{"id":128846,"date":"2019-07-20T14:18:25","date_gmt":"2019-07-20T12:18:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/central-slovakia-things-to-do\/"},"modified":"2026-02-20T12:06:52","modified_gmt":"2026-02-20T11:06:52","slug":"central-slovakia-things-to-do","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/central-slovakia-things-to-do\/","title":{"rendered":"Central Slovakia: Why Visit and What to Do There?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Slovakia isn&#8217;t just the Tatras (even though we all love them) and Bratislava. This beautiful country has so many stunning corners that you could spend years exploring without going anywhere else. We fell in love with Central Slovakia in June, <strong>e<\/strong><b>xplored the Bansk\u00e1 Bystrica region and we&#8217;re already looking forward to coming back.<\/b> We visited the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/bankalasky.sk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Bank of Love<\/a><\/strong>, descended into a mine, and saw a village so romantic it could rival the famous Hallstatt in Austria.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_1 ez-toc-wrap-left counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/central-slovakia-things-to-do\/#Map_of_Central_Slovakia_Attractions\" >Map of Central Slovakia Attractions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/central-slovakia-things-to-do\/#i\" >&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/central-slovakia-things-to-do\/#Things_to_Do_in_the_Banska_Bystrica_Region_and_Surroundings\" >Things to Do in the Bansk\u00e1 Bystrica Region and Surroundings<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/central-slovakia-things-to-do\/#Harmanecka_Cave\" >Harmaneck\u00e1 Cave<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/central-slovakia-things-to-do\/#Vodny_Splav_Rakytovo_Water_Flume\" >Vodn\u00fd Splav Rakytovo (Water Flume)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/central-slovakia-things-to-do\/#Banska_Bystrica\" >Bansk\u00e1 Bystrica<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/central-slovakia-things-to-do\/#Wine_and_Cheese\" >Wine and Cheese<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/central-slovakia-things-to-do\/#Spania_Dolina\" >\u0160pania Dolina<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/central-slovakia-things-to-do\/#Pusty_Hrad_Desolate_Castle\" >Pust\u00fd Hrad (Desolate Castle)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/central-slovakia-things-to-do\/#Wooden_Church_in_Hronsek\" >Wooden Church in Hronsek<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/central-slovakia-things-to-do\/#Banska_Stiavnica\" >Bansk\u00e1 \u0160tiavnica<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/central-slovakia-things-to-do\/#Stiavnica_Calvary\" >\u0160tiavnica Calvary<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/central-slovakia-things-to-do\/#Bank_of_Love_with_Harry_Potter-Style_Paintings\" >Bank of Love with Harry Potter-Style Paintings<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/central-slovakia-things-to-do\/#Visit_One_of_the_Local_Mines\" >Visit One of the Local Mines<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/central-slovakia-things-to-do\/#The_Only_School_in_the_World_with_Compulsory_Falconry\" >The Only School in the World with Compulsory Falconry<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/central-slovakia-things-to-do\/#Kastiel_Svaty_Anton_Manor_House\" >Ka\u0161tie\u013e Sv\u00e4t\u00fd Anton (Manor House)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/central-slovakia-things-to-do\/#How_to_Get_to_Central_Slovakia\" >How to Get to Central Slovakia<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/central-slovakia-things-to-do\/#How_to_Get_Around_Central_Slovakia\" >How to Get Around Central Slovakia<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/central-slovakia-things-to-do\/#Best_Time_to_Visit_the_Banska_Bystrica_Region\" >Best Time to Visit the Bansk\u00e1 Bystrica Region<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/central-slovakia-things-to-do\/#Where_to_Stay_in_Banska_Bystrica\" >Where to Stay in Bansk\u00e1 Bystrica<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/central-slovakia-things-to-do\/#Where_to_Stay_in_Banska_Stiavnica\" >Where to Stay in Bansk\u00e1 \u0160tiavnica<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/central-slovakia-things-to-do\/#Tips_and_Tricks_for_Travelling_in_Slovakia\" >Tips and Tricks for Travelling in Slovakia<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/central-slovakia-things-to-do\/#Where_to_Find_More_Information\" >Where to Find More Information<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/central-slovakia-things-to-do\/#What_to_Pack\" >What to Pack<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/central-slovakia-things-to-do\/#Car_Rental\" >Car Rental<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/central-slovakia-things-to-do\/#Motorway_Vignette\" >Motorway Vignette<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/central-slovakia-things-to-do\/#Booking_Accommodation\" >Booking Accommodation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-28\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/central-slovakia-things-to-do\/#Dont_Forget_Travel_Insurance\" >Don&#8217;t Forget Travel