At the confluence of the rivers Gron and Slatina there is a glorious Zvolen. This small town in the central part of Slovakia is one of the oldest in the country. It is difficult to call it a tourist center, but this city has its own zest.
How to get here
It's not difficult to get to this Slovak town. For today the railway communication is adjusted: from Moscow to Zvolen it is possible to reach on a direct train, the road will occupy hardly more day. You can also travel through the capital of Slovakia.
Regular airplanes are sent to Bratislava from Moscow's Vnukovo airport. From the Slovak capital to Zvolen, you can quickly get on the train or by bus. A good alternative is also a car ride
The city is located on a railway line between Kremnica and Banská Bystrica. The fastest route from Banska Bystrica will take only 25 minutes; In the event that the departure point is Kremnica, the journey time will be about an hour. Also follow the direct train from Krakow and Budapest
Search for tickets to the city of Bratislava (nearest a / p to Zvolen)
Ancient city - a rich history
In the 4th century the territory of modern Zvolen was inhabited by Slavic tribes. It was then that the first settlements appeared and the fortress wall on the left bank of Slatina. After the destruction of the fortress by the Tatar-Mongols, the settlement was moved to a new place. Old Zvolen now bears the name of Pusty Grad.
In time, the new fortress became the center of the royal county, and Zvolen received city rights . At the end of the 14th century, Louis I the Great built Zvolensky castle on the territory, this event marks the heyday of the city . @ In the middle of the 16th century Zvolen became a powerful fortress, which was courageously reflected by the attacks of the Turks . By the beginning of the 18th century it had become the industrial center of Slovakia . Thus, over time, Zvolen from a reliable fortress holding the enemy's attacks turned into a a calm agricultural center of folk crafts .
Hotels
Five-star hotels in the city you will not find. One of the most popular and elite is the 4-star Hotel Tenis. In addition to the basic service, childcare services are also provided, so you can comfortably accommodate families with kids. Fans of outdoor activities and sports will appreciate the golf course on site. If you plan a trip in winter, you can ski. You can choose one of 3-star hotels, for example, Polana. It is located near Zvolensky Castle. Another 3-star version is the Academic Hotel
Cuisine and restaurants
One of the most popular restaurants is the Crystal Bar & Restaurant. The basis of the menu is European cuisine. If one of the goals of the traveler is to try Slovak cuisine, then you can look into the place called Valassky Senik
There are enough dishes from potatoes, meat, dairy products and cabbage. One of the most popular dishes is the "Spish slut" - goulash with champignons and potato pancakes. Many dishes are served with paprika as well as small dumplings with cheese and bacon
Entertainment, excursions and attractions Zvolen
The most interesting sights of the city can be called the ancient castles: Old Zvolen (Pusty Grad) and Zvolensky Castle. The pristine nature and ancient ruins are an excellent landscape, conducive to long walks. In the warm season, Pusty Grad becomes a playground for theater performances in which actors play scenes from the life of medieval Slovakia
Zvolensky Castle
Zvolensky Castle for a long time was the residence of Hungarian kings who came to the land rich in game to hunt. To this day, this majestic castle is a branch of the National Art Gallery of Slovakia, which houses a stunning collection of paintings and sculptures
Museum of Forestry and Woodworking Industry
In Zvolen you can also visit the Museum of Forestry and Woodworking Industry, in which the exposition is presented a rich collection of historical furniture, glass, porcelain, watches, as well as folk costumes. The museum is located in the very center of the city, so finding it is not difficult.