Goral Festival in Bachledka: Richard Müller, The Duchons, Katka Knechtová, Gladiator and Folklore Ensemble Železiar under the Tatra peaks
Right in the picturesque village of Ždiar, the traditions of the Gorals will come alive once more! Early this year, they were officially recognized as a national minority in the Slovak Republic after a long period. The celebration of this historic milestone will take the form of a rich program featuring well-known personalities and traditional Goral artists at BACHLEDKA.
Highlanders, local artists and folklore groups from all three sides of the Tatras will present their culture, history, and crafts. Alongside the authentic atmosphere, visitors can look forward to a star-studded lineup.
Richard Müller, The Duchons, Katka Knechtová, Gladiator, Železiar, and Poland’s Zespół TerazMy will all perform at this celebration of Goral culture, held at nearly 1,200 meters above sea level right at Bachledka. Children will enjoy shows from PACI PAC, Zahrajko, and Vodníkovci.
29th ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF GORAL CULTURE AND MINORITY
In the first half of August, Gorals will gather in Bachledka to celebrate from August 8 to 10. The 29th edition of the Goral Folklore Festival takes place traditionally at the entrance to the Treetop Walk.
At Bachledka, all fans of exceptional Slovak culture will find something to enjoy! Organizers have prepared demonstrations of Goral crafts, and local farmers will bring domestic animals that families can feed and pet. There will also be a chance to saddle a Goral gelding and sample local delicacies.
Traditional Goral performers will present an unforgettable cultural experience full of folklore, dance, and song. Goral culture will blend with the modern, and everyone can expect star concerts.
RICHARD MÜLLER IN BACHLEDKA – A CONCERT TO REMEMBER
On an open-air stage with views of the Belianske Tatras, the unmistakable voice of Richard Müller, one of Slovakia’s most iconic artists, will resonate. This charismatic performer will deliver a cross-section of his greatest hits and newest songs. His concert, backed by a live band, promises a powerful experience enhanced by the magical mountain scenery. One of the highlights of the Goral Folklore Festival!
PROGRAM FOR KIDS
At an elevation of nearly 1,200 m, popular children’s acts will alternate with local children’s folklore ensembles. PACI PAC, Zahrajko, Vodníkovci, and other kids’ attractions will provide memorable fun for even the youngest guests.
MUSICAL FRIDAY ON SPIŠSKÁ MAGURA WITH RICHARD MÜLLER AND GLADIATOR
On Friday, BACHLEDKA will feature concerts by Richard Müller and the band GLADIATOR. Müller’s unique voice, charisma, and timeless hits like “Po schodoch”, “Tlaková níž” and “Nočná optika” will stir emotions across generations. An extraordinary artist in an extraordinary place – a rare experience! GLADIATOR will present a full package of their biggest hits. Folk lovers will enjoy music and dance from Železiar’s rich 60-year tradition. The youngest will be swept up in the cheerful songs and dance of Zahrajko.
SATURDAY FULL OF EMOTIONS WITH THE DUCHONS, KATKA KNECHTOVÁ AND POLISH FOLKLORE BY TERAZMY
On Saturday, The Duchons will pay tribute to the legendary Karol Duchoň, one of the greatest Slovak pop voices of the 20th century. Katka Knechtová will bring heartfelt energy and perform her top hits, including folkloric tunes perfect for the mountain atmosphere. The Polish folklore group TerazMy will showcase authentic Goral music from across the border. A fun-packed children’s program awaits too, with PACI PAC’s playful songs and a lively musical theatre show from Vodníkovci for kids and parents alike.
SUNDAY DEDICATED TO THE VILLAGE OF ŽDIAR
Sunday will be devoted to local artists and folklore groups. It traditionally begins with Holy Mass and continues with a day full of Goral music, dances, songs, and stories. Performers on the final day include: FE Goral from Ždiar, CFE Goralik from Ždiar, CFE Ždiaranček from Ždiar, FE Kicora and CFE Slonecko from Lendak, FE Maguranka from Spišská Stará Ves, FE Goral from Suchá Hora, regional group “Podhale Grupa Spiska” from Jurgów and FE Magura from Kežmarok.
CRAFTS, STRAW ART AND WORKSHOPS
The festival will also feature a carving symposium – sculptors will create wooden symbols of Goral culture. New works will join the 4-meter-high straw figures of the Goral man and woman from past years.
TWO ADVENTURES IN ONE
Whether you’ve planned a vacation in the Tatras or not, this year’s Goral Folklore Festival is an event you simply cannot miss.
Get your Goral Festival tickets ONLINE HERE!
Summary information on the operation of the resort and the operation of the shuttle service during the Goral Folklore Festival can be found below.
The event is supported by the National Tourism Promotion Agency of the Slovak Republic – SLOVAKIA TRAVEL. The main mission and priority of the national organization SLOVAKIA TRAVEL is to promote Slovakia as an attractive holiday destination both on the domestic and international market.
Event Schedule
Goral Folklore Festival in Bachledka 2025
The organizer reserves the right to change the program.
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*The organizer reserves the right to modify the program.
Summary organisational information on the operation of the resort:
- The Treetop Walk and cable car service will be available from August 8 to 10, 2025, only as part of the festival ticket for the Goral Folklore Festival
- The ticket price for the Goral Folklore Festival includes a two-way cable car ride and access to the Treetop Walk
- During the festival, the Kingdom of the Forest can only be reached by hiking
- Group tickets for August 8–10, 2025 cannot be purchased before or during the festival
- The resort will be open on these days from 9:00 AM to 9:30 PM
- Last entry to the Treetop Walk is at 7:00 PM
- The Kingdom of the Forest will be open as usual until 6:00 PM
- Mountain carts will not be in operation during the 2025 Goral Folklore Festival
- Gift vouchers cannot be redeemed during the festival days
Information about shuttle transport in the village of Ždiar during the 2025 Goral Folklore Festival:
- The shuttle operates once every hour
- Operating hours:
- Friday (August 8): 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Saturday and Sunday (August 9–10): 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Route: Strednica -> Pension Strachan -> Pension Sova -> Grocery store “U Vlasty” -> Tatra bus stop -> Píla bus stop -> Galéria bus stop -> Kindergarten -> Bachledova dolina intersection -> Mountain family resort BACHLEDKA
You can find the exact shuttle schedule below
