Discovering the Charms of Banská Štiavnica
Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of Slovakia, Banská Štiavnica is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. If you’re based in Bratislava and eager for a weekend trip that combines history, culture, and natural beauty, this UNESCO World Heritage town is the perfect destination.
This destination is best reached by a car. On the way you can stop by in Nitra or Hronský Beňadik – one of the oldest monasteries in Slovakia. Or you can visit the other medieval mining town of Kremnica.
You can get to Banská Štiavnica by train, with a transfer in Zvolen, where you can spend an hour or two visiting the magnificent castle. Alternatively, if you choose to travel by bus, you’ll have to transfer in the town of Žiar nad Hronom (there is no need to stay there for a long time 🙂
Štiavnica is beautiful in every season, yet in summer you can also enjoy swimming many lakes that surround the city, in local dialect they are called “tajchy”.
What to see in Banská Štiavnica:
- Old Town Square and Town Castle
- LOVE BANK – museum dedicated to the longest love poem of the world that comes from this small town. Hopefully they will reopen soon after the disastrous fire. https://bankalasky.sk/
- New Castle
- Mining Museum – https://www.muzeumbs.sk/en/mine-museum-in-nature
- Calvary Hill
- Museum of Saint Anton Chateau – https://www.msa.sk/en/
Gastronomy in Štiavnica:
- Legendary Cafe – Divná pani (aka Weid Lady) https://divnapani.sk/en/kaviaren-divna-pani-en/
- Restaurant Erb – https://pivovarerb.sk/en/restaurant/
- Restaurant Monarchia – https://blackm.sk/restauracia-monarchia/
- Restaurant 4 sochy – http://www.4sochy.sk/
