Cycling day trip from Žarnovica to Banská Štiavnica

Get ready for an adventurous ride from Žarnovica to Banská Štiavnica! Starting off in Žarnovica, a small town nestled in central Slovakia, you’ll leave behind the Hron river valley and climb into rolling, forested hills. This 30.7-km route isn’t for the faint of heart: expect a good bit of ascent (over 1,500 meters!), which means some hard work on the pedals—but also stunning views and long, winding descents.

You’ll spend most of your time on forest tracks and quiet rural roads, with just a touch of unpaved and gravel sections thrown in. The terrain is varied, perfect for a gravel or mountain bike. As you get closer to Banská Štiavnica, the scenery becomes even more rewarding—this historic mining town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its picturesque old town, calvaries, and mining lakes (tajchy).

Plan for a few snack breaks, and don’t forget your camera: the route is as scenic as it is challenging!