Banská Bystrica is situated in a picturesque valley of the Nitra and Hron rivers, in the Zvolen hollow. It has a lot of architectural monuments. One of the most beautiful buildings is House Turzo, built in Gothic style in the fifteenth century. Another of the sights is the local version of the Tower of Pisa, located on the National Revolt Square. In the northern part of the city is the Church of St. Catherine. Inside there are 5 altars made of linden and covered in pure gold, and a huge organ whose sound can be heard during Sunday concerts. A walk to Kremnica Castle will allow you to see the famous Black Tower, built in the 15th century, one of the darkest and most sinister places in Slovakia. You can combine your acquaintance with history with active recreation. There are several cross-country skiing trails, hiking trails in the vicinity and several modern health centers.
Banská Bistrica is rich in traditions. In September every year Radvanska Fair takes place and for over 350 years this event gathers artisans from all over Slovakia.
Also a popular tradition is the beer festival “Pivinex”, which gathers a large number of participants, because in Banská Bystrica itself produces the Slovak beer “Urpin”.
In the town there are regularly held festivals of contemporary music “Bells of Bistrica”.
Banská Bistrica is a modern European town with well-developed infrastructure, which harmoniously combines national colors, old traditions, cultural life, beautiful nature, resort comfort, modern opportunities for education, tourism, recreation and sports.
The Plavaren Stiavnicky Aquatic Complex is a real pride of the town, including a pool with ionized water, an area with various whirlpool treatments, saunas and a children’s mini-pool. There is also a modern water park “Plážové Kúpalisko Banská Bystrica” with various water slides, pools for children and adults, playgrounds, etc.
In Banská Bystrica there are many different sports clubs. There are 3 ski resorts within a radius of 20 km from Banska Bistrica. The most famous of them – “Donovaly”, the availability of diverse slopes, excellent service and lower prices than the average European attracts skiers from all over the world.
Very well developed mountaineering, hiking, horseback riding and biking. In the surrounding area there are more than 500 km of hiking trails and routes.
