Banská Bystrica

Banska Bystrica - SNP square in Banska Bystrica

Banská Bystrica is a city in Central Slovakia.

Introduction to Banská Bystrica

Banská Bystrica is in central Slovakia between the national parks Great Fatra and Low Tatras (north of the city) and the national park Poľana (east of the city) and the Štiavnické Vrchy (southwest of the city). Banská Bystrica is the capital of Banská Bystrica region (kraj) and the department(okres) of the same name. It has roughly 78,000 inhabitants.

Travel to Banská Bystrica

Fly to Banská Bystrica

Banská Bystrica is serviced by Sliač Airport IATA Flight Code: SLD GPS 48.6407312,19.1410809 The airport is 15 kilometers from Banská Bystrica, however and there are no regular passenger flights, only charters.

The closest international airports are Budapest (200 kilometers), Bratislava (205 kilometers) and Vienna (260 kilometers).

If you are flying from Vienna, work out the connections well. A mid-afternoon flight from Vienna (at about 15:00) probably involves leaving Banská Bystrica on the 06:27 train or a bus between 07:00 and 08:00. It is also feasible to take the 08:27 train to Bratislava and reach Vienna airport for a mid-afternoon flight, but this leaves little time buffer.

Transport to Budapest is relatively complicated with no direct bus or train. As of summer 2022, it was not feasible to make it with less than 2 transfers (significantly bypassing the shortest route).

Travel by train to Banská Bystrica

There are train connections from the major Slovak city's. Banská Bystrica can also be reached from Vienna, Budapest, Poland and the Czech Republic (direct train). The city is not served well in the evening. Plan your connections from Bratislava carefully, as there are no trains between 18:01 and 23:49 (the midnight train arrives at 05:19, with the train stopping in Zvolen at 02:57, with a long wait -- to 04:47 -- for a local train to Banská Bystrica). Many of the trains from Bratislava have Wi-Fi.

There are two stations:

Main train station 48.735278,19.163333 Banská Bystrica train station - Banská Bystrica, trolejbusy před nádražím, rok 1993 |

Banská Bystrica - mesto 48.7315,19.1465 - A station that is closer to the town center.

Travel by Bus to Banská Bystrica

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Main bus station 48.73221,19.16017

There are bus connections to all major Slovak city's and international routes to Vienna, Czech Republic and many other city's in Western Europe. Buses from Bratislava cost around €9.50 (RegioJet buses cost €5). As of mid-2015 and the last bus leaves Bratislava for Banská Bystrica at 20:35, so be careful about connections if booking Flights to Bratislava airport or to Vienna airport.

How to travel to Banská Bystrica by car

Banská Bystrica has road connections from all major Slovak city's. It can be visited from Bratislava (210 kilometers) via highway R1. Banská Bystrica also has road connections from: Ruzomberok (52 kilometers) road 59/E77, Martin (59 kilometers) road 65, Zvolen (19 kilometers) road R1/E77. From Zvolen it is feasible to continue further south by E77 to Sahy (70 kilometers - Hungarian border) and Budapest (160 kilometers).

Get Around in Banská Bystrica

GPS 48.7341|19.1490

Banská Bystrica is a walkable city and all the main sights can be visited by foot in 15 minutes.

Public transportation in Banská Bystrica

Public transport is useful if staying outside the town center or for trips around the town. It consists of buses and trolleybuses and a single trip costs €0.70 (as of mid-2015). Regional buses from the main bus station (or adjacent "Parkovisko Mičinská" stop) service surrounding villages for a slightly higher price. For more information and current schedules visit this page nsport.html.

Taxi

Due to increased competition (triggered by complete absence of public transport over night), prices of taxi in Banská Bystrica have plummeted to flat rate of around €3-4 per trip anywhere inside the city (trips outside the city are charged per kilometers). With the official city area being quite large, it makes taxi really convenient transport option.

