Banska Bystrica is situated in Central Slovakia in a picturesque basin which is washed by the river Hron and surrounded by the Low Tatras Great Fatra and Kremnica Mountains Banska Bystrica is an important tourist point offering many possibilities for summer and winter recreation. The first report of the town dates from the 13th century, in 1255 it was given the privileges of a royal borough by the Hungarian king Bela IV and came one of the most prominent mining towns in Slovakia. This was the source of the wealth of its citizens in the 15th and 16th century. Prosperity was influenced by the mining of silver, copper and eventually, iron ores. Since 1989 Banska Bystrica has been dramatically changing its character. Many fine historic houses have been renovated and the main square has regained its old-time charm. Banska Bystrica became the center of culture, education and administration for Central Slovakia. The town has more than 85,000 inhabitants. Banska Stiavnica is one of the most picturesque towns in Slovakia. There it is possible to admire the artistic and architectural styles of several periods in the sacral building. You may there learn about the history of the town and of the mining and forestry industries. One of the most attractive parts of the Slovak Mining Museum's instructional exposition is the Skanzen or Open Air Mining Museum. Adding to Banska Stiavnica's attractiveness it is surrounding scenery, which draws hikers to nearby mountains and lakes. Recreational areas near are Lake Klinger, Sitno Mountains and lake Pocuvadlo offer visitors enjoyable holidays both in winter and summer. Kremnica, also known as Golden Kremnica, was one of the most important gold mining towns in the Middle Ages. Kremnica became well-known with its mint, Kremnica ducats and gold florens. Kremnica lies on terraces in the central portion of the Kremnicke vrchy (Kremnica Hills), the northernmost mountains of volcanic origin in Slovakia. The highly varying landscape relief, picturesque woods, and mountain meadows in Kremnica'shinterland create, together with historic buildings of the town, a unique complex of a former free royal town. Castles:

In Slovakia you may visit hundreds of castles and mansions, from ruins of settlements from era of Roman Empire to mansions from the 19th century.
Bratislava Castle dominates the center of Bratislava and its four towers became a symbol of the city. It was inhabited from neolithic Hallstadt and Roman eras. It reached its highest importance during the reign of Queen Maria Theresa. In 1761-66 the fortress was rebuilt into a typical royal residence. Today, after reconstruction, it shelters the historical part of the Slovak National Museum.