While many people come to the town just to learn about its mining history, there’s also plenty to see for those interested in medieval architecture. City highlights include the Gothic Church of St. Catherine, the hilltop Old Chateau and New Chateau, and a pretty town center with around 360 historic structures. The easiest way to visit is on a guided tour from Bratislava; some tours include a bit of free time to explore the city.
Banska Stiavnica is a must-see for anyone interested in mining history or medieval architecture.
The weather in Banska Stiavnica can get chilly in winter and hot in the summer, so make sure to dress for the season and bring sun protection during the warmer months.
The mining museum tour includes a mile-long (1.6 kilometer-long) excursion into a 17th century mine and is not accessible for strollers or wheelchairs.
The easiest way to get to Banska Stiavnica is by rental car or by joining a tour that includes transportation. If you do want to use public transportation to get there, you’ll need to switch buses at Levice, Zarnovica, Ziar nad Hronom, or Zvolen. There’s also a train station, but it’s about 1.8 miles (3 kilometers) from the city center.
While you can visit Banska Stiavnica throughout the year, the best time to visit is between June and August, when the weather is pleasantly warm and there’s usually not too much rain. You’ll just need to expect more crowds. September or May are both good alternatives if you want generally pleasant weather with fewer crowds.
If you want to see old castles but are short on time, you can still get a feel for yesteryear with a visit to Bratislava Castle. Perched on a hill overlooking the Danube River and the Old Town, this landmark Renaissance structure—which dates to the 16th century—offers great views of the city. It also houses the Slovak National Museum’s Museum of History.