What to see in Banská Bystrica

Banská Bystrica NamSNP 9235 - Fountain at the Main Plaza Banská Bystrica SNP Monument - Museum of Slovak National Uprising Banska Bystrica Urpin - Urpín and 1552 Clock Tower

Banská Bystrica has a beautiful position between the mountains. Therefore it's a popular summer and winter resort. The heart of the old city is the SNP square (Námestie SNP) which dates back to the 13th century. You can find a lot of renaissance and jugendstil buildings here. These sights include:

The Town Hall SNP Plaza 1 48.73533,19.14598 - This house belonged to a medieval miner who built this enormous house beside the town square. Now it hosts information centre of the city and it is also used for the representative purposes of the mayor.

Central Slovakia Museum SNP Plaza 4 48.73512,19.14555 - Set in a beautiful renovated renaissance house, it has its expositions in two other historical buildings in the city.

Marian`s Pillar 48.73576,19.14608 - The baroque pillar was built in 1719 as a sign of gratitude to the Virgin Mary after the end of the plague.

The Black Obelisk 48.73507,19.14466 - Monument in honour of soldiers of the Red Army and the Romanian Army.

St. Francis Xavier Gothic Church SNP Plaza 48.735556,19.146389 - Street Francis Xavier Gothic Church (Banská Bystrica, Slovakia) - Church Street Francis Xavier - Banská Bystrica (Besztercebánya) - - Baroque style Roman Catholic church, built in the early 18th century.

The Clock Tower 48.73591,19.14628 - Built around 1552 as a part of the Town market. Entrance fee to the top is €2 (children go for free).

Barbakan - Barbican | 48.73672,19.14662 Štefan Moyses Plaza 26 - The main fortification complex and the dominant point with the Petermann bell – tower. It hosts a stylish restaurant.

Virgin Mary's Assumption Church Štefan Moyses Plaza 1 48.73730,19.14671 - Roman church built in the 13th century which was expanded in the gothic era.

Out of the main square:

Slovak National Uprising Memorial Kapitulská 23 48.7351,19.1498 - Museum of items and documents of the resistance in the Second World War. Wide stairs lead to a pious chamber with the symbolic grave of an unknown soldier, eternal fire and soil from the battlefields and burnt villages, tables dedicated to Holocaust victims and international involvement in the uprising. The museum is characteristic with its notable Soviet-era architecture. The full fare is €2, with various discounts.

Muslim Travel Tips

Two big parks for relaxation near town center are available:

At SNP museum 48.7356,19.1520
Tajovského park 48.7368,19.1378
Zahrada CNK 48.73641,19.14393 - This park at a "center of independent culture" may be closed or used for different happenings.

Cycling

Surrounding of Banská Bystrica is great for cycling sport (cross, mountain). You can do many cycling trips according to your preferences. Villages around the town are connected by asphalt roads. In the nationside and mountains there are many paved or gravel roads used for forestry in the past but now used mainly for trekking and cycling. Treks for cycling are not marked very well but the situation is improving as cycling is becoming very popular sport among local residents. For more information visit cyklobb.sk There are very useful information about cycling treks including length, profile, directions, photos, eating opportunities. Unfortunately, page is available only in Slovak language but it is very intuitive and you can use google translator. During summer weekends and holidays there are also regular bus services for cyclists with bikes to 3 cycling destinations (Malý Šturec, Harmanecká jaskyňa, Donovaly).

Shopping in Banská Bystrica

Europa Shopping Center Na Troskách 25 48.7302,19.1360 - Large shopping mall offering wide range of stores. Joined with Europa Business Center (the tallest building in the city).

Tesco hypermarket 48.7125,19.1366
Kaufland supermarket 48.7360,19.1645 -

Halal Restaurants & Food in Banská Bystrica

Healthy food | Kollarova 18 - Vegetarian cafeteria with Slovak specialities

Slovenská reštaurácia - Horná 39 48.7380,19.1515 ☎ +421 48 415 50 36 Cheap restaurant with typical Slovak dishes. They have daily menus for €4-5 including soup.

