Things to do & places to visit in Banska Bystrica Region, Slovakia

Banska Bystrica Region #5 destination in Slovakia 2023. The average rating score is 4.31 based on 3.209 traveler reviews, of 225 attractions. Timezone: Europe/Bratislava, current date and time: Monday, May 13, 2024, 22:13.

Top things to do (31)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Banka Lásky (88 reviews)
- Real history of Slovak love story
Monday: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

The only LOVE BANK in the world is a unique place where people from around the world store their symbolic keepsakes of love, friendship or another special moment of happiness. LOVE BANK - is inspired by the true love story between Marína and Sládkovič - is created from the verses of the World's longest love poem - consists of 100 000 Security Boxes You can find the only LOVE BANK in the world in the basement of the house that is a part of 500-year-old gold mine. It is the house where Marína Pischlová lived for the most of her life. This house is a building of national and cultural significance as well as being part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. See more..
4.5 Kalvária (190 reviews)
- A great place - not only for religious people
Religious Sites

The Calvary of Banska Stiavnica is one of the most beautiful Baroque calvaries. It can be seen from everywhere because it stands at the top of the Scharfenberg (Sharp) Hill above the town. It was built 1744-1751. It's renovated and it's a must-see attraction even for not religious people, too. It consists of 19 chapels, 2 churches, the Holy Stairs and sculpture of The Virgin Mary of Seven Sorrows under the cross and in additional it's the most impressive view to this town and area. It's very popular, so we climbed up there. It's not very hard but you need good walking shoes. It's worth it, don't miss it! See more..
4.5 Old Castle Banska Stiavnica (161 reviews)
- Great place to visit
Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Castles

The Old Castle - whose origins reach back to the early 13th century - is a review of all existing architectural styles by itself . Originally an Romanesque Chapel of St. Michal built by the community of miners was in the period of Turkish invasion in the 16th century fortified with walls, bastions and towers – and from that time it was used for military purposes. In modern times Old castle was used as a police station, an ice – stock, a town’s archive and library even as a gym! A museum since 1900 offers archaeological exhibition, exhibitions of tobacco pipes manufacture (a famous craft of Banska Stiavnica), blacksmithing, Baroque sculptures, old interior watches, torture devices, gun dartboards, exhibitions “The miners are coming”, “Calvary in exile” and more. The baroques tower offers magnificent view of the city. See more..
4.5 Open-Air Mining Museum (SMM) (131 reviews)
- Superb mining museum in an historic mining area
Monday: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Natural History Museums

The Mining Open – Air Museum with 40 000 visitors a year is one of the most popular sites in the region. On the ground the exposition shows old mining buildings, equipment, machines and geological history. Millions years ago here was the biggest volcano in Middle Europe. The most interesting part is the mine. Equipped with helmet, mining coat and lamp, you will go 60 meters deep and during a 1,5 km walk learn about the hard work of miners from Middle Age until the end of the 20th century. See more..
4.5 Slovak National Uprising Square (119 reviews)
- War heroes monument
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Was surprised to see in town central square a monument commemorating the Romanian soldiers who fought to free Banska Bystrica in WW2 together with the soviets soldiers. Found out later there were heavy losses in this area and there’s a huge Romanian cemetery in Zvolen. My friends and I were deeply moved to see flowers and our flag displayed in a typical day of January. Thank you Banska Bystrica! See more..
4.5 The Clock Tower (119 reviews)
- Beautiful main square centre piece.
Monday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites • Observation Decks & Towers

The clock tower, also known as the green, weigh officeand lately also as the leaning tower, stands on the upper end of the Námestie SNP square in Banská Bystrica. It is one of the dominating features forming the outline of the historical centre of the town. Initially, the tower had also another purpose besides the one of the clock support - that of the watch tower. From the tower people could communicate with other watch towers on Vartovka and on Šachtičky, from where they were notified of any potential danger threatening the town. There used to live buglers in the tower, who in case of a fire went to the tower gallery and sounded the bugle alarm. The clock tower also used to be referred to as the weigh office tower, as it stood next to the town weigh officebuilding. Below the clock tower, there were the town torture chamber and prison. Since its construction, the tower has burnt out several times and undergone several modifications and changes. Since the start of the 20th century the tower has been leaning from the center line, which is visible even with the naked eye. At present the tower is leaning by as much as 68 cm. An old legend also provides an explanation as to why the tower is leaning: It was tilted by angels who crashed and seized its top while flying over its roof at night. Currently, the clock tower is open to the public, you can get to its top using the wooden staircase with 101 steps and from the tower gallery you will have a beautiful view of the cityscape of the whole square under your feet and the distant summits of the Kremnické vrchy Mts., or the Low Tatras. See more..
4.5 Museum of the Slovak National Uprising (107 reviews)
- Thought provoking and very interesting displays.
History Museums

