Kremnica

Mining in the nearby mountains goes back more than a millennium, and the town of Kremnica has been the centre of it since the middle ages. For centuries it has been the centre of gold mining under the Kingdom of Hungary, the Austro-Hungarian empire, and later Czechoslovakia. The mine closed down in 1970 but tourism has taken over, and many old buildings dating back to medieval times have been preserved.

Tourist Information Centre

By bus

Kremnica Bus Station

There is an almost hourly connection to/from Žiar nad Hronom, which in turn has regular connections to Bratislava, Banská Bystrica and Košice. You can find an exact schedule at cp.sk.

By train

Kremnica Train Station

From Vrutký and Martin three trains daily run to Kremnica. The journey takes about one hour. From Zvolen you can catch four trains a day, taking around 45 minutes. It's a scenic ride, but you probably need to take a bus for at least one leg if you want to visit as a daytrip, because the early train is very early and the last train not so late at all.

By car

Kremnica lies on a minor north-south corridor. From the south take R1 regional highway, then take the exit Žiar nad Hronom-Východ and just head north. From the north take the D1 motorway, then take the exit Martin, and follow signs for Turčianske Teplice, after which you should keep a right and follow the signs to Kremnica.

The town is small enough to explore on foot. While theoretically you can use the medium-distance buses to travel between stops in Kremnica, it is not a very practical option.
In winter season a yellow minibus operates on weekends between Kremnica Bus Station and the nearby Skalka mountain and ski resort. In summer season this same bus operates as a cyklobus, so you can take you bicycle on the bus and cruise all the way back down. The fare is €1.

• Town Castle Kremnica

  phone: +421 456743968
  address: Zámocké námestie 568/1
  The main feature of the town, the Saint Catherine's Church, built in the 13th century, with double fortifications added later in the 15th century. The watchtower has an exhibition and view of the surroundings, while the church is still being used for religious services, regular concerts and events.

• Museum of Coins and Medals

  phone: +421 456780308
  address: Štefánikovo námestie 10/19
  Featuring an exhibition about the history of money in Slovakia as well as the history of Kremnica and the Mint.

• Mincovňa Kremnica

  phone: +421 456787875
  address: Štefánikovo nám. 25/24
  This is where money has been minted for the state since the 15th century. Even today, the Slovak euro coins are made here. You can visit both the old and new minting rooms to learn more about the process. Guided tours are available.

• Mining Museum

  phone: +421 456743144
  address: Banská cesta 803/27
  A mineshaft built quite recently in 1982, turned museum in 2008. You will get a tour of part of the mine and a bright yellow hardhat. Wear a coat against the cold.

• Kalvária

  address: Vrch Šturc
  Early 18th century chapel, and a viewpoint overlooking Kremnica and the valley. The trail from the centre of Kremnica takes about 50 minutes and climbs 160m over 1.5km.

• Akropola Kremnica

  phone: +421 455572384
  address: P. Križku 393/10
  The main cultural hub of the town, with a surprisingly diverse program of theater, film screenings and concerts. Check their website for current events.

• Skalka ski centerSkiing, ski running and hiking.

Score some commemorative and special edition coins (or regular Slovak Euros) at the aforementioned mint. The main pedestrian street Dolná has a bank, clothing shops, a phone shop, and multiple pharmacies.

• Coop Jednota Supermarket

  phone: +421 456743209
  address: P. Križku 381/1
  Has all the things you can expect from a regular supermarket.

• Poľovnícka reštaurácia Silvanus

  phone: +421 905821405
  address: Stefanikovo namestie 33/40
  Typical central European cuisine, warm lunch menu from €5.

• Rozvoz Modrý Kocúr

  phone: +421 918299744
  address: Dolná 70/8
  Pizza, pasta, and Slovak food. Daily menus as well as a la carte.

• Cafe Tereza

  phone: +421 456743904
  address: Kutnohorská 8
  Coffee and beer.

• N Caffe

  address: Námestie SNP 36/1
  Café with billiards.

• Korzo Cafe

  phone: +421 918381825
  address: Štefánikovo námestie 13/25
  Coffee and cocktails, and a terrace overlooking the square in summer.

• Hotel Centrál

  phone: +421 456790954
  address: Dolná 40
  Certainly a centrally located hotel. They have a sauna, and a restaurant with a large pizza menu.

• Penzion Kremnica

  phone: +421 902833335
  address: Jula Horvátha 919/68
  Homey budget accommodation in a typical rural style Slovak house, yet close to the centre.

• Caravan camping

  phone: +421 456742857
  address: Dolná
  3-person cottages available as well as toilets, shower and electricity.

• Post Office

  phone: +421 456743590
  address: Zechenterova 326/1

Go to Banská Bystrica and Martin, or visit the equally interesting mining town of Banská Štiavnica.