On May 2-4, 2025, a wave of energy, enthusiasm, and cultural exchange swept through Slovakia. The first year of the ESN Adventure Train, organized under the auspices of the Erasmus Student Network Slovakia and all its 10 local sections, brought together Erasmus+ students, Slovak travel enthusiasts, and local volunteers on a unique ride on a private train, which left unforgettable memories for all participants. Almost 200 young people of different nationalities had the opportunity to experience this interesting ride for themselves.
On the first day, the participants also visited the Slovak cities of Trenčín and Poprad, where they could look forward to a variety of activities—from exciting games to sightseeing to the evening program. At each train stop, they immersed themselves in the local atmosphere and discovered what makes Slovakia so unique. A brief trip to the Czech town of Horný Lideč, which connected the students with the beauty of Czech nature, was also a pleasant surprise.
Saturday belonged to the city of Košice, where an all-day program was prepared, which included a guided tour of the historic center and a visit to various museums and attractions. The afternoon continued with individual discovery or relaxation, while the evening culminated in a social program and a subsequent party, which again brought all participants together in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
However, what makes the ESN Adventure Train event special is not only the destination, but also the journey itself. During the ride, the train became a temporary home, a place for social gatherings, and a space for making new friends. The ride was accompanied by music, conversations in various languages, and a pleasant atmosphere, which contributed to building a truly multicultural community.
Each part of the trip was dedicated to a social program, games, competitions, and the presentations of various attractions. Several activities were organized in the cities, such as city tours, entrances to museums and cultural monuments, or city games. These field activities were designed to promote teamwork while exploring different locations.
In addition, train travel as an environmentally friendly means of transport emphasized the values of responsible tourism, which alighn with the ESN mission.
Although at the end of the trip there were signs of fatigue on the participants after an intense program and days full of activities, everyone left with a smile on their faces and a lot of experiences that they will remember for a long time. This unique experience brought them together in a way that only an adventure on rails can.
Thank you all for participating. We believe that it was an exceptional experience for everyone, and we look forward to the next time!
