Central Europe, Denmark, Mongolia, Hong Kong

Cycle Czech Republic, Austria, Slovakia to Hungary then train/bus back. Fly to Denmark for family business. Then meet my 2 sisters for a horse trek in Mongolia before a few days in Hong Kong. Read more

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Bratislava evening
July 20 in Slovakia ⋅ 🌧 22 °C
In the afternoon Alison and I explore old town Bratislava. It's every bit as beautiful as I remember.
Interestingly, our hotel now is not in the old town and so I don't have a memory of this area.

We choose a lovely restaurant to have an authentic Slovakian dish.Read more
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Bratislava to Györ, Hungary
July 21 in Hungary ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C
76 km ride mostly along a very long damn wall.
Then taxi's into Hungary to Györ as there are too many trucks to go safely by bike.
Then a city tour by our guide, Gabor, who comes from Hungary. His grandparents lived here.Read more
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Hungary back to Slovakia.
July 22 in Slovakia ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C
Short 45 km ride today. Mainly through forest and farmland.

The city we are staying at straddles the border. A bit like Albury- Wodonga.

After a freshen up, we explore the small old town.
The most interesting thing here is a square that is called Europe Place, in English. All around the square are buildings that each represent the architecture of 42 countries of Europe.Read more
TravelerWow that sounds interesting
7/23/26Reply
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Esztergom, Hungary
July 23 in Slovakia ⋅ ⛅ 22 °C
We cycled beside the Danube on the Slovakian side, until we crossed the bridge to get to Esztergom. Apparently the bike paths are better in Slovakia, so we just cross into Hungary when we need to.

Lovely picnic lunch set up by Lorenz.
Got into hotel early, so I then go explore the town a bit. Not a lot to see but it is still lovely.
A visit to the Basilica we saw from over the river. We dodge another thunderstorm.Read more
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Into Budapest, last riding day!
July 24 in Slovakia ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C
Last day today. 52 km, then we were put into taxis to get through Budapest city to the hotel.
After a shower we then went to the spa baths, via the subway. Gabor took us there.
We said a sad goodbye to Lorenz as he went straight back to Vienna with the bikes. Only 3-4 hours by car, it took us 5 days! 😂

After the baths, Gabor took some of us for a walk through the Hero Square.
By the time we got back it was late but Alison and I were hungry so went to a close Indian restaurant. It was delicious.
Then home to bed.Read more
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Laundry and HOHO
July 25 in Hungary ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C
A lazy breakfast, a few sad goodbyes to people leaving us, then go find a laundromat.
When I get to the laundromat with staff available, I'm told to come back in 3 hours, so I find the HOHO bus and do half a lap, retrieve my laundry then the second half back to the hotel. It works out well.
I've been to Budapest before ,also with Steve in 2019. It is a beautiful city as I remember also.

29 degrees today, it's getting hotter again. We had such nice weather on our second week of riding, only mid 20's.

Chill out in the arvo in air-conditioned room, organising the bus and train for the next 2 journeys.

I go out to tea with Ursi. Alison is exhausted from her day so declines.Read more
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Last day in Budapest
July 26 in Hungary ⋅ ☁️ 30 °C
Another lazy breakfast.
I paid for a 48 hour HOHO ticket yesterday so today I'm hopping off.
I get off at a couple of shopping areas then get back on to cross the river to Buda and explore the Citadel and Buda Castle.
Remembering that Budapest is actually Buda and Pest with the Danube separating them.
The castle complex is undergoing lots of renovations at the moment so not as vibrant as when Steve and I were here a few years ago.
It's getting hot again. 33 degrees today, so I have my hat and lots of water.
I'm ready for home at 3 pm.Read more
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What a mixed up day!!
July 27 in Hungary ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C
Alison headed off to England by plane early. Then I had breakfast with Ursi and a sad farewell with the promise I will visit her in Switzerland sometime.

