Zvolen: Hotels and accommodation

Pustý hrad covers 4.7 hectares and is one of the largest fortified sites in Slovakia. The site was the seat of the counts of Zvolenská župa. The royal residential tower of Dolný Pustý hrad was a residence of Hungarian kings, particularly in the 13th century.

Anyone planning a stay in Zvolen will want to find a hotel that suits their travel plans.

Nature

The Náučný chodník Pustý hrad is a moderately difficult educational trail 6.4 kilometres long, with an elevation gain of 271 metres and a stated walking time of three hours. Along the route are 20 information panels about natural and historical sights in this part of the Zvolenská kotlina.

In the municipality of Budča, the Náučný chodník Boky runs through the Boky National Nature Reserve. The educational 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 andesite rock estimated to weigh 17 tonnes, shaped like a rock mushroom and connected to the conglomerate bedrock by a narrow neck.

Turovský sopúch in Turová in the 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 in Zolná in the Zvolen District is likewise designated as a protected natural monument. A green-marked hiking trail towards Sliač runs along its boundary, from which the rock face is visible.

In the Slatina valley, 552 species of higher plants have been recorded. The Borová hora Arboretum maintains collections of woody plants, roses, cacti and succulents focused on the conservation and archiving of native and endangered species.

Culture

Zvolenský zámok was built between 1370 and 1382 as a Gothic hunting lodge based on the type of Italian urban palaces for the Hungarian King Louis I the Great of the House of Anjou. The main palace houses exhibitions and storage facilities of the Slovak National Gallery, whose focus is a collection of European paintings from the 16th to the 19th century.

The Lapidarium of Gothic Art in Zvolenský zámok displays architectural fragments and stone building components from the castle and its chapel dating from the 14th century. It also includes transferred wall paintings from the former parish church of Zvolen dating from the mid-15th century.

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

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

Routes

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

Wellness

Kúpele Sliač combine healing water of a distinctive composition with a spa park and several impressive spa buildings designated as national cultural monuments of Slovakia. Visitors without overnight accommodation can also use the thermal bath, swimming pool, sauna, treatments and walking routes in the spa park.

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

Regional cuisine

The production of Bryndza in Zvolenská Slatina was established in 1797 by the Molecovci family. The Bryndziareň in Zvolenská Slatina claims to be the oldest bryndza dairy still in operation in the world.

As part of the traditional folk culture programme, an interactive event took place on 10 August 2024 at Remeselný dvor Očová, featuring weaving, embroidery, the preparation and tasting of Halušky with Urda and homemade dishes, the baking of sourdough bread and Posúch, and cheese-making. During a visit to the Expozícia História Očovej, anyone can taste Očovská Rožovka, a typical rye spirit.

More local pages

More local pages: Kráľová, Sliač, Veľká Lúka, Zvolenská Slatina, Tŕnie, Podzámčok, Ostrá Lúka, Lieskovec, Očová, Hronská Breznica, Dubové, Bzovská Lehôtka, Dobrá Niva, Budča, Babiná, Bacúrov, Breziny, Lukavica, Sása, Sielnica, Pliesovce, Kováčová, Zvolen.

To the overview of the wider travel region: Neusohl.