There are only two types of people - those who love Banská Štiavnica and those who have never been there before.
Why to visit our Europe’s El Dorado or the Silver Town?
The city sits in the middle of a caldera.
Glory of the city thanks to the two salamanders. Discover the story behind them.
The golden era goes back to the 18th Century when it was the third largest city in the Hungarian Empire by 1783.
One of the richest cities in Europe and believe it or not, Vienna and Budapest were built on the silver and gold extracted here.
According to the World Record Academy, the longest love poem was written here.
Last but not least, the first official photographer of The Beatles was born in Banská Štiavnica.
The Rolling Stones, Brigitte Bardot, Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, Jimi Hendrix and many more, they all stood in front of his camera.
If you are interested, we can visit his house with an exhibition, admission is on a voluntary basis.
Pickup included
Begin your day with a pick up at your place in Bratislava. We drive for approximately 2 hours to the Unesco town of Banská Štiavnica, the Europe's Eldorado.
We kick off our day at one of my favourite places above the Old town.
By looking at the New and Old castle, the knocking tower, I will introduce you into history of the city and the region.
Almost the entire town spreads out in front of us.
Experience more about the main defense fortress and a watch tower built in the 16th century against Turks.
On 4 floors we will see a seven-barrelled cannon,
castle rifles, some old shooting targets, maps how the Turks were conquering our territory and more.
The view from the top is the one you can't really miss..
Either we can go for a lunch or we keep discovering more of the hidden gems of this Unesco town.
There are many possibilities where to eat. Traditional food, burgers, vegan food, pizza. The city centre can offer it all.
After strolling through the narrow streets, we will get to one of the oldest building monuments of the town
.
Originally a church, rebuilt into a castle in the 16th century.
First part we do on our own, visiting the torture chamber, dungeon, castle well, tower.
In the second part we go with the local guide inside of the castle, admiring local pipe workshop, shooting targets, old artefacts from the archeological research, original monuments from the Calvary.
After leaving the Old town of Banská Štiavnica, we still would like to walk up to the top of the Calvary. This is a Christian representation of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
Not long ago, this Calvary was placed on the list of the 100 most endangered monuments in the world.
It combines 3 large churches, where the service was held in Slovak, German and Hungarian language and several chapels.
Climb to the Upper church is rewarded by a wonderful view. Definitely worth it!
After our last stop, we hit the road again and drive back to Bratislava for approximately 2 hours.
Bratislava, the charming capital of Slovakia, is nestled along the Danube River with a backdrop of the Little Carpathians. Known for its compact historic center, stunning architecture, and rich history, it offers a blend of medieval charm and modern vibrancy. The city's strategic location at the crossroads of several European cultures makes it a unique and fascinating destination.
This iconic castle sits atop a hill overlooking the city and the Danube River. It has a long history dating back to the 9th century and now houses a museum with exhibits on Slovak history.
The Old Town Hall is a beautiful Gothic building that has served as the seat of the city's self-government since the 14th century. It now houses a museum with exhibits on the history of Bratislava.
This Gothic cathedral is one of the most important religious buildings in Bratislava. It has been the site of coronations of Hungarian kings and queens for centuries.
The Blue Church is a stunning example of Art Nouveau architecture, known for its distinctive blue color and fairy-tale appearance. It was built in the early 20th century and is a popular spot for photos.
A Danube River cruise offers a unique perspective of Bratislava and its surroundings. You can choose from various cruise options, including dinner cruises and sightseeing tours.
Potato dumplings with sheep cheese and topped with crispy bacon. A classic Slovak dish that is a must-try.
A hearty soup made with sauerkraut, smoked meats, and sometimes mushrooms. It's a traditional dish often eaten during Christmas.
Potato pancakes, often served with sour cream or garlic sauce. A popular street food in Slovakia.
The summer months offer warm weather, outdoor festivals, and lively atmosphere. This is the best time for exploring the city's parks, enjoying river cruises, and attending cultural events.
Euro (EUR)
GMT+1 (Central European Time)
230VV, 50HzHz
Bratislava is generally a safe city for travelers. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, can occur in tourist areas, so it's important to be vigilant. Violent crime is rare.
Bratislava Hauptbahnhof
Bratislava Bus Station (Mlynské Nivy)
Buses are the backbone of Bratislava's public transport system, covering the entire city and connecting to suburbs. They are efficient and frequent.
Available • Apps: Bolt, Freetaxi
Car, Bike, Scooter
Vienna, the capital of Austria, is a stunning city known for its imperial palaces, museums, and coffeehouses. It's a perfect day trip from Bratislava, offering a wealth of cultural and historical attractions.
Devín Castle is a stunning ruin perched on a cliff overlooking the confluence of the Danube and Morava rivers. It has a rich history and offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.
Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is a magical city known for its stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant culture. It's a longer trip from Bratislava but well worth the journey.
Price varies by option