Then I found a post office with good reviews for posting international parcels. There were some terrible ones. And true to the review, it was so easy!! Lovely young lady who spoke English quite well. She took care of it all and by the time I write this it is already " on the way"!

I then catch a taxi to one of the main bus stations to go to Veszprem. All goes well, but then there's a mad rush to the bus, a driver who doesn't or won't speak English. With a little, but not much, help from others, I gather that people with a seat reservation has preference over the mob who doesn't. Thankfully I do, I decided to be a bit pushy, but still respectful, and somehow get my luggage in the correct compartment and get my allotted seat. Along the way lots of people were refused. Weird!!

In Veszprem, the driver, who still can't speak English but understands a teeny but, gives me a smile and clap on the shoulder!! I think he was a bit bemused that a non- Hungarian was going to Veszprem and actually "knew" what she was doing. More by luck, than anything.

So... Check in was 4pm, so I chose an afternoon bus, then a 10 minute walk.
It had just stopped raining so all good. Getting a few frowns along the way, as in "what's she doing in my town, with suitcase?"
I get to my accommodation and check in smoothly but.... There's a weird lock on the door that needs a key card. It doesn't work. The young lady at reception spends 1 and a 1/2 hours talking to colleagues, cleaners, and eventually her boss trying to get it to work. No go. All the while I'm thinking....what have I done, why am I here, should I move somewhere else?"

But eventually, the boss talks to me on the phone and offers me other rooms that have many beds in it, or stay in the room with the offer of a lock up cupboard for valuables. This place is a hostel set up, in a gated quadrangle kind of set up. It's very safe, I can lock the door from the inside, and there's plenty of CCTV. The only people that would come in when I'm out would be other guests...but why would they?
So....I say I'll stay here in this room. He offers me a free meal as an apology. The locksmith can't come for a week
So.... I have my free meal, then go for a little walk before the outer gate gets locked at 7.30 pm.

This town is gorgeous and reminds me why I go to out of the way places. As I walk back in, I see the information board about the history of this house and gobsmacked I'm in the restored room mentioned in it. And... That there's a prison museum on site going into the castle wall. Right in our quadrangle.

I make myself a cup of tea in the communal kitchen, take a good look around and decide I actually like this place. I lock myself into my room and write this story 😊Read more
Ursi Streiff🫶🏼😘 Switzerland is waiting for you😃
7/27/26Reply
Traveler💞💞
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Traveler Nice
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My accommodation, Ruttner Haz
July 27 in Hungary ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C
Here's an English summary and translation of the information board.
Overview

Ruttner House is one of Veszprém's important historic townhouses. After decades of neglect and deterioration, it has been carefully restored and given a new purpose while preserving its historical character. The building reflects several centuries of architectural development and is closely connected with the prosperous Ruttner family, who were influential merchants and civic leaders in the 19th century.

History of the Building

The house stands on foundations that date back to the medieval period, with parts built into the castle hill.

The present appearance developed mainly during the 18th and 19th centuries, with Baroque and Classical architectural elements.

The Ruttner family owned the property for much of the 19th century. The best-known owner, Sándor Ruttner, expanded both the building and his successful grocery and spice business.

The house contained shops at street level and comfortable living quarters above.

Over time it was enlarged, remodelled and decorated with painted interiors and ornamental façades.

After the Second World War the building was nationalised and divided into several flats. Poor-quality alterations and lack of maintenance led to serious deterioration.

Restoration began after 2009, with extensive conservation work eventually completed as part of Veszprém's urban renewal projects and preparations connected with the European Capital of Culture (EKF) programme.

Restoration of the Interior

The lower panel describes the restoration of the painted interiors.

Key points include:

Conservation investigations carried out from 2005 onwards uncovered many original decorative wall paintings that had been hidden beneath later layers of plaster and paint.

Particularly significant discoveries were made in the entrance hall, staircase, corridor and upstairs reception room.

Conservators carefully cleaned, stabilised and preserved the surviving artwork.

