Trenčín: Slovakia's 2026 European Capital of Culture with Glasto-Style Festival
Picture charming cobbled streets, a majestic medieval fortress, and a Baroque Old Town, all nestled along a picturesque river. This isn't Amsterdam, Kraków, or Budapest—it's Trenčín, a captivating hidden gem in Slovakia near the Czech border. While many travellers have historically flocked to the capital, Bratislava, Trenčín is poised to take centre stage in 2026 as it shares the title of European Capital of Culture with Oulu in Finland.
Since its inception in 1985, the European Capital of Culture initiative has spotlighted under-the-radar cities across the continent. Following Chemnitz in Germany and Nova Gorica in Slovenia in 2025, Trenčín now receives the recognition it richly deserves. Described as "charming and beautiful" by TikTok users and ranked third on Time Out's trending city break list, Trenčín offers a relaxed alternative to larger European destinations, welcoming a modest 120,000 tourists annually.
Steeped in Ancient History
Trenčín's roots trace back to the Roman era, making it one of Slovakia's oldest settlements. The iconic Trenčín Castle, a medieval fortress perched on a rocky hilltop overlooking the Váh River valley, is the city's most famous landmark. In 2026, the castle will be transformed into an immersive contemporary art space, with three exhibitions opening on February 7.
Alexandra Dubakova, a Travel Expert at Free Tour, notes that visiting Trenčín provides a "fascinating" glimpse into 2,000 years of history. Highlights include the "Well of Love" at the castle's lower part, where legend tells of a Turkish prince rescuing his imprisoned love, Fatima. This tale will be reimagined in 2026 through a contemporary art show featuring light, sound, and holograms. For summer visitors, Alexandra recommends night tours with fire shows and fencing reenactments, costing between €10 and €12.
Other historical sites include the Old Cemetery on Matúšova Street, home to the eerie Executioner's House—a preserved 17th-century prison now serving as a museum of historical weapons and medieval justice. Trenčín's Synagogue, with its stunning blue dome, is another architectural treasure, though currently closed for reconstruction.
A Creative Heartbeat and Festival Hub
For music enthusiasts, the annual Pohoda festival is a must-visit. Launched in 1997, it has grown into Slovakia's largest music event, winning Best Medium-Sized Festival at the 2026 European Festival Awards. Held every July at Trenčín Airport, it attracts over 30,000 visitors with world-class acts like Gorillaz, The Cure, Lykke Li, and Penguin Cafe. A three-day ticket costs €149.
Beyond Pohoda, Trenčín hosts the Light Art Festival in April, transforming urban spaces with immersive light installations, and Splanekor in July, a revived community event featuring creative boat races on the Váh River.
Foodie Heaven and Scenic Escapes
Trenčín's cuisine epitomises Central European comfort food, with hearty Slovak dishes like bryndzové halušky (potato dumplings with cheese and bacon) and roasted meats. Alexandra praises Reštaurácia pod Hradom for its 1600s tavern ambiance and Lanius craft brewery for local beers. Coffee lovers should visit Coffee Sheep, a 2025 Top Gastro competition winner.
To work off the delicious food, Brezina Forest Park offers peaceful views of the Váh River Valley, providing a scenic escape from the city's bustle.
How to Get There
Trenčín lacks a public airport, so travellers typically fly into Bratislava (a 1-hour 12-minute drive) or Vienna, Austria (1-hour 50-minute drive). From London, Ryanair flies to Bratislava from Stansted for £39, while Wizz Air offers flights to Vienna from Luton for £20. As Alexandra observes, "Trenčín is waking up to its full potential" in 2026, with more galleries and studios emerging, making it an ideal weekend trip packed with history, cuisine, and creativity.
