Ganeva
7 January 2023
Travel & Food/Culture/Bulgaria

The fire by the Christmas table is not meant only for Instagramming: try this Bulgarian fortune-telling Christmas tradition instead.

Statue of Marco Polo in the window of souvenir shop

Marco Polo Could, In Fact, Be (Sort of) Croatian

by Przemysław Bociąga
6 January 2023
Tech/Croatia/Culture

The original traveler-storyteller is thought to have been born not in Venice but on the Croatian island of Korčula.

A man kisses wooden crosses thrown by Orthodox archbishop in the Danube river

The Floating Cross and Other Epiphany Traditions

by Naomi Gherman
6 January 2023
Romania/Travel & Food/Culture

Would you swim in the frozen waters during Romania’s coldest month to fetch a cross thrown by the Priest? Some wouldn’t - but many would. Or so the tradition proved for the past hundreds of years. Learn about Romania’s most astonishing Epiphany traditions.

R.U.R ROSSUM'S UNIVERSAL ROBOTS 1921 science fiction stage play by Czech writer Karel Capek

A Robot Invasion? Blame the Czechs Who Invented Them

by Przemysław Bociąga
5 January 2023
Czechia/Culture/Tech

2022 marks the one-hundredth anniversary of the word “robot,” brought to you by famous Czech science-fiction author Karel Čapek. However, the term, actually coined by his brother, has deep historical ties to centuries of feudal economics.

Winter sunset over the Sniezka mount in the Giant Mountains, Karkonosze, Poland

Meteorological Observatory Inspired by UFO Rumors

by Przemysław Bociąga
4 January 2023
Czechia/Culture/Tech/Poland

A UFO-like set of discs sits atop a mountain peak on the Czechia-Poland border. However, its inhabitants are not extraterrestrials, rather meteorologists who come from far and wide for the unique weather.

Poland Mazurian canal with nazi symbol

The Legend of the Lost German Nazi U-Boat Shipyard in Poland

by Przemysław Bociąga
3 January 2023
Culture/Poland/Travel & Food

Some say that the woods in Poland's Masurian Lake District harbor a secret: that an abandoned channel project from the Polish Lake District to the Baltic Sea wasn’t only for an inland trade route - it was to provide access to a secret German WW2 era submarine shipyard.

team of the restaurant

Dining in the Dark to Shed New Light

by Galina Ganeva
3 January 2023
Culture/Bulgaria/Travel & Food

While the concept of dining in the dark is not novel, in most such restaurants, the point is to have you guessing at what you’re eating, provided you’ve been able to locate your plate first. In Bulgaria, one restaurant takes this a step further to educate.

Maribor, Slovenia - August 6th 2015. The Old Vine, Stara Trta - at over 400 years old, this is the oldest living grape vine, and is one of Maribor's most popular tourist attractions.

400-Year Old Vine in Slovenia With the Secret of Youth

by Przemysław Bociąga
1 January 2023
Croatia/Culture/Tech

If this grapevine could talk, oh... the stories it could tell. Wars, plagues, and fires haven't been able to stop one remarkably resilient vine in Maribor, Slovenia, that is still producing fruit - and wine - at a ripe 400 years old!

Crowd cheering in front of vibrant firework

New Year Traditions in Central Europe

by Weronika Edmunds
1 January 2023
Culture

The clock strikes 12, and we all suddenly find in a new year. New Year's Eve is the one day that unites people of all religions (and time zones) in celebration and has always been connected with many traditions.

The Great Wall of Jinshan Mountains in the Cloud Sea

Europe Divided Over Its Attitude to China

by Agaton Koziński
31 December 2022
Business/Culture

Until 1989, Europe was partitioned by the Berlin Wall. Now, it is divided by the Great Wall of China. CEE countries are looking at Beijing with caution, but Western European states are looking for business opportunities with China.

People talking toasting in a pub with the beers stock photo

Beer-Drinking Culture May Become a National Heritage in Czechia

by Przemysław Bociąga
31 December 2022
Czechia/Travel & Food/Culture

In Czechia, the beer-drinking culture without a shadow of a doubt constitutes its national heritage. Activists are now fighting for official recognition of this fact by UNESCO.