Rather than repainting everything, they chose a restrained conservation approach so visitors can distinguish between the original decoration and restored sections.

The restored rooms reveal elegant 19th-century decorative painting, including architectural motifs, floral patterns and ornamental designs that demonstrate the high standard of craftsmanship in the house.

Summary

Ruttner House is an excellent example of Veszprém's historic urban architecture. Once the home and business of a prominent merchant family, it later fell into disrepair before being painstakingly restored. Today it serves as a cultural and heritage building, with its preserved architecture and rediscovered decorative wall paintings offering visitors a glimpse into the city's prosperous 19th-century past.Read more
TravelerWhat history! And weren't you lucky to be in that room!
7/27/26Reply
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Bus trip to Tihany Peninsula at Lake Balaton.
July 28 in Hungary ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C
I organise myself a bus trip to Tihany, famous for it's 🪻lavender🪻 fields.
This Peninsula juts into Lake Balaton, Hungary's "inland sea". Hungary is landlocked and so they use this lake for their water activities and holidays.

Unfortunately, the flowers have just bloomed and now plants have been pruned back. There are still some that have the dried flowers on still or the odd bloom. It would have been so pretty a month ago.Anyway, it's still a pretty place. Lots of tourists. I'm glad I got there a bit earlier, before the big mobs and too much heat.

I walk around all the stalls and cafes then come across a little tourist train. I get on and that takes me a bit further. I get off at the ferry port. This is a passenger 🚢 that goes over the Lake to other towns. It's getting hot and I don't want to spend the money so I just watch it come and go.

I have lunch there. You have to pay to go to the beach, so nope!!

I'm ready for home and catch the bus back. It's still 33 degrees at 4 pm.
I cool off in my room then go find a G and T and a pizza.

It was actually a nice day. Glad I saw it.Read more
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Exploring Veszprem
July 29 in Hungary ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C
Today I explore this town. Getting hot again early so pack the hat and drink bottle.

First up, I have a go at the public transport bus system and go out to the train station to check things out. The train station is quite a distance away, and there's a bus that leaves outside the hotel that goes out there. So I do a dummy run, pretend I'm a local and now I know what to expect in the morning. Looks very do-able. Bus has lots of room for my luggage too.

I come back to town, have a walk around the mall and shopping centres. I come across the old square and there is another little tourist train. So I get on that for a city tour. It's hot!!
I do a bit more of a walk, have lunch and head home for a cool down.

I promised myself I would check out the prison exhibition that is in our quadrangle so I do that, and of course it's cool in there in the dungeon!!

I also promised myself I would check out the nearby castle complex. It's 33 degrees at 4 pm but I gear up again and go out. If you stick in the shade and catch a breeze it's not so bad. It's very pretty and has a good view of the city.

Home for a G and T (that costs $15 when you do the conversion !!) , a cold shower and the left over pizza for tea.

P.S. my room has a pedestal fan, so that's been on non-stop since I got here.Read more
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The Dungeons!!
July 29 in Hungary ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C
This exhibition is in the dungeon of the castle walls. It later became a prison but then the prison had to move to get bigger and more modern.

It's a good exhibition explaining differing punishments, imprisonment, sentences, prisoners rights, etc over the years from medieval times to now.Read more
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The Veszprem Castle
July 29 in Hungary ⋅ ☀️ 32 °C
Another EU funded project.
Great viewpoint of the city.

Veszprém – The City of Queens

Veszprém is one of Hungary's oldest cities, perched on rocky hills overlooking the Séd Valley. It is known as the "City of Queens" because, from the Middle Ages onwards, Hungary's queens were traditionally crowned by the Bishop of Veszprém, and the city's bishops enjoyed the unique privilege of anointing the queen.

The city's historic Castle District is home to medieval streets, churches, and palaces, including the cathedral dedicated to Saint Michael. Over the centuries, Veszprém played an important role as a religious and cultural centre and has survived wars, Ottoman occupation, and rebuilding.

