Veľká Fatra National Park is also an important reservoir of fresh water thanks to high rainfalls and low evaporation in the area. The core of the range is built of granite which reaches the surface only in places, more common are various slates creating gently modelled ridges and summits of the so called Hôlna Fatra and limestone and dolomite rocks creating a rough and picturesque terrain of the so called Bralná Fatra. There are also many caves, but the only one open to the public is Harmanec Cave.

Various rocks and therefore various soils, diverse type of terrain with gentle upland meadows and pastures, sharp cliffs and deep valleys provide for extremely rich flora and fauna. All species of big Central European carnivores live abundantly there: brown bear, gray wolf and Eurasian lynx.

The area is popular for hikers and trekkers. The UNESCO World Heritage village of folk architecture reserve Vlkolínec lies nearby. The best starting points for hiking are the towns Martin, Ružomberok, Turčianske Teplice, ski resorts Donovaly, Malinné and Vlkolínec.

View Veľká Fatra National Park in Slovakia – popular tourist destination for hikers and trekkers in a larger map

The post Veľká Fatra National Park in Slovakia – popular tourist destination for hikers and trekkers appeared first on Europe Explored.

The core of the park consists of the limestone and dolomite plateau with karst formations. The overall length of karst landscape from the settlement of Červená Skala (part of Šumiac) to the town of Tisovec is about 25 km.

There are more than more than 300 caves, which are inaccessible to the public and 15 abysses. The highest point is Fabova hoľa at 1,439 m AMSL, however, a higher peak, Stolica at 1,476 m is located in the buffer zone. Its terrain is refreshed by sink holes, grikes, canyons, rock towers, and rock windows.

Forests cover about 90% of the area.

Tourist attractions include 300 km of marked hiking trails and two educational trails. The best access to the park is through the surrounding villages and settlements, like villages Tisovec, Muráň and Červená Skala. Attractive places for hiking also include Závadka nad Hronom and saddleback Zbojská.

View Muránska planina National Park in Slovakia in a larger map

The post Muránska planina National Park in Slovakia appeared first on Europe Explored.

The city of Banská Bystrica can be found situated along the banks of the Hron River. It was back during the Middle Ages when the city was first established and things to its ideal location along the banks of the river, it quickly flourished as an important trading point within the nation. And while trade provide an important part of the economy in Banská Bystrica, the city is most well-known for its mining industry; of which it is considered to be one of the richest mining towns in Slovakia.

Banská Bystrica main square, Slovakia by GSouthFace

Back in the early years of Banská Bystrica’s existence, its number one product was that of copper that was pulled on the ground in mines that are found throughout the surrounding countryside. However, as time went on the copper eventually dried up and as a result was replaced with the processing of both iron and the clear cutting of the surrounding forest.

However, for those living in Slovakia, the city of Banská Bystrica played an important part of the nation’s history on account of the fact that it was the centre of the 1944 Slovak National Uprising against Nazi Germany. It is also home to the Yugoslav Partisan War which occurred the following year. In order to immortalize the Slovak National Uprising, in the centre of town one will find a Monument as well as an open air museum dedicated to the Slovak National Uprising.

Of course there are countless other monuments which can be found throughout the city of Banská Bystrica. The best way to see everything that the city has to offer courses on foot. There is the beautiful Clocktower (Hodinová veža) which was built back in 1552 as well as the Thurzov house which is home to the popular Central Slovakia museum dedicated to the people and nature of central Slovakia. Of course the oldest landmark in Banská Bystrica is that of the Romanesque Church of the Virgin Mary which was constructed back in 1255.

Banská Bystrica, Slovakia by Civertan

Perhaps one of the most popular attractions in the city is the old town hall which is known as Stará radnica. It is here where the Praetorium tower was built back in 1500. For anyone choosing to visit the city there is a historical train that runs in or around downtown area which is known as the Praetorium Mini-train.

Once you are in Banská Bystrica, you could also pay a visit to nearby village of Špania dolina, which is well hidden among the surrounding mountains and offers great atmosphere of typical Slovak historic village. Banská Bystrica is situated at the foothills of Low Tatras and Veľká Fatra National Parks and therefore offers lots of hiking possibilities during the summer months as well as some of the best skiing opportunities in winter. One of the most popular is known as Donovaly, which is also one of the biggest and best equipped skiing areas in Slovakia.

The post Banská Bystrica – one of the most beautiful cities in Slovakia appeared first on Europe Explored.