BANSKA BYSTRICA SELF GOVERNING REGION

Welcome to the green heart of Slovakia with history around you at every step to a region of attractions and curiosities...

Region of Banska Bystrica is one of the largest provinces in Slovakia due to its variety of landscapes and the largest acreage of protected areas. Thanks to its geographical situation and cultural and natural sights it is dynamically developing in all aspects of tourism.

URBAN AND CULTURAL TOURISM
The region displays the largest number of historic mining sites and technologic monuments comparing to the rest of Slovakia. A real gem is “Silver “ Banska Stiavnica with its system of artificial ponds listed in UNESCO world cultural heritage. Visit to “Royal bronze” Banska Bystrica, “Golden” Kremnica or “Royal town” Zvolen would be a great tourist experience. I n protected areas like Stiavnicke Bane, Spania Dolina, or in complex of wine producers houses in Sebechleby – Stara Hora there are many historical places of interest. There are 1700 cultural monuments in the region. You can admire wall-paintings in medieval churches, urban architecture, castles, manors, fortresses as well as their remains.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS TOURISM
Abundant springs of thermal and mineral water in Banska Bystrica region empower development of spa and relaxing tourism in towns and villages like Brusno, Sliač, Kováčová, Dudince, Číž and Sklené Teplice. These do not offer only therapeutic treatment but also wide variety of rehabilitation and regenation possibilities. Respiratory system diseases are cured by speleo-therapy in Bystra cave.

SUMMER MOUNTAIN AND WATER TOURISM
From the geo-morphologic point of view Banska Bystrica region has a very divers landscape. All year round, mountains provide you with tremendous sensation while hiking, cycling, rock climbing, paragliding and golf. Tourists can profit also from natural treasures hidden deeply underground. Caves: Harmanecka jaskyna – Izbica, Bystrianska jaskyna and unique Jaskyna mrtvych netopierov ( Cave of Death Bats ) are open to wide public. The abundance of thermal springs is exploited in thermal-baths Dolna Strehova, Dudince, Sliac, Kovacova, Sklene Teplice, Vyhne, Kremnica, Rafting on river Hron returns to its former attraction for tourists.

WINTER TOURISM
The northern part of the region commands spectacular conditions for winter holidays. Donovaly ranks among the top five winter resorts in Slovakia. There are also other notoriously known winter resorts: Selce – Cachovo, Sachticky, Tale, Krahule, Kokava, to name a few. The future network of cross-country tracs in Kremnicke vrchy with a starting point in Banska Bystrica would be unique all over Europe. Several winter resorts provide favourable conditions for popular winter sports like snowboarding and giant race.

RURAL TOURISM
Treasures of folk tradition, customs and proverbs combined with picturesque scenery create the best conditions for development of rural tourism and agricultural tourism. Banska Bystrica region offers a wide range of game for hunting.