Zvolen: Hotels and Accommodation

Nature

Turovský sopúch in Turová, Zvolen District, is designated as a protected natural monument. The exposed volcanic vent provides evidence of the volcanic activity of the Tertiary Kremnica stratovolcano.

Zolniansky lahar is also located in Zolná, Zvolen District, and is designated as a protected natural monument. A green-marked hiking trail towards Sliač runs along its boundary, from which the rock wall is visible.

The Pustý hrad educational trail is a moderately difficult 6.4-kilometre trail with an elevation gain of 271 metres and a stated walking time of three hours. Along the trail, 20 information panels provide information about natural and historical attractions in this part of the Zvolen Basin.

The Boky educational trail runs through the municipal area of Budča and the Boky National Nature Reserve. The trail is 5.1 kilometres long, has 13 stations and an elevation gain of 299 metres; the walking time is approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. Since 2004, the Boky National Nature Reserve has been a Natura 2000 site of European importance. Čertova skala is also located there, an estimated 17-tonne andesite rock in the shape of a rock mushroom, connected to the conglomerate bedrock by a narrow neck.

A total of 552 species of higher plants have been recorded in the Slatina Valley. The Borová hora Arboretum maintains collections of woody plants, roses, cacti and succulents focused on the preservation and archiving of native and endangered species.

History

Pustý hrad was the seat of the counts of Zvolen County. The royal residential tower of Dolný Pustý hrad was a residence of Hungarian kings, particularly in the 13th century.

Zvolenský zámok was built between 1370 and 1382 as a Gothic hunting lodge modelled on Italian city palaces for the Hungarian King Louis I the Great of the House of Anjou. In its Gothic art lapidarium, the castle displays architectural fragments and stone components from the castle and its chapel dating from the 14th century. These are complemented by transferred wall paintings from the former parish church of Zvolen dating from the mid-15th century. The main palace houses exhibitions and storage facilities of the Slovak National Gallery, whose focus is a collection of European painting from the 16th to the 19th century.

Culture

The Lesnícke a drevárske múzeum documents forestry and wood processing throughout Slovakia, as well as the regional history of the Zvolen region. It presents traditional woodworking techniques such as splitting, hewing, carpentry, turning and joinery. The museum is housed in burgher houses dating from the first half of the 16th century, which are national cultural monuments.

The Zvolen Information Centre organises guided city tours year-round, including outside the tourism season, with expert commentary in Slovak and English. Registration must be completed at least three days in advance.

Recreation

Kúpele Sliač combines healing water of a special composition with a spa park and several impressive spa buildings designated as national cultural monuments of Slovakia. Guests without overnight accommodation also have access to the thermal baths, swimming pool, sauna, treatments and walks in the spa park.

The Termálne kúpalisko Kúpele Sliač in Zvolen District uses carbon-dioxide-rich spring water and has a pool for adults and a small round children’s pool. Kúpele Kováčová uses healing thermal mineral water for sitz baths and tub baths, hydromassages, pearl baths and exercises in the water.

Cuisine

As part of the traditional folk culture programme, an interactive programme was held at Remeselný dvor Očová on 10 August 2024, featuring weaving, embroidery, the preparation and tasting of halušky with urda and homemade dishes, the baking of sourdough bread and posúch, and cheese-making.

The production of bryndza in Zvolenská Slatina was established in 1797 by the Molecovci family. During a visit to the Expozícia História Očovej, anyone can taste Očovská Rožovka, a typical rye spirit. The Bryndziareň in Zvolenská Slatina claims to be the oldest bryndza dairy still in operation in the world.

Routes

In Zvolen, the Barborská cesta leads to the attractions of Pustý hrad and Zvolenský zámok. The approximately 190-kilometre route can be completed on foot or by bicycle along marked hiking trails.

Other local pages: Podzámčok, Lieskovec, Ostrá Lúka, Zvolen, Kráľová, Babiná, Bacúrov, Breziny, Dobrá Niva, Dubové, Sása, Pliesovce, Zvolenská Slatina.

To the overarching travel overview: Neusohl.