Banská Bystrica is situated in the picturesque Hron river valley, surrounded by Nízke Tatry ( the Low Tatras ), Veľká Fatra ( the Big Fatra ) and Kremnické vrchy ( the Kremnica Moutains ). Banská 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. The Hungarian King Belo IV honored the settlement by turning it into a town in 1255 and granted extensive municipal privileges in order to attract German settlers. Outlanders, together with the original inhabitants Slavs developed the mining of precious metals, copper, silver and iron ores. The mining secured wealth of citizens in the 15th and the 16th century.
Since 1989 many positive changes have been carried out in the town. Many fine historic houses, representing various architectural styles, have been renovated and also the main square has regained its old-time charm.
Banská Bystrica with a population close to 100 000 residents, became the administrative, economic, cultural and educational center of the Central Slovakia. The city is a seat of Matej Bel University.

Banská Bystrica, with its favourable position and the great opportunities for tourism and winter sports, is now an important international tourist centre. Enjoy the recreational, sporting and tourist facilities in town and you will always be glad to return !

Go for a walk through Banská Bystrica:
The square of the Slovak National Uprising
The town castle complex
Main historical streets
The remains of the town fortress and walls
The Monument of the Slovak National Uprising

Information from other sources:
Rough Guide Travel - The online guide
Encyclopaedia Britannica
SLOVAKIA.ORG - The Guide to the Slovak Republic
Astor Slovakia - Travel lexicon 99