Insurance<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Map_of_Central_Slovakia_Attractions\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Map_of_Central_Slovakia_Attractions\"><\/span><span style=\"font-size: 24pt;\">Map of Central Slovakia Attractions<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\"map-responsive\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/d\/embed?mid=1quHXuDG7PU9G9QKTHYcgDVo2Ghm-Gbcb\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><\/iframe><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"i\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"i\"><\/span>&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Things_to_Do_in_the_Banska_Bystrica_Region_and_Surroundings\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Things_to_Do_in_the_Banska_Bystrica_Region_and_Surroundings\"><\/span><span style=\"font-size: 24pt;\">Things to Do in the Bansk\u00e1 Bystrica Region and Surroundings<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"youtube-embed\" data-video_id=\"8BMO73MTTgE\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Central Slovakia: Tips for Trips and Sights\" width=\"696\" height=\"392\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/8BMO73MTTgE?feature=oembed&#038;enablejsapi=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Harmanecka_Cave\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Harmanecka_Cave\"><\/span>Harmaneck\u00e1 Cave<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-55120\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/www.loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/harmanecka-jaskyne-slovensko.jpg\" alt=\"A boy inside Harmaneck\u00e1 Cave\" class=\"wp-image-55120\" title=\"\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Visiting Harmaneck\u00e1 Cave in Central Slovakia, Bansk\u00e1 Bystrica region<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>For a long time, we&#8217;d been skipping caves on our trips, and it was only here that we realised what a mistake that was. If you can, head to Central Slovakia and visit this stunning <b>stalactite cave located in the Kremnick\u00e9 vrchy mountains<\/b> (on the border with Ve\u013ek\u00e1 Fatra), 16 km northwest of Bansk\u00e1 Bystrica, near the village of Harmanec.<\/p>\n<p>After a short but very <b>steep 1.5 km hike from the car park, you&#8217;ll reach <a href=\"http:\/\/slovakia.travel\/harmanecka-jaskyna\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Harmaneck\u00e1 Cave<\/a>,<\/b> which sits on the <b>Kotolnica hill at 821 metres above sea level.<\/b> Since you have to climb 260 metres from the car park, you&#8217;ll enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding hills. The total length of the cave is <b>3,123 metres, but only one kilometre is open to tourists.<\/b> Even on hot summer days, the temperature inside the cave stays around 6\u00b0C year-round.<\/p>\n<p>During World War II, partisans hid here from the Nazis. Today, only thousands of bats call it home over winter. But don&#8217;t worry \u2014 in summer you&#8217;ll encounter just a few stragglers (bats, that is). We only spotted one.<\/p>\n<div class=\"su-box su-box-style-soft\" id=\"\" style=\"border-color:#005600;border-radius:0px;\">\n<div class=\"su-box-title\" style=\"background-color:#318912;color:#FFFFFF;border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px\">Harmaneck\u00e1 Cave Information<\/div>\n<div class=\"su-box-content su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" style=\"border-bottom-left-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px\">\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Opening hours:<\/strong> Varies by season, usually Tuesday to Sunday all day, <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.ssj.sk\/sk\/jaskyna\/10-harmanecka-jaskyna#otvaracie-hodiny\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">check current hours here<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Price:<\/strong> \u20ac6 adults, \u20ac5 students, \u20ac3 children<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Vodny_Splav_Rakytovo_Water_Flume\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Vodny_Splav_Rakytovo_Water_Flume\"><\/span>Vodn\u00fd Splav Rakytovo (Water Flume)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-55122\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/www.loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/vodny-splav-rakytovo.jpg\" alt=\"Vodn\u00fd splav Rakytovo water flume\" class=\"wp-image-55122\" title=\"\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Vodn\u00fd splav Rakytovo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>If you&#8217;re already visiting <b>Harmaneck\u00e1 Cave, make sure to stop by the last functioning water flume in Slovakia \u2014 and indeed in all of Europe.<\/b> Water flumes were historically used to transport timber from the forest down to the valley. This flume is 2,450 metres long, starting at an altitude of 700 metres and ending at 532 metres. Next to the flume there&#8217;s a charming little cottage that makes a lovely backdrop for photos.