Today, Veszprém is celebrated for its well-preserved old town, vibrant arts scene, and proximity to Lake Balaton. In 2023, it was named a European Capital of Culture, further cementing its reputation as one of Hungary's most charming and historic cities.Read more
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Veszprem to Eger via Budapest
July 30 in Hungary ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C
Early morning. I was prepared as I bought a croissant last night and had that in my room for breakie.
The public busses worked well to get me to the train station. Needed Google translator for the second bus as the driver wanted to know where I was going. "No speaka the language". Any of us. But that worked well too. All smiles when we could "talk".

The train was half an hour late, no one spoke English so I kept waving my ticket under train officials noses, who told me "stay there". It's getting hot already and I'm thinking, is this going to be a disaster? Do I need to go back to the bus station and take a bus? I also wasn't sure what kind of train it would be... can I comfortably stow my luggage?
There was a young bloke who at the end could tell me in English that the next train coming is mine. It's only young people who can speak enough English to be able to communicate with me, so I've learnt to target them, or use the translator.

An hour and a half on this very comfortable air conditioned train and we're back on the Danube and in Budapest. I have a tight transfer to another train station a half hour walk away. I resign myself to the fact, I'll have to catch the next train after my booked one. They run every hour to Eger, so no big deal. If I have to buy another ticket, if this one won't transfer, so be it.
Straight from Budapest Deli to Budapest Keleti train stations via taxi, I get onto the correct Eger train with seconds to spare! This is another comfortable, easy, nearly empty train. I barely had 20 minutes in Budapest 😀

Into Eger with 35 degree heat, dragging my luggage to my beautiful apartment, with fan! It's a fully self- contained apartment.

Went out into the heat at 4 pm to get SPAR (supermarket) supplies for an ordinary but yummy tea. I'm pretty over going out for a meal. Getting a bit $$$ too.

I have a nice cool bath and do a load of washing in my washing machine 👏👏.
Small pleasures 😊Read more
Traveler I bet it tasted good too
7/31/26Reply
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Exploring Eger in the heat
July 31 in Hungary ⋅ ☀️ 32 °C
I have a lazy morning as I have no timeline today!!! 👏👏👏

Around 10 am I go out and it's already 30 degrees.
I wander down to where I think a tourist train might be and find a green train. I get on and we go through town streets, with Hungarian commentary ( no idea).

We stop at a lovely little place with lots of stalls. I Google where we are and we are actually at one of the "must see" places of Eger. We are at the Valley of the Beautiful Woman. This is a famous wine district, notably "Bull's Blood" red wine.
So... A lot of these stalls and roadside cafes are actually wine cellars, there for the tasting. Unfortunately, it's too early for me so I have a rum and walnut icecream instead 😂. I buy a magnet with wine bottles on it!
The green train comes back in an hour, and we continue back into the town centre. There is also the blue train that goes further out, and a red train that just does the inner city, but it looked like they all go to the wine cellars! But you can't switch trains. Green ticket means green train!!
I might do the blue train tomorrow and time it for an afternoon tasting 🍷.

When I get off the train, I surprise myself by wandering around in 37 degrees for a couple of hours. If you stay in the shade and drink lots, it's not too bad. You do sweat a lot so I make sure my drink bottle has Hydrolyte in it.
One of those hours was actually at Eger Castle, and some of the exhibitions were in air conditioned buildings so I got a bit of respite in between. This castle and Eger has a great story. I've done a separate page on that.

Then home for a cold shower and a fan.

So in the end, I actually did tick off quite a few tourist attractions.Read more
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Monuments everywhere you look
July 31 in Hungary ⋅ ☀️ 33 °C
In Central and Eastern Europe, there are monuments of all descriptions for all types of people and things.
I guess it's because these countries are so old, previously very religious and have fought so many battles over centuries.

I can't help photographing them. Now with Google, you know what they're about.

