Destinations · Slovakia
Royal Mining Cities — UNESCO gold, silver and the oldest mint
Medieval Europe’s gold and silver flowed from these hills. UNESCO-listed Banská Štiavnica rises across the slopes of an ancient volcanic caldera, Kremnica has been striking coins since 1328 and is home to one of the world’s oldest continuously operating mints, while Banská Bystrica’s SNP Square is one of the grandest historic squares in Slovakia.
The three cities sit conveniently between Bratislava and the Tatras, making the Royal Mining Cities an ideal addition to a Slovak circuit — turning a transfer day into one of the most atmospheric stops on the itinerary.
Highlights
What Royal Mining Cities gives a programme
Banská Štiavnica
A UNESCO-listed historic town, once one of the largest cities in the Kingdom of Hungary, with the famous Calvary, an open-air mining museum, two historic castles and a unique fairy-tale atmosphere.
Kremnica Mint
Coining since 1328, Kremnica is home to one of the world's oldest continuously operating mints. The mint tour ends with the chance to strike your own medal, while the beautiful historic city centre and Kremnica Town Castle add a strong cultural and heritage element to the visit.
Banská Bystrica
The historic copper city, centred around the impressive SNP Square, with the Slovak National Uprising Museum offering an important stop for history-focused groups.
Getting there
Nearest airports
Bratislava (BTS)
M. R. Štefánik Airport is Slovakia's main airport, 9 km from the centre — a single-terminal low-cost gateway with Ryanair and Wizz Air bases.
~2 hours
Vienna (VIE)
Vienna–Schwechat is Austria's largest airport and Austrian Airlines' hub — the long-haul arrival for Slovakia programmes.
~2.5 hours
Budapest (BUD)
Hungary's main airport — second only to Vienna among the gateways we work from, with Banská Štiavnica around 2.5 hours north by private car.
~3 hours
Plan a Royal Mining Cities programme
Tell us about the group — we'll build the itinerary
Hotels, guides, transport and experiences across the Royal Mining Cities, quoted at net rates and operated by our own team on the ground.