Ruzyne Airport in Prague. Archive photo of flight attendant in front of the plane

It’s OK to Fly Czech

by Marek Koten
30 December 2022
Czechia/Culture/Tech

Wherever you are flying with Czech Airlines, it will always be OK. Why? Because OK is the Czech Airlines callsign. Let us tell you the story of the fifth-oldest airline in the world.

Struve Geodetic Arc

The 3,000 km Long Monument That Proved the Earth’s Shape

by Przemysław Bociąga
30 December 2022
Culture

The Struve Geodetic Arc is a network of triangulation towers spanning Scandinavia to the Black Sea. They made it possible to take the first accurate measurement of a meridian arc.

would you dare to cross this bridge 100 meters above the valley walk like indiana jones world longest suspended sky bridge czechia moravia district hung hundred meters above

Would You Dare to Cross This Bridge 100 Meters Above the Valley?

by Przemysław Bociąga
29 December 2022
Poland/Travel & Food/Culture

Ready to channel your inner Indiana Jones? Maybe walking across the world’s longest suspended sky bridge, hung almost a hundred meters above a valley in Czechia’s Moravia district, would help you do the trick.

Euro money euro banknotes in bronze bowl.

Is it Always the Euro? Currencies in Central and Eastern Europe

by Weronika Edmunds
29 December 2022
Business/Culture

Those traveling to Europe often think it will be sufficient to bring along some Euro, but this is not always the case. So what currency do you need when you find yourself in the Three Seas States?

Postcard From Austria

Remember Postcards? The First Were an Austrian Invention 

by Przemysław Bociąga
28 December 2022
Poland/Travel & Food/Culture

On 1 October 1869, the Austrian Post Office issued its first postcard. Today merely a collectible, they were for decades a communication staple, as texting is now.

lider of polska partia przyjaciol piwa drinking beer

The Rise of the Polish Beer-Lovers Party

by Przemysław Bociąga
27 December 2022
Poland/Culture

English-style beer consumption stole some ground from vodka territory when a jokingly named quasi-political movement called the Polish Beer-Lovers Party gained Members of Parliament (MPs) in the early 1990s.

School of sea bream fish, Sarpa salpa, swimming to water surface

Feeding the Planet: Turning Sunlight Into Seafood

by Martin Hochel
26 December 2022
Travel & Food/Culture

Austrian startup Blue Planet Ecosystems has been presenting its product on efficient, bio, eco-friendly, and sustainable fishing production called LARA systems (Land-based Automated Recirculating Aquaculture). The product aims to address future food shortages.

Beautiful nativity scene with baby Jesus. Traditional Christmas background of Christian holidays.

Christmas in Czechia: A More Secular Affair

by Marek Koten
26 December 2022
Czechia/Travel & Food/Culture

With Christmas approaching, let's look at how it is celebrated in the Czech Republic, where little attention is paid to faith and church. And is Christmas here still a Christian holiday?

Kutya, candles and christmas decor on a wooden table. Christmas Slovenian food. Traditional Christmas sweet dishes in Ukraine, Belarus and Poland. Christmas dinner kutia.

Three Central European Christmas-Only Dishes

by Weronika Edmunds
25 December 2022
Travel & Food/Culture

Many festive dishes tend to be present in some shape and form throughout the year. But can you find dishes that are so Christmas-exclusive that you can’t really taste them outside of the season?

Statue of Adalbert of Prague

Czech Heaven: The Home of the Saints of Czechia

by Marek Koten
25 December 2022
Czechia/Culture

Despite being called the most atheist country in Europe, Czechia has a rich religious history. Including having many saints.

Christmas Eve red borscht with ravioli and beet chips and other dishes

Polish Christmas Eve Feast One of the Healthiest in the World

by Przemysław Bociąga
24 December 2022
Travel & Food/Culture

Yes, there is a ranking of the world’s healthiest traditional feasts. And guess who’s at the top of the ranking? Poles with their fish-abundant, vegetable-based Christmas Eve supper. Never mind that it consists of twelve courses!

