Things To Do
in Fiľakovo

Ruined medieval fortress on a volcanic hill offering sweeping views of the town, valleys and surrounding hills; golden light at sunrise or sunset is especially photogenic.

Compact center with traditional houses, a parish church and cafés — good for street and architectural photography capturing local life.

Panoramic vistas from the Karancs viewpoint and ridgeline; ideal for landscape shots, cloudscapes and seasonal color, particularly in autumn.

Basalt columns, rocky outcrops and the small ruined castle make dramatic nature and heritage photos, especially with contrasty light.

A Slovak classic found in local restaurants and at festivals — potato dumplings mixed with tangy sheep cheese and topped with bacon bits.

Must-Try!

Hearty paprika-seasoned beef or pork stew, often served with bread or dumplings; common in taverns and family eateries.

Peppers filled with rice and meat in a tomato sauce — a homestyle dish served in many local homes and restaurants.

Locally produced slivovica or apricot brandy offered in small quantities as a digestif or souvenir.

Weekly or seasonal market (check local bulletin) where farmers sell vegetables, fruit, cheeses, homemade preserves, and breads — great for picnic supplies.

Street-side bakeries and stalls offering fresh rolls, sweet pastries and traditional baked goods ideal for breakfast or snacks.

Use a polite greeting like 'Dobrý deň' (Good day). Handshakes are common when meeting someone, and a nod or brief greeting is appropriate in shops.

Southern Slovakia has a significant Hungarian minority — using basic Hungarian or acknowledging bilingual culture is often appreciated, but Slovak is the official language.

Towns and villages can be quiet in evenings and on Sundays; keep noise low and respect local rhythms and church services.

In some private homes people may ask you to remove shoes — accept politely and follow hosts’ cues.

Tipping 5–10% in restaurants is appreciated for good service but not mandatory; round up taxi fares and leave small change for casual services. In cafés it’s common to leave loose change rather than large percentages.

Euros are used. Cash is still widely accepted, especially in small shops, markets and rural restaurants; larger places accept cards but always carry some cash for villages and market stalls.

Mild temperatures and blooming countryside make this a pleasant time for hiking and photography; some tourist services begin reopening after winter, but expect variability in opening hours.

Warm to hot weather with long daylight hours ideal for outdoor activities and festivals; small-town interiors can be quiet during peak holiday weeks when locals travel.

Crisp air and vibrant foliage create excellent hiking and photography conditions; harvest events and local markets may offer seasonal produce and crafts.

Cold, sometimes snowy winters produce picturesque scenes but shorter daylight; some attractions and rural services may reduce hours—dress warmly and check ahead.

A well-marked hike to the Karancs lookout offering panoramic views of the border region; moderate difficulty with rewarding vistas and geological interest.

Short hikes around basalt rock formations and the small ruined castle—great for photography and exploring unusual volcanic geology.

A brief but steep walk from town to the castle ruins; ideal for history buffs and those wanting quick views without long trekking.

Network of trails through the Cerová Highlands offering varied terrain, quiet forest sections and seasonal wildflowers; suitable for day hikes.

Ethnic Slovaks make up the largest group, speaking Slovak and forming the core of civic life.

A significant Hungarian-speaking community influences language, food and culture; bilingual signage and services may be available.

Present in the region, contributing to the social and cultural fabric while also facing local socio-economic challenges.

Like many small Central European towns, Fiľakovo has an aging demographic, with younger people often moving to larger cities for work.

Vegetarian options exist but are limited in smaller village-style restaurants; ask for salads, vegetable soups, cheese dishes or egg-based meals and communicate preferences clearly in Slovak or Hungarian if possible.

Vegan choices are less common — bring snacks or shop at local markets for fruit, bread, legumes and dairy-free alternatives in larger supermarkets in nearby towns.

Traditional cuisine uses wheat and dumplings frequently; request gluten-free options in advance and consider self-catering with gluten-free products from bigger stores in Lučenec.

Carry translations of major allergens and communicate restrictions at restaurants — staff can usually accommodate simple requests but specialty items may be unavailable.