Cosmopolitan - Rudohorská 33 48.7556,19.1658 ☎ +421 48 417 40 20 Relatively affordable restaurant with international food including Pizzas, daily menu for €4-5. It is a bit off from the downtown.

Bernardov dvor Dolná 36 48.7334,19.1423 ☎ +421 48 412 49 19 Pleasant restaurant not far from SNP square and they offer mainly European food including beef Steaks and Pizzas. It also contains a organic juice café with home-made soft drinks.

Koliba u sv. Krištofa Uľanská cesta 170, 97411 Banská Bystrica 48.7942,19.1000 ☎ +421 48 419 81 51 Nice traditional restaurant next to the road E77 direction to Donovaly. Unfortunately accessible only by own vehicle but if you are driving around it is worth to visit. You can taste Slovak national meal called Halušky (Potato dumplings with Bryndza cheese) in traditional atmosphere.

Plzenská reštaurácia - Námestie SNP 20 48.7357,19.1451 ☎ +421 48 415 37 85 In the downtown, this restaurant offers traditional Slovak specialities and home-made organic juice as well.

Frais - Dolná 42 48.7331,19.1419 ☎ +421 48 416 30 95 Centrally located elegant, modern restaurant with gourmet cuisine. They serve delicious coffee specialities and none-alcoholic drinks too.

New Angus - Horná 23 48.7376,19.1494 ☎ +421 48 416 30 90 Excellent restaurant close to SNP square with different types of food and they also have á la carte dishes and cocktails. During summer there is a covered terrace.

At the central square in the city several small bars serve organic juice and other drinks and dishes.

Capitol pub Kapitulská 10 48.7348,19.1469 ☎ +421 48 415 26 71 - It's the edge of SNP square and is a good place to meet. Daily menu, several types of organic juice and other soft drinks are available.

Bamboo cocktail café Dolná 52 48.7328,19.1414 ☎ +421 48 470 07 02 - Stylish cocktail and coffee café next to the SNP square with wide selection of soft-drinks. They also serve organic juice and some dishes.

Čajovnička Horná 65 48.7391,19.1538 ☎ +421 94 414 14 19 - Very nice and relaxed tea house near the downtown with several types of tea. Coffee and shisha are available too.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Banská Bystrica

Banská Bystrica - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Banská Bystrica, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Banská Bystrica. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Banská Bystrica and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Banská Bystrica. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Banská Bystrica. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Banská Bystrica: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Banská Bystrica.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Banská Bystrica: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Banská Bystrica, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Banská Bystrica.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Banská Bystrica, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Banská Bystrica, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Banská Bystrica and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Banská Bystrica, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Banská Bystrica, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Banská Bystrica without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Banská Bystrica is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Banská Bystrica.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Banská Bystrica is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Banská Bystrica, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Banská Bystrica Media: info@ehalal.io

Ramadan Celebrations in Banská Bystrica

Ramadan 2025 in Banská Bystrica

Ramadan concludes with the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which may last several days, usually three in most countries.

The next Ramadan shall be from Friday, 28 February 2025 to Saturday, 29 March 2025

The next Eid al-Adha shall be on Friday, 6 June 2025

The next day of Raʾs al-Sana shall be on Thursday, 26 June 2025

The next day for Mawlid al-Nabī shall be on Monday, 16 September 2024

Muslim Friendly Hotels

YMCA Banská Bystrica Lazovná 17 48.7379,19.1436 ☎ +421 415 254 868
Turistická ubytovňa MILVAR Školská 9, 97401 Banská Bystrica 48.7407,19.1298 ☎ +421 48 413 87 65 - Basic tourist dorms. Costs around €10/night per person.

Stavoprojekt Robotnícka 6, 97401 Banská Bystrica 48.7382,19.1533 ☎ +421 918 109 680 - Cheap guesthouse, central location close to the bus station. Costs €25/double room.