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Banska_Bystrica\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Banska_Bystrica\"><\/span>Bansk\u00e1 Bystrica<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-55124\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/www.loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/banska-bystrica.jpg\" alt=\"Bansk\u00e1 Bystrica - city panorama view\" class=\"wp-image-55124\" title=\"\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Bansk\u00e1 Bystrica \u2013 panoramic view of the city<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>This charming city was once reportedly declared the <b>most beautiful city in Czechoslovakia.<\/b> Whether that&#8217;s true, you&#8217;ll have to judge for yourself, but today it&#8217;s a dynamically developing cultural centre and an excellent base <b>for hiking and cycling.<\/b><\/p>\n<p>The main square frequently hosts live music events, there are plenty of restaurants with outdoor seating, and the city even <b>has its own leaning tower (the Clock Tower from 1552), which tilts at 9 degrees and can be climbed.<\/b> <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.banskabystrica.sk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Bansk\u00e1 Bystrica<\/a><\/strong> is the sixth largest city in Slovakia, serves as the cultural and economic hub of Central Slovakia, and is inseparably linked to the mining history of the region.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Wine_and_Cheese\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Wine_and_Cheese\"><\/span>Wine and Cheese<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-55125\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/www.loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/farma-hiadlovskych.jpg\" alt=\"Hiadlovsk\u00fd Farm\" class=\"wp-image-55125\" title=\"\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Hiadlovsk\u00fd Farm<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>Slovakia isn&#8217;t just about brynza cheese, halu\u0161ky (potato dumplings) and borovi\u010dka (<a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Juniper hotel\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/doporucujeme\/juniper-hotel\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">juniper<\/a> spirit). The local cheeses and wines are outstanding, and if you visit Central Slovakia, you should at least give them a try. <b>We headed to <a href=\"http:\/\/nafarmuhiadlovskych.sk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Hiadlovsk\u00fd Farm<\/a> for wine and good food, where we tasted not only local volcanic wines but also other wines from across Slovakia.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Spania_Dolina\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Spania_Dolina\"><\/span>\u0160pania Dolina<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-55123\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/www.loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/spania-dolina.jpg\" alt=\"\u0160pania Dolina village\" class=\"wp-image-55123\" title=\"\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">\u0160pania Dolina<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>\u0160pania Dolina is a gorgeous mining village known primarily for its centuries-long history of copper mining. <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.herrengrund.sk\/muzeum.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">The copper mining has its own museum<\/a><\/strong>, but make sure you also explore the rest of the village, where you&#8217;ll find a one-day experiential <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.historickaskola.sk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">historical school<\/a><\/strong> that completely charmed us. The village itself is so beautiful that I wouldn&#8217;t hesitate to rank it <b>among the most beautiful villages in Europe.<\/b><\/p>\n<div class=\"su-box su-box-style-soft\" id=\"\" style=\"border-color:#005600;border-radius:0px;\">\n<div class=\"su-box-title\" style=\"background-color:#318912;color:#FFFFFF;border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px\">\u0160pania Dolina Information<\/div>\n<div class=\"su-box-content su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" style=\"border-bottom-left-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px\">\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Museum opening hours:<\/strong> By appointment only, call +421 905 651 057<\/li>\n<li><strong>Historical school opening hours:<\/strong> By appointment only, minimum 10 people<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pusty_Hrad_Desolate_Castle\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pusty_Hrad_Desolate_Castle\"><\/span>Pust\u00fd Hrad (Desolate Castle)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-55134\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1347\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/www.loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/pusty-hrad.jpg\" alt=\"Pust\u00fd hrad castle ruins near Zvolen, Slovakia\" class=\"wp-image-55134\" title=\"\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Pust\u00fd hrad near Zvolen, Slovakia, photo: Slovakia.travel<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>Until 1992, nobody really knew, <b>but near the town of Zvolen lies the most extensive castle ruins not only in Slovakia but in all of Central Europe.<\/b> The castle was built in the 12th century, but the site had been inhabited since the Bronze Age, as proven by V\u00e1clav Hanuliak&#8217;s long-running archaeological research on the upper castle between 1992 and 2008.