Banská Štiavnica

This lovingly preserved old town in Central Slovakia used to be a mining town back in medieval times. Today, it is the best place I have found in Slovakia to wander around aimlessly and pretend you're inside a fairytale. The entire town and its surrounding area is considered such a rare wonder that it has UNESCO status.

On the outskirts of town, you will find the equally magical HÁJOVŇA, a hub of independent cultural with simple lodgings for people hiking the hilly landscapes of this region of Slovakia. You can pair a beer or Kofola with a live show at the venue and top it all off with a swim in one of several old quarries in the surrounding area filled with pristine water.

Photos by Lucia Hasbach/Ekopolis and me.