The Kremnica Mint combines a long history with a tangible visitor experience: it has been in continuous operation since its founding in 1328, and both the original and the new minting facilities are open to tourists.
Landscape and Protected Nature
The Štiavnické vrchy Protected Landscape Area is part of the Žiar nad Hronom District. The district is also home to three protected natural monuments: Ihráčske kamenné more, Jastrabská skala and Vyhniansky travertín. These names refer to individual protected sites and give the destination’s natural attractions a concrete setting.
Kremnický Štós is a 187,700 m² nature reserve established in 1953. It protects volcanic landforms as well as stages of moss and lichen succession on rocky terrain. Thus, the protected features include both landforms and vegetation development. Protected animal species in the district also include the Eurasian lynx and the brown bear.
Coinage History and Architecture in Kremnica
You can also explore mining history underground: the Andrej Adit gives visitors a direct experience of the atmosphere of underground mining. The Meštiansky dom displays 138 painted shooting targets dating from 1837 to 1896. The Trinity Column in Kremnica is 22 metres high and commemorates a plague epidemic.
The Mestský hrad castle complex in Kremnica is a national cultural monument. It includes buildings dating from the 14th and 15th centuries, protected by a double fortification. Together with the mint and the adit, these sites reveal different aspects of history: industrial continuity, mining and fortified architecture. The exhibition details at the Meštiansky dom may change; check which exhibition is currently on display before your visit.
Nature Trail and Routes to Castles
The Zelená Cesta nature trail starts in a park in Kremnica and heads towards Skalka. Its first stop is at Vejmutovský porast. The trail is 8.9 km long, has eight stops, takes about four hours and includes a large and a small loop. Its length, number of stops and approximate duration give you concrete information to help plan your time.
The routes to two castles also offer different time profiles. From Šášovské Podhradie, Šášov Castle can be reached on foot in about 15 minutes via green-marked hiking trails. A yellow-marked trail leads from Sklené Teplice to the ruins of Teplica Castle; after a steeper ascent, it joins a green-marked trail that leads to the castle. The route to Teplica Castle is 4.7 km long, takes about two hours and is of moderate difficulty. The time estimates differ considerably: an approximately 15-minute walk to Šášov Castle compared with a moderately difficult hike of around two hours to Teplica Castle. Check trail conditions locally before setting off for Šášov Castle.
Thermal Baths in Vyhne
Vodný raj Vyhne is a year-round thermal bath in the Žiar nad Hronom District. It uses therapeutic thermal water with a high iron content and a temperature of up to 36.5 °C. Facilities include a swimming pool, a multi-purpose pool, a children’s pool, a relaxation pool and a waterslide. Operating conditions and facilities may vary, so check the latest information about the thermal water and facilities before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Kremnica, Hronská Dúbrava, Krahule, Vyhne, Svätý Kríž, Vieska, Bartošova Lehôtka, Dolná Ves, Dolná Ždaňa, Hliník Nad Hronom, Horná Ždaňa, Ihráč, Jastrabá, Kopernica, Kosorín, Kremnické Bane, Kunešov, Lúčky, Nevoľné, Slaská, Stará Kremnička, Bzenica, Trnavá Hora, Horná Ves, Sklené Teplice.
For the broader travel overview: Banská Bystrica.
