Photography exihibition / 10 years with Central Slovakia
Welcome to the exhibition of photographs for the 10th anniversary of the Regional Tourism Organisation Central Slovakia. We have prepared for you a small insight into our region and the activities of our organization. The exhibition in the historical building of the Town Hall in Banská Bystrica will be open to the public
from 8.8. – 21.8.2022. We wish you a pleasant experience.
Events and experiences /
Wine and cheese under the stars – Hronsekanie in Hronsek – Night tours – Summer evenings in the courtyard – Royal wedding at the Pustý Castle – Tours „Start with the eviction!“
We strive to bring a wide range of events and experiences to visitors of the Central Slovakia region not only during the main tourist season but also outside the summer. The offer of guided Night or partially staged tours on the theme of the Slovak National Uprising is supplemented by all-day events such as Hronsekanie in Hronsek or the Royal Wedding at the Pustý Castle.
New from our workshops are the Summer Evenings in the Courtyard, a series of informal summer discussions on various tourism topics.
We try to bring the atmosphere of the region and the tastes of regional products closer to visitors through experiences such as Wine and cheese under the stars at the Hiadlovský Farm or an Extraordinary journey through the history of Kremnica. This year, we have complemented our exploration of the region with nature through guided walks in the Laskomer valley called „Become a biologist for a day and get to know the wild Laskomer“.
Hont and Veľký Krtíš Wine route /
Wine regions Sebechleby, Dudince or Veľký Krtíš hosted visitors for the second year during the two-day event, Hont and Veľký Krtíš Wine route. More than 30 winemakers, including larger wineries, opened their cellars and offered visitors not only their wines, but also good cheeses and regional specialties. The culmination of the two-day wine celebration was the lighting of the St. John’s bonfires, which symbolically linked all the participating wineries.
History of mining /
Banská Bystrica – Špania Valley – Kremnica – Barborská route
The region of Central Slovakia is exceptional not only for its natural wealth, but also for its culture and history. Mining of rare metals had an important role in the past. Rich deposits of silver and copper ore made Špania Valley famous throughout Europe. The mining tradition began to develop here as early as the 11th century and reached its golden age four centuries later. Even Banská Bystrica, a few kilometres away, owes its prosperity and fame to the rich copper and silver veins hidden in the mountains of Španja Valley.
In Kremnica it was mainly gold mining and in Banská Štiavnica silver mining. It is along the traces of these mining centres and adjacent towns that the Barborská route leads as a celebration, but above all as a reminder and source of information about history, natural attractions and, at last but not least, spiritual values. The famous mining history is also highlighted by the international project European Fugger Route.
Projects and development plans /
Mining ditch Špania Dolina Piesky – Ferrata world Skalka near Kremnica – Ferrata Pamir on Driekynska rock – Geographical centre of Slovakia Hrb – Experiential accommodation in historical tents – E bike region Central Slovakia – Gothic churches
Ferratas are a popular and sought-after attraction not only for domestic visitors. Adventurous natures can experience a real adrenaline rush on the Skalka Arena Via Ferrata, which has been offering a wide network of via ferrata routes since 2017. The first steps are currently underway to add another adrenaline experience, the Zipline, to this ferrata world.
Before the summer season 2022, the offer of the modern visitor information centre in Slovenská Ľupča has been expanded by 10 new electric scooters and 15 ferrata sets and helmets, which are connected to the newly established Ferrata Pamír on Driekyňská rock.
Among the long-term projects of the Central Slovakia region „E-bike region Central Slovakia“. Created in cooperation with ebajk – the world of e-bikes®, Cykloadventure Slovakia and Ride, it represents a unique network of charging points for e-bikes. This network is expanding every year and creates new opportunities to explore the Central Slovakia region. The points connect the most important places, the most beautiful natural scenery, information points, accommodation facilities and cultural and historical monuments that a visitor to the region should definitely not miss.
Did you know that in addition to the geographical centre of Europe ( Kremnické Bane), The geographical centre of Slovakia is also located in the region? In the beautiful countryside on the border of the Veporské vrchy and Poľana mountains lies Hrb hill, which offers beautiful views of the western part of the ridge of the Low Tatras, Kralova hoľa or the peaks of the High Tatras. We decided to revitalize this area in cooperation with the municipality of Ľubietová.
You may have heard of the Royal Wedding – an annual event attended by thousands of people. As part of this event, guests can rent authentic accommodation in medieval tents and become a direct part of the Royal Wedding. Due to the high popularity of the tents, we have decided to make them available throughout the summer. Experiential accommodation in medieval tents is available in the grounds of the Vodný Castle in the village of Hronsek. The accommodation is complemented by an experiential programme such as learning how to build a fire with a fireplace and straw, throwing with a spear, a visit to the Articular Church in Hronsek or a guided tour of the Vodný Castle.