These are just some of the ones in Eger.Read more
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A Concise History of Eger
July 31 in Hungary ⋅ ☀️ 35 °C
Eger is one of Hungary's oldest and most historically significant cities. Founded as an episcopal centre by King Saint Stephen between 1001 and 1009, it became one of the country's earliest bishoprics and an important religious, political and cultural centre. During the Middle Ages, wealthy bishops built a magnificent cathedral, palace and fortress, while the town prospered through trade and craftsmanship.
The city suffered a major setback during the Mongol invasion of 1241, when much of the cathedral and episcopal complex was destroyed. In the decades that followed, Eger was rebuilt on an even grander scale, with a larger Gothic cathedral, stronger castle and fortified walls that made it one of medieval Hungary's most important strongholds.
Eger achieved lasting fame during the Ottoman Wars. In 1552, Captain István Dobó and a small garrison successfully defended the castle against a much larger Ottoman army, making Eger a symbol of Hungarian courage and resistance. Although the fortress was modernised afterwards, it eventually fell to the Ottomans in 1596 and remained under Ottoman rule for 91 years.
The Ottoman period transformed the city. Churches became mosques, Turkish baths and coffeehouses were built, and Eger developed into an important provincial centre of the Ottoman Empire. Many of the city's famous thermal baths trace their origins to this era.
Following the liberation of Eger in 1687, the fortress gradually lost its military importance and much of it fell into ruin. During the nineteenth century, renewed interest in Hungary's national past led to the preservation of the castle and celebration of its heroic history.
Today, Eger is renowned for its well-preserved castle, Baroque architecture, historic churches, Ottoman monuments, thermal baths and the nearby Egri Bikavér (Bull's Blood) wine region. Its history reflects more than a thousand years of Hungarian religion, warfare, resilience and cultural exchange.Read more
- Castle of Eger
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Agria Park
August 1 in Hungary ⋅ ☀️ 34 °C
In the back of the little green train ticket was something about art at Agria Park. I saw Agria on the passenger train yesterday and I wondered.....
Latin Name: Adopted in medieval and modern official documents as the geographic and ecclesiastical name for Eger.

I googled the art thing and it's on this weekend, very nearby. It's a shopping centre and outside there is a park where I find the artworks. Some are just selling from their stalls, others are doing works on site.

"Event / Picnic pARTy in Agria Park Ornamental Garden August 1-2, 2026. Picnic pARTy in the Agria Park Ornamental Garden

We warmly invite young and old, families! For two days, exciting art adventures and art attractions await the dear interested parties, where in addition to visual and musical experiences, a picnic atmosphere is also guaranteed!

Artists from 13 towns across the country will create 40 spectacular art stands in various genres under the shady trees! Open-air exhibitions, visual art, art attractions, sculpting, a creative children's program, music, dance, and sports programs await visitors and art lovers!"

And they're playing The Beatles music.Read more
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The Beatles Museum!!
August 1 in Hungary ⋅ ☀️ 34 °C
"EGER: Beatles Museum – an unmissable sight, an unforgettable program! One of the most popular sights and landmarks in Eger is the Egri Road Beatles Museum. The only Beatles collection in the Central and Eastern European region opened its doors on May 15, 2015 in the Hotel Korona Eger building. The museum, which covers 450 square meters and features almost 2,500 artifacts from the basement to the first floor, has hosted representatives of more than 100 countries in recent years. Similar museums are currently located in Liverpool , Halle , Alkmaar and Buenos Aires .

The museum was created by two friends' passion for The Beatles. Gábor Peterdi and Gábor Molnár have been collecting Beatles-related audio materials and relics for decades, and the Hotel Korona Eger is finally giving them a worthy place. Gábor Molnár, the author of the book The Immortal Beatles , has acquired hundreds of records, DVDs and other Beatles memorabilia from the late sixties to the present day, while Gábor Peterdi from Eger has managed to acquire, in addition to audio and video materials, numerous valuable tangible relics, a library of specialist literature and period publications since 1978.

