Banská Bystrica is a great base for day trips. Here are the places we recommend to our guests – in town, within 20 km and for a full day out. Distances are from the guesthouse.
In town
SNP Square and the historic centre
The heart of the city with the Town Castle and Barbican, the leaning Clock Tower, Thurzo House and plenty of cafés. Beautifully lit in the evening.
- Distance: 1.1 km on foot
SNP Museum and Memorial
The city’s best-known landmark – a striking memorial to the Slovak National Uprising with an exhibition and military vehicles in the park. A short walk from SNP Square.
- Distance: in the city centre
- More information: muzeumsnp.sk
Urpín Hill and Calvary
A hill above the city with a Baroque Calvary and views of the centre and the surrounding mountains. Perfect for a short walk.
- Distance: 5 km, 6 min by car
Radvaň Manor House
A noble manor in the Radvaň district, home to the traditional Radvaň Fair every September.
- Distance: Radvaň district
Within 20 km
Špania Dolina
A picturesque mining village with wooden houses, a hilltop church and a bobbin-lace tradition. Great for walks with views.
- Distance: 10 km, 15 min by car
- More information: spaniadolina.sk
Wooden Articular Church in Hronsek
A Lutheran wooden church from 1726 built without a single nail, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Distance: 13 km, 16 min by car
Ľupča Castle
A restored castle above Slovenská Ľupča with guided tours, exhibitions and events.
- Distance: 15 km, 22 min by car
- More information: hradlupca.sk
Harmanecká Cave
A show cave with white flowstone formations and a bat hibernation site. A walk of about 30 minutes leads up to the entrance.
- Distance: 18 km, about 20 min by car
- More information: ssj.sk
Motyčky and Starohorská Valley
Hiking and cycling routes in the Veľká Fatra mountains, quiet valleys and mountain meadows.
- Distance: 20 km, 22 min by car
Day trips
Zvolen Castle
A Gothic castle in the centre of Zvolen housing an exhibition of the Slovak National Gallery.
- Distance: 21 km, 19 min by car
- More information: sng.sk
Pustý hrad near Zvolen
One of the largest castle sites in Central Europe – ruins above the town with great views, reached on foot.
- Distance: 23 km, 21 min by car + walk
Donovaly
Skiing in winter; in summer a bobsled track, chairlifts, hiking and the Habakuky fairy-tale village for children.
- Distance: 25 km, 28 min by car
- More information: parksnow.sk
Bystrianska Cave
A karst show cave in the Horehronie region with underground halls and speleotherapy.
- Distance: 42 km, 46 min by car
- More information: ssj.sk
Banská Štiavnica
A historic mining town on the UNESCO list – Old and New Castle, Calvary, mining tunnels and, in summer, swimming in the tajchy reservoirs.
- Distance: 46 km, 38 min by car
- More information: banskastiavnica.sk
Kremnica
The town of gold with the world’s oldest continuously operating mint, a castle and a coin museum.
- Distance: 52 km, 42 min by car
- More information: mint.sk
Čierny Hron Forest Railway
A ride on a historic narrow-gauge forest train in Čierny Balog – a great day out for the whole family.
- Distance: 48 km, 59 min by car
- More information: chz.sk
Need help planning a trip? We are happy to suggest a route or a place for lunch – just ask at reception or message us on WhatsApp.