If you are in town then a visit here is a must, an interesting collection of photo's, with quotes from many people which make a thought provoking history lesson , to never be forgotten. Also collections of weapons, uniforms and various historical pieces, it is good value at €2, and outside they have a collection of tanks, transporters and heavy artillery. See more..
4.5 Manor House in Svaty Anton (90 reviews)
- Nicely kept manor with a huge park
Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM Architectural Buildings

The baroque-classicist manor house in Svaty Anton (St. Anton) was built at the route connecting Southern Balkan with Cracow and northern Baltic Sea. Inspired by the symbolic of the calendar, the building has 4 entrances, 7 arcades, 12 chimneys, 52 rooms and 365 windows. A number of famous European architects and artists participated in its building and decorating. The Kohary and Coburg families made an essential contribution to the history of the manor house. Here, they concentrated beautiful pieces of furniture, artwork and crafts from all around the world. Elderly people in the village still remember its last user - Bulgarian Tsar (emperor) Ferdinand Coburg, who lived here in exile until 1944. The manor house is a museum of art, history and hunting. See more..
4.5 Banskostiavnicky Betlehem (74 reviews)
- The biggest one in the central Europe
Speciality Museums

Extraordinary wooden masterpiece...You can biblical and miners motives, all historical buildings in BS made of wood... See more..
4.5 Kremnica Town Castle (66 reviews)
- Beautiful views from Castle tower
Spent < 1 hour Castles

Castle is located on the hill so only 127 steps in the castle tower to see beautiful views for Kremnica historical center. See more..
4.5 Hronsek Wooden Church (61 reviews)
- fabulous
Spent 1-2 hours Churches & Cathedrals

Fabulous preserved lutherian church well worth a visit. For a purchase of a postcard as a donation you may also be allowed to take photos. It is quite awesome and a great back story too. See more..
4.5 Pusty Hrad (Deserted Castle) (56 reviews)
- Half a day of hiking
Spent More than 3 hours Ancient Ruins • Castles

Very close to city , you enter the hiking track just behind the ice hockey stadium. Slowly up with family with small children or sport speed to train. Could be challenging for small kids. On the top you see the mountainous scenery of city Zvolen and neighbouring villages. On the top you discover historical pearl many years BC. It is sport and history trip. Do not forget good shoes , snack, drink and clothes according to weather See more..
4.5 Banska Stiavnica Botanical Garden (45 reviews)
- Nice, calm area in the centre
Gardens

Centuries of mining brought intensive use of wood and surrounding forests came to its limits. This - among aesthetical values - was the reason why the Botanical garden was established in 1838 on the ground of Mining Academy. Would exotic plants adapt and grow fast enough in Middle Europe climate? More than 250 different kinds of domestic and exotic plants make the scenery. Lean on our Giant Sequoia or Lebanese Cedar to refuel energy or just sit on the bench and relax. See more..
4.5 Mincovna Kremnica (44 reviews)
- Must see
History Museums • Government Buildings

Kremnica Mint is one of the biggest attractions in the city. Who would not like to look for coins. Moreover, they offer guided tours, you can go your own coin. Look if you like rather old way or the new excavation. Certainly this place deserves your attention. See more..
4.5 The Town Castle Area (41 reviews)
- open area for sightseen
Historic Sites

The picture above is not so representing this area, because is showing only one part of The Town Castle area - this is the old Town Hall only, just now is there located gallery. Best representation of this area is the Barbican. The old Town Castle consist of some separate buildings: The Church of Virgin Mary (called The German Church), The Matej House (museum), The Church of Holy Cross (called the Slovak Church), The old Town Hall (gallery). The Barbican was used to entry gate to the Castle area, now it is entrance to the restaurant. Around these buildings are some part of fortifications and bastions. Area is fully accessible whole year because it is living area of town. This area is connected to SNP square. See more..
4.5 Lucky Waterfall (40 reviews)
- Amazing nature
Waterfalls

Located in the village, huge 13 m tall waterfall. One of the wonders of Slovakia. Next to waterfall is a small park, with restaurant and couole of parking places. Is next to the maon road heading to local spa area. See more..
4.5 Ciernohorska Zeleznica (38 reviews)
- Outstanding!!!
Sightseeing Tours

amazing place. Was there with my husband and parents. Amazing trip. Stayed one day. We will come next time again See more..
4.5 Banska Bystrica's Town Fortifications (34 reviews)
- Wonderful historical town
Ancient Ruins

Wonderful historical town, worthwhile to spend at least a full day to explore the whole town. Parking can be tricky, make sure to "top-up" SMS parking fee before each hour passes, otherwise it can become invalid. See more..
4.5 Mining Museum Andrej Adit, Kremnica (33 reviews)
- Amazing
Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

A well organized place you will feel the nature and love to be there . It's an enjoyable time spending . See more..
4.5 Banska Stiavnica Tourist information centre (33 reviews)
- Great service
Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Visitor Centers

Free information about the town and its surroundings, museums and galleries and events. Database of accommodation facilities and transport. Guided tours upon request. Free Wi-Fi zone. See more..
4.5 Synagogue Lucenec (31 reviews)
- Beatiful and magic
Monday: Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings

