Discover the mysterious world of bats in Slovak national parks

Would you like to listen to the sounds of bats using an ultrasonic detector or see them up close during a professional capture? At the end of August and the beginning of September, you will also have this opportunity in selected Slovak national parks.

The International Bat night takes place annually during the last weekend of August under the auspices of the Agreement on the Conservation of European Bat Populations – EUROBATS. In 2026, it falls on 29. – 30. August. However, local organizers can prepare accompanying events on other dates.

 

Where can you go to see bats?

29. August 2026 – Night of Bats in the Slovak Paradise National Park

The administration of the Slovak Paradise National Park invites the public to the event, which will take place from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. in the amphitheater area of ​​the Podlesok tourist resort near Hrabušice.

Visitors can expect a lecture by an expert about the life and protection of bats, their monitoring using an ultrasonic detector, as well as a demonstration of professional trapping in special nets. The public will be able to see live bats from close range.

It is necessary to register for the event in advance by e-mail at slovraj@npslovenskyraj.sk.

 

Beginning of September – Biele vody with Bats

The administration of the Muránska Planina National Park is preparing an event for the public called Biele vody with Bats, which is to take place in the Biele vody – sysľovisko location. The exact date and details will be published among the news on the national park website.

The Pieniny National Park carried out its bat-focused activity on August 7, 2026 at the Červený Kláštor Museum.

The LES Civic Association will also participate in the educational activities, which will prepare a program about bats for students of the elementary school in Kráľovská Ľubela in Dúbravská dolina on September 4, 2026.

 

Fascinating night fliers

Did you know that bats represent approximately one fifth of all known mammal species and some of them can live for several decades? As nocturnal insect hunters, they play an important role in maintaining the natural balance.

Lectures by experts, observation using an ultrasound detector and demonstrations of professional trapping will offer visitors the opportunity to learn about the life of these remarkable animals and the reasons why it is important to protect them and the environment in which they live.

The activities are carried out within the framework of the second Swiss contribution – the Swiss-Slovak Cooperation Program – and a support measure aimed at nature conservation, biodiversity and sustainable tourism in protected areas. All national park administrations, the Ministry of Environment of the Slovak Republic, NGOs and the National Forestry Centre are involved.

If you want to participate in any of the public events, check the conditions of participation in advance and don’t forget to register.