200,000 bees have found a home at VÚB Bank HQ

The first-ever harvest of the bank’s own urban honey took place successfully on the roof of VÚB Bank’s headquarters. The implementation of this idea, which was proposed by the employees themselves, began this spring and has yielded its first tangible results in the form of high-quality floral honey. Six bee colonies have found ideal living conditions on the building in the city center and are actively contributing to the promotion of biodiversity.

The hives were installed on the roof of VÚB’s headquarters on Mlynské nivy on April 17, 2026. Since then, the six bee colonies—each comprising approximately 30,000 bees—have been cared for by registered beekeeper Viktor Wercholák of Včelí dom, s.r.o. The first honey harvest took place just a few days ago.

“The beehive project on the roof of VÚB’s headquarters is a great example for us of how our employees’ good ideas can grow into real initiatives with a positive impact on the environment. Bees play an irreplaceable role in preserving biodiversity, which is why we decided to support this project and create a space for them right at our headquarters. Implementing a project like this confirms that environmental responsibility often starts with a single good idea,” says Lenka Leštachová, Off&Online Communications Manager at VÚB Bank.

The resulting product is called “urban honey.” It is a richly flavored honey—a floral blend dominated by maple, acacia, and linden, complemented by the flavors of a wide variety of urban flowers. Surprisingly, the urban environment suits the bees well. Thanks to the high diversity of flora in Bratislava’s parks, gardens, and on balconies, the bees have a plentiful food supply throughout the season.

After extraction, the honey undergoes thorough laboratory testing. Long-term data confirm that Bratislava honey meets the highest standards. Beekeeper Viktor Wercholák confirms that over the past three years, honey from the capital has shown excellent results in terms of antibacterial activity.

The first limited edition of the bank’s own honey will be used as a gift. VÚB Bank plans to use this sweet harvest as a gift for its employees or as a special gift for key clients and business partners.

Information about the hives:

• Hive location: the roof of VÚB Bank’s headquarters (as of April 17, 2026)
• Number of bees: 6 bee colonies (approx. 180,000 to 200,000 bees)
• Honey type: mixed blossom—“urban honey” (maple, acacia, linden, and a variety of urban flowers)
• Beekeeper: Viktor Wercholák (Včelí dom s.r.o.)
• Bottling date: 2026 and best-by date: 2029