Lucenec synagogue is a huge, noble, and faboulous building which sticks out like a sore thumb as it is located in the middle of concrete jungle made of socialist blocks . It is really breathtaking and was reconstructed with a sense for detail. Make sure to pay a visit to this place when visiting Lucenec and its surroundings. See more..
4.5 NBS - Museum of Coins and Medals (31 reviews)
- Interesting
Speciality Museums

The museum where you can see the history of production of coins, medals and other stuff from the past till recent time. The old machins still work which you can see in a demonstration. It is the longest working factory in the world. And everything is possible for a symbolic fee of leess than 3,00 EUR. See more..
4.5 Old town area of Banska Stiavnica (29 reviews)
- Perfect for lovely and peaceful walk
Spent More than 3 hours Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings • Castles • Churches & Cathedrals

I am the person who loves to just wander around to admire an inspiring architecture. Banská Štiavnica seemed perfect for this activity and I must to confess I simply felt in love with this town. Sadly because of shortage of time we spent only a couple of hours exploring its gorgeous streets. But it was all worth it. The weather was on our side with its lovely autumn breeze. Because we arrived late in the afternoon and it's the end of the september there was almost no tourist around. Empty old town to wander around? Sounds good to me. Alongside streets are located lovely little coffee shops and also a lot of beautifuly decorated boutiques or art shops to explore. I already wish to be back there. See more..
4.5 Tajch Klinger (21 reviews)
- Lake was refreshing & the country side gorgeous
Spent 1-2 hours Dams

I went to Lake Klinger with my family for lunch and it was fantastic. On a summer weekend they smoke ribs on the BBQ for lunch, but daily in summer they serve refreshing drinks & tasty snacks while you look out at the beautiful forest. If the weather is hot, this place is the perfect place to chill out and have a swim with the locals. The lake was a bit cold for us long time Middle East Aussie expats (apparently they ice skate & play hockey on it in winter so we were not surprised), but on a hot summers day it was just what was needed. It’s free to park (something that is not easy to find around this town), easy to get to, the beer was cold, and we loved it. See more..
4.5 Pocuvadlo Lake (20 reviews)
- nice surroundings
Bodies of Water

The Pocuvadlo Lake surface mirrors the Sitno Hill since the 18th century. Pocuvadlo is the largest lake in Stiavnica´s water system and one of the most visited natural sites in general. It is popular for romantic walks in the nature, sailing, water biking, swimming in summer and little animal farm loved by children. Pocuvadlo is also the starting point for climbing the mythical Sitno Hill. The legend says, that inside the Sitno hill there are mighty Slovak knights sleeping for thousands of years. When Slovaks got in real trouble, knights will wake up. In fact, Sitno hill was inhabited already in prehistoric times, and a stone castle stands here since the 13th century. The castle played an important role in the provincial defence system and defeated Turkish troops more times. Preserved ruins of the castle are open for visitors; moreover at the very top of the hill you can visit a stone watchtower, supposedly the first in Europe. The landscape around is a mosaic of forests, meadows and pastures with many rare plants and animals. The cliffs at the top of the hill offer a panoramic view, under good visibility the Slovak Tatra and the Hungarian Matra Mountains can be seen. See more..
4.5 Namestie SNP (17 reviews)
- Relax in the centre
Spent 1-2 hours Historic Walking Areas

Well maintained place with big walking zone, cycling ‍♀️ roads, mixed up with historical buildings, churches ⛪️, coffee places ☕️ , restaurants. Even many people the square is large to take the crowds. Parking option available in neighbouring streets See more..
4.5 Church of Saint Elizabeth (17 reviews)
- My beloved hometown
Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

Kind and loving people. Two churches in the city centre, nice places to stay, pray, relax, and enjoy. See more..
4.5 Matej´s House (16 reviews)
- Very nice museum, reflecting the history of Banska Bystrica
Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites • History Museums

Very educational exhibition set in a beautiful historical building. Definitelly worth to see, while you' re visiting Banska Bystrica. See more..
4.5 The St. Catherine Church (16 reviews)
- Beautiful church from 15th century
Churches & Cathedrals

The late-Gothic St. Catherine church was built in 1443-91. Locals call it The Slovak Church because as early as in 1658 masses were led in Slovak language here. In a under-the-ground crypt city mayors and rich burgers were buried. Original gothic furnishing, a cross from the 15th century, late-Gothic Virgin Mary sculpture a stony baptismal font and an organ from the late 18th century survived ages. See more..
4.5 Castle/ Hrad Somoska (15 reviews)
- An old castle on the Hungarian-Slovak border
Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Castles

We spent a weekend in Somoskoujfalu (Hungary) and took a trip to the castle. It was a nice walk in the nature, but we needed comfortable shoes. We cross the border to Slovakia and saw the unique basalt organ and waterfall. We climbed to the walls of the castle. The view is fantastic, it’s worth to see it. See more..