Through exclusive interviews, detailed analyses, and compelling stories, Closer connects younger readers with the heart of Slovakia.

Kvet Nguyen, a Slovak artist and writer of Vietnamese descent, captures the beauty and complexity of living between cultures in her work and storytelling.

Petra Klimová Dzvoníková, known online as Petush Nasklee, is a Slovak influencer and podcaster who uses her platform to empower others through her open approach to fashion, art and mental health awareness.

Ready for a ride? In the picturesque Rajec valley, visitors can ride a bike in all directions without getting lost. I am living proof. Host: Peter Dlhopolec

Our next trip around the Žilina Region will be slightly Italian because of its name. We'll climb Slovakia's oldest via ferrata. It can be found in the Turiec area, which is compared to the Tuscany region in Italy. Host: Peter Dlhopolec

In a Slovak town, visitors can see Brestovská Cave, a spring featured in an iconic film, and an open-air museum (and much more).

Explore a place with three different names – Trojmedzie, Trojmezí, Trójstyk – where three nations regularly meet. Trojmedzie is a hidden gem, easily accessible by train from Bratislava. Host: Peter Dlhopolec Guests: Marta Sláviková

In addition to a hike or a cable-car ride up to Chopok peak, visitors to the ski resort Jasná, Liptov region, can meet Wallachian sheep and take a wild ride in a mountain cart down the hill. Host: Peter Dlhopolec Guests: Jiří Trumpeš, Veronika Tabačková

We spent a day in the resort town of Terchová, hometown of Slovakia’s national hero and source of many hiking trails. Host: Peter Dlhopolec Guest: Ivana Adžić

Svidník, a town in eastern Slovakia known for its military history, is home to the country’s oldest ethnic museum, the Museum of Ukrainian Culture. Explore the museum with Miriam Božíková who works at the cultural institution. Presenter: Peter Dlhopolec Music: Ukrainian folk songs

Bratislava-based Teheran-born comedian Nastaran "Nasi" Alaghmandan Motlagh, who will host events at the upcoming fjúžn festival in Bratislava, is the latest guest on the Spectacular Slovakia podcast.

In the final episode of this summer series, we will immerse ourselves in exploring Žilina, rafting the Váh river, and hiking some of the most beautiful peaks in Slovakia. Presenter: Peter Dlhopolec Guests: Ivan the rafter, David Cartwright, Róbert Hlaváč

A Dutch couple always wanted to have their own farm. What is impossible in the Netherlands, they accomplished near Krupina.

In addition to a spa town and a Marian pilgrimage site, the quaint Čičmany village can be found in the Rajec region. Presenter: Peter Dlhopolec Guests: Jean Gateau, Juraj Kudjak

The region is known for Orava Castle. But have you gone on a cruise in Námestovo or tasted some scrumptious ice cream in Dolný Kubín? Presenter: Peter Dlhopolec Guest: Vladimír Klocok, Tamari Mikatsadze, Tatia Basilaia, Jozef Ferenčík

The Kysuce region is a quintessential Slovak region, with quaint hilltop villages and plenty of adventures to offer. Presenter: Peter Dlhopolec Guests: Mirka Petríková, Avuzwa Ngubo, Pedro Viola de Abreu

The Liptov region is a great holiday destination that is not just about Tatralandia, Jasná and Vlkolínec, although they are also worth a visit.

Peter expands his textbook knowledge about the Turiec region. He talks to three people who know the region quite well: Zuzana, Stanislava and Scott.

For American Jeremy Hill, his number one enemy in Slovakia has always been winter. He’s not a fan of the bitter cold and after the holidays, this “vegetarian with a sensitive tummy” usually requires some medical assistance… and a stool sample. Listen as he recalls with a mixture of shame and amusement the day he presented a Slovak nurse with a stool sample in a Tesco shopping bag.

Listen to Jeremy Hill recount his very first Christmas in Slovakia, when he rediscovered the healing magic of the holiday season.

Austrian Ambassador Margit Bruck-Friedrich on why she loves Bratislava and what to not miss out on in surrounding towns.

Japanese Ambassador Makoto Nakagawa is here to talk about his hobbies - biking and birdwatching - in Bratislava. Plus, it's time to compare capital cities again.

Israeli Ambassador Boaz Modai shares his views on Bratislava and talks about the city's Jewish heritage.

Swiss Ambassador Alexander Hoffet on where in Bratislava he walks his dog, favourite spots, and Bratislava rolls.