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Wooden_Church_in_Hronsek\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Wooden_Church_in_Hronsek\"><\/span>Wooden Church in Hronsek<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-55126\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/www.loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/dreveny-kostel-hronsek.jpg\" alt=\"Wooden articular church in Hronsek\" class=\"wp-image-55126\" title=\"\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Wooden articular church in Hronsek<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>Five evangelical articular churches have been preserved in Slovakia, and one of them is located in the village of Hronsek. <b>This wooden evangelical articular church was built entirely without a single nail or metal element.<\/b> The church also impresses with its unique wooden construction that incorporates several European architectural <a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Elements Hotel&amp;Spa\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/doporucujeme\/elements-hotelspa\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">elements<\/a>. Some say it resembles Scandinavian stave churches, though the connection has never been confirmed. The church seats 1,100 people (though it doesn&#8217;t look like it at all!) and has excellent acoustics.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Banska_Stiavnica\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Banska_Stiavnica\"><\/span>Bansk\u00e1 \u0160tiavnica<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-55127\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/www.loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/banska-stiavnica-vyhled.jpg\" alt=\"Bansk\u00e1 \u0160tiavnica panoramic view\" class=\"wp-image-55127\" title=\"\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Bansk\u00e1 \u0160tiavnica<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.banskastiavnica.travel\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Bansk\u00e1 \u0160tiavnica<\/a><\/strong> sits in the heart of the <b>\u0160tiavnick\u00e9 vrchy mountains in Central Slovakia<\/b> and is undoubtedly the most romantic town in the region. Some compare it to \u010cesk\u00fd Krumlov, but the locals aren&#8217;t too keen on that comparison. You&#8217;ll find plenty of lovely caf\u00e9s and restaurants here. The town supports an alternative art scene, attracting interesting personalities from all over Slovakia. The town is home to the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/bankalasky.sk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Bank of Love<\/a><\/strong>, dedicated to the world&#8217;s longest love poem. Bansk\u00e1 \u0160tiavnica \u2014 like other towns in the region \u2014 is <strong>d<\/strong><b>eeply connected to its mining past, but you&#8217;ll also find numerous galleries and museums.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Stiavnica_Calvary\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Stiavnica_Calvary\"><\/span>\u0160tiavnica Calvary<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-55132\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/www.loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/kalvaria-banska-stiavnica.jpg\" alt=\"\u0160tiavnica Calvary\" class=\"wp-image-55132\" title=\"\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">\u0160tiavnica Calvary<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>The \u0160tiavnica Calvary is one of the most beautiful Baroque calvaries in Europe. It stands on Scharffenberg Hill (Ostr\u00fd vrch) and is visible from virtually every direction. When you walk up the beautiful Way of the Cross, you&#8217;ll be rewarded with views of the town and its surroundings. It used to be incredibly run-down, so if you visited in the past, you&#8217;ll be amazed at the majestic place it has become after renovation. Today it&#8217;s one of the most visited sites in the region.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-55133\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/www.loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/kalvaria-pred-rekonstrukci-banska-stiavnica.jpg\" alt=\"\u0160tiavnica Calvary before renovation\" class=\"wp-image-55133\" title=\"\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">\u0160tiavnica Calvary before renovation<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Bank_of_Love_with_Harry_Potter-Style_Paintings\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Bank_of_Love_with_Harry_Potter_Style_Paintings\"><\/span>Bank of Love with Harry Potter-Style Paintings<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-55128\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/www.loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/banka-lasky.jpg\" alt=\"Bank of Love: During the exhibition, the paintings themselves tell you the story\" class=\"wp-image-55128\" title=\"\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Bank of Love: During the exhibition, the paintings themselves tell you the story<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>Did you know that the <strong>w<\/strong><b>orld&#8217;s longest love poem was written by a Slovak?<\/b> If not, you&#8217;re not alone \u2014 we had no idea either. All the more reason to head to Bansk\u00e1 \u0160tiavnica, where a love story worthy of Shakespeare took place.