1950s USA Levi's Magazine Advert

The Latvian Contribution to the Origin of Jeans

by Przemysław Bociąga
23 December 2022
Latvia/Culture/People

Though merchant Levi Strauss is mainly credited for the invention of jeans, little would have happened in this area if not for Latvian-born tailor Jacob Davis. In 1871 in Reno, Nevada, Davis found denim to be the perfect fabric for workhorse pants.

Kid is eating fast food at Christmas market. Cute child is tasting festive sweets, fritters, chocolate doughnuts outside in old town street. Cozy fair atmosphere in Dubrovnik, Croatia

Christmas in Croatia – Get Your Fireplace Ready!

by Weronika Edmunds
23 December 2022
Culture/Croatia/Travel & Food

Believe it or not, winter in Croatia can get pretty cold. Most households used to have fireplaces, which served as the basis for developing an interesting Christmas tradition.

Welcome to the Year 7528!

by Mihail Petrov
22 December 2022
Culture

The date is the 18th of the second month. The year is 7527. And no, there is nothing wrong with your calendar. According to the Ancient Bulgarian Calendar, the year is very accurate, recognized by UNESCO as the most accurate calendar in the world.

Krampus Creatures Parade In Search Of Bad Children

Christmas in Austria – Not Even Krampus Dares to Disturb

by Weronika Edmunds
22 December 2022
Austria/Travel & Food/Culture

It has been said and will never cease to be repeated that Austria – the home of Silent Night, the world's revered Christmas carol – certainly knows how to turn Christmas into a special time of year, spiced up with a short visit by the underworld demons.

Croatia, Dalmatia, Brac island, Pucisca village, Klesarska skola stonemasonry school

The Marble Kingdom of Brač Island, Croatia

by Weronika Edmunds
21 December 2022
Croatia/Travel & Food/Culture

The second largest island in Croatia is the home of the town of Pučišća. I know – it most probably doesn’t tell you anything. And it should, as its quarry has been supplying the world with marble for centuries.

Holiday Gold place setting, funny Christmas table with ornaments and natural berries on wooden table

Why Latvians Need a Big Table for Christmas

by Lelde Benke
21 December 2022
Romania/Travel & Food/Culture

Never ones to leave their guests hungry, on one particular day of the year, Latvians load the table with nine foods. Traditionally, this was Yuletide to mark the winter solstice. Today, many celebrate Christmas but still keep up with tradition, too.

Truffle Harvest

Bulgaria’s Truffle Treasure

by Galina Ganeva
17 December 2022
Travel & Food/Culture

Hidden in the forests of Bulgaria are immense riches. How should one go about obtaining them?

A waitress at a cafe terrace on archive photo from 1930 waiting for tip

A Tourist’s Guide to Tipping Culture in Central Europe

by Przemysław Bociąga
16 December 2022
Hungary/Travel & Food/Culture

How much exactly should you tip in Central Europe? We've made a handy guide to help you figure it out.

Front of Nobel prize medal

Austria – Land of Prodigies

by Weronika Edmunds
15 December 2022
Travel & Food/Culture

Is Austria a factory of geniuses? It certainly looks like it! Let us briefly remind ourselves what the Nobel Prize is and what it is awarded for.

shop with black balsam elixir in Riga

The Latvian Elixer Spicing Up Cocktails and Curing Indigestion

by Przemysław Bociąga
14 December 2022
Latvia/Travel & Food/Culture

Riga Black Balsam, concocted by a pharmacist in the mid-18th century, was used as a magic cure for numerous diseases. Today it's a drink, cocktail ingredient, cure for indigestion, and, most importantly, Latvia's pride.

teenagers on carousel at amusement park

This Amusement Park Started as “Venice in Vienna”

by Przemysław Bociąga
14 December 2022
Austria/Travel & Food/Culture

Created in 1766, Vienna’s Prater is one of the oldest public leisure spots on the continent. The amusement park in the center of Prater began operations in the 18th century.

participants of the Herring March

Can You Walk Like a Herring?

by Weronika Edmunds
13 December 2022
Poland/Travel & Food/Culture

Are you able to survive in water for a few hours at one time? Can you swim (advisable)? Do you like challenges? If your answer to the above question is ‘yes,’ then we have a proposition you won't want to pass up.

