Underground Stories of Central Slovakia and Hont
Mining tunnels, caves, and ancient wine cellars—all these places hold a piece of history that is often hidden from view above ground. It is precisely underground that stories of work, craftsmanship, trade, and everyday life have unfolded for centuries, shaping the character of entire regions.
Central Slovakia and Hont are regions where the underground holds exceptional significance. In some places, it tells the story of a glorious mining past; in others, it reveals natural beauty or a winemaking tradition passed down from generation to generation. Each of these places offers a slightly different experience, yet all are united by their authenticity and unique atmosphere.
If you’d like to explore the region from a slightly different perspective, follow the trail of underground spaces that reveal Central Slovakia and Hont as places of history, nature, and flavor.
The Mining Underground of Central Slovakia
Špania Dolina is one of the most famous mining towns in Slovakia. Since 2022, the Špania Dolina–Piesky Mining Tunnel has been open to the public and is the only accessible underground route in this area. The tunnel, approximately 1.6 kilometers long, offers a glimpse into the history of local mining and the lives of miners.
Another significant site is the Mining Museum – Andrej Adit in Kremnica, where visitors walk through part of the historic underground and learn the story of the extraction of gold and silver ore that made the town famous throughout Europe.
Also located right on Štefánikovo Square is the Franciscan Monastery in Kremnica, a significant historical monument that is gradually coming back to life after years of neglect. The restored courtyard and entrance areas will soon be open to the public, and the next phase includes plans to open the underground spaces with their crypts.
Harmanecká Cave – Nature’s Underground World
Not everything underground was created by humans. Harmanecká Cave near Banská Bystrica is one of the most beautiful caves in Slovakia. It is known for its rich sinter formations, stalagmites, and the presence of several species of bats. A tour of the accessible section takes approximately 80 minutes.
Krupina and the Hont Wine Cellars
Beneath the historic center of Krupina lies a network of cellars that likely date back to the Middle Ages. Today, the Krupina underground introduces visitors to the town’s history as well as legends about the witches of Krupina.
The cellars also house the Hont Wine Salon, which showcases a selection of the region’s best wines from the Hont Barrel competition.
The region’s winemaking tradition can also be experienced during the Hont Wine Route event, when dozens of winemakers from Krupina to Dudince open their cellars. One of the most picturesque places in the region is Stará Hora in Sebechleby, where approximately 140 tuff cellars and vineyard cottages have been preserved.
To this day, the underground world of Central Slovakia and Hont tells stories of mining, nature, and winemaking traditions—just step inside and discover the history hidden beneath the surface.