The mining ditch, which connects Špania Dolina with the former mining settlement of Piesky, is open to the public from 2022. It is the only accessible space in the underground of Špania Valley. You can only enter the canal with a guide who will tell you a lot of interesting things about the canal and the whole mining history of Špania Valley. The journey there and back takes approximately 2 – 2.5 hours. We have other big plans for the Špania Valley…
The region of Central Slovakia is also significant for the number of Gothic churches located in its territory. That is why we are working on the preparation of a product – the „Gothic churches“ experience. This project should make the beauty of the Gothic churches in Poniky, Čerín, Zolná and Horná Mičina accessible to visitors. The experience will include learning about the mysterious stories and getting to know what precious treasures these medieval churches hide under the hands of famous and less known artists.
The development plans are implemented with the financial support of the Banská Bystrica municipal district.
Nature, culture and history /
Harmanecká Cave – Articular Church Hronsek – Krížna – Monument of the Slovak National Uprising – Hron river rafting
Rafting down the Hron River is one of the oldest boating experiences for all ages. It is probably the last river in Central Europe that is navigable from the source to the mouth. One of the most interesting parts stretches from the village of Nemecká to Sliač. It is also possible to combine rafting on the Hron with a trip to Ľupča Castle, Banská Bystrica or the church in Hronsek.
The wooden articulatory church in Hronsek is a significant UNESCO monument in the region. What makes it exceptional is that it was constructed solely from wood, without the use of any metal elements, and it was completed within just one year. Thanks to its excellent acoustics, the church has great potential for hosting classical music concerts. In the vicinity, there are other notable landmarks, such as the Water Castle and the Soos-Geczy Castle, whose garden is home to rare trees that are over 200 years old.
The Central Slovakia region hides its treasures not only on the surface but also underground. In the Harmanec Valley, northwest of Banska Bystrica, lies one of the significant caves – the Harmanec Cave. The cave has a total length of over 3 km and boasts beautiful and massive pagoda-shaped stalagmites, rich occurrences of soft sinter – sinter cascades and curtains, and small lakes.
A few hundred meters higher, the summit of Krížna rises. With its accessible location, it offers tourists a 360° view of the surrounding peaks of the Small Fatra, Choč Mountains, Western Tatras, High Tatras, Polana, and Štiavnicke Mountains. In its vicinity, you can find the mountain Hotel Kráľova studňa, which provides a wide range of activities and services to its visitors depending on the season (star gazing with astronomers in the Dark Sky Park, winter activities like skiing or ski mountaineering with instructors, summer ridge hikes and mountain guides, bike rentals, and more).
In addition to the beautiful natural scenery and untouched nature, the region offers its visitors insights into history. The embodiment of the Slovak National Uprising’s history is the Museum of the Slovak National Uprising (Múzeum SNP). It is housed in the unusual building of the SNP Memorial in the city park. The museum specializes in documenting the development of Slovak society during the war years from 1938 to 1945. Its exhibitions and archives focus on materials related to the anti-fascist national-liberation struggle and the Slovak National Uprising, with Banská Bystrica being its central point.
About the Regional Tourism Organisation Central Slovakia /
The Regional Tourism Organization of Central Slovakia is a destination management organization that focuses on the development of tourism, including marketing activities and promotion of its members. These members include cities, municipalities, commercial entities, civic associations, and non-profit organizations operating within the region. The organization supports cultural, social, and sports life, preserves natural and cultural heritage, provides advisory and consultancy services, and is engaged in tourism education. As part of its broad portfolio, the organization publishes promotional materials, maps, brochures, creates videos, and organizes trade fairs. It also supports the creation of attractive products aimed at various target groups within the tourism sector.
Organizáciu od jej založenia v marci 2012 viedol Ladislav Monček. Počiatočným zámerom podnikateľov a niekoľkých nadšencov, ktorí reprezentujú samosprávy, bolo vybudovať oficiálnu, silnú a organizačnú centrálu, ktorá by koordinovala rozvojové aktivity cestovného ruchu. Zakladajúcimi členmi sú mestá Banská Bystrica, Zvolen, Sliač a podnikateľské subjekty Kúpele a Letisko Sliač, a.s., ako aj Hotel a Spa Resort Kaskady.
Since its establishment in March 2012, the organization has been led by Ladislav Monček. The initial intention of entrepreneurs and several enthusiasts representing local municipalities was to build an official, strong, and organizational center that would coordinate the developmental activities of tourism. The founding members include the cities of Banská Bystrica, Zvolen, Sliač, and business entities such as Spa and Airport Sliač, a.s., as well as the Hotel and Spa Resort Kaskady.
Currently, the organization has 43 members, including five cities, 14 municipalities, and 24 various business entities and civic associations. Among the members are hotels, information centers, travel agencies, spas, and more. These members collaborate to promote and develop tourism in the Central Slovakia region and work together to coordinate various tourism-related activities and initiatives.
We are delighted to welcome thousands of visitors to the Central Slovakia region every year. One of the advantages is not only its geographical location but also its diversity. With its historic mining towns, rich culture, untouched nature, thermal springs, perfect relaxation, and high-quality wellness services, there is something for everyone. Experience it firsthand because the Central Slovakia region is a Joy to discover! For more information, visit our website at www.centralslovakia.eu.