<\/p>\n<p>Young Andrej Sladkovi\u010d was tutoring the wealthy Maria Pischlov\u00e1 and the two fell madly in love. But as often happens, Maria&#8217;s parents didn&#8217;t want their daughter to marry the penniless Sladkovi\u010d. Andrej left to study in Bratislava, and Maria married another man in the meantime. So he wrote her a poem \u2014 Mar\u00edna.<\/p>\n<p>Today, on the site of her house, there&#8217;s a museum where moving, talking paintings retell their story (yes, just like in Harry Potter). But there&#8217;s also the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/bankalasky.sk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Bank of Love<\/a><\/strong>, where you and someone special \u2014 a partner, sibling, or even a friend \u2014 can <b>rent your own box for life and keep something inside that reminds you of your relationship and love.<\/b><\/p>\n<div class=\"su-box su-box-style-soft\" id=\"\" style=\"border-color:#005600;border-radius:0px;\">\n<div class=\"su-box-title\" style=\"background-color:#318912;color:#FFFFFF;border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px\">Bank of Love Information<\/div>\n<div class=\"su-box-content su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" style=\"border-bottom-left-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px\">\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Opening hours:<\/strong> Mon\u2013Sun 9:30\u201319:00<\/li>\n<li><b>Admission:<\/b> Tours every hour on the hour<\/li>\n<li><strong>Price:<\/strong> Adults \u20ac12, Children \u20ac0 to \u20ac10<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Visit_One_of_the_Local_Mines\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Visit_One_of_the_Local_Mines\"><\/span>Visit One of the Local Mines<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-55129\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"993\" src=\"https:\/\/www.loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/stolna-bartolomej-dul-na-zlato.jpg\" alt=\"Standing in front of \u0160t\u00f4l\u0148a Bartolomej mine\" class=\"wp-image-55129\" title=\"\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">We visited the \u0160t\u00f4l\u0148a Bartolomej mine and were far from bored.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>A visit to Central Slovakia wouldn&#8217;t be complete without exploring one of its mines. You&#8217;ll be given a coat, helmet and torch before heading deep into the region&#8217;s history. <b>We visited the \u0160t\u00f4l\u0148a Bartolomej mine and were far from bored.<\/b> As the oldest and most thematically extensive mining exhibition in Slovakia, it showcases the development of ore mining in Central Europe from the Middle Ages to the end of the 20th century.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Only_School_in_the_World_with_Compulsory_Falconry\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Only_School_in_the_World_with_Compulsory_Falconry\"><\/span>The Only School in the World with Compulsory Falconry<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-55131\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/www.loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/skola-sokolnictvi-slovensko.jpg\" alt=\"The only school with compulsory falconry\" class=\"wp-image-55131\" title=\"\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The only school with compulsory falconry<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>This is the kind of school that, once you visit (and you really should), will make you want to move your children to Slovakia \u2014 or go back to primary school yourself. In Central Slovakia, there&#8217;s an absolutely amazing school, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zakladnaskola.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Z\u0160 s M\u0160 M. Hella \u0160tiavnick\u00e9 Bane<\/a><\/strong>, where falconry is a compulsory subject. <b>The school has built its own small zoo on the grounds \u2014 besides birds of prey, they have a tropical greenhouse with monkeys, caimans, turtles and other animals.<\/b><\/p>\n<p>Children voluntarily come to school even on weekends because they can ride horses, train their birds of prey, or watch baby birds hatch. <b>The school features a vertical garden, and the children learn to collect rainwater in barrels to water the school garden, which even has a Provence-style corner.<\/b> You can partially experience this wonderful atmosphere too, as the small zoo with birds of prey is open to the public.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Kastiel_Svaty_Anton_Manor_House\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Kastiel_Svaty_Anton_Manor_House\"><\/span>Ka\u0161tie\u013e Sv\u00e4t\u00fd Anton (Manor House)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-55130\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/www.loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/kastiel-svaty-anton.jpg\" alt=\"Ka\u0161tie\u013e Sv\u00e4t\u00fd Anton manor house\" class=\"wp-image-55130\" title=\"\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Ka\u0161tie\u013e Sv\u00e4t\u00fd Anton<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>The Slovak word &#8220;ka\u0161tie\u013e&#8221; doesn&#8217;t mean a church or monastery, as you might think \u2014 it actually translates to a manor house or small ch\u00e2teau. <b>This is considered the most beautiful Baroque monument in Slovakia.