Penzion Bella Sládkovičova 9, 97405 Banská Bystrica 48.7192,19.1329 ☎ +421 903 808 960 - Situated in a residential quarter, 10-15 min walk from the center. Clean and friendly staff. Typical price in 2015 was €40 for a double room.

Penzion H44 @.eu Horná 44, 97401 Banská Bystrica 48.7380,19.1520 ☎ +421 948 948 494 - Decent and very centrally located guesthouse. Costs €42 for a double room + €4/pp for breakfast.

Hotel LUX Námestie Slobody 2, 97401 Banská Bystrica 48.7357,19.1535 ☎ +421 48 414 41 41 - The most famous hotel in Banská Bystrica has become the city landmark since its construction in 1970 and even nowadays its a significant reminder of Communist perioid architecture (although it has undergone a partial reconstruction). Costs around €50 for a double room (breakfast included).

Dixon Hotel Švermova 32, 97404 Banská Bystrica 48.7357,19.1249 ☎ +421 48 471 78 00 - 4* Hotel Dixon is in a quiet city zone nearby open swimming swimmingpool and sport-relaxing area neighbored by enjoyable greens. Double room costs up to €90 (breakfast included).

Kaskady - Hotel & Spa Resort Letecká 19, 96231 Sliac 48.6266,19.1043 ☎ +421 45 530 00 00 - Just off the highway R1 between Banská Bystrica and Zvolen, it includes wellness, spa and restaurant. Basic double room costs €90 (presidential suite is €300+/night).

Stay safe in Banská Bystrica

Cope in Banská Bystrica

Nearby

Urpín 48.72405,19.14179 - A mountain on the left bank of Hron river, above the old town. The most popular trail "Serpentine Urpin" is moderately demanding, 3.6-km long trail with a total elevation 173 m (peak in 510 m). Walking time may very between 1-2 hours (allow more time with children). There is a chapel and an astronomical observatory ("Vartovka") at the top of Urpín.

Harmanecká Cave Dolný Harmenec 976 03 48.8139,19.04017 - The cave ranks among the most important caves in Slovakia by remarkable origin of cave spaces, mighty breakdown domes and number of wintering bats. It is located 15 kilometers north from the city by road E77 and 65/14 (direction to Martin). It is feasible to take regional bus no.601454 to "Horný Harmanec - jaskyňa" stop. From the bus stop, it is a 1.5-km long uphill hike (260 m in elevation) to the entrance. The full fare is €6 and there are discounts for children, students and seniors. Make sure to bring warm clothes even during summer as the average temperature of one hour cave tour is around 5-7°C.

Špania Dolina 48.8075,19.1335 - A mountain sleepy village lying 728 m above the sea level, on the borderline of the Low Tatras and Great Fatra National Parks. Once famous all over Europe for the rich deposits of copper ore, nowadays a place of natural mountain beauty. It is 15 kilometers north from the city by initially taking road E77 then turning off to a potholed hilly road. It can be visited by an infrequent regional bus no.601468.

Hronsek 48.6496,19.1561 - The village is on the left bank of Hron river, 10 kilometers south of Banská Bystrica. Its main attraction is the wooden articled church (UNESCO World Heritage). Hronsek can be visited by vehicle from the main highway R1 heading to Zvolen or by a regional bus no.601455.

Suchý vrch 48.7255,19.0772 - A hill creating south-west boundary of the city, lying on the edge of Kremnica Mountains. With its numerous easy and moderate trails, it is an ideal option for a family day trip. In spite of some facilities on the top (restaurant, horseback riding) and the forest routes provide no facilities, so it is necessary to bring own supplies. It is best accessible from adjacent villages Tajov, Králiky and Malachov or from the city quarter Fončorda (trolleybus stop "Nad Tulskou").

Where to go next after Banská Bystrica

Liptov area is an hour-drive away.
Great Fatra and Low Tatras are very near.
Zvolen and Banská Štiavnica are similar city's.

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