The Colindat Men’s Group

The Colindat Men’s Group, a UNESCO Christmas Tradition

by Naomi Gherman
13 December 2022
Bulgaria/Travel & Food/Culture

Christmas is one of the most celebrated holidays worldwide. In Romania, the Christmas spirit is spread around by the Juni – a group of young men who carol the streets and houses for days in a row.

Poster of Czech-Slav etnographic exhibition in Prague from 1895

1895: The Year Slavic Folk Was Born

by Przemysław Bociąga
13 December 2022
Czechia/Culture

Prague’s Czechoslavic Ethnographic Exhibition of 1895, the Central European answer to the World Expo (of sorts), was the first time the people of Central Europe noticed the richness of regional folk culture. It immediately started a folk craze.

poster for the

Lake Bohinj “Is Too Beautiful for Murder”

by Agnieszka Sawala
12 December 2022
Slovenia/Travel & Food/Culture

What do Agata Christie, Ernest Hemingway, James Joyce, Ulay, Jackie Chan, and Nick Cave have in common? A Slovenian episode!

one milliard pengo

How Much Could You Buy for One Hundred Million Billion Pengő?

by Przemysław Bociąga
11 December 2022
Tech/Croatia/Culture

A massive level of inflation in Hungary created the need to issue the highest-nominated banknote ever.

man in the air swings in Estonia

Estonians – The Master Swingers

by Przemysław Bociąga
11 December 2022
Travel & Food/Culture/Estonia

In most European countries, you grow out of swinging in your early teens. But not in Estonia, where kiiking, or swinging, is a national sport recognized by the Estonian Sports Association.

Christmas winter snow family contemplative dad mum child night evening Oberndorf

Turning Christmas Carol Into a Worldwide Hit Song

by Weronika Edmunds
10 December 2022
Travel & Food/Culture/Austria

During Christmas, one melody is sure to unite the world. This carol has been sung for over two hundred years by Christians all over the world. Do you know it? Where does it come from?

Mushroom picking, illustration to III tome of Pan Tadeusz

Polish Romantic Prophet-Poet Was Basically a Foodie

by Przemysław Bociąga
9 December 2022
Travel & Food/Culture

Adam Mickiewicz was perhaps the most important figure in Polish 19-century culture. His epic novel Pan Tadeusz – the epitome of Polish national sentiment – contains descriptions of more traditional Polish dishes than any other features.

Cup of herbal tea and an assortment of ingredients, herbs, fruits and flowers

Teetaimed: The Original Estonian Hot Drink

by Przemysław Bociąga
9 December 2022
Estonia/Travel & Food/Culture

If you order tea in an Estonian café, you can expect a wide variety of herbal drinks, though not necessarily what we usually call tea. Influenced by Russian culture, the social division between Estonian tea vs herbal infusion drinkers has left traces to this day.

Closeup of a weaving loom with colorful ropes stock photo Romania, Tradition, Wool, Loom, Art

Rug Craftsmanship, A Way for Romanians to Express Themselves

by Naomi Gherman
8 December 2022
Romania/Travel & Food/Culture

Many communities and cultures would use words, foods, melodies, or actions to express themselves – not the Romanian people, however. For them, the deepest feelings of the human soul were best transmitted through a rug.

This posthumous portrait of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was painted by Barbara Kraft at the request of Joseph Sonnleithner in 1819, long after Mozart died.

Mozart – The Austrian Genius Everyone Knows. Or Do They?

by Weronika Edmunds
8 December 2022
People/Austria/Culture

Who was the greatest musician ever alive? A celebrity by today's definition – famous, talented, and wealthy? Whose compositions are known to practically every human, even if they have no idea about classical music? There is only one answer – Mozart!

thinly sliced salami on a wooden cuttingboard

The Origins of (Not-Entirely) Romanian Sibiu Salami

by Naomi Gherman
8 December 2022
Romania/Travel & Food/Culture

Sibiu salami, a trademark of Romanian cuisine, is not even made in Sibiu. In fact, it wasn’t even invented by a Romanian. How did this internationally-appreciated aliment gain popularity, and where did the name actually come from?