<\/b> What fascinated us most was the story of Sv\u00e4t\u00fd Anton&#8217;s restoration \u2014 our guide explained that the wallpaper in the rooms had once been dark green, and today the rooms are beautifully pastel-coloured after layers of dust were carefully removed.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Get_to_Central_Slovakia\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Get_to_Central_Slovakia\"><\/span><span style=\"font-size: 24pt;\">How to Get to Central Slovakia<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>From the UK, the most convenient option is to <b>fly to Vienna or Bratislava<\/b>, then take a train or bus to Bansk\u00e1 Bystrica. Budget airlines like Ryanair and Wizz Air serve both airports regularly.<\/li>\n<li>You can also reach Bansk\u00e1 Bystrica <b>by bus, with a transfer in Bratislava.<\/b> The journey from Bratislava takes about 3 hours.<\/li>\n<li>Alternatively, you can fly into Budapest and drive or take a bus from there \u2014 the journey is approximately 3.5 hours.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Get_Around_Central_Slovakia\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Get_Around_Central_Slovakia\"><\/span><span style=\"font-size: 24pt;\">How to Get Around Central Slovakia<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Slovakia has a good <b>railway and bus network.<\/b> For finding connections, we recommend the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/cp.hnonline.sk\/vlakbus\/spojenie\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Slovak transport search engine<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>If you love cycling, <strong>you can take many trips from Bansk\u00e1 Bystrica by bike<\/strong>, either bringing your own on the train or using one of the local bike and e-bike rental shops.<\/p>\n<p>Bansk\u00e1 Bystrica also runs the <strong>&#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.centralslovakia.eu\/cyklobus\/?fbclid=IwAR14dFfUL-ipT5YrrJORuQVnv8VlIiV4R7AwvjAGClnQ5C8XZID8us5vCSg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Cyklobus<\/a>&#8221; project,<\/strong> which operates from May to the end of September. Thanks to this service, you can explore a really wide area by bike.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Best_Time_to_Visit_the_Banska_Bystrica_Region\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Best_Time_to_Visit_the_Banska_Bystrica_Region\"><\/span><span style=\"font-size: 24pt;\">Best Time to Visit the Bansk\u00e1 Bystrica Region<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Although there are ski resorts near Bansk\u00e1 Bystrica and \u0160pania Dolina reportedly looks <b>incredibly fairytale-like in winter, the best time to visit is spring and autumn,<\/b> when Bansk\u00e1 \u0160tiavnica is said to be at its most beautiful. For cycling, May to September is ideal, as that&#8217;s when the Cyklobus service runs. If you visit in summer, expect more tourists \u2014 especially in Bansk\u00e1 \u0160tiavnica \u2014 but it&#8217;s still nothing compared to major tourist hotspots, so there&#8217;s no need to worry.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_to_Stay_in_Banska_Bystrica\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_to_Stay_in_Banska_Bystrica\"><\/span><span style=\"font-size: 24pt;\">Where to Stay in Bansk\u00e1 Bystrica<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n[lgc_column grid=&#8220;50&#8243; tablet_grid=&#8220;50&#8243; mobile_grid=&#8220;100&#8243; last=&#8220;false&#8220;]\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;\"><strong>Budget Option<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><a class=\"thirstylink\" title=\"GRAN Hostel\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/doporucujeme\/gran-hostel\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer sponsored\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-55143\" src=\"https:\/\/www.loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/gran-hostel-banska-bystrica.jpg\" alt=\"Budget accommodation in Bansk\u00e1 Bystrica, Slovakia\" width=\"250\" height=\"250\" title=\"\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a title=\"GRAN Hostel\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/doporucujeme\/gran-hostel\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer sponsored\"><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;\"><strong>GRAN Hostel<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p>If you prefer budget accommodation, check out Gran Hostel \u2014 probably the most tastefully decorated hostel in the area, complete with a shared kitchen.