Tatra Temple of Ice is open daily from 9:00 to 16:15.
Come and enjoy the fifth in the series of music concerts at the Tatranský Dom on December 22nd at 3:00 PM. On stage, you will see the Women's Singing Group Trnki.
The Tatra Temple of Ice is back – come and admire the stunning ice art!
Our most popular winter attraction, located at Hrebienok at an altitude of 1,285 metres, opened its doors to the public on 15th November 2024 and remains accessible until 21st April 2025. It is free of charge for everybody.
Like every year, the theme was kept a secret until the last moment. Now, however, we can reveal it. The 12th edition of the Tatra Temple of Ice is dedicated to Pope John Paul II. The basilica of ice depicts the Wawel Cathedral and Church of St. Adalbert in Kraków. The theme was chosen to commemorate the 30th anniversary of John Paul II’s visit to the High Tatras. His words during that visit: “The Tatras do not divide, they unite!” resonate with us today more than ever…
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John Paul II
Symbol of courage and love. A part of him lives within each of us.
We chose to portray the Wawel Cathedral and St. Adalbert’s Church in Kraków because of their close connection with Pope John Paul II. He was consecrated bishop in the Wawel Cathedral in 1958. Later, in 1963, he was appointed Archbishop of Kraków by Pope Paul VI, and a few years later, in 1967, he became a cardinal. In 1978, he was elected the 264th pope in the history of the Church.
The Church of St. Adalbert also has a deep connection to John Paul II. This was where he preached and prayed for many years during his service in Kraków. The church is among the oldest in the city and in Poland itself. “Last-chance” masses are held here to this day, always at 9:37 p.m., in memory of John Paul II. They were introduced by Cardinal Dziwisz, the longtime aide and personal secretary of the then-pope.
Even after becoming pope, John Paul II maintained close ties with Kraków, and when he came to Poland, he visited several significant sites in the city. Kraków is considered a “pilgrimage site” of John Paul II today, with St. Adalbert’s Church forming part of his spiritual legacy.
Wawel Cathedral
Hrebienok
After entering the Tatra Temple of Ice, visitors can see the western and southern façades and the three towers of the Wawel Cathedral: the Silver Bell Tower, the Clock Tower and the Sigismund Tower. Beneath the Clock Tower, there is a portrait of John Paul II. The single-hand clock on the tower displays the time of John Paul II’s death – 9:37 p.m.
The atmosphere of the Temple has been made special this year again by allowing visitors to enter within its icy walls. They can walk through the gate onto the “courtyard” of St. Adalbert’s Church and capture stunning photos. The second entrance reveals a view of the Wawel Dragon – Smok.
Concerts
22.12. 2024, Trnki female singing group
The Trnki group invites you to a unique music experience! Formed in 2004, this talented group, made up primarily of women from the Horehronie region is led by Tatiana Salajová and continues to preserve and interpret the rich tradition of multipart singing from the regions of Horehronie, Gemer and Spiš. Trnki has gained fame at folklore events across Slovakia and even beyond its borders.
Its collaboration with the BANDA world music band from Bratislava resulted in popular hits. After winning the Special Prize at the international Svetozár Stračina Grand Prix competition in 2007 and having its Wedding Songs from Šumiac recording recognised, the group ranks among the most significant folklore ensembles in Slovakia.
Join us to experience the unique tones of tradition, passion and music artistry with Trnki!
6.1.2025, Nativity play from Reľov
The Vagonár folklore ensemble warmly invites you to the unique Nativity Play from Reľov a performance in the Tatra Temple of Ice. This extraordinary masterpiece of art, guided by talented experts, will create the atmosphere of traditional Christmas.
Music arrangement: Mgr. art. Peter Jantoščiak, PhD.
Choreography: Mgr. art. Martin Krigovský
About the performance: The nativity play from the Zamagurie village of Reľov focuses on traditional carolling whose essence is revived during the Christmas season. The play uses the euphonic Slovak language, which lends it an authentic charm, despite originating from Goral culture. Thanks to creative staging and choreography by the Vagonár ensemble, the performance takes on an attractive theatrical form that will captivate audiences of all ages.
Don’t miss this beautiful glimpse into a heartfelt and lively Christmas tradition that unites generations and reminds us all of the values of tradition and family harmony.
