The historical and cultural jewel of central Slovakia – Banská Štiavnica – is definitely worth a visit. Štiavnica carries a rich heritage of the past and the stunning beauty of nature. It offers a wide range of excursion options for visitors, each of which brings a unique insight into the area.
What to see in the city?
The Old Castle, which is a kind of stone chronicle of this mining town and is one of the oldest architectural monuments of Banská Štiavnica, is certainly not to be missed.
Originally it served as a church, but during the period of the Turkish threat it was rebuilt into a fortress. Its dominant feature is the Gothic castle tower with an underpass. Apart from being used for the defence of the town, the castle was also a place where valuable documents were kept and important treasures were protected.
Another monument that you must not miss is New Castle, a majestic Renaissance fortress above the town of Banská Štiavnica. It is one of the most beautiful symbols of this historic town.
The white fortress, rising on the Frauenberg hill, was built in the 16th century as part of the defensive measures against the Turkish invasions.
Mining is also closely linked to the town’s history. One of the tunnels that played an important role in the history of mining activity in Banská Štiavnica is the Glanzenberg heirloom tunnel. This adit, which was mined regularly for a long period, has been preserved in its entirety to this day and is an important witness to the mining tradition of the region.
The first written mention of the Glanzenberg adit dates back to 1560. It was one of the main tunnels in the area and played a key role in the extraction of gold and silver ores in the Spitaler vein, which is located below the Glanzenberg hill.
It doesn’t have to be just Banská Štiavnica – trip is also possible in the adjacent countryside and surroundings
The manor house in Svätý Anton is an important National Cultural Monument. Its history dates back to the 15th century, when it was built on the site of a fortified medieval castle. Over the centuries, it has undergone several reconstructions and modifications.
Today, this majestic manor house serves as a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the past and a chance to discover the rich history of the area.
The village of Vyhne is approximately 20 minutes away by car. There is an interesting rocky outcrop that rises directly above the village. This is the Jelenia skala, which is also called Jeržištán by the locals. Together with the nearby Stone Sea, it forms a natural landscape landmark of the area.
The Stone Sea is the largest stone sea in the volcanic part of the Carpathian Mountains and one of the oldest protected areas in Slovakia, which is especially valuable for its geological value.
The sight of this sea of rocks surrounded by forest is awe-inspiring and leaves you with an extraordinary impression. The sea of rocks in Vyhne was formed as a result of volcanic activity. It is mainly made of rhyolite boulders, which have a characteristic reddish and whitish colour.
Whether you choose urban hiking or hiking in the countryside, our Klinger accommodation in the palm of your hand is the ideal starting point for you.