<\/p>\n[\/lgc_column]\n[lgc_column grid=&#8220;50&#8243; tablet_grid=&#8220;50&#8243; mobile_grid=&#8220;100&#8243; last=&#8220;true&#8220;]\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;\"><strong>Our Pick<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><a class=\"thirstylink\" title=\"Apartm\u00e1ny Vansovej nad Hronom\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/doporucujeme\/apartmany-vansovej-nad-hronom\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer sponsored\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-55145\" src=\"https:\/\/www.loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/apartmany-vansovej-nad-hronom-banska-bystrica.jpg\" alt=\"Apartm\u00e1ny Vansovej nad Hronom in Bansk\u00e1 Bystrica\" width=\"250\" height=\"250\" title=\"\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a title=\"Apartm\u00e1ny Vansovej nad Hronom\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/doporucujeme\/apartmany-vansovej-nad-hronom\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer sponsored\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;\">Apartm\u00e1ny Vansovej nad Hronom<\/span><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p>These apartments impressed us with their beautiful design and very reasonable price. They&#8217;re located in a quiet zone but easily accessible from the city centre and the train station. There&#8217;s also a nearby bus stop for convenient transfers.<\/p>\n[\/lgc_column]\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_to_Stay_in_Banska_Stiavnica\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_to_Stay_in_Banska_Stiavnica\"><\/span><span style=\"font-size: 24pt;\">Where to Stay in Bansk\u00e1 \u0160tiavnica<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n[lgc_column grid=&#8220;50&#8243; tablet_grid=&#8220;50&#8243; mobile_grid=&#8220;100&#8243; last=&#8220;false&#8220;]\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;\"><strong>Budget Option<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/doporucujeme\/penzion-cosmopolitan-ii\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener sponsored\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-55147\" src=\"https:\/\/www.loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/penzion-cosmopolitan-banska-stiavnica.jpg\" alt=\"Guesthouse in Bansk\u00e1 \u0160tiavnica\" width=\"250\" height=\"250\" title=\"\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a title=\"Penzion Cosmopolitan II.\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/doporucujeme\/penzion-cosmopolitan-ii\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer sponsored\"><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;\"><strong>Penzion Cosmopolitan II.<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Right in the centre of \u0160tiavnica, you&#8217;ll find this lovely guesthouse, Penzion Cosmopolitan II. It offers a sauna, hot tub, and barbecue area \u2014 all at a great price.<\/p>\n[\/lgc_column]\n[lgc_column grid=&#8220;50&#8243; tablet_grid=&#8220;50&#8243; mobile_grid=&#8220;100&#8243; last=&#8220;true&#8220;]\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;\"><strong>Our Pick<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><a class=\"thirstylink\" title=\"Apartm\u00e1ny pod Kalv\u00e1riou\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/doporucujeme\/apartmany-pod-kalvariou\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer sponsored\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-55148\" src=\"https:\/\/www.loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/apartmany-pod-kalvariou-banska-stiavnica.jpg\" alt=\"Apartm\u00e1ny pod Kalv\u00e1riou\" width=\"250\" height=\"250\" title=\"\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a title=\"Apartm\u00e1ny pod Kalv\u00e1riou\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/doporucujeme\/apartmany-pod-kalvariou\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer sponsored\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;\">Apartm\u00e1ny pod Kalv\u00e1riou<\/span><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p>This apartment is set in a peaceful location below the Calvary in Bansk\u00e1 \u0160tiavnica. If you plan to cook some of your own meals, you&#8217;ll appreciate the fully equipped kitchen. The apartment is 1 km from the Old Castle of Bansk\u00e1 \u0160tiavnica.<\/p>\n[\/lgc_column]\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tips_and_Tricks_for_Travelling_in_Slovakia\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tips_and_Tricks_for_Travelling_in_Slovakia\"><\/span><span id=\"Tips_and_Tricks_for_Travelling_in_Slovakia\" class=\"ez-toc-section\">Tips and Tricks for Travelling in Slovakia<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\">\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_to_Find_More_Information\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_to_Find_More_Information\"><\/span>Where to Find More Information<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>We were able to take this multi-day trip thanks to an invitation from the Slovak Ministry of Transport and Construction. We fully recommend their website <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.slovakia.travel\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">slovakia.travel<\/a><\/strong>, as well as the official websites of <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.centralslovakia.eu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Central Slovakia<\/a><\/strong> and <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.banskastiavnica.travel\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Bansk\u00e1 \u0160tiavnica<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_to_Pack\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_to_Pack\"><\/span><strong>What to Pack<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Check out our <a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/vybaveni-na-cesty\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>packing guide<\/strong><\/a> to help you prepare. Choose the right travel backpack, browse our travel gadget picks, and make sure you don&#8217;t forget anything important at home.