After a short film introduction in the basement room, Egri Road presents the history of the Beatles in chronological order using multimedia walls.
Puppets, posters, flags, wall graphics, exact replicas of the band's instruments, a glimpse into the Yellow Submarine.
After viewing the unique collection, every visitor enthusiastically reports on what they saw . It is a universal statement that anyone visiting Eger cannot leave the city without seeing this wonder!
The museum won the honorable ' Eger Star 2021 ' award in 2021."
From their websiteRead more
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Astronomical Museum and Camera Obscura
August 1 in Hungary ⋅ ☀️ 35 °C
Next today is a visit to the Astronomical Museum and Camera Obscura. One of Eger's most unusual attractions, housed in the historic Lyceum building, of the Eszterházy Károly Catholic University.
Originally constructed in the 18th century by Bishop Károly Eszterházy with the intention of becoming a university, the building historically served various other educational roles before officially achieving full university status. Today, it functions as the central hub of the university's campus.

The museum displays 18th-century astronomical instruments, antique telescopes, sundials, and interactive science exhibits that explain astronomy and optics.
It also houses the Archbishop's library and a playhouse for children where there are presentations about robots, engines and electric circuits, everything can be dismantled and rebuilt!

The highlight is the Camera Obscura, installed in 1779 by astronomer Miksa Hell. It remains one of the world's oldest working camera obscuras, projecting a live image of Eger onto a white table using only mirrors and lenses. An old legend in Eger says that jealous men in the past could control their wives walking in the town. So it was not worth breaking faith any time and anywhere, especially in Eger...
After climbing the tower, 44 meters above street level, visitors are also rewarded with panoramic 360-degree views over the city from the rooftop terrace.Read more
TravelerWow what a lot of things you see, Maree! So impressive! And then in that heat!!👏
8/4/26Reply
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Eger Retro Muzeum
August 1 in Hungary ⋅ ☀️ 37 °C
It's only around the corner from my place.
Quirky little museum, filled with memorabilia.

"On 250 m2 we can see a collection of 40 years in the Retro Museum in Eger . The exhibition selects from everyday objects from the past hundred years up to the 90s , but there are also a large number of newspapers, board games, computers, field tables and broadcasting equipment. At the same time, we can also find kitchens and living rooms furnished from several eras, from everyday objects of our lives at that time."
From their website.Read more
Traveler The hoff! They love hime over there
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Traveler Pong!
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Eger to Banska Bystricka via Budapest (again)
August 2 in Slovakia ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C
So today, it's back to Budapest 😂😂 for a bus transfer this time. It's quicker and easier than trying to go cross country to avoid Budapest or see different country. If I did that it would mean 4 or more transfers.. no thanks, especially with awkward luggage and this heat. I'm still seeing slightly different countryside.

The Eger to Budapest bus goes well, air conditioned!! By the time we get into Budapest it's in the 30's. I have 2 hours between buses, with a 40-ish minute walk ( or a tram ride).
I go to the loo and buy a sandwich and drink from the Budapest Stadion bus station we get into, then set off walking towards Budapest Mexicoi bus station. It's 35 degrees so I walk from tree shadow to tree shadow, wear my hat, drink my drink and sweat rivers! 😂
Half way is a leafy park so I pull in there and have my lunch. Blessed shade and small breeze. Enough to cool down. I stay there for a good half hour as I have time.
I then head off to do the next leg to find the Flixbus "station" which is just a pole on the street. I've read the reviews and all the info is on the Flixbus app so I'm prepared for it. Others who turn up aren't, they ask me...
By this stage it is 37 degrees, in the shade, and I'm sweating oceans!

Anyway, the bus arrives on time. It's air conditioned!! A delightful 3 hour bus trip sees us over and through low mountains, sunflower fields, cute villages and a rain storm.
Interestingly, there are lots of differing languages spoken on this bus and anyone who wants to communicate with anyone else who isn't their friend, speaks English of sorts.
The bus is heading to Krakow, Poland, stopping at Banska Bystricka, Slovakia . Let's just drive through a whole country to get to our destination!!

