The Pohoda Festival in Slovakia is something of a hidden gem in the festival world. But it’s one which is attracting consistently more attention, and well-known artists as well as up and coming acts. 2025’s takes place from 10th to 12th July at Trenčín Airport; that’s in north-western Slovakia, about 80 miles from Bratislava.
Here we take a look at how cash is still handy, despite the festival being cashless.
Pohoda – more than music
Celebrated for its varied lineup and inclusive atmosphere, Pohoda is increasingly a staple in Europe’s festival circuit. This year’s headliners include Massive Attack, Iggy Pop, Queens of the Stone Age, and Fontaines D.C., alongside a rich array of international and local artists.
Beyond music, Pohoda offers theatre, literature, dance, and visual arts, creating a refreshingly holistic experience. Its commitment to sustainability and community engagement has earned it several accolades, including the Best Medium-Sized European Festival award.
Pohoda logistics, costs of travel
The festival organisers arrange special trains from Bratislava and Košice to Trenčín on the Thursday, with return services on Sunday. Tickets guarantee a seat, ensuring a comfortable journey. The flat rate for a return ticket from any destination is €9.90
Shuttle buses run from Trenčín station directly to the festival site. A one-way fare is €10, payable in cash only to the driver. Long-distance buses from cities like Bratislava, Trnava, and Banská Bystrica are available, with fares ranging from €15 to €21. Tickets can be purchased online or at designated stations.
Pohoda offers on-site camping, included in the festival ticket. If you’re seeking more comfort, Trenčín has various hotels and guesthouses. Booking early is advisable, as accommodations fill up quickly during the festival period. At the time of writing, the festival still has tickets available, but that does not mean the hotel of your choice will also have space. If you’re still organising your trip, sort out your accommodation without delay.
Pohoda prices: more competitive than Montreux
The cost of living in Slovakia is generally less than in the UK so, even with a bit of festival inflation, this particular event should not break the bank. Example prices include
Beer (500ml) from €2.90, bottled water from €2.80 and chilled mineral water on tap, from €2.50. The cost of light meals (from Slovak dishes to international cuisines) can range from €5 and €9 per meal. Local delicacies to look out for include bryndzové halušky (potato dumplings with sheep cheese) and lokše (potato pancakes). A meal for two in a mid-range restaurant in Trenčín should cost from about €45.
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. In restaurants, rounding up the bill or leaving a 5-10% tip is customary. For taxis and bars, rounding up to the nearest euro is sufficient. It’s worth noting that tipping is generally done in cash, even if the bill was paid by card.
Electronic, yes; totally cashless, no
Pohoda itself is largely cashless, with contactless payments accepted at all official stands. Attendees can use cards, mobile phones, or smartwatches for transactions. Additionally, deposits for returnable cups are refunded directly to your card.
However, carrying some cash is advisable for shuttle bus fares, tips, market stalls, and just as an emergency reserve. ATMs are available on-site, but queues can be long, and fees may apply for foreign cards.
Pohoda attracts a crowd of festival-goers with wide-ranging tastes, from young music enthusiasts to families and older art lovers. Its inclusive programming ensures there’s something for everyone, making it a melting pot of cultures and ages.
Get ahead with your travel money
For UK travellers, it can be tempting to leave foreign currency purchases until the airport or even go an ATM on arrival in your destination. There’s nothing wrong with that, provided you’re aware of the costs and potentially high fees.
Airport bureaux de change have a reputation for being pricey, that is, they offer a relatively poor exchange rate. That is often true, although it’s not always a function of greed; their unit rental is also higher than a shop in the average high street. Nevertheless, they don’t usually have the best deal. And if you use a cash machine abroad you are likely to similarly suffer from a ‘modest’ exchange rate, plus additional transaction fees.
By securing Euros before departure, you can avoid unfavourable exchange rates and ensure you’re prepared for any cash-only situations.
The best alternative to last minute purchases is to use a UK-based service like Money4Travel. They offer a convenient solution for currency exchange, with a unique twist: Money4Travel guarantees to find the best exchange rate within a ten-minute drive of your postcode. Other benefits include online booking, local collection (for Euros this will usually be the same or next-day), and a buy-back scheme for unused notes. There’s also a loyalty scheme (PIPS) for regular travellers.
Cash in hand, you can relax and enjoy Pohoda to the full
Attending the Pohoda Festival 2025 promises an enriching cultural experience. By planning ahead, and preparing both digital and cash payment options, you can fully immerse yourself in the festival’s offerings without financial surprises – and come home ready to plan for next year too.
By Declan Morton, writer and editor at Money4Travel – the online service for foreign currency sales in the UK. More about the author.
For reference: Pohoda Festival 2025; Numbeo