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Car_Rental\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Car_Rental\"><\/span><strong>Car Rental<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>We regularly use the comparison site <strong><a class=\"thirstylink\" title=\"RentalCars.com\" data-linkid=\"54674\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/doporucujeme\/rentalcars-com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer sponsored\">RentalCars.com<\/a><\/strong> to help us find the best car rental provider.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Motorway_Vignette\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Motorway_Vignette\"><\/span><strong>Motorway Vignette<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Don&#8217;t forget to purchase a motorway vignette for Slovakia. You can now buy one online: <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/i-vignette.com\/cs-cz\/zemi\/slovensko\/dalnicni-znamka\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/i-vignette.com\/cs-cz\/zemi\/slovensko\/dalnicni-znamka\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Slovakia motorway vignette<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Booking_Accommodation\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Booking_Accommodation\"><\/span><strong>Booking Accommodation<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong><a class=\"thirstylink\" title=\"Booking.com\" data-linkid=\"54439\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/doporucujeme\/booking-com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer sponsored\">Booking.com<\/a><\/strong> is our favourite hotel search engine. We always compare hotels with local apartments and rooms on Airbnb (<strong><a class=\"thirstylink\" title=\"AirBNB\" data-linkid=\"54527\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/doporucujeme\/airbnb\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer sponsored\">get a discount here<\/a><\/strong>). Read about <a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/find-cheap-accommodation-travel\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>how we find cheap accommodation<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Dont_Forget_Travel_Insurance\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Dont_Forget_Travel_Insurance\"><\/span><strong>Don&#8217;t Forget Travel Insurance<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Travel insurance<\/strong> is an absolute must. For shorter trips, we use AXA (<a class=\"thirstylink\" title=\"Axa cestovn\u00ed poji\u0161t\u011bn\u00ed\" data-linkid=\"52182\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/doporucujeme\/axa-cestovni-pojisteni\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer sponsored\"><strong>50% discount<\/strong><\/a>) and for longer journeys, the British insurer <strong><a class=\"thirstylink\" title=\"True Traveller\" data-linkid=\"52181\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/doporucujeme\/true-traveller\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer sponsored\">True Traveller<\/a><\/strong>. Check out our <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/nejlepsi-cestovni-pojisteni\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">comparison of travel insurance providers<\/a><\/strong> and choose the one that suits you best.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Slovakia isn&#8217;t just the Tatras and Bratislava. We fell in love with Central Slovakia, explored the Bansk\u00e1 Bystrica region, visited the Bank of Love, descended into a mine, and discovered a village so romantic it could rival the famous Hallstatt.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":55124,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","rank_math_title":"Central Slovakia: Why Visit and What to Do There?","rank_math_description":"Discover the best things to do in Central Slovakia \u2013 from Bansk\u00e1 \u0160tiavnica to caves and castles. Plan your trip with our complete travel guide!","rank_math_focus_keyword":"Central Slovakia","rank_math_seo_score":""},"categories":[326,375],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-128846","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-europe","8":"category-slovakia"},"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/banska-bystrica.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Lucie Kone\u010dn\u00e1","author_link":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/author\/lucie-konecna\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/128846","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=128846"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/128846\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":130680,"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/128846\/revisions\/130680"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/55124"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=128846"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=128846"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=128846"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}