The Best of Central Slovakia

The environs of Zvolen is a specific region with a variety of curiosities: far reaching mountain ranges of volcanic origin, manifold castle ruins and beautiful nature reservations with preserved fauna and flora. This trip is suitable for people who like to get to know new counties, historic memorabilia and unique natural formations. It is suitable, also, for families with children under the age of fifteen. This Slovak county offers ideal conditions for active relaxation combined with the consummation of sports and acquisitive knowledge.

• Itinerary
• Prices & Booking

Itinerary

Day 1:

Arrival to Slovakia, accommodation, informal reception.

Day 2:

We will visit Kremnica, a historical gold-mining town. The mining activities started in this area as early as the year 1000. Kremnica was a free royal town with a mint that is still operating. The mint is 650 years old and it is the oldest one in Europe. The center of the town is a historical monument reserve. After sightseeing in Kremnica, we will continue our trip in Kremnicke Bane that is a geographical center of Europe.

Day 3:

We will go to see a virgin forest, Badinsky prales (Badin Forest, 30,7 ha). It is a state-protected natural reserve of oak and fir trees. Some of the trees are more than 350 years old.

Day 4:

We will visit a baroque-classicist manor house that was built in the village of St. Anton (St. Anton) in 1774. Symbolically, the numbers of the year were followed when the manor house was built – there are 4 gates, 12 chimneys, 52 rooms, 7 arches and 365 windows in the building. We will have a tour of this historical gem and see its interesting expositions.

Day 5:

We will have a tour of the cave Harmanecka jaskyna (Harmanecka cave) that is 2500 m long; out of it, 720 m is open to public. There are 9 species of bats living here. We will get to see beautiful halls created by subterranean forces, lakes, waterfalls and bizarre shapes.

Day 6:

Zvolen is a town with a number of historical monuments. We will visit the gothic royal castle that was built in 14th century. Nowadays, there is a gallery inside. The castle contributes a great deal to the unique silhouette of the city. We will also ascend the ruins of the castle Pusty hrad (Deserted Castle) that was once the largest castle in Central Europe.

Day 7:

We will visit a horse farm where each participant will have a chance to ride a horse in a beautiful environment of Kovacova, a spa town. Upon request, a quick horseback riding course may be taken by the participants as well.

Day 8:

A charming medieval historical town of Banska Stiavnica is located in the beautiful Stiavnica Hills. A baroque Calvary towers above the town panorama and there are two castles located in the center of the town. After the tour of the town, we will go to see the mining water reservoirs - ”tajchs” that are part of an ingenious water management system that was built here 200 years ago. Up to now, 19 lakes have been preserved and they are used for recreation (swimming and water sports).

Day 9:

The protected landscape area of Polana is a biosphere reserve that is under UNESCO protection. Polana is the largest volcano in Central Europe. Wild animals, such as bear, lynx and wolf, and many other rare animals and plants can be found here. We will conquer the highest peak with an altitude of 1458 m above seal level. On our way, we will pass Kalamarka – rock formations and towers created from lava remnants; at Kalamarka, a Hill Fort was built by people of Luzica culture in 8th – 10th centuries.

Day 10:

Farewell and departure from Slovakia.