Panoramic shot of a plywood Christmas scene under arc made by wood and lights

The Cornucopia of Hidden Meanings in Polish Christmas Carols

by Weronika Edmunds
7 December 2022
Poland/Travel & Food/Culture

World-famous Polish ski jumper, Adam Małysz, was once asked what he did to relax when sitting on the bench, waiting to jump. He answered – "I hum Christmas carols." His answer might have astonished everyone but Poles. Poles smiled and understood.

Stylish christmas gift in hands under christmas tree with lights. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Woman in cozy sweater putting wrapped christmas present in atmospheric festive room

Festive Gift-Giving Craze in Central Eastern Europe Explained

by Weronika Edmunds
6 December 2022
Bulgaria/Travel & Food/Culture

To: Mum, From: Nicky – is what you may find written on your Christmas present, for example, in the UK or the USA. However, Central Europeans are adamant that the gifts have a more otherwordly origin. So what is it about all this gift-giving tradition?

Santa Claus

When Does Saint Nick Really Pay a Visit?

by Weronika Edmunds
6 December 2022
Travel & Food/Culture

We seem to take it for granted that Christmas presents are brought by Father Christmas in his sleigh. That's down to C.C. Moore, but what came before and is still practiced in many Three Seas States?

city where houses have eyes

Sibiu’s Houses Are Watching You

by Naomi Gherman
5 December 2022
Romania/Travel & Food/Culture

They’re everywhere. And they’re all watching you. However, this is not a horror story but rather the charming story of the Sibiu roofs, known for their “eyes” that watch over the city.

detail od traditional colorful Czech tourist marking on hiking trails

Heritage in Three Stripes

by Marek Koten
4 December 2022
Poland/Czechia/Travel & Food/Culture

The Czech Republic is crisscrossed by one of the most perfect and dense networks of hiking trails. The marking system is so good that it is used worldwide.

Dark bread kvass

Kvass Redux. Popular Eastern European Drink on the Rise

by Przemysław Bociąga
3 December 2022
Poland/Travel & Food/Culture

Popular across Central and Eastern Europe from Poland to Estonia to Caucasus, this refreshing drink, which comes sweet or savory, is a zero-waste drink from bread leftovers. Its most recent Polish iteration has taken a turn to promote more responsible beer drinking.

Mickey Mouse

That Time Romania Cancelled Mickey Mouse

by Naomi Gherman
3 December 2022
Romania/Culture

In 1935, the Romanian government banned any visual representation of Mickey Mouse, and the reason behind this drastic measure might make you take a double look at Disney’s most beloved character.

Tallinn Christmas Market

The Best Christmas Markets in Central Europe

by Weronika Edmunds
2 December 2022
Poland/Travel & Food/Culture

Ho! Ho! Ho! With the merriest time of year around the corner, the cities of Europe are getting into the festive spirit. What better way to do so than by eating, dancing, and Christmas shopping? What are the best destinations to travel to?

boy bathing and swimming in the cold water of a lake or river among the ducks, cold therapy, ice swim with forest trees on background

Dive On In! The Water’s Just… Freezing

by Weronika Edmunds
2 December 2022
Travel & Food/Culture

In the middle of the summer, as we are stocking up on that lush, sun-generated heat, it seems safer to think about the growing trend of swimming in icy-cold water in the middle of winter. A sport that unites some of the Baltic countries. Which ones?

Aerial drone view of small beautiful church on top of a mountain in Slovenia at dawn. Beautiful autumn morning landscape

Slovenia – The Land of Chapels

by Vid Sosic
1 December 2022
Slovenia/Travel & Food/Culture

Slovenia has a rich tradition of building chapels. You can see them everywhere, in any shape and form, old and new. Although visitors to the lands would point to this extraordinary fact, it is unclear why the tradition was so alive among Slovenes.