16.2.2025, Mária Taytáková
Enjoy an extraordinary concert of Mária Taytáková, a talented Slovak soprano, who is one of the most prominent figures on the international opera scene. Following successful performances at prestigious theatres and festivals in Italy, Austria and Slovakia, she will present her mastery, including beautiful interpretations of well-known opera arias. Don’t miss the chance to see and hear this exceptional artist who has enchanted critics around the world!
23.2.2025, St. Cecilia Choir
The St. Cecilia Choir at St. Elizabeth Cathedral in Košice, established in 1992, has become one of Slovakia’s most significant church choirs. Initially a ten-member mixed choir, it quickly grew and began collaborating with renowned conductors, leading to several successful projects, including their first profile recording – Exsaltabo te and a silver medal at the international church choir competition in Rome.
Under the direction of choirmaster Viliam Gurbaľ, the choir enthusiastically engages in operatic works and concerts, regularly cooperating with the State Theatre Opera in Košice and the Košice State Philharmonic. Currently, the choir is also known for its unique interpretation of Baroque music in the Musia ex archivo project, one of its latest initiatives.
For their outstanding work in the field of sacred music, the choir was honoured with the Fra Angelico Award. Come and experience the magical atmosphere that the choir creates with
its performances! Don’t miss this unique concert at the Tatra Temple of Ice in Hrebienok on Sunday, 23rd February 2025. Be part of an unforgettable musical experience!
2.3.2025, Vesna Chamber Choir
The Vesna Chamber Choir warmly invites you to a winter concert filled with beautiful songs and beloved melodies! This talented choir, based at the Vlado Urban Elementary Art School in Košice, was founded in 2013 and has since become known for its excellent performance quality and creative projects.
In 2022, the choir participated in Mária Čírová’s Christmas concert, gaining wider public recognition. In 2018, the choir successfully debuted on the Light of Understanding television show and won 2nd place in the Singing Without Borders contest in Košice, establishing a strong reputation on the Slovak music scene.
Spend magical moments full of music and a festive atmosphere with us! Vesna looks forward to seeing you!
9.3.2025, Ondro and Friends
Ondro and Friends are an original group of musicians focused on experimenting and dreaming through music. Since their formation in 2020, when they participated in the popular The Earth is Singing TV contest and reached the finals, their unique music arrangements have become known for their creativity and authenticity.
In July 2023, their Under the Window album entered the prestigious international World Music Charts Europe, ranking among the top twenty. Their arrangements reflect a focus on stylistic elements of folk songs from various regions, giving the songs a new, enchanting form that appeals to a broad audience.
The project, supported by public funds through the Arts Support Fund, was created in close cooperation with Trakt Civic Organisation and Môlča Records. Come and enjoy a unique music experience with Ondro and Friends, who are preparing their debut album, and become part of their music journey!
20.4. 2025, Chorus Comenianus
Chorus Comenianus is a prestigious choir based at the Johann Amos Comenius Evangelical Grammar School in Košice. Founded in 1996, the choir’s name, meaning “Comenius Choir” in Latin, reflects its rich tradition and the dedication of young singers aged 12 to 20. Since its beginnings, the choir has grown to include approximately 100 members.
The choir debuted with just fifteen singers, initially performing simple two-part songs. Over time, it evolved, allowing students of the grammar school to choose choral singing as an optional subject or as part of extracurricular activities.
Tatra Temple of Ice in numbers
- 12th edition
- 1,800 ice blocks
- 225 tons of ice
- 6 to 10 degrees Celsius below zero – Temple temperature:
- 25-metre diameter dome-shaped cover protecting the Temple protected
- 20 sculptors and carvers from 4 countries: Slovakia, Czech Republic, Poland and Germany at work
- 1 chief builder: Adam Bakoš
- 11 concerts planned to be held in the Tatra Temple of Ice during the winter season
What else can you do at Hrebienok?
Hrebienok has much more great attractions in store. The Tatra Christmas Market with typical Christmas delicacies will be a big highlight of this winter season. Sledging on the 2.5 km track from Hrebienok to Starý Smokovec is a classic favourite. And our pride – the largest winter event in the Tatras – Tatry Ice Master, an international ice sculpting championship with teams from around the world takes place on 18th and 19th January 2025 this year. A trip to Hrebienok never disappoints!