Banská Bystrica

 

        The city of Banská Bystrica is the most important historical, cultural and economic centre of the central Slovakia (Slovak Republic). Banská Bystrica lies in the middle of Europe on the banks of the river Hron surrounded by breathtaking scenery of Low Tatras, Kremnické Vrchy and Slovenské Rudohorie mountains. Banská Bystrica is also called as „city of the Urpín“. With 79 368 inhabitants, Banská Bystrica is the sixth most populous municipality in Slovakia. It is also the home of Matej Bel University with its six faculties. As a historical city with an easy access to the surrounding mountains, Banská Bystrica is a popular winter and summer tourist destination. Summer attracts many visitors also thanks to variety of cultural and sport events such as festivals, exhibitions, concerts of either modern or folk music and many others. Winter changes the surroundings of Banská Bystrica into a real snow paradise with wonderful skiing, snowboarding or cross - country skiing opportunities.