Closer to the Moon (2014) - filmstill

The Communist Heist of 1959

by Naomi Gherman
1 December 2022
Romania/Culture

You’d have to be pretty out of your mind to rob a bank – let alone during the communist times. But it happened, and the authorities were so shocked that they documented the investigation in a movie, casting in the leading roles the real-life protagonists of the heist.

portrait of Tomas Rousek, the New Prague architect

“New Prague”, or the Czech City in Space

by Marek Koten
30 November 2022
Czechia/Culture/Tech

Next year, Czechia will celebrate 45 years since the first Czech entered space. Even though the country is not a space superpower, it has plans for a base on the Moon. And a lot more!

A group of children in a computer shop gathered round an Atari ST

The Polish Creator of the Computer for the Masses

by Przemysław Bociąga
30 November 2022
Poland/Culture/Tech/People

Born Idek Trzmiel in Łódź, Poland, Jack Tramiel was the creator of the Commodore 64, the computer that holds a Guinness World Record for being the best-selling machine of its kind.

Colour image of hands demonstrating ASL sign language letters

SignAll Invents Revolutionary Tool to Translate Sign Language

by Martin Hochel
30 November 2022
Hungary/Culture/Tech

Hungarian-American startup SignAll has been intensely working for over a decade to invent the SignAll Lab tool, which translates American Sign Language (ASL) into American English.

St. Andrew’s Eve Fortune Telling

St. Andrew’s Eve Fortune Telling – The Original Tinder

by Przemysław Bociąga
29 November 2022
Bulgaria/Travel & Food/Culture

A national holiday in Romania and a popular customary feast in more countries of Central Europe, the commemoration of St. Andrews Day on November 30 is an occasion to witness ghostly activities and get them to share insights from the future.

Stalactites and stalagmites inside the Postojna cave

The Mysterious Classical Slovenian Karst

by Vid Sosic
28 November 2022
Culture/Czechia/Travel & Food

Slovenia has proportionally more karst than any other country. It shaped its history and identity. It was here that most karst phenomena were studied very early on. Even the name karst came from the Kras region in Slovenia, a smaller region within the Slovenian Classical Karst.

portrait of Ivo Boscarol in plane

Pipistrel: A Slovenian Success Story

by Vid Sosic
28 November 2022
Slovenia/Culture/People

Ivo Boscarol is a Slovenian entrepreneur and aircraft designer with a great success story. Throughout his continuing success, he has remained true to his birthplace and dedicated a lot of made money to local causes.

Christmas tree in fire

The Fir Tree and the Christmas Miracle

by Przemysław Bociąga
27 November 2022
Bulgaria/Travel & Food/Culture

Not sure if you want to believe the legend that a fir tree in this exact spot is one of the oldest Christmas traditions in Europe? Heirs to the Brotherhood of the Blackheads can show you historic proof.

mole cartoon

The Story of the Mole

by Marek Koten
26 November 2022
Culture/Czechia

No, this is not a story of an enemy spy inside the Czech secret service. It is a story of a Czech icon that raised generations at home and abroad. And even made it to space!

old typewriter detail

Central European Diacritic Letters: A Typewriter Buying Guide

by Przemysław Bociąga
26 November 2022
Culture

The rise of national languages in Central Europe led to the expansion of diacritic letters, unique to a few groups of them. Nowadays, Unicode has given us an easy computational solution. But the fight for diacritic inclusiveness lasted for decades.

Ripe, fresh sea buckthorn, Hippophae in a tin mug. Harvesting, vintage style. Selective focus

Immunity-Boosting Sea Buckthorn Thrives in Latvian Soil

by Lelde Benke
25 November 2022
Latvia/Business/Culture

Developing since the 1980s, Latvia's sea buckthorn industry is now well and truly ripe. Not only is export on the rise, but growers are creating new products to introduce people to the vitamin-packed berry and its powers.

Brazilians girls of Polish descent

Polish Is the Official Language in… a Brazilian Town

by Weronika Edmunds
24 November 2022
Poland/Travel & Food/Culture

Polish citizens, who found themselves under a foreign rule for 123 years, were often forced to leave their native lands in pursuit of opportunities unavailable to them under new rulers. Collectively, they are referred to as Polonia.