By the time we get to BB, it's rained but stopped. It's still a bit steamy but the temperature has dropped.
I get to my apartment, there's no fan!!
I have a cuppa ( yes, there's a kettle! 👏) and find the nearest supermarket.
I grab some food I can microwave for tea.
I then have a cold bath and by this time the temperature has dropped to the 20's and will continue to drop through the night. It's so nice to be not hot, just comfortable. 😀Read more
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Walkabout
August 3 in Slovakia ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C
A 10 km walk early this morning before it got hot.
It was nearly a 2 K walk to get to the start point.
Then I followed the green route, the Urpin loop, to get back to the start point. Was very pretty and shady. The promised view of BB didn't really happen, you catch glimpses between trees. Was good.
The digital map I was using was great until the last bit when it took me through a little used track that took me to a street. It then wanted to take me back into the forest on a wee track so I decided I'd quit that and then use Google maps to get me back to town. I still did a loop and ended up at the starting point anyway.

It was starting to get hot again so I made for the Slovak Uprising Museum for a bit of air conditioning but it's closed on Mondays!!Read more
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Old Town
August 3 in Slovakia ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C
The Slovak Uprising Museum was closed but there were some things out in the shady grounds though.

Just around the corner was the lovely small old town, clock tower that had an exhibition in it about copper mining, and air conditioning!!
The usual lovely churches.

I have a good look around, find a chicken salad for lunch. I think I've seen all there is to see and it's getting hot so head back home. It's only 2.30 but my legs feel like I've done a marathon - not quite but certainly 15-20 km today.
35 again so a cold bath and finish my drink bottle. My room isn't too hot as I shut it up this morning while it was still cool. Spend the afternoon chilling out to music. Nice..Read more
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About Banksa Bystricka
August 3 in Slovakia ⋅ ⛅ 31 °C
Banská Bystrica sits almost in the geographical heart of Slovakia, in a broad valley where the Hron River flows between several mountain ranges. This setting has shaped both its scenery and its history.
The landscape
The city is surrounded by some of Slovakia's most beautiful mountains:
The Low Tatras (Nízke Tatry) rise to the north, with forested slopes, alpine meadows and peaks over 2,000 metres.
The Kremnica Mountains lie to the west, an old volcanic range rich in minerals.
The Staré Hory Mountains and the Veľká Fatra are to the north and northwest, covered with beech and spruce forests.
The Hron River winds through the valley, providing fertile land and an important transport corridor.
The region is rich in copper, silver, gold and iron ores. These mineral deposits are the main reason Banská Bystrica became one of Central Europe's most important medieval mining towns. Today, the surrounding forests, rivers and mountains make it a popular base for hiking, cycling and skiing.

The history
The area has been inhabited since prehistoric times because of its mineral wealth. Slavic settlers later established the village of Bystrica, and by the 13th century German (Saxon) miners had arrived, bringing advanced mining skills.
In 1255, King Béla IV of Hungary granted Bystrica the status of a Free Royal Town, giving it trading rights and self-government. This marked the beginning of its rise as a wealthy mining centre.
During the 15th and 16th centuries, the city entered its golden age. The famous Thurzo–Fugger Company operated one of Europe's largest copper mining and trading businesses from here, exporting copper across the continent. Banská Bystrica became one of the richest towns in the Kingdom of Hungary, and many of the colourful buildings around today's SNP Square date from this prosperous period.
As the ore deposits declined, the city's economy shifted towards administration, education and commerce. Despite fires, wars and changing rulers, it remained an important regional centre.

Banská Bystrica is especially significant in modern Slovak history because it became the headquarters of the Slovak National Uprising in 1944. The uprising was an armed resistance against Nazi Germany and the collaborationist Slovak government during the Second World War. Although the uprising was eventually suppressed, it became a defining symbol of Slovak resistance and national identity. Today, the impressive Slovak National Uprising Museum is one of the city's most important landmarks.Read more
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