Banska Bystrica Travel Guide

Banská Bystrica: The Center of Central Slovakia

Welcome to Banská Bystrica with our travel guide, one of the biggest Slovakian cities located in the hearth of Slovakia. As a local incoming DMC to Slovakia, we know that this charming historical city is a great place for your clients who want to explore something different in Central Europe. Banska Bystrica is part of our FIT’s packages and also it is included in many group quotations for trips around Slovakia. Banska Bystrica is not as famous as Bratislava or the High Tatras, but it offers a lot of to see, as it has everything, unique combination of history, culture and nature.

Banská Bystrica is located 213 km eastwards from Bratislava, both cities are connected by highway and the journey takes about 2 hours by car.

Why visit Banska Bystrica

Banská Bystrica and its surrounding is also known as “open air gym”, thanks to beautiful surrounding of Slovakia in addition to rich history, beautiful architecture. Here are a few reasons why it’s worth visiting:

Rich Medieval History – The Old Town has many historycal buildings from the Renaissance and Baroque period.
Important Historical Events – the city was the center of the Slovak National Uprising against the Nazis in World War II.
Amazing Nature – The city is surrounded by the beautiful nature of Low Tatras and Big Fatra mountains, great for hiking and exploring.
UNESCO World Heritage – In city district of Banská Bystrica called Hronsek is located wooden articular church, which was built by the protestants without using any nail.

Top Attractions in Banská Bystrica

Slovak National Uprising (SNP) Museum – A very interesting museum dedicated to Slovak’s fight against the Nazis in World War II.
The Clock Tower – Climb to the top and enjoy the best view of the city. The Bystrica clock tower is also Slovakian Leaning tower of Pisa, as it leans a bit as well.
Námestie SNP (Square of SNP) – A beautiful main square of the city with colorful houses, cafes and a nice atmosphere.
Matej’s House – One of the oldest and prettiest buildings in the city, with Gothic and Renaissance style.
Thurzo’s House – the palace of Palatin Juraj Thurzo, who was in 17th century the second person in Austro-Hungarian Kingdom after the king and who was also the head of protestant reform in Hungarian Kindgdom.
Harmanecká Cave – Slovakia is country not only the castles, but also the caves. One of the most interesting caves is located also in suburb of Banská Bystrica, called Harmanec.
Basilica of Visitation of Holly Mary in Staré Hory – located about 10 minutes drive from Banská Bystrica. The village and basilica is located in beautiful nature of Big Fatra National Park and became the destination for annual Marian Pilgromages in the 15th century.
Wooden Church in Hronsek – the UNESCO heritage site, built by the protestant withou using any nail.

Outdoor Activities & Day Trips

Hiking in the Low Tatras – Low Tatras, as the second highest mountain chain of Slovakia, after the High Tatras offers endless possibilities for outdoor activities like hiking or cycling. Very popular are hikes either to Krížna peak (1574 m) or to the highest point of Low Tatras – Ďumbier peak (2045 m) with possible stop in the famous mountain cabin – Chata generála Milana Rastislava Štefánika, also known as Štefánička.
Skiing in Donovaly – One of the best ski resorts in Slovakia, just a short drive away the city. Donovaly are known as Slovakian “Aspen”. The offer also the possibilities for hiking in summer or for family with kids to visit the Fairy tale Village Habakuky.
Špania Dolina – one of the most beautiful valleys of Slovakia with a small historical mining village with wooden houses offers also the good possibilities for strolling.

Banská Bystrica is a wonderful piece of Slovakia and it is worth of visit for those who want to see the real Slovakia. It has history, nature and friendly atmosphere. If your are a travel agency or tour operator, we would be glad to prepare you the tailor made offer for the trip